Materials

In general, you are supposed to read through the reading material and watch any videos assigned before class. Since this is the first class, it may not have been possible in this case, but please do it if you can.

• Reading Russel & Norvig, Chapter 1.
• Short Video Introduction to AI
• Longer Video Introduction with Prof. Patrick H. Winston at MIT, 2010
  • it is particularly interesting to note his take on models and representation
• Robin T. Bye (2018): A Flipped Classroom Approach for Teaching a Master’s Course on Artificial Intelligence
• See also the Reading List

Learning outcomes

After the completion of this workshop, students should

• be familiar with the tools used, including the wiki, Blackboard, OneNote, and CodinGame.
• have an understanding of the flipped classroom and seminar approaches to teaching and learning, and be able to discuss pros and cons of these approach.
• be able to solve simple Easy puzzles on CodinGame that typically involve the implementation of reflex agents (agents will be introduced next week).
• be aware of some of the ethical concerns about Artificial Intelligence.

Briefing

• Slides.
• Introductory Lecture.

Programming

Today, we will work on easy puzzles at CodinGame. This is to familiarise ourselves with CodinGame, and brush dust of our programming skills. You may use any programming language supported by CodinGame, but I am best placed to help you with python.

You do not have to create a user account to use CodinGame, but if you agree to their terms and conditions, you may.

The following puzzles are recommended.

1. Onboarding
   • Description: A tutorial mission for newcomers. Defend the planet with a big laser cannon from the invading insectoid alien ships
   • Topic: Finding a minimal value
2. Power of Thor — Episode 1
   • Description: Thor’s hammer, Mjollnir has lost all of its powersWill you be able to guide Thor towards the light of power to make the hammer whole again?
   • Topic: Condition statements (if-else)
3. The Descent
   • Description: The enterprise is in danger: drawn towards the surface of an unknown planet, it is at risk of crashing against towering mountains. Help Kirk and Spock destroy the mountains… Save the enterprise!
   • Topic: Search in an array
4. Mars Lander — Episode 1
   • Description: You have been promoted to commander of the Mars Lander mission! The goal of the operation is to land an exploration rover on martian ground. Your superiors at NASA expect very much of you for this mission, and you’ll have to prove that you have what it takes to become a great intersideral commander. You will have to land the space ship on mars, making sure that the landing is done smoothly.
   • Topic: Speed regulation
5. Defibrillators
   • Description: Want to save lives? Good! So help us find the closest defibrillator from a given position in the city of Montpellier, France.
   • Topic: Distance calculation, big data
6. Horse-racing Duals
   • Description: To make a race between two horses interesting, you will to find the horses with the closest strength.
   • Topic: Sorting, finding a minimum

Homework

1. Read through the reading material for this class once more.
2. Do the preparation for the next lecture, on Rational Agents.