This episode is sponsored by 1Password. 1Password combines industry-leading security with award-winning design to bring private, secure, and user-friendly password management to everyone. Companies lose hours every day just from employees forgetting and resetting passwords. A single data breach costs millions of dollars. 1Password secures every sign-in to save you time and money.

Right now, my listeners get a free 2-week trial at: www.1password.com/eyeonai

Dive into the world of autonomous driving with Dragomir Anguelov, Vice President, Head of Research at Waymo, in this captivating episode of Eye on AI.

Drago offers a profound exploration into the technical and operational advancements driving the future of autonomous vehicles. With his rich background at Google and now at Waymo, Drago provides an insider’s view on the evolution of machine learning technologies and their pivotal role in developing self-driving cars that are not only intelligent but also safe and reliable.

This conversation spans the inception of large neural networks for image understanding to the intricate deployment of robotaxis in urban environments. Drago details the challenges of scaling these complex systems across different cities and the breakthroughs that have made autonomous driving a tangible reality in places like Phoenix and San Francisco.

Drago’s insights are invaluable for anyone interested in the convergence of AI, robotics, and transportation.

If you are fascinated by the advancements being made in the autonomous driving space and how they could transform our daily lives, make sure to hit the like button and subscribe for more deep dives into the technologies shaping our future.

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

NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program. Head to  https://netsuite.com/EYEONAI to know more. 

Venture into the future of AI with Nick Bostrom, a philosopher at the University of Oxford known for his work on existential risk, the anthropic principle, human enhancement ethics, whole brain emulation, superintelligence risks, and the reversal test.

On episode #181 of Eye on AI, Nick Bostrom, explores the existential and societal implications of AI reaching and surpassing human capabilities. As we contemplate a world where all tasks are performed by AI, Nick discusses the potential for a 'technologically solved' society and its impact on human purpose and motivation.

Join us as Nick provides insights into his latest book, "Deep Utopia," where he questions how humans will find meaning when artificial intelligence handles every aspect of labor and creativity. He elaborates on the risks, ethical considerations, and philosophical dilemmas we face as AI continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace.

This episode is an essential exploration of the shifts AI may bring to our societal structures, labour markets, and individual lives. 

If you find yourself intrigued by the philosophical journey into AI's potential to redefine humanity, hit the like button and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions on the future landscapes shaped by artificial intelligence.

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(00:00) Introduction and the Concept of a 'Solved World'

(03:05) Nick Bostrom's Background

(06:06) Exploring the Anthropomorphism in Modern AI

(08:02) Predictions and the 'Hockey Stick' Graph

(10:13) AI Safety and Public Perception

(12:58) Deep Utopia and the Search for Meaning

(15:46) Life in a Technologically Mature World

(18:17) Existential Malaise in Modern Society

(20:43) The Potential of Technological Maturity

(23:51) Philosophical Implications of a Solved World

(28:20) Engineering Happiness and Neurological Adjustments

(32:18) Remaining Human Tasks and Cultural Values

(35:45) The Future of Humanity

(47:03) Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message

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

Explore the journey of AI within the technology industry with Thomas Lah in episode #180 of Eye on AI.

This dialogue features Thomas Lah, Executive Director of the Technology and Services Industry Association (TSIA), as he delves into the influence of AI on technology companies and their operating models.

In this episode, Thomas offers a compelling narrative on how AI is being integrated into the fabric of technology businesses, altering the landscape of innovation and competition. Discover the intricacies of AI adoption strategies, the challenges of data management, and the evolution of business models in response to AI advancements. From Microsoft to Salesforce, uncover how leading tech giants are harnessing AI to redefine efficiency, creativity, and growth.

Dive deep into the core of TSIA's research, unveiling the pivotal role of benchmarking and operational research in navigating the AI revolution. Thomas sheds light on the actionable insights and best practices that are guiding technology companies through this era of rapid technological change.

Whether you're intrigued by the operational shifts AI is catalyzing in the tech sector, or you're keen on understanding the future directions of AI-driven business models, this episode is a treasure trove of knowledge.

Remember to give us a thumbs up on YouTube if this deep dive into the AI transformation within tech companies enriches your understanding. 

Subscribe for more insights into how AI is sculpting the technological landscapes of tomorrow.

