Can artificial intelligence really understand us, or has it simply become very good at sounding as though it does?

Recorded live at LifeIn AI 2026, Paul Philpott speaks with Dr Amir Aly, Lecturer in AI and Robotics at the University of Plymouth, about the difference between recognising patterns and genuine understanding.

They explore large language models, the Turing Test, the relationship between AI and philosophy, why context and human emotion remain difficult for machines, and how robotics could change the way artificial intelligence learns from the world around it.

The conversation also looks at trust, bias, accountability and where human judgement still needs to remain part of the process.

Recorded live at LifeIn AI 2026 at Market Hall, Devonport, Plymouth.

LifeIn AI 2026 was delivered in partnership with headline partner Babcock International Group. Devon Chamber was the Official Live Broadcast Partner.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, live podcast studios in Devon.

What skills will people and businesses need as artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday working life?

In this LifeIn AI Live conversation, Paul Philpott is joined by Liam Pallett, Ethics, Policy and Training Lead within Babcock International Group’s AI and Data Centre of Excellence, Rebecca Smith MP, and Babcock welding apprentice Noah Samson.

The discussion looks at the AI skills gap, critical thinking, training and apprenticeships, and why using AI well involves much more than simply learning how to prompt a chatbot.

Noah also shares how he is already using AI as part of his learning and welding work, while the panel explores some of the wider opportunities for AI, engineering and marine autonomy across Plymouth and the South West.

Recorded live at LifeIn AI 2026 at Market Hall, Devonport, Plymouth.

LifeIn AI 2026 was delivered in partnership with headline partner Babcock International Group. Devon Chamber was the Official Live Broadcast Partner.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios.

AI is creating new possibilities for businesses and creative industries, but it is also changing established roles, working practices and the skills people have spent years developing.

Recorded live at LifeIn AI 2026, Paul Philpott is joined by Becky, Technical Director and co-founder of Plymouth based digital agency Elixel, and Gareth Allen from Digital Plymouth.

The conversation grew out of a recent Digital Plymouth event where around 80 attendees were asked whether they saw AI as a force for good or bad. Most found themselves somewhere in the middle.

They discuss the speed of AI development, the effect it is already having on software and creative businesses, where it can help people explore new ideas, and why AI generated information still needs to be challenged.

The conversation also considers AI marketing, governance, control and the choices businesses still have about where the technology does, and does not, belong in their work.

Recorded live at LifeIn AI 2026 at Market Hall, Devonport, Plymouth.

LifeIn AI 2026 was delivered in partnership with headline partner Babcock International Group. Devon Chamber was the Official Live Broadcast Partner.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, live video podcast production.

After a full day of talks, workshops, demonstrations and conversations at LifeIn AI 2026, what happens next?

In the final LifeIn AI Live conversation, Paul Philpott is joined by event co-creators Christina Wilkins and Matt Fleming to reflect on how the event has grown, what they heard from visitors and businesses during the day, and why making AI accessible has been such an important part of the project.

They also announce the next stage of their plans, the AI Hub South West.

The proposed Hub is intended to provide a year round way for businesses, education providers and individuals to find AI knowledge, events, skills, expertise and practical support across the region.

Christina and Matt explain how they hope the Hub can connect people across the South West, make technical information easier to understand and help businesses find the right people when they have an AI question or problem to solve.

Recorded live at LifeIn AI 2026 at Market Hall, Devonport, Plymouth.

LifeIn AI 2026 was delivered in partnership with headline partner Babcock International Group. Devon Chamber was the Official Live Broadcast Partner.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios.