#144 – Michael Littman: Reinforcement Learning and the Future of AI

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Dec 13, 2020

In a captivating conversation, Michael Littman, a computer scientist from Brown University, shares his insights into reinforcement learning and its transformative potential in AI. He delves into the interplay between sci-fi and robotics, touching on humorous robot-human interactions. Michael also discusses the challenges of AI's existential risks, the creative process behind parody songwriting, and the evolution of AI through self-play. His reflections blend technical depth with light-hearted anecdotes, creating a thought-provoking dialogue about the future of technology.

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ANECDOTE

Robot and Frank

Michael Littman found the movie Robot and Frank inspiring.
It depicts a near-future where robots assist people in their homes, raising interesting ethical questions.

ANECDOTE

Billboard Top 10

Michael Littman listened to the Billboard top 10 songs weekly since 2011.
He discovered that he likes familiar music and that his musical taste was frozen in time.

ANECDOTE

TurboTax Commercial

Michael Littman appeared in a TurboTax commercial.
The commercial's premise was that users didn't need to be computer experts to use the software.

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