The Interface

Taking the cue from the previous episode on the history of AI, all the way to ChatGPT, this episode looks into the concept of multi-modal AI. We explore how this technology integrates text, images, and audio to mimic human brain processing. We discuss fusion mechanisms that combine these modalities, allowing AI models to comprehend and respond to complex inputs. These mechanisms are crucial for practical applications, such as extracting information from PDFs or answering questions about images.Subsequently, we transition to reasoning models that can be prompted to provide sequential reasoning. Reasoning models, like DeepSeek’s r1, are designed to automatically reason through problems and manage the reasoning effort based on complexity. This approach distinguishes itself from prompting techniques such as “let’s think step by step” or “chain of thought,” which aim to enhance accuracy through structured reasoning.Group Relative Policy Optimization (GRPO) emerges as a reinforcement learning method employed to train models like DeepSeek R1. GRPO incentivizes model improvement through rewards, such as correct answers in mathematical problems. This approach facilitates self-supervised training without human intervention, enabling the emergence of extended thinking chains and enhanced responses.In the concluding segment of the discussion, we address the reduction in training and inference costs, even as companies invest substantial resources in GPUs for training large models efficiently. Algorithmic advancements and hardware improvements facilitate the training of smaller models, thereby increasing AI’s accessibility to enterprises and startups. Agentic AI, model context protocols, and smaller language models represent emerging trends that will shape the future of AI. These advancements will render AI more practical and efficient for real-world applications.Produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved from theoretical concepts to real-world applications that transform industries. In a recent episode of The Hindu's podcast hosted by John Xavier, Dr. Shreyas Subramanian, machine learning expert and principal data scientist at Amazon Web Services discusses AI's journey—from its early foundations to the ground breaking advancements that define today’s landscape.Read more here.Produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.

Sayash Kapoor, co-author of "AI Snake Oil" and a PhD candidate at Princeton, dives into the landscape of artificial intelligence. He discusses the stark differences between generative AI, which creates useful outputs, and predictive AI, often limited by data quality. Kapoor sheds light on the rapid pace of AI advancements, the role of geopolitics, especially China's competitive edge despite sanctions, and societal impacts like job displacement. He also advocates for a thoughtful approach to merit-based opportunities through a "partial lottery system" to address inequality.

In this episode, Asus India’s VP for compute and gaming, Arnold Su, sheds light on how AI is reshaping the PC market. Over the past 18 - 24 months, AI PCs have gained momentum, with India emerging as a significant market for this next generation of devices. What was once a premium feature is now inching closer to the mainstream, with predictions that AI PCs will dominate the market by the end of the decade.

This podcast interview features Mudit Dandwate, CEO and Co-founder of Dozee, a medtech company developing AI-powered contactless patient monitoring systems. In this interaction, Mudit shares his perspective on how AI personalizes healthcare through continuous vital sign monitoring, enabling early detection of health deterioration and proactive intervention. He also shares his personal journey to underscore his motivation to create a system to continuously monitor patients to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The discussion also touches on the challenges of AI accuracy and personalization, emphasizing the importance of human oversight in interpreting AI-generated information.

The aerospace industry is transforming through advanced technologies like open fan, hybrid electric, and AI, aiming for efficiency and sustainability. While supply chain issues persist, fundamental engineering skills remain crucial for talent acquisition and innovation. GE Technology Centre CEO Alok Nanda joins this week's Interface podcast to share his insights on AI and aviation technology.Technological acceleration is increasing exponentially. Innovations that once took decades are now happening in a matter of years, or even months. AI, automation, and robotics are making jobs and industries obsolete while creating new roles and economic opportunities. To make sense of this acceleration our host John Xavier speaks to scientists, business leaders and policymakers on The Interface.Host: John Xavier, The Hindu.Edited by Jude Francis Weston

AI and automation are changing the way humans use technology and robotics in offices and shop floors. This interaction can have a profound impact on how humans relate to emerging technologies. MIT researchers at the institute's Industrial Performance Centre have been studying and measuring this relationship over the past several years. Joining me to discuss the insights from their studies is Ben Armstrong, Executive Director of MIT's Industrial Perfomance Centre. Guest: Ben Armstrong, Executive Director at MIT's Industrial Performance CentreHost: John XavierEdited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.

In today's episode, we're joined by Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Salesforce, India. In this role, Arundhati oversees the growth strategy of the company. Prior to Salesforce, Arundhati Bhattacharya was the first woman chairperson at SBI. During this interaction, Arundhati shares her insights on agentic AI framework, the challenge of deploying cloud-based AI applications in public sector banks in India, and the impact of autonomous AI agents on the job market.Host: John XavierEdited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.

JSW MG Motor India recently launched the MG Windsor, a crossover utility vehicle, that looks to disrupt the EV market with a new ownership model. In today's episode, we're joined by Gaurav Gupta, the Chief Growth Officer of JSW MG Motor India, to get more details about the company's take on EVs, government policies, consumer preference, and battery as a service business model. 

 In this episode, we explore the use of vintage tech gadgets in modern warfare in the context of recent blasts in Lebanon. From walkie-talkies to pagers, these outdated devices have been repurposed to deadly effect, fuelling tensions, and pushing the region to the brink of a larger conflict. We'll delve into the strategic use of these technologies and what it means for future warfare.Guest: Bruce Schneier is an Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and a Fellow at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society