The joy of having Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our lives …

Grandma and Grandad wanted to organise a casual family gathering for their 50^th wedding anniversary. They decided to use artificial intelligence to assist in the planning as their children said it would make life so much easier.

“It’ll save us hours,” Grandad concurred as he opened the AI program on his computer. “You just tell it what you want.”

Grandma leaned towards the computer and spoke with caution. “HELLO, ARTIFICIAL MAN. WE NEED A FAMILY LUNCH.”

Grandad then typed: “We actually want a relaxed family gathering. Suggestions please?”

In seconds the AI recommended a picnic in the park with outdoor games and a wet-weather backup plan.

“Very sensible,” Grandma said. “Ask it what type of food.”

The AI recommended a barbecue, sandwiches and sausage rolls.

However, grandad misread “barbecue” as “barbers’ queue” and booked haircuts for the entire family. Grandma then suggested they invite all the relatives. Unfortunately, the wrong contact list was accidentally uploaded, again courtesy of granddad.

Sunday came around and their three children arrived with their partners and grandchildren … as well as the plumber, podiatrist, dentist, local pharmacist and a bloke named Kevin who once repaired their television, but who no one could remember.

Meanwhile, the grandchildren were told to bring outdoor games. One came with cricket gear, another brought a football, and the youngest brought his Xbox because, as he explained, “It can go outdoors if you carry it.”

But just as lunch was ready it began to rain.

“Don’t worry,” Grandad said proudly to some of the confused attendees. “The AI advised a backup venue. It’s back to our house.”

So, 16 wet people, including a rather puzzled hairdresser and TV repairman squeezed into their lounge room.

Grandma surveyed the chaos and sighed. “Carrier pigeons would have done a better job. I thought artificial intelligence was supposed to make life easier.”

Grandad nodded. “It did.”

“How so?”

“Well,” he said, “normally it takes us weeks to consider who we shouldn’t invite to one of our parties. If a disgruntled relative calls us. We can blame Al.”

After hearing his name, in the background AI piped up: “GATHERING SUCCESSFUL? IF NOT, I CAN SCHEDULE AN ANNUAL FAMILY RECONCILIATION?”

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