Eye On A.I.

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#158 Connor Leahy: The Unspoken Risks of Centralizing AI Power Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

This episode is sponsored by Netsuite by Oracle, the number one cloud financial system, streamlining accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, and more.

Download NetSuite's popular KPI Checklist, designed to give you consistently excellent performance - absolutely free at NetSuite.com/EYEONAI

On episode 158 of Eye on AI, host Craig Smith dives deep into the world of AI safety, governance, and open-source dilemmas with Connor Leahy, CEO of Conjecture, an AI company specializing in AI safety.

Connor, known for his pioneering work in open-source large language models, shares his views on the monopolization of AI technology and the risks of keeping such powerful technology in the hands of a few.

The episode starts with a discussion on the dangers of centralizing AI power, reflecting on OpenAI's situation and the broader implications for AI governance. Connor draws parallels with historical examples, emphasizing the need for widespread governance and responsible AI development. He highlights the importance of creating AI architectures that are understandable and controllable, discussing the challenges in ensuring AI safety in a rapidly evolving field.

We also explore the complexities of AI ethics, touching upon the necessity of policy and regulation in shaping AI's future. We discuss the potential of AI systems, the importance of public understanding and involvement in AI governance, and the role of governments in regulating AI development.

The episode concludes with a thought-provoking reflection on the future of AI and its impact on society, economy, and politics. Connor urges the need for careful consideration and action in the face of AI's unprecedented capabilities, advocating for a more cautious approach to AI development.

Remember to leave a 5-star rating on Spotify and a review on Apple Podcasts if you enjoyed this podcast.

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Craig Smith Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss

Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI

(00:00) Preview

(00:25) Netsuite by Oracle

(02:42) Introducing Connor Leahy

(06:35) The Mayak Facility: A Historical Parallel

(13:39) Open Source AI: Safety and Risks

(19:31) Flaws of Self-Regulation in AI

(24:30) Connor's Policy Proposals for AI

(31:02) Implementing a Kill Switch in AI Systems

(33:39) The Role of Public Opinion and Policy in AI

(41:00) AI Agents and the Risk of Disinformation

(49:26) Survivorship Bias and AI Risks

(52:43) A Hopeful Outlook on AI and Society

(57:08) Closing Remarks and A word From Our Sponsors

#157 Karen Hao: Inside OpenAI's Tumultuous Saga Nov 23, 2023

Show notes

This episode is sponsored by ISS, a leading global provider of video intelligence and data awareness solutions. ISS offers a robust portfolio of AI-powered, high-trust video analytics for streamlining security, safety and business operations within a wide range of vertical markets. So, what do you want to know about your environment?

To learn more about our video intelligence solutions, visit https://issivs.com/

On episode #155 of Eye on AI, Craig Smith sits down with Karen Hao, who is currently a contributing writer for The Atlantic with an impressive background as a foreign correspondent for The Wall Street Journal in Hong Kong and as a senior artificial intelligence editor at MIT Technology Review.

Known for her incisive coverage of AI, including its ethical and societal implications, Hao brings a wealth of knowledge from her experiences in journalism and data science.

In this episode, Karen delves into the recent controversies surrounding OpenAI, shedding light on the power struggles, ethical dilemmas, and corporate alliances shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Her unique perspective, gained from her experience as a foreign correspondent and senior AI editor, offers a deep understanding of the complexities that exist in the AI world.

We explore the intricate narrative constructed by OpenAI, its relationship with giants like Microsoft, and the broader implications of these partnerships on AI development and ethics. Karen's critical analysis provides an insightful look into the often opaque world of AI and its global impact.

If you find this discussion as enlightening as we did, please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Spotify and a review on Apple Podcasts.