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(00:00) Preview and Introduction  (01:19) AI’s Impact on Tech Companies' Internal Processes (04:22) Thomas Lah’s Background and Contributions to Tech Services (07:49) Future Trends: AI Agents and Physical World Actions (10:12) Real-World AI Use Cases and ROI in Tech Companies (13:44) The Rapid Maturation of AI Tools and Its Impact (16:48) The Right Timing for AI Adoption and Investment (20:09) AI Advantaged vs. Severely Lagged Tech Companies (25:31) Addressing the Consumption Gap with AI in Education (32:17) AI in Operations (38:35) The Evolution of AI Agents and Co-Pilots in Tech Services (45:12) Centralizing and Rationalizing Data for AI Readiness (48:31) Cultural and Technical Shifts Required for AI Integration (51:06) AI's Impact on Business Models and Headcount Reductions

Dive into the heart of the AI race between the US and China with Craig Smith in episode #179 of Eye on AI. 

This discussion features Ylli Bajraktari, the President and CEO of the Special Competitive Studies Project, as he unveils the strategic maneuvers and policies shaping the future of artificial intelligence on a global scale.

In this episode, Ylli provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of AI development and competition, illuminating the actions taken by both superpowers to secure their position at the forefront of technological advancement. From the pivotal CHIPS Act to the formation of national AI champions, learn how these initiatives are influencing the global AI landscape.

Uncover the essence of the Special Competitive Studies Project and its mission to ensure the US retains its edge in AI through a comprehensive, nation-wide approach. Ylli discusses the critical importance of AI in national security, the transformative potential of the OffsetX strategy, and the implications of the National Plan for Microelectronics.

Whether you're fascinated by the strategic dynamics of international technology competition or passionate about the impact of AI on society and security, this episode offers invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Don't forget to rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify if you're inspired by the strategic discourse on AI's role in shaping the future.

This episode is sponsored by Shopify. Shopify is a commerce platform that allows anyone to set up an online store and sell their products. Whether you’re selling online, on social media, or in person, Shopify has you covered on every base. With Shopify you can sell physical and digital products. You can sell services, memberships, ticketed events, rentals and even classes and lessons.

Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at http://shopify.com/eyeonai

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(00:00) Preview

(00:46) Introducing Ylli Bajraktari

(04:21) Origins of the Special Competitive Studies Project

(09:14) Influence of National Security Commission on AI

(14:05) What is the OffsetX Strategy

(15:42) US vs. China: The AI Competition Landscape

(19:00) Post-Gen AI Period and Its Impact

(21:03) The Future of AI Research

(24:41) Reorganizing Government Institutions for the AI Era

(32:48) Understanding Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems

(35:05) The Concept of Counter-Autonomy

(39:04) Addressing the Threat from China’s Semiconductor Strategy

(44:54) Preview of the Special Competitive Studies Project's AI Expo

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 host Craig Smith in episode #178 of Eye on AI for an enlightening conversation with Terry Sejnowski, President of the NeurIPS Foundation and is the Francis Crick Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies where he directs the Computational Neurobiology Laboratory 

In this episode, Terry shares his unique insights into the evolution of neural networks, the monumental impact of models like GPT-4, and the intricate relationship between AI technologies and societal norms. Learn about the future trajectory of AI development, as Terry highlights the importance of integrating human brain development aspects into AI to foster models that better understand and integrate into human culture.

Discover Terry's perspective on the role of reinforcement learning in AI, the challenges of aligning AI with ethical considerations, and the potential of neuromorphic engineering to revolutionize energy-efficient computing. This discussion also touches on the implications of AI in reshaping industries, science, and the global workforce.

An essential listen for those fascinated by the ethical dimensions of AI, the potential of neuroscience to inform AI development, and the broader societal impacts of technological advancement. 

If you're drawn to the complexities of AI and its potential to redefine our future, don't forget to rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify.

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(00:00) Introduction to Terry Sejnowski 

(01:54) Bridging Computational Neuroscience with AI Development

(05:24) Biological Principles in AI: Learning and Adaptation

(07:07) The Crucial Role of Reinforcement Learning in AI

(10:12) Breakthroughs in AI: Scaling Models and Language Processing

(13:38) The Rapid Pace of AI Evolution: Implications and "AI Time"

(16:58) Ethical Considerations and AI Alignment Challenges

(20:23) Neuromorphic Engineering and Energy Efficiency

(25:42) Real-world Applications: AI's Expanding Role in Society

(29:04) The Developmental Approach: Training AI with Human Nuances

(33:32) The Impact of AI on Science and Discovery

(40:19) AI Education and Lifelong Learning: Overcoming Barriers

(43:20) MOOCs and the Democratization of Learning in the AI Era

(47:08) Balancing Innovation and Safety in the Accelerating AI Landscape

Join host Craig Smith on episode #177 of Eye on AI as he explores the cutting-edge world of generative models in artificial intelligence with Björn Ommer, a visionary AI researcher and Head of Computer Vision & Learning Group at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munic.

