Professor Kate Devlin
Professor of Artificial Intelligence & Society
- Chair-Director, Digital Futures Institute
Pronouns
she/her
Biography
Kate is Professor of AI & Society in the Department of Digital Humanities, King's College London and is the current Chair-Director of the Digital Futures Institute. With an undergraduate degree in archaeology (QUB) and an MSc (QUB) and PhD (Bristol) in computer science, her research investigates how – and why – people interact with and react to technologies, both past and future. Kate is the author of the critically acclaimed Turned On: Science, Sex and Robots (Bloomsbury, 2018), which examines the ethical and social implications of technology and intimacy.
Kate is a co-investigator and the King's lead on the UKRI's £31 million Repsonsible AI UK programme, which brings together researchers from across the UK to understand how we should shape the development of AI to benefit people, communities and society. She was Advocacy and Engagement Director for the UKRI-funded Trusted Autonomous Systems Hub, which ran from 2020-2024.
Kate is a board member of the Open Rights Group, a UK-based organisation that works to preserve digital rights and freedoms. In July 2022 she was made a patron of Humanists UK for her contribution to the greater public understanding of science. She represents Humanists UK in her role as a Commissioner for the international AI, Faith & Civil Society Commission. As a science communicator, she provides accessible accounts of robotics and AI in both broadcast and print media.
Research interests and PhD supervision
Kate is not currently accepting new PhD students.
Teaching
- Programming for non-STEM students
- AI and its impact on society
- Human-computer interaction
Expertise and Public Engagement
Kate has a strong track record of public engagement and outreach, including frequent participation as an expert voice in the media. She has written general audience pieces for a wide range of mainstream publications, has been featured on BBC Radios 1–5, guested on and hosted podcasts, and made a number of TV appearances, TEDx talks, and appearances at numerous other tech and philosophy events, festivals, and comedy nights.
Selected Publications
- Kate Devlin (2018). Turned On: Science, Sex and Robots. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Decentralising LLM Alignment: A Case for Context, Pluralism, and Participation
Peter, O. & Devlin, K., 20 Oct 2025, (Accepted/In press) Proceedings of the Eighth AAAI/ACM Conference on AI, Ethics, and Society (AIES-25).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference paper › peer-review
The ghost in the machine
Devlin, K., 7 Oct 2025, In: INDEX ON CENSORSHIP. 54, 3, p. 52-53 2 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate
Luddites, Literature, and LLMs
Devlin, K., 30 Dec 2024, The Routledge Handbook of AI and Literature. Slocombe, W. & Liveley, G. (eds.). 1st ed. New York: Routledge, p. 371-373 3 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Foreword/postscript › peer-review
OpenAI’s Scarlett Johansson Update Wasn’t About Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Creatives – It Was Just Sexist
Devlin, K., 25 May 2024, Byline Times.Research output: Other contribution
Relating with Social Robots: Issues of Sex, Love, Intimacy, Emotion, Attachment, and Companionship
Devlin, K., 23 Oct 2024, The De Gruyter Handbook of Robots in Society and Culture. Edwards, A. & Fortunati, L. (eds.). DeGruyter, p. 277-294 17 p. (De Gruyter Handbooks of Digital Transformation).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Power in AI: Inequality Within and Without the Algorithm
Devlin, K., 6 Nov 2023, The Handbook of Gender, Communication, and Women's Human Rights. Gallagher, M. & Vega Montiel, A. (eds.). WILEY-BLACKWELL, p. 123-139 17 p. (Global Handbooks in Media and Communications Research).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
TAS for Cats: An Artist-led Exploration of Trustworthy Autonomous Systems for Companion Animals
Schneiders, E., Chamberlain, A., Fischer, J. E., Benford, S., Castle-Green, S., Ngo, V., Kucukyilmaz, A., Barnard, P., Row Farr, J., Adams, M., Tandavanitj, N., Devlin, K., Mancini, C. & Mills, D., 11 Jul 2023, TAS 2023 - Proceedings of the 1st International Symposium on Trustworthy Autonomous Systems. Association for Computing Machinery, 36. (ACM International Conference Proceeding Series).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference paper › peer-review
while (alive) {love me;}
Devlin, K., 26 Oct 2021, The Love Makers. Campbell, A. (ed.). London: Goldsmiths Press, p. 233-240 8 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Guys and Dolls: Sex Robot Creators and Consumers
Devlin, K. & Locatelli, C., 20 Oct 2020, Maschinenliebe: Liebespuppen und Sexroboter aus technischer, psychologischer und philosophischer Perspektive. Bendel, O. (ed.). Springer, p. 79-92 14 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
The Ethics of the Artificial Lover
Devlin, K., 6 Oct 2020, Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. Liao, S. M. (ed.). Oxford Univerity Press; Oxford, p. 271-290Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
The Measure of a Woman: Fembots, Fact and Fiction
Devlin, A. K. & Belton, O., 5 Mar 2020, AI Narratives: A History of Imaginative Thinking about Intelligent Machines. Cave, S., Dihal, K. & Dillon, S. (eds.). Oxford Univerity Press; Oxford, p. 358-382 24 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Turned On: Science, Sex and Robots
Devlin, K., 18 Dec 2018, London: Bloomsbury Publishing. 288 p.Research output: Book/Report › Book
Research
Centre for Data Futures
Bringing together interdisciplinary experts to focus on participatory infrastructure throughout the life of data-reliant tools.
