The term Artificial Intelligence (AI) was first used more than 65 years ago. In 1955, four scholars led by Professor John McCarthy submitted a proposal and, in the summer of 1956, a workshop titled “The Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence” was held at the Dartmouth College. It is recorded that 10 AI researchers engaged in a debate that lasted approximately a month. Since then, AI has been evolving steadily; by the time of the second AI boom (in the 1980s), it was already being used in medical diagnosis. As a result of the subsequent improvement in computer performance, deep learning, which is an AI ​​technology, is now expanding various possibilities in the fields of health, medical care, and welfare. A few years ago, discussions on how AI is surpassing human intelligence became popular on the Internet. The perspectives of such discussions are diversifying every day. I believe this congress will help the participants understand how technology not limited to AI will change the future of human potential and contribute to people’s health and welfare and the quality of medical care. In view of the current global pandemic situation, I have given up my intention of holding the meeting face-to-face; however, I would like to make a Congress that makes the best use of the goodness of virtual. I look forward to your participation.

Taeko Watanabe, Ph.D.
Professer of Shukutoku University