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Craig Smith Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss

Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI

(00:00) Preview and Introduction

(02:28) Karen Hao's Background and Entry into Tech Journalism

(09:14) OpenAI's GPT-2 Controversy and Company Evolution

(11:35) Nonprofit and For-Profit Structure of OpenAI

(15:26) OpenAI Board Dynamics and Power Struggles

(18:07) Transparency and Open Source in AI Development

(21:27) Future of OpenAI and Tech Industry Speculations

(26:22) Microsoft's Investment and Partnership with OpenAI

(31:28) Sam Altman's Potential Chip Company Endeavor

(33:20) AGI Speculations and Existential Risks

(34:38) AGI Definitions and Real-World AI Limitations

#156 Gordon Crovitz: Will AI SPREAD Misinformation & Fake News? Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

This episode is sponsored by Celonis, the global leader in process mining. AI has landed and enterprises are adapting. To give customers' slick experiences and teams the technology to deliver. The road is long, but you're closer than you think. Your business processes run through systems. Creating data at every step. Celonis reconstructs this data to generate Process Intelligence. A common business language. So AI knows how your business flows. Across every department, every system and every process. With AI solutions powered by Celonis enterprises get faster, more accurate insights. A new level of automation potential. And a step change in productivity, performance and customer satisfaction Process Intelligence is the missing piece in the AI Enabled tech stack.

Go to https://celonis.com/eyeonai to find out more.

On episode #156 of Eye on AI, Craig Smith sits down with Gordon Crovitz, co-founder of NewsGuard and former publisher of the Wall Street Journal, to unravel the complexities of AI-generated misinformation.

In this episode, Crovitz delves into the challenges posed by AI in the spread of fake news, emphasizing the growing issue of AI-enhanced misinformation websites. He discusses the significant role of NewsGuard in countering this trend through human-analyzed databases and the importance of 'trust data' to improve the reliability of AI models. The conversation also touches upon the responsibility of social media platforms and search engines in this battle against digital deception.

Tune in for an enlightening discussion that navigates the intersection of AI, journalism, and truth in today's digital landscape.

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Craig Smith's Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss

Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI

(00:00) Preview

(00:19) Celonis

(01:26) Introducing Gordon Crovitz

(02:24) What is NewsGuard's Mission?

(05:58) Challenges in Detecting AI-Generated Content

(08:36) The Impact of AI-Generated Misinformation

(14:19) Future of AI Agents and Their Role in Content Generation

(17:35) Use Purpose of NewsGuard's Databases

(22:34) How Do You Tackle Misinformation Effectively?

(29:38) Government and Regulatory Responses to Misinformation

(32:36) What Role Does Social Media Play in Misinformation?

(39:22) Impact of AI on News

(42:32) The Role of Search Companies in Combating Misinformation

(44:13) Regulatory Measures to Stop Misinformation

#155 Alex Wiltschko: From Molecules to Memories & The AI Approach to Scent Detection Nov 19, 2023

Show notes

Go to https://celonis.com/eyeonai to find out more.

Explore the world of scent detection and creation with our special guest, Alex Wiltschko, Founder and CEO of Osmo. Alex is giving computers a sense of smell to improve the health and happiness of human life.

From discussing the complexities of mapping smell using artificial intelligence to the lexicon used by perfumers to standardize their work, Alex takes us on a scented journey that's bound to whet your olfactory appetite. You'll be intrigued by how olfactory sensory neurons express 350 distinct channels of information and how AI can predict smells based on the molecular structure.

Alex shares his insights about a unique project they've been working on with the Gates Foundation to create molecules that smell good to humans but repel insects. We dive into the prospect of finding safe, affordable, and great smelling molecules via AI, and how this can have a profound impact on products we use every day.

Finally, we shift the conversation to the use of large language models in creating natural language interfaces. Alex shares how Osmo is using AI to 'open the window of computation to smells' and how this technology can potentially make us healthier and happier.

Craig Smith's Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss

(00:00) Preview (00:30) Celonis Sponsorship & introduction (03:30) Alex's Interest in Neuroscience and Scents (05:20) The Neuroscience of Wine Tasting (14:25) Mapping Smell With Artificial Intelligence (18:05) How AI Integrates with Smell & Molecules (21:43) Perfumers' Language Dictionary and Taxonomy (25:20) Completing the Double Blind Test For Scent (34:05) Discovering Safe and Effective Fragrance Molecules (44:23) The Future of Fragrance Technology (54:48) Large Language Models in Natural Language Interfaces

#154 Sal Khan: Revolutionizing Education with AI Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

This episode is sponsored by Oracle. AI is revolutionizing industries, but needs power without breaking the bank. Enter Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): the one-stop platform for all your AI needs, with 4-8x the bandwidth of other clouds. Train AI models faster and at half the cost. Be ahead like Uber and Cohere.