Responsible AI UK
An international ecosystem for responsible AI research and innovation
Project status: Ongoing
Digital Intimacies
Digital Intimacies examines how gay & bisexual men negotiate their cultures of intimacy, away from hook-up applications and on to ‘intermedial’ smartphone use.
Project status: Ongoing
News
War over AI, not with AI: experts warn of emerging security risks
The Digital Futures of Security brought together experts to explore how artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are reshaping the concept of security in the...
Reimagining tomorrow: Digital Futures Institute Unconference sparks conversations on AI and humanity
Academics from across King’s explored the complex relationship between technology and humanity at the Digital Futures Institute Unconference.
'As DEI is coming down, AI is going up': experts warn of AI's impact on diversity and inclusion
On 23 June, the Digital Futures Institute hosted Digital Futures of Diversity – the third event in the new season of the Living Well with Technology series.
Digital Futures Institute explores AI's impact on literature and connection to magic
The Digital Futures Institute presented two panels at the King’s Festival of Artificial Intelligence.
Living Well With Technology series returns with new events
The Digital Futures Institute series continues its Living Well with Technology series with a new season of events exploring the Digital Futures of a variety...
New handbook explores the future of literature in the AI era
The Routledge Handbook of AI and Literature offers perspective on the past, present and future of AI and literature.
King's Culture announces Creative Practice Catalyst Seed Fund recipients
King's Culture announce the recipients of a new creative practice seed fund, enabling researchers and academics to consolidate relationships with partners in...
Professor Kate Devlin appointed Chair-Director of the Digital Futures Institute
Professor Kate Devlin, Professor of Artificial Intelligence & Society at King’s, succeeds Professor Marion Thain as Chair-Director of the Digital Futures...
Science Gallery London announces 'Friday Lates' as part of autumn AI programme
Dive further into the world of AI with performances, special events, a new exhibit and two opportunities for 'after hours' access
Arts & Humanities 2023 Institute Fellows announced
The inaugural Institute Fellows have been selected to pursue cross-disciplinary work within the new Digital Futures Institute or Global Cultures Institute.
Events
What does quantum mean for humanity?
How will quantum change the world we live in and what will that mean for each of us?
The Big Question: What does quantum mean for humanity
How will quantum change the world we live in and what will that mean for each of us?
Digital Futures of Security
Leading experts explore how emerging technologies are reshaping the global security landscape.
Please note: this event has passed.
You Autocomplete Me: Our intimate and emotional encounters with technology
Please join us for this Inaugural Lecture as we celebrate Professor Kate Devlin's appointment as Professor of Artificial Intelligence & Society.
Please note: this event has passed.
Magic, Minds, and the Mysteries of AI
Step into a world where magic and technology collide in a fascinating exploration of AI and deception.
Please note: this event has passed.
The Digital Futures of Literature
Join us to explore the future of AI and literature.
Please note: this event has passed.
King's Experts Series: the Ethics of AI
The King’s Experts Series is a series of events exclusively for King’s alumni, this webinar will touch on some of the latest research on digital technology...
Please note: this event has passed.
How deep (learning) is your love?
Kate Devlin explores human-AI relationships and the implications for our future interactions with technology.
Please note: this event has passed.
Decentralising LLM Alignment: A Case for Context, Pluralism, and Participation
Peter, O. & Devlin, K., 20 Oct 2025, (Accepted/In press) Proceedings of the Eighth AAAI/ACM Conference on AI, Ethics, and Society (AIES-25).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference paper › peer-review
The ghost in the machine
Devlin, K., 7 Oct 2025, In: INDEX ON CENSORSHIP. 54, 3, p. 52-53 2 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate
Luddites, Literature, and LLMs
Devlin, K., 30 Dec 2024, The Routledge Handbook of AI and Literature. Slocombe, W. & Liveley, G. (eds.). 1st ed. New York: Routledge, p. 371-373 3 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Foreword/postscript › peer-review
OpenAI’s Scarlett Johansson Update Wasn’t About Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Creatives – It Was Just Sexist
Devlin, K., 25 May 2024, Byline Times.Research output: Other contribution
Relating with Social Robots: Issues of Sex, Love, Intimacy, Emotion, Attachment, and Companionship
Devlin, K., 23 Oct 2024, The De Gruyter Handbook of Robots in Society and Culture. Edwards, A. & Fortunati, L. (eds.). DeGruyter, p. 277-294 17 p. (De Gruyter Handbooks of Digital Transformation).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Power in AI: Inequality Within and Without the Algorithm
Devlin, K., 6 Nov 2023, The Handbook of Gender, Communication, and Women's Human Rights. Gallagher, M. & Vega Montiel, A. (eds.). WILEY-BLACKWELL, p. 123-139 17 p. (Global Handbooks in Media and Communications Research).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
TAS for Cats: An Artist-led Exploration of Trustworthy Autonomous Systems for Companion Animals
