World Changing: Data Science and AI | Fred Blackburn | TEDxWakeForestU

Summary

The speaker discusses the transformative impact of data science and AI on human history, drawing parallels with the Industrial Revolution. They highlight how AI is evolving, with machines now performing tasks previously done by humans and creating new job opportunities. The talk explores the differences in learning between humans and machines, the rapid growth of data, and recent advancements like AI creating art and potential cures for diseases. The speaker also envisions a future where AI and humans collaborate to solve complex problems, mentioning projects like 'super agent' for law enforcement and disaster response innovations. The talk concludes with a call to action for the audience to prepare for a future where AI plays a significant role in enhancing human capabilities.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The speaker is excited to discuss how data science and AI are on the verge of causing significant changes in human history.
• 🏭 The Industrial Revolution led to machines performing manual tasks, creating new jobs and improving quality of life, despite initial fears of unemployment.
• 💻 The computer revolution allowed machines to perform low-level cognitive functions, freeing humans to tackle more complex problems.
• 📈 The amount of data created in the last two years accounts for 98% of all data in the world, highlighting the rapid growth of knowledge.
• 🤖 Machines learn differently from humans, using simulations, anomaly detection, and attempts to emulate the human brain.
• 🚫 Despite advancements, machines still struggle with simple tasks like distinguishing between certain images, showcasing the complexity of the human brain.
• 💊 AI has recently been able to create new cures and vaccines independently, such as a promising malaria drug, which is a significant leap from its past capabilities.
• 🎨 Machines are now capable of creating art that is visually appealing to humans, a field where they previously struggled.
• 🚗 Driverless vehicles are a reality, but they still face limitations such as operating in adverse weather conditions.
• 🤝 The future will involve humans working alongside machines, with AI taking on repetitive tasks and allowing humans to focus on more complex challenges.
• 🔮 The speaker envisions a future where AI can help solve previously insurmountable problems, improve life expectancies, and make the world a better place.

Q & A

What major historical change is the speaker comparing the current AI and data science revolution to?

The speaker compares the current AI and data science revolution to the Industrial Revolution, highlighting how machines began to perform manual functions previously done by humans.

How did the Industrial Revolution impact job displacement and the creation of new jobs?

The Industrial Revolution initially caused concern about job displacement, but it ultimately led to an explosion of new jobs that didn't exist before, and people moved from farms to cities, experiencing an increase in quality of life and life expectancy.

What is the speaker's perspective on the impact of the computer revolution on human work?

The speaker believes that the computer revolution has freed people from low-level cognitive functions, allowing them to take on bigger and more challenging problems.

What percentage of the world's data was created in the last two years according to the speaker?

The speaker states that 98% of the data in the world today was created in the last two years.

How does the speaker describe the difference between how humans and machines learn?

Humans learn through evolution, experiences, and culture, while machines learn through simulations, anomaly detection, and by trying to emulate the human brain.

What is the paradox the speaker mentions regarding machines and simple tasks?

The paradox is that while machines can perform complex tasks, they struggle with simple tasks that humans find easy, such as distinguishing between images of dogs and blueberry muffins.

What recent advancement has allowed machines to create art that is visually appealing to humans?

The speaker mentions that machines have recently advanced to the point where they can create art that is visually appealing to humans.

What is the 'super agent' concept the speaker is excited about?

The 'super agent' concept is about equipping law enforcement officials with data through sensors and biometric scans to enhance their capabilities, similar to Robocop but without the negative aspects.

How does the speaker suggest improving disaster response with technology?

The speaker suggests leveraging cryptocurrencies and the digital economy, like Uber and Airbnb, to make disaster response more effective and efficient.

What is the 'Data Science Bowl' and what was its achievement last year?

The 'Data Science Bowl' is a competition for social good, and last year it created algorithms that allowed radiological technicians to scan X-rays more effectively, particularly for early detection of lung cancer.

What four things can we be confident about the future of machines according to the speaker?

The speaker is confident that machines will perform more repetitive and higher-order cognitive tasks, serve as co-workers, interface with humans in a more natural way like other humans, and help solve unprecedented problems more effectively.