In this episode, Björn delves into the fascinating inner workings of diffusion models, shedding light on the pivotal role these models play in advancing technology and society. Discover the groundbreaking development of stable diffusion, a key innovation by Bjorn's team that is setting new standards in the democratization of AI technology.

Learn about the challenges and solutions in making AI accessible on consumer hardware, ensuring that the power of generative AI is not confined to well-funded organizations but available to all. Bjorn shares his expert insights on the balance between open-source innovation and proprietary development, emphasizing the societal implications of generative AI.

This episode is an essential listen for anyone intrigued by the potential of AI to transform our understanding of the visual world, the importance of accessibility in technology, and the future of AI development.

If you're captivated by the evolution of AI and the profound impact of generative models like stable diffusion, don't forget to rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify. 

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(00:00) Preview and Introduction

(01:38) Bjorn Omer's Journey into AI

(03:03) The Evolution of AI Before Deep Learning

(06:38) Democratizing AI with Stable Diffusion

(09:45) Explaining Diffusion Models

(13:40) Challenges of AI on Consumer Hardware

(17:05) The Binding Problem in Vision Research

(22:27) Mechanisms in Stable Diffusion: Attention and Diffusion Processes

(26:09) Open Source vs. Proprietary AI Models

(30:16) Making Compute Resources More Accessible

(34:30) Reducing Compute Requirements in AI Models

(38:52) The Concept of World Models in AI Research

(41:50) The Future of AI and the Fallacy of Scaling

Join host Craig Smith on episode #176 of Eye on AI as he dives deep into the realm of robotic artificial intelligence with Sergey Levine, associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at UC Berkeley. 

In this episode, Sergey unveils the latest advancements in AI control of robots, exploring the implications of reinforcement learning and the concept of embodied AI. 

Discover how Sergey's research is pushing the boundaries of AI, enabling robots to learn manipulation skills and generalize across diverse tasks, transforming the potential of home robots and beyond.

Sergey also shares insights into the RTX project, an ambitious collaboration designed to achieve remarkable generalization across different robot morphologies, enhancing robots' ability to perform language-conditioned manipulation tasks.

If you're fascinated by the intersection of AI, robotics, and the quest for creating adaptable, generalizable machines that promise to revolutionize our interaction with technology, this episode is a must-listen. 

Remember to rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify if this episode ignites your interest in the dynamic field of robotic AI and the visionary work of Sergey Levine.

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(00:00) Preview and Introduction to Home Robots and AI in Robotics

(01:43) World Models and Language Models in Robotics

(04:01) The Challenge of Learning-Based Control and Data Utilization

(06:05) RTX Project: Generalizing Controllers Across Different Robots

(10:09) Uniformity in Model Architecture Across Labs

(13:50) Introduction of RT1 and RT2 Models for Robot Control

(16:06) The Future of Robotic Control Research and Architecture

(18:49) The Impact of Hardware Development on Robotics

(22:15) Advances in Controller and AI Model Development

(26:21) Planning and Acting with Vision Language Models

(31:38) The Proprietary vs. Open-Source Debate in Robotics

(36:23) The Future of Commercial and Open Source Robotics Applications

(40:59) The State of Robotics Research in China

Join host Craig Smith on episode #175 of Eye on AI as he engages in an enlightening conversation with Aravind Srinivas, co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI.

In this episode, Aravind delves into the intricacies of Perplexity AI, a groundbreaking conversational answer engine designed to redefine the landscape of online search.

Discover how Perplexity AI aims to challenge the status quo of search engines by providing direct answers grounded in factual sources, contrasting with the traditional method of sifting through links.

Learn about the challenges and breakthroughs in developing a search engine that combines the reliability of verified information with the intuitive interaction of conversational AI.

Dive into the technical and philosophical nuances of building a search platform that stands to transform how we access information online. Explore the intersection of AI, entrepreneurship, and the relentless pursuit of innovation that drives the team at Perplexity AI.

Remember to rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify if this episode piques your curiosity about the evolving interface of AI and information retrieval!"

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(00:00) Introduction to Perplexity AI with Aravind Srinivas

(02:26) Aravind Srinivas's Background

(04:17) Early Influences and The Shift to Generative AI

(06:30) Ideation and Entrepreneurial Leap to Start Perplexity AI

(09:44) Challenges of Building a New AI-Powered Search Engine

(13:53) The Journey from Idea to Market with Perplexity AI

(17:34) Overcoming Technical and Market Challenges

(23:44) Disrupting Traditional Search with AI Innovation

(30:08) Building Perplexity's AI and Indexing Technology

(37:13) The Future of Web Indexing and AI's Role

(41:29) Navigating Legal and Ethical Aspects of AI Search

(52:39) Concluding Thoughts and The Road Ahead for Perplexity AI

Join host Craig Smith on episode #174 of Eye on AI as he sits down with Tianmin Shu, Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University in both the Computer Science and Cognitive Science departments.

