data efficiency

In this episode of the Learning Futures Podcast, Dr. Siddharth Srivastava, Associate Professor at the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence at Arizona State University discusses the need for responsible development of AI systems that keep users informed of capabilities and limitations. He highlights exciting research on learning generalizable knowledge to make AI more robust and data-efficient. However, dangers arise from overtrusting unproven systems, so regulation and oversight are needed even as innovation continues. By prioritizing users, the current explosion in AI research can drive responsible progress.

Key topics discussed: 

- Dr. Srivastava discusses his background in AI research and the journey that led him to focus on developing safe and reliable AI systems. 

- The recent explosion of interest and adoption of generative AI like ChatGPT took many researchers by surprise, especially the accessibility and breadth of applications people found for these narrow systems.

- It's important to distinguish narrow AI applications like generative models from general AI. Overuse of the term "AI" can lead to misconceptions.

- Considerations around safety, bias, and responsible use need to be built into AI systems from the start. Keeping users informed of capabilities and limitations is key.  

- Exciting new research directions include learning generalizable knowledge to make AI systems more robust and data-efficient.

- Dangers arise from overtrusting unproven AI systems. Regulation and oversight will be needed, but should not stifle innovation.

- Overall, it's an exciting time in AI research. With a thoughtful, practical approach focused on user needs, AI can be developed responsibly.

Links:

• The Alignment Problem - https://brianchristian.org/the-alignment-problem/
• Siddharth’s Website - http://siddharthsrivastava.net/
• Siddharth’s Research Group AAIR - https://aair-lab.github.io/
• NeurIPS 2023 Workshops - https://neurips.cc/virtual/2023/events/workshop
• Siddharth’s NeurIPS 2023 Workshop - https://neurips.cc/virtual/2023/workshop/66542

This episode features an interview with Rod Sides, Global Leader of Deloitte Insights & Vice Chairman, US Retail and Distribution Leader. For over 25 years, Rod has helped guide retailers as they navigate uncertainty, compete globally, and improve performance and profitability, creating efficient operations from top to bottom. 

On this episode, Rod discusses the importance of getting back to the basics, why only 3 in 10 retail executives feel they have a handle on digital technology, and the rise of the data war. 

3 Takeaways:

• Technology investments should focus on creating convenience for the consumer rather than being about the shiny new project. Driving top-line comes from having things like inventory integrity in place, not magic mirrors or AR.
• At the same time, embracing back-office technologies like bots frees up employees to focus on more significant tasks. It is a reinvestment in their capabilities to do higher-level work.
• From a customer-facing perspective, is it time to use a SaaS-type model to be able to chase Big Tech? This is a question many retail leaders will have to ask themselves as they continue to try and differentiate from the competition.

Key Quotes: 

• “We talk about how to win in retail. If you’re not going to win on price, then you better win on service.”
• “The new battleground is going to be around data and data efficiency and using that data at a micro level to be able to understand the trends and what we need to do around that. We’ve spent a lot of time fighting for customers. We’ve fought for real estate. To me, the war of the future in retail is the data war.”
• “It’s not about the shiny object and the new capability that everyone adopts. It’s about the utility of the technology to make it easier for the customer.”

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This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.