NEW: Robots in Movies

Brains and Barstools brings captivating professors to Toronto bars for vivid lectures that spark curiosity and connection over drinks.
About this Event

On July 29th, we present : "Robots in Movies" by Prof. Steve Engels, PhD.

For over a century, robots have captured our imagination—from HAL 9000 and The Terminator to C-3PO and WALL-E. But how much of movie AI is science… and how much is fiction?

In this lively and accessible talk, Prof. Steve Engels explores the technology behind intelligent machines and the surprisingly large gap between robots on screen and the AI systems we build today.

We’ll unpack the three core ingredients of robotic intelligence— perception, reasoning, and action — and examine how real-world systems compare to their cinematic counterparts. What can modern AI actually see, understand, and decide? Why are we so fascinated by robot intelligence? And where do some of our biggest misconceptions about AI come from?

Using examples from film alongside real-life robotics and machine learning, this lectures offers a fun and thought-provoking look at how popular culture shapes our expectations of artificial intelligence - and what the future may actually hold.

No computer science background required—just curiosity (and perhaps a healthy skepticism about robot overlords).

🧠 About the wonderful Prof. Steve Engels

Prof. Steve Engels is a Professor of Teaching in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto, where he has taught since 2002.

An award-winning educator, he teaches courses in artificial intelligence, computer organization, and video game design. His research explores AI and machine learning, particularly generative AI and music generation, while also connecting AI with education, creativity, mining, and game design.

📅 Date: July 29th, 2026
🕡 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Rivoli
🎤 Speaker: Professor Steve Engels, PhD.

🎟 Seats are limited!