In the vast realm of science fiction, few names shine as brightly as Isaac Asimov. As a young reader, I found myself captivated by the intricate universes he wove in novels like Foundation and I, Robot. These stories, where artificial intelligence and robotics played pivotal roles, ignited a spark in me that would later pave the path of my own career. Today, as I delve into the intricate tapestry of my journey with artificial intelligence, it’s impossible not to look back at those early days of wonder, where Asimov’s words provided not just entertainment, but inspiration for a future I had yet to envision.
It’s official, I have secured Renato.mascardo.ai. This has moved up the value of my blog by 10x. Kidding. Kinda. Artificial Intelligence has created both rational and irrational reactions. One would argue AI has propped up the stock market when everything AI related has killed while everything else looks “eh”. Seven of the top 10 largest companies in the United States by market cap have major AI value propositions.
My career has seen its waves of innovation. I am so grateful for having been part of such a fruitful period for computer science. It has been such a fun ride and it doesn’t seem to be letting up.
- Client / Server
- Internet
- Dedicated / Managed Service Providers
- Cloud Computing / SaaS / IaaS / PaaS
- Mobile Computing
- Social media
- Data / Data Science / Machine Learning / Deep Learning
- Spatial Computing
- Artificial Intelligence
As one would expect, each wave builds upon the next and is a combination of previous achievements and learnings. AI is a combination of data, copious amount of distributed compute, innovation in gpu chips and foundational data / data science / machine learning / deep learning practices.
So, here are a few common questions I’ve better getting recently about AI —
What is you perspective on Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence represents both an opportunity and existential risk for companies. Similar to other technology waves, something very fundamental is shifting under existing companies. This shift can create new markets and provide opportunities to wedge into existing markets. We should see new interaction models and all new levels of efficiency with AI.
This is where it’s critical to be in continuous first principle thinking. Assumptions should be challenged. Experimentation should be the norm. Action should be taken.
What experience do you have with machine learning / deep learning / Artificial Intelligence?
- Mercury Interactive / HP Software (2004) — processed the millions / billions of production alerts to provide an elevated alerting or automate action.
- Abaca Technology (2007) — created a totally new AI approach for handling email SPAM.
- DigitalGlobe (2010) — built one of the first and largest at the time GPU based supercomputers that was used to run advanced algorithms for higher level processing on digital satellite imagery. These algorithms did things like cloud cover detection, change detection and image feature recognition.
- Atari (2012) — built AI based real-time adjustment of gameplay based on individual progress through the game.
- Rosetta Stone (2014) — built AI based content creation platform.
- Recurly (2018) — built AI based Dunning management solution.
What will the next 5-10 years of AI innovation bring us?
Buckle up. The pace of AI improvements is fierce and everyone wants to get there first. Watch out for the hyperbole and emotions through the technology adoption life cycle but rest assured we’ll see the shift on the other side. This feels like it’s going to go faster than we think.
Thank you for reading. Please drop me a note if you have a comment. I appreciate you.
-rjm