In this episode, Tianmin unravels the fascinating concept of world models and their intersection with artificial and human intelligence. Discover how these models, rooted in cognitive science, offer a blueprint for understanding our environment and enhancing AI's ability to interpret, predict, and interact within it.

Explore the intricate dance between AI and cognitive science as Tianmin shares insights from his rich academic journey from UCLA to MIT, leading to his innovative work on social aspects of AI and the development of agents capable of human-level cooperation and understanding.

Dive deep into the discussion on the integration of world models with large language models, and how this synergy could revolutionize AI's predictive capabilities and reasoning, paving the way for more intuitive and interactive systems across various domains, especially in household environments.

Don't miss this riveting exploration of the next frontier in artificial intelligence research and its potential to transform our interaction with technology.

Remember to rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify if you're intrigued by the insights shared in this episode!

This episode is sponsored by 1Password. 1Password combines industry-leading security with award-winning design to bring private, secure, and user-friendly password management to everyone. Companies lose hours every day just from employees forgetting and resetting passwords. A single data breach costs millions of dollars. 1Password secures every sign-in to save you time and money. Right now, my listeners get a free 2-week trial at: 1password.com/eyeonai

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

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Join host Craig Smith for episode #173 of Eye on AI, featuring a groundbreaking discussion with Vincent Vanhoucke, distinguished Scientist, and Senior Director for Robotics at Google DeepMind. 

In this episode, Vincent dives into the cutting-edge world of robotic control with RT2, DeepMind's innovative robotic transformer system. Learn how RT2's integration of visual perception, natural language understanding, and action planning is pushing the boundaries of robotics, enabling machines to reason and act with unprecedented flexibility and intelligence. 

Discover the challenges, technological marvels, and future prospects of robotics as we explore how DeepMind is shaping the future of AI-driven automation.

Tune in to uncover the potential of RT2 in transforming robotic capabilities and the implications for diverse applications across industries. 

Don't forget to rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify if you find the episode insightful!

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 https://netsuite.com/EYEONAI

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(00:00) Preview and Introduction  (04:15) Vincent's Background and DeepMind's Robotics (06:04) RT2 Architecture Overview (09:06) Semantic Planning in Robotics (12:33) Reinforcement Learning and Mitigating Model Hallucinations (15:47) World Models and Planning (19:29) Integrating Sensory Data for Planning (24:08) The Future of Robotic Control and RT2 (27:35) RT2 Open Source and Hardware Integration

Join host Craig Smith on episode #172 of Eye on AI as he sits down with Cris Valenzuela, co-founder and CEO of Runway, an applied AI research company shaping the next era of art, entertainment and human creativity

Cris shares insights into the origins of Runway, highlighting how the company supports creators across various domains, from filmmaking to music production, by leveraging the power of AI.

We dive deep into the fascinating world of generative models like stable diffusion, discussing their development, applications, and the future of creative expression through AI.Discover how Runway's AI tools are breaking new ground in image and video generation, transforming artistic workflows, and opening up unprecedented opportunities for creativity.

We'll also explore the broader implications of AI in art and media, discussing the balance between technological innovation and the preservation of artistic integrity.

Tune in and don't forget to rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify if you enjoy the episode!

This episode is sponsored by Shopify. Shopify is a commerce platform that allows anyone to set up an online store and sell their products. Whether you’re selling online, on social media, or in person, Shopify has you covered on every base. With Shopify you can sell physical and digital products. You can sell services, memberships, ticketed events, rentals and even classes and lessons.

Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at http://shopify.com/eyeonai

Stay Updated:

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

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

(00:00) Preview and Introduction

(01:56) Cris Valenzuela: Background and Runway's Genesis

(05:48) Understanding Diffusion Models

(08:01) Discussion on Mid Journey and Other Models

(10:19) Open Source vs Proprietary Models

(13:07) Exploring Video Generation Technology

(17:52) Achieving Consistency in Generated Videos

(21:22) Compute Requirements for Training Models

(25:07) Scale and Parameters of Runway's Models

(29:49) Customizing Models for Specific Needs

(33:51) Applicability to AR and VR

(37:32) Runway's User Community and Impact

(40:21) Runway’s Best Work