Becoming a whiz with artificial intelligence (AI) over a hot beverage and a scone.
Nelson AI Café is the volunteer-operated Nelson AI Sandbox’s new iteration to generate "accessible and inviting” free AI tutorials or discussions for anyone, regardless of age, skill level, or socio-economic status.
Co-located in Halifax Café, it’s a New Zealand first, and co-founder Richard Brudnik-Lindner says the homely environment of a café should hopefully get more people perked up with AI engagement, which he says is fundamental to the community’s prosperity.
“We know that the more you can put AI in a context that people are already comfortable with, the more willing they are to approach the topic, try the tools, have a conversation and not feel threatened,” Richard says.
“The flip side of that is there are a lot of people who are already AI enthusiastic and AI confident, but they need a bit of a playground, and we have thousands of dollars worth of AI tools that people can come in, take a little sample of, and then they can go home or to their business, order those tools and make it part of their life.
“It’s really about making a stronger community, strengthening the social fabric, strengthening the economy, and creating a place where people feel like they can strive confidently into the future.”
Since 2023, Nelson AI Sandbox has helped more than 25,000 people across Nelson Tasman and beyond, understand, adopt and use artificial intelligence effectively, while also working to safeguard the community from its perils.
The organisation has partnered with more than 210 non-profit groups across Te Tauihu through free workshops funded by the Rātā Foundation, has about 30 volunteers, operated an AI Lab at Elma Turner Library and hosted free public lectures featuring expert speakers from around the world.
The Café, which opened its doors last week, is running as a three-month pilot. It is open six days a week, with visitors able to book an appointment or simply drop in.
