Les années 2010 : le futur c'est maintenant! - La fabuleuse histoire des sciences au Québec

Summary

The video script details the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) research in Montreal, highlighted by Yoshua Bengio's 2018 Turing Award win alongside Jeffrey Hinton and Yann LeCun. It traces AI's journey from its 1956 inception to its modern-day significance, emphasizing Montreal's pivotal role. The narrative underscores the city's academic contributions, the importance of open-source tools, and ethical considerations in AI development. It also touches on societal fears and hopes for AI, including job displacement and the potential for societal improvement.

Takeaways

• 🏆 In 2018, Yoshua Bengio, a Quebecois, received the Turing Award along with Jeffrey Hinton and Yann LeCun, highlighting Montreal's significant role in AI research.
• 💡 The term 'Artificial Intelligence' gained importance in 1956, and since then, there has been a growing interest in simulating human intelligence in machines.
• 🌐 The rise of computers and the internet has been crucial in the development of AI, providing the necessary computational power and data.
• 📉 In the late 1980s, there was a decline in investment in AI due to unfulfilled promises of a new industrial revolution.
• 🔬 Yoshua Bengio's research, funded by the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, continued to be influential despite the downturn in AI funding.
• 🚀 The early 2010s saw a resurgence in AI interest, particularly in deep learning, with significant breakthroughs in areas like voice recognition and image recognition.
• 🌟 Montreal's academic community, including Bengio, has been instrumental in the development of AI, with many key researchers originating from the city's universities.
• 🤝 Montreal's AI community is characterized by collaboration, open science, and a focus on ethical AI, which has led to initiatives like the Montreal Declaration for Responsible AI.
• 🌱 The growth of AI in Montreal has been rapid, with scientific discoveries quickly translated into practical applications, such as improvements in translation technology.
• 🌐 The global impact of Montreal's AI research is evident in the widespread adoption of techniques developed by its researchers, influencing industries worldwide.

Q & A

Who were the recipients of the Turing Award in 2018, and what does this award signify?

The Turing Award in 2018 was awarded to Yoshua Bengio, along with his colleagues Jeffrey Hinton and Yann LeCun. The Turing Award is the most prestigious recognition in the field of computer science, often referred to as the 'Nobel Prize of Computing.'

What was the significance of the Turing Award for the city of Montréal?

The Turing Award winners' affiliation with Montréal confirmed the city's pivotal role in the global landscape of artificial intelligence research, particularly in deep learning and neural networks.

When was the term 'artificial intelligence' first deemed significant, and where was this recognition established?

The term 'artificial intelligence' became significant in 1956 during the conference in Dartmouth, United States, organized by mathematicians who aimed to simulate human intelligence in machines.

In what year was the Department of Computer Science established at the University of Montréal, and what was its origin?

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Montréal was established in 1966, originating from the Department of Mathematics.

What was the ambition during the period of AI's early development in Québec?

During the early development of AI in Québec, there was an ambition to create 'expert systems' to assist humans in decision-making.

Why did investors disengage from AI research in the late 1980s?

Investors disengaged from AI research in the late 1980s because the promises made at the beginning of AI's development, which were centered around a new industrial revolution, were not fulfilled.

What were the two main factors that were lacking in AI research during the 1990s?

During the 1990s, AI research lacked sufficient computational power of computers and the massive amounts of data that are available today, particularly due to the rise of social media and the Internet.

What was the determining factor that allowed machine learning techniques to work effectively at the beginning of the 2010s?

The determining factors that allowed machine learning techniques to work effectively at the beginning of the 2010s were the rise of the Internet, the availability of large datasets, and the increased computational power of computers.

What were the significant breakthroughs in AI around 2011-2012, and how did they impact the field?

Around 2011-2012, significant breakthroughs in AI included major improvements in speech recognition and error rates, which made voice recognition functional for everyday use in smartphones, and advancements in image recognition, which revolutionized the field of object recognition in computer vision.

How did the University of Montréal contribute to the advancements in AI, specifically in the area of automatic translation?

The University of Montréal contributed to AI advancements with a paper from Yoshua Bengio's laboratory around 2014, which found a method to implement automatic translation using neural networks, leading to a rapid improvement in translation quality and a complete change in the industry's approach to automatic translation.

Why is Montréal considered a hub for AI research, and what factors contribute to its success?

Montréal is considered a hub for AI research due to its academic focus, the presence of key figures like Yoshua Bengio, and the city's collaborative spirit among different companies and institutions. Additionally, the emphasis on open science through open-source tools and a focus on ethical AI practices have contributed to its success.

What is the significance of the 'Montreal Declaration for Responsible AI' and how was it developed?

The 'Montreal Declaration for Responsible AI' is significant as it outlines principles for ethical AI development. It was developed over a year with input from philosophers, computer scientists, and citizens, aiming to ensure AI development respects human rights, is transparent, and benefits society.

What are some of the ethical concerns and promises associated with AI, and how should they be addressed?

Ethical concerns with AI include biased algorithms and the potential for AI to replace human jobs. Promises include advancements in personalized medicine and public transportation efficiency. These concerns should be addressed through serious questioning, policy solutions, and ensuring that AI development is guided by ethical principles.