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AI²’s “Great Ideas” podcast debuts with researcher Manuela Veloso

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    AI2 Science Innovation Research

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Promotional image for the AI2 podcast “Grandes Ideias,” featuring João Barros.

Portuguese researcher Manuela Veloso, a professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Carnegie Mellon University (U.S.) and a global pioneer in robotics and autonomous systems, is the first guest on “Grandes Ideias,” the AI² podcast, which premieres today. In a conversation led by João Barros, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Agency for Research and Innovation (AI²), the scientist shares her vision on the evolution of AI, the challenges of human-machine interaction, and the opportunities this technology presents for Portugal.

Throughout the conversation, the guest is asked to share four key ideas: one related to her field of expertise, one related to her work or project, one for Portugal, and one for the weekend. This is the central theme of the podcast.

The conversation begins with a look back at Manuela Veloso’s journey, from her fascination with mathematics as a child to her discovery of AI, including her time at Carnegie Mellon University and her work in the financial sector at JPMorgan Chase.

In discussing the evolution of AI, the researcher explains how computers are able to identify patterns and extract knowledge from large amounts of data. She also highlights the challenges that remain, particularly the need to integrate scientific knowledge into AI systems and to better understand how these systems reach their conclusions.

One of the key ideas that emerged from the conversation stems from the research Manuela Veloso conducted on autonomous robots. After working with teams of robots that played soccer, she began studying service robots capable of navigating buildings. Faced with their limitations, an unexpected solution emerged: teaching the robots to ask humans for help. This experience led her to advocate for the importance of communication and collaboration between people and intelligent systems.

For Portugal, the researcher poses a challenge: to think in concrete terms about how AI can meet the needs of businesses, institutions, and society. Rather than adopting technology simply because it is trendy, she considers it essential to identify the problems it can help solve and to understand its true potential.

There’s also an opportunity to get to know the scientist’s more personal side; as a suggestion for the weekend, she offers a simple piece of advice: spend time with your family and enjoy nature, especially the ocean.

“Great Ideas” brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers, and other prominent figures for conversations that bridge the gap between science, innovation, and society.

Watch this and upcoming episodes on digital platforms:

 

Published on November 5, 2026