
Eye On A.I.
Eye on A.I. is a biweekly podcast, hosted by longtime New York Times correspondent Craig S. Smith. In each episode, Craig will talk to people making a difference in artificial intelligence. The podcast aims to put incremental advances into a broader context and consider the global implications of the developing technology. AI is about to change your world, so pay attention.
Latest episodes

Jan 8, 2025 • 56min
#229 Mitesh Agrawal: Why Lambda Labs’ AI Cloud Is a Game-Changer for Developers
This episode is sponsored by Netsuite by Oracle, the number one cloud financial system, streamlining accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, and more. NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program. Head to https://netsuite.com/EYEONAI to know more. In this episode of the Eye on AI podcast, we dive into the transformative world of AI compute infrastructure with Mitesh Agrawal, Head of Cloud/COO at Lambda Mitesh takes us on a journey from Lambda Labs' early days as a style transfer app to its rise as a leader in providing scalable, deep learning infrastructure. Learn how Lambda Labs is reshaping AI compute by delivering cutting-edge GPU solutions and accessible cloud platforms tailored for developers, researchers, and enterprises alike. Throughout the episode, Mitesh unpacks Lambda Labs’ unique approach to optimizing AI infrastructure—from reducing costs with transparent pricing to tackling the global GPU shortage through innovative supply chain strategies. He explains how the company supports deep learning workloads, including training and inference, and why their AI cloud is a game-changer for scaling next-gen applications. We also explore the broader landscape of AI, touching on the future of AI compute, the role of reasoning and video models, and the potential for localized data centers to meet the growing demand for low-latency solutions. Mitesh shares his vision for a world where AI applications, powered by Lambda Labs, drive innovation across industries. Tune in to discover how Lambda Labs is democratizing access to deep learning compute and paving the way for the future of AI infrastructure. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on the latest in AI, deep learning, and transformative tech! Stay Updated: Craig Smith Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI (00:00) Introduction and Lambda Labs' Mission (01:37) Origins: From DreamScope to AI Compute Infrastructure (04:10) Pivoting to Deep Learning Infrastructure (06:23) Building Lambda Cloud: An AI-Focused Cloud Platform (09:16) Transparent Pricing vs. Hyperscalers (12:52) Managing GPU Supply and Demand (16:34) Evolution of AI Workloads: Training vs. Inference (20:02) Why Lambda Labs Sticks with NVIDIA GPUs (24:21) