The science that built the AI revolution (economist.com) In the “Babbage” podcast series by The Economist, titled “The science that built the AI revolution,” four episodes explore the evolution of generative AI. The series covers the origins and development of AI, focusing on human intelligence comparisons, machine learning processes, pivotal advancements in AI technology, and the emergence of generative models that lead to applications like ChatGPT and AI-generated imagery.
How machines learn (economist.com) This second episode of a four-part series explores the evolution of artificial intelligence, examining how networks of artificial neurons and their underlying mathematics enable machines to learn, recognize speech, and identify images. Hosted by Alok Jha, the episode features insights from experts at MIT and other institutions, discussing the progression from rudimentary neurons to the sophisticated large language models that underpin applications like ChatGPT.
How big data and graphics chips transformed AI (economist.com) The rapid advancement of AI was significantly propelled by two key innovations: large datasets and specialized computer chips, which emerged from efforts to improve machine vision and object recognition. This third episode in a four-part series explores these technological milestones, along with the role of the World Wide Web and 3D arcade game design in revolutionizing AI, leading to the development of powerful language models like ChatGPT.
How human intelligence inspired AI (economist.com) The first episode in a four-part series explores the origins and evolution of artificial intelligence, tracing how inspirations from the human brain in the mid-20th century led to the development of the first “thinking machines” and ultimately to sophisticated large language models like ChatGPT. Hosted by Alok Jha of The Economist, the episode features insights from a range of experts including neuroscientists and AI pioneers, examining the scientific and technological advances that transformed basic artificial neurons into the complex systems used today in generative AI.
Should teachers embrace AI? (economist.com) Across the vast educational plains of America, a mere 2% of school budgets is splurged on tech, making them the tortoises in the digital race, while companies zoom ahead, allocating an average of 8%. Has the time come for AI to give education a turbo boost into the 21st century?
Will China be able to harness the power of generative AI? (economist.com) Two decades back, Bill Clinton threw a zinger, saying China trying to control the internet was like trying to nail jello to the wall—an analogy sticky with skepticism. Yet, China defied the odds and sculpted an internet that dances to its own tune. Now, as AI wiggles onto the scene, our China gurus, Alice Su and Don Weinland, are pondering: Can China master this slippery new tech, or will it be another jello-wrestling match?
How AI could transform the lives of the world’s poorest (economist.com) Generative artificial intelligence took center stage at Davos, sparking discussions on its implications for education and healthcare in developing regions.
AI is quickly becoming a matter of national technological sovereignty (economist.com)
Fei-Fei Li on why we should avoid existential angst about the future of AI (economist.com) The public debut of ChatGPT and subsequent advancements in generative AI sparked widespread concern over existential risks, but Fei-Fei Li, a leading figure in AI research, advocates for a human-centric approach, viewing AI as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, human capabilities while addressing challenges such as disinformation, bias, and job displacement. As the founding co-director of Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, Fei-Fei Li’s work, including the creation of ImageNet and pioneering deep learning, has significantly influenced the development of AI models for image recognition and natural language processing.
AI will revolutionise research. But could it transform science altogether? (economist.com)