Schneiders, E., Chamberlain, A., Fischer, J. E., Benford, S., Castle-Green, S., Ngo, V., Kucukyilmaz, A., Barnard, P., Row Farr, J., Adams, M., Tandavanitj, N., Devlin, K., Mancini, C. & Mills, D., 11 Jul 2023, TAS 2023 - Proceedings of the 1st International Symposium on Trustworthy Autonomous Systems. Association for Computing Machinery, 36. (ACM International Conference Proceeding Series).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference paper › peer-review
while (alive) {love me;}
Devlin, K., 26 Oct 2021, The Love Makers. Campbell, A. (ed.). London: Goldsmiths Press, p. 233-240 8 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Guys and Dolls: Sex Robot Creators and Consumers
Devlin, K. & Locatelli, C., 20 Oct 2020, Maschinenliebe: Liebespuppen und Sexroboter aus technischer, psychologischer und philosophischer Perspektive. Bendel, O. (ed.). Springer, p. 79-92 14 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
The Ethics of the Artificial Lover
Devlin, K., 6 Oct 2020, Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. Liao, S. M. (ed.). Oxford Univerity Press; Oxford, p. 271-290Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
The Measure of a Woman: Fembots, Fact and Fiction
Devlin, A. K. & Belton, O., 5 Mar 2020, AI Narratives: A History of Imaginative Thinking about Intelligent Machines. Cave, S., Dihal, K. & Dillon, S. (eds.). Oxford Univerity Press; Oxford, p. 358-382 24 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Turned On: Science, Sex and Robots
Devlin, K., 18 Dec 2018, London: Bloomsbury Publishing. 288 p.Research output: Book/Report › Book
Research
Centre for Data Futures
Bringing together interdisciplinary experts to focus on participatory infrastructure throughout the life of data-reliant tools.
Responsible AI UK
An international ecosystem for responsible AI research and innovation
Project status: Ongoing
Digital Intimacies
Digital Intimacies examines how gay & bisexual men negotiate their cultures of intimacy, away from hook-up applications and on to ‘intermedial’ smartphone use.
Project status: Ongoing
News
War over AI, not with AI: experts warn of emerging security risks
The Digital Futures of Security brought together experts to explore how artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are reshaping the concept of security in the...
Reimagining tomorrow: Digital Futures Institute Unconference sparks conversations on AI and humanity
Academics from across King’s explored the complex relationship between technology and humanity at the Digital Futures Institute Unconference.
'As DEI is coming down, AI is going up': experts warn of AI's impact on diversity and inclusion
On 23 June, the Digital Futures Institute hosted Digital Futures of Diversity – the third event in the new season of the Living Well with Technology series.
Digital Futures Institute explores AI's impact on literature and connection to magic
The Digital Futures Institute presented two panels at the King’s Festival of Artificial Intelligence.
Living Well With Technology series returns with new events
The Digital Futures Institute series continues its Living Well with Technology series with a new season of events exploring the Digital Futures of a variety...
New handbook explores the future of literature in the AI era
The Routledge Handbook of AI and Literature offers perspective on the past, present and future of AI and literature.
King's Culture announces Creative Practice Catalyst Seed Fund recipients
King's Culture announce the recipients of a new creative practice seed fund, enabling researchers and academics to consolidate relationships with partners in...
Professor Kate Devlin appointed Chair-Director of the Digital Futures Institute
Professor Kate Devlin, Professor of Artificial Intelligence & Society at King’s, succeeds Professor Marion Thain as Chair-Director of the Digital Futures...
Science Gallery London announces 'Friday Lates' as part of autumn AI programme
Dive further into the world of AI with performances, special events, a new exhibit and two opportunities for 'after hours' access
Arts & Humanities 2023 Institute Fellows announced
The inaugural Institute Fellows have been selected to pursue cross-disciplinary work within the new Digital Futures Institute or Global Cultures Institute.
Events
What does quantum mean for humanity?
How will quantum change the world we live in and what will that mean for each of us?
The Big Question: What does quantum mean for humanity
How will quantum change the world we live in and what will that mean for each of us?
Digital Futures of Security
Leading experts explore how emerging technologies are reshaping the global security landscape.
Please note: this event has passed.
You Autocomplete Me: Our intimate and emotional encounters with technology
Please join us for this Inaugural Lecture as we celebrate Professor Kate Devlin's appointment as Professor of Artificial Intelligence & Society.
Please note: this event has passed.
Magic, Minds, and the Mysteries of AI
Step into a world where magic and technology collide in a fascinating exploration of AI and deception.
Please note: this event has passed.
The Digital Futures of Literature
Join us to explore the future of AI and literature.
Please note: this event has passed.
King's Experts Series: the Ethics of AI
The King’s Experts Series is a series of events exclusively for King’s alumni, this webinar will touch on some of the latest research on digital technology...
Please note: this event has passed.
How deep (learning) is your love?
Kate Devlin explores human-AI relationships and the implications for our future interactions with technology.
Please note: this event has passed.