In this episode, Jess Ridout is joined by Adrian Peachey, Chief Information Officer (CIO) at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence to discuss lessons learned from adopting AI and how these can be applied to other emerging technologies such as quantum. Tracing AI back to its routes, they reflect on how it has evolved through time, from early chatbots to automation and the pivotal moment that was the launch of ChatGPT. Sharing examples of his own experiences with AI at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence and working with customers, Adrian tells Jess why getting comfortable with change is fundamental for staying a step ahead of emerging technologies both now and in the future. According to Adrian, if we’re thinking about other potential disruptors, such as quantum and advances in robotics, this lesson should remain constant.

Please note, this episode was recorded in late 2024.

Watch on our YouTube channel.

Got a question or an idea for our next episode? Email us at poppodcast@baesystems.com

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Visit The Alan Turing Institute website for its AI definition: https://www.turing.ac.uk/news/data-science-and-ai-glossary


• Find out more about ELIZA, the first world’s first chatbot which you can still interact with: https://www.livescience.com/technology/eliza-the-worlds-1st-chatbot-was-just-resurrected-from-60-year-old-computer-code


• Learn more about our Intelligent Lead Assessment Service (ILAS) and how it is supporting UK police forces: https://www.baesystems.com/en/digital/product/ilas-intelligent-lead-assessment-service


• Find out more about how quantum sensing and imaging is used in healthcare (ie. for MRIs): https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/research-reports-impact-and-evaluation/research-and-reports/technology-and-innovation/tech-horizons-and-ico-tech-futures/tech-horizons-report-2025/quantum-sensing-and-imaging-in-healthcare/


• Read more about how quantum technology is being used to detect where Mount Etna in Italy is likely to erupt: https://ingv.it/en/press-and-urp/Press/Press-releases/5203-applied-quantum-technology-to-active-volcanoes


• Learn more about how the UK is preparing for post-quantum cryptography: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/whitepaper/next-steps-preparing-for-post-quantum-cryptography