Build Your Own Chatbot: Local Applications n Generative AI on Your Laptop

Most people know cloud-based generative AI tools like ChatGPT, but did you know that the powerful technology behind them—transformer-based Large Language Models (LLMs)—can also run directly on a modern laptop?

In this hands-on, in-person workshop, you’ll explore how these AI systems work and learn how to set up and run a basic chatbot locally on your own computer. Gain a foundational understanding of transformer-based LLMs and discover how to harness their power without relying on the cloud.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the core principles behind transformer-based large language models
• Set up and run a basic chatbot AI on a personal laptop
• Explore practical applications and limitations of locally hosted generative AI

This session is perfect for anyone curious about AI who wants to experiment with running models independently!

Workshop Preparation

None

Facilitator Bio

John Fink is the Digital Scholarship Librarian in the Sherman Centre.

Workshop Slides

Coming soon.

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