Interview with Sarah Weber: How AI and machine learning are changing our world
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are at the centre of many innovations that are changing our world. Sarah Weber, renowned expert in this field and Head of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence at the Technical University of Munich, provides insights into the latest developments and explains how AI will shape our everyday lives in the coming years.
Question: Ms Weber, what progress have AI and machine learning made recently?
Answer: The last few years have seen enormous progress, particularly through big language models such as GPT, which are able to understand and generate natural language better and better. AI has also achieved impressive milestones in image and video processing, for example in the creation of realistic 3D models or the recognition of objects in real time. ML is also becoming increasingly energy-efficient, making it easier to use in mobile devices and IoT applications.
Question: How is AI already influencing our everyday lives today?
Answer: AI has long since arrived in our everyday lives. Examples are:
- Voice assistants: Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant use ML to understand and execute commands.
- Recommendation systems: platforms such as Netflix and Amazon analyse preferences and suggest personalised content.
- Smart Home: AI controls lighting, heating and security systems and adapts to the user's behaviour.
Conclusion: Many people use AI every day, often without realising it.
Question: What developments do you expect in the next few years?
Answer: In the coming years, AI will:
- Revolutionising work: Automation will take over routine tasks, while humans will be able to focus on more creative tasks .
- Improving health: AI will speed up diagnoses and enable personalised treatments.
- Changing mobility: Autonomous vehicles and intelligent transport systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Progress in AI-supported education is particularly exciting, enabling personalised learning paths for pupils and students.
Question: What are the challenges of integrating AI?
Answer: One of the biggest challenges is data security. AI requires huge amounts of data, which raises questions about the protection of privacy. There are also ethical concerns, for example when it comes to decision-making by algorithms. And finally, the transparency of AI models needs to be improved so that users can understand how decisions are made.
Question: How can companies and consumers benefit from AI?
Answer: Companies can use AI to:
- automate processes and reduce costs .
- Personalise customer experiences, for example through chatbots or product recommendations.
- Improve market analyses by evaluating data in real time.
Consumers benefit from smart devices that simplify their everyday lives and from improved services in areas such as healthcare and mobility.
Conclusion from Sarah Weber:
"Artificial intelligence is not just a technological innovation, but a transformative force that can improve our lives in many ways. The key is to use AI responsibly and ethically."<