If you want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic - take a free test drive of OCI at https://oracle.com/eyeonai

Join us on episode #154 of Eye on AI as Craig Smith sits down with Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy, a non-profit educational organization that provides free online courses, lessons, and practice exercises across a wide range of subjects to learners worldwide.

In this episode, Sal shares the journey of Khan Academy's growth from a small tutoring project to a global educational platform. He discusses the challenges and successes in integrating AI into educational systems, emphasizing its efficacy in enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. Sal also sheds light on the potential of generative AI in language learning, illustrating how it bridges cultural and linguistic gaps, especially for students navigating between their native language and English.

The conversation further delves into the impact of AI-powered education in resource-limited settings, exemplifying its potential as a game-changer in global education. We touch upon the skepticism towards free educational resources, a hurdle especially prevalent in poorer regions of the world. Sal Khan addresses this irony, sharing strategies to overcome these barriers and increase awareness and adoption of such resources.

If you found this episode insightful, please support us by leaving a 5-star rating on Spotify and a review on Apple Podcasts.

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Craig Smith's Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss

Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI

(00:00) Preview and Intro (03:02) Sal Khan's Background and the Origins of Khan Academy (08:18) AI Integration in Khan Academy's Learning Platform (11:54) Khanmigo: The AI Tutor from Khan Academy (17:43) Khan Academy's Business Model (23:32) Future of AI Tutors and Engaging Learning Experiences (28:16) Khan Academy's Global Reach and Accessibility (34:17) How is Sal Expanding Khan Academy's AI Capabilities? (38:50) Addressing Skepticism and Misuse of AI in Education (41:19) Sal Khan's Message on the Future of AI in Education

#153 Ed Anuff: Unpacking AI's Role in Data Management Nov 12, 2023

Show notes

This episode is sponsored by Celonis ,the global leader in process mining. AI has landed and enterprises are adapting. To give customers slick experiences and teams the technology to deliver. The road is long, but you're closer than you think. Your business processes run through systems. Creating data at every step. Celonis reconstructs this data to generate Process Intelligence. A common business language. So AI knows how your business flows. Across every department, every system and every process. With AI solutions powered by Celonis enterprises get faster, more accurate insights. A new level of automation potential. And a step change in productivity, performance and customer satisfaction Process Intelligence is the missing piece in the AI Enabled tech stack.

Go to https://celonis.com/eyeonai to find out more.

In episode #153 of Eye on AI, Craig Smith sits down with Ed Anuff, Chief Product Office at DataStax.

We take a deep dive into the world of vector databases and their integration with AI. Ed sheds light on the innovative ways AI is being incorporated into database technologies, with a special focus on the advancements and applications of Cassandra in this realm.

Ed elaborates on the challenges and opportunities in melding AI with database management systems. He talks about the evolving landscape of data storage and retrieval in the age of AI, and how these advancements are reshaping businesses and data strategies.

We also explore the broader implications of AI in database technology, including scalability, efficiency, and the future of AI-driven data solutions. Ed shares his insights on how companies like DataStax are at the forefront of this technological convergence, driving innovation and transformation in the industry.

If you find this episode insightful, please support us by leaving a 5-star rating on Spotify and a review on Apple Podcasts.

Craig Smith Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss

Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI

(00:00) Preview, Celonis and Introduction (02:19) Ed Anuff's Background and Journey to DataStax (03:33) The Role of Cassandra in DataStax (05:06) Understanding Cassandra: A NoSQL Database (07:50) Impact of ChatGPT and Vector Databases in AI (11:58) DataStax's Introduction of Vector Databases (17:26) Addressing Data Accumulation and Usage (22:18) Managing Data Expiration in DataStax (29:24) Introducing AstraDB: DataStax's Cloud Product (36:42) Business Growth and AI Integrations in DataStax (42:18) Rate Limits, AI Experiments, and Enterprise Integration (49:47) The Future of AI in Databases (55:20) Evaluating Databases: Performance and Relevancy

#152 Alex Kendall: How Close Is AI to Taking the Wheel? Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

This episode is sponsored by Netsuite by Oracle, the number one cloud financial system, streamlining accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, and more.

