Amazon hosts exclusive robotics conference in Palm Springs

San Francisco

ROBOTICS companies and academics descended on a resort in Palm Springs this week for an invitation-only conference organised by Amazon.com Inc to bring together experts in artificial intelligence, robotics, home automation and space exploration.

At the event, held at the Parker Palm Springs, there were robotic arms duelling with light sabres from Star Wars, seminars about imbuing machines with human values and a celebrity appearance by film director Ron Howard, known for his portrayal of Richie Cunningham in the sitcom Happy Days. Jeff Bezos mingled with attendees; one said that he drank single-malt whiskey with Amazon's chief executive officer.