Expert Insights On Retrieval Augmented Generation And How To Build It

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Jul 28, 2024

Matt Zeiler, founder and CEO of Clarifai, shares his expertise in retrieval augmented generation (RAG) and its journey from large language models. He discusses how RAG addresses data freshness and hallucinations, utilizing vector databases for dynamic information access. The conversation dives into the architecture and operational challenges of integrating RAG into AI systems. Matt emphasizes the rise of user-friendly AI tools that enable non-experts to create functional prototypes. Tune in for essential insights on the future trends of AI applications and RAG's practical implementations.

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ANECDOTE

Early Generative AI

Matt Zeiler worked on generative AI 15 years ago, generating motion capture data for pigeons.
Advancements since then involve increased model size, data, and compute, not new tech.

INSIGHT

RAG's Purpose

Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) enhances LLMs by adding context from a corpus.
This addresses data staleness and hallucinations, common LLM issues.

ADVICE

Model Customization Spectrum

Start with prompt engineering, then consider RAG, fine-tuning, or training from scratch.
Choose based on data availability and compute resources.

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Summary
In this episode we're joined by Matt Zeiler, founder and CEO of Clarifai, as he dives into the technical aspects of retrieval augmented generation (RAG). From his journey into AI at the University of Toronto to founding one of the first deep learning AI companies, Matt shares his insights on the evolution of neural networks and generative models over the last 15 years. He explains how RAG addresses issues with large language models, including data staleness and hallucinations, by providing dynamic access to information through vector databases and embedding models. Throughout the conversation, Matt and host Tobias Macy discuss everything from architectural requirements to operational considerations, as well as the practical applications of RAG in industries like intelligence, healthcare, and finance. Tune in for a comprehensive look at RAG and its future trends in AI.
Announcements

Hello and welcome to the AI Engineering Podcast, your guide to the fast-moving world of building scalable and maintainable AI systems
Your host is Tobias Macey and today I'm interviewing Matt Zeiler, Founder & CEO of Clarifai, about the technical aspects of RAG, including the architectural requirements, edge cases, and evolutionary characteristics

Interview

Introduction
How did you get involved in the area of data management?
Can you describe what RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) is?
What are the contexts in which you would want to use RAG?
What are the alternatives to RAG?
What are the architectural/technical components that are required for production grade RAG?
Getting a quick proof-of-concept working for RAG is fairly straightforward. What are the failures modes/edge cases that start to surface as you scale the usage and complexity?
The first step of building the corpus for RAG is to generate the embeddings. Can you talk through the planning and design process? (e.g. model selection for embeddings, storage capacity/latency, etc.)
How does the modality of the input/output affect this and downstream decisions? (e.g. text vs. image vs. audio, etc.)
What are the features of a vector store that are most critical for RAG?
The set of available generative models is expanding and changing at breakneck speed. What are the foundational aspects that you look for in selecting which model(s) to use for the output?
Vector databases have been gaining ground for search functionality, even without generative AI. What are some of the other ways that elements of RAG can be re-purposed?
What are the most interesting, innovative, or unexpected ways that you have seen RAG used?
What are the most interesting, unexpected, or challenging lessons that you have learned while working on RAG?
When is RAG the wrong choice?
What are the main trends that you are following for RAG and its component elements going forward?

Contact Info

Parting Question

From your perspective, what is the biggest barrier to adoption of machine learning today?

Closing Announcements

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The intro and outro music is from Hitman's Lovesong feat. Paola Graziano by The Freak Fandango Orchestra/CC BY-SA 3.0