Download NetSuite's popular KPI Checklist, designed to give you consistently excellent performance - absolutely free at NetSuite.com/EYEONAI

On episode #152 of Eye on AI, Craig Smith sits down with Alex Kendall, founder and CEO of Wavye, a company building autonomous vehicle technology using AI.

In this episode, Alex provides an inside look at Wavye's approach to autonomous driving, which leverages world models and reinforcement learning to create an AI "driver" that can understand complex urban environments. Alex explains how world models allow an AI system to imagine multiple futures before acting, enabling safer decision-making, and shares Wavye's progress on deploying autonomous delivery vehicles with partners in the UK.

We also dive into the differences between world models and large language models, the unique data challenges of perception-based AI, and Wave's ambitions to expand this AI technology to new applications like humanoid robotics.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Spotify and a review on Apple Podcasts.

Craig Smith Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss

Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI

(00:00) Preview, Introduction and Netsuite

(03:45) The Advantages of World Models

(10:12) Developing Autonomous Driving Technology

(16:35) Partnership with Microsoft and Training Challenges

(21:10) Decoding the Concept of Generalization in Autonomous Driving

(27:08) Compute Requirements and Infrastructure

(32:45) The Role of Azure in Training

(37:12) What Is Tokenization of Data

(41:47) Addressing Compute Constraints

(46:12) Future Applications of World Models and Open Source

#151 Asa Cooper: How Will We Know If AI Is Fooling Us? Nov 05, 2023

Show notes

Go to https://celonis.com/eyeonai to find out more.

Welcome to episode 151 of the 'Eye on AI' podcast. In this episode, host Craig Smith sits down with Asa Cooper, a postdoctoral researcher at NYU, who is at the forefront of language model safety.

This episode takes us on a journey through the complexities of AI situational awareness, the potential for consciousness in language models, and the future of AI safety research.

Craig and Asa delve into the nuances of AI situational awareness and its distinction from sentience. Asa, with his rich background in NLP and AI safety from Edinburgh University, shares insights from his post-doc work at NYU, discussing collaborative efforts on a paper that has garnered attention for its take on situational awareness in large language models (LLMs).

We explore the economic drivers behind creating AI with such capabilities and the role of scaling versus algorithmic innovation in achieving this milestone. We also delve into the concept of agency in LLMs, the challenges of post-deployment monitoring, and the effectiveness of current measures in detecting situational awareness.

To wrap things off, we break down the importance of source trustworthiness and the model's ability to discern reliable information, a critical aspect of AI safety and functionality, so make sure to watch till the end.

Craig Smith Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss

Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI

(00:00) Preview and Introduction

(02:30) Asa's NLP Expertise and the Safety of Language Models

(06:05) Breaking Down AI's Situational Awareness

(13:44) Evolution of AI: Predictive Models to AI Coworkers

(20:29) New Frontier in AI Development?

(27:14) Measuring AI's Awareness

(33:49) Innovative Experiments with LLMs

(40:51) The Consequences of Detecting Situational Awareness in AI

(44:07) How To Train AI On Trusted Sources

(49:52) What Is The Future of AI Training?

(56:35) AI Safety: Public Concerns and the Path Forward**

#150: Yann LeCun on World Models, AI Threats and Open-Sourcing Nov 02, 2023

Show notes

If you want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic - take a free test drive of OCI at https://oracle.com/eyeonai

Welcome to episode 150 of the 'Eye on AI' podcast. In this episode, host Craig Smith sits down with Yann LeCun, a Turing Award winner who has been instrumental in advancing convolutional neural networks and whose work spans machine learning, computer vision, and more.

Tune is as Craig and Yann explore the intricacies of AI, world models, and the challenges of continuous learning.

In this episode, Yann delves deep into the concept of a "world model" - systems that can predict the world's future states, allowing agents to make informed decisions. The discussion transitions to the challenges of training these models, particularly when dealing with diverse data like text and images. We then discuss the computational demands of modern AI models, with Yann highlighting the nuances between generative models for videos and language.

He also touches upon the idea of the "Embodied Turing Tests" and how augmented language models can bridge the gap between human-like behavior and computational efficiency.The spotlight then shifts to pressing concerns surrounding the open-source nature of AI models, with Yann articulating the legal ramifications and the future of open-source AI. Drawing from global perspectives, including China's stance on open-source, Yann underscores the imperative for a collaborative approach in the AI space, ensuring it's reflective of diverse global needs.

Craig Smith Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss

Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI

(00:00) Preview, Oracle and Introduction

(02:42) Decoding The World Model and Gaia 1

(07:43) Energy and Computational Demands of AI

(08:06) Video vs. Text Processing & True AI Capabilities

(11:17) Embodied Turing Test & Augmented LLMs

(15:38) Is AI a Threat To Society?

(25:04) Where is AI Development Headed?

(31:06) Interplay of Neuroscience and AI**

(33:33) Yann's Vision, JEPA, and Learning Challenges

(39:05) Yann's Career, AI Progress, and Challenges

(44:47) The Open Source Debate in AI

(55:30) Oracle Cloud Infrastructure

#149 Alex Klein: The Next Wave of AI To Rock The Music Industry Oct 30, 2023

Show notes

This episode is sponsored by Digimarc, the leader in digital watermarking. Digimarc digital watermarks invisibly guard your digital assets to protect against misuse, prove copyright ownership, and verify authenticity. In an era of artificial intelligence, don't leave your images and other digital content exposed. Demand superior content protection and maintain trust in your brand with Digimarc.

Checkout Digimarc - https://www.digimarc.com/

This episode is sponsored by Celonis ,the global leader in process mining. AI has landed and enterprises are adapting. To give customers slick experiences and teams the technology to deliver. The road is long, but you're closer than you think. Your business processes run through systems. Creating data at every step. Celonis recontrusts this data to generate Process Intelligence. A common business language. So AI knows how your business flows. Across every department, every system and every process. With AI solutions powered by Celonis enterprises get faster, more accurate insights. A new level of automation potential. And a step change in productivity, performance and customer satisfaction Process Intelligence is the missing piece in the AI Enabled tech stack.

Visit Celonis- https://celonis.com/eyeonai

Welcome to episode 149 of the 'Eye on AI' podcast. In this episode, host Craig Smith sits down with Alex Klein, the Cofounder & CEO of STEM and Kano Computing, who boasts an illustrious academic background from Cambridge and Yale.

Alex recalls his transition from journalism to creating STEM kits for children and unveils the inception story of the STEM player, a pioneering music product co-developed with Kanye West. As the conversation progresses, Alex delves deep into his academic experiences, focusing on his economic research at Cambridge, and his venture into the tech world. Emphasizing hands-on tech experiences, Alex discusses the manufacturing processes, and the origin story of KANO - designed to make Raspberry Pi more user-friendly.

Alex describes his unexpected encounter with Kanye West at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and their subsequent collaborations. The nuances of their flagship product, the STEM player, giving listeners an insight into how it revolutionizes music listening. Alex also gives us a sneak peek into their upcoming product, STEM 2, and sheds light on the company's future trajectory, emphasizing their commitment to redefining the music and audio space over the next three years.

Craig Smith Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss

Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI

00:00 Preview, Celonis and Digimarc Ad

02:11 Origins of Kano & Alex's Stint with Journalism

04:47 The Evolution of Stem Player

12:55 Alex' Educational & Philosophical Foundations

15:13 Kanye Collaboration

21:24 Deep Dive into Audio & STEM's Technology

27:26 Future of Stem Player

37 02 Revolutionizing Music & Audio Experience Through Hardware

43:22 Innovations in AI & its Use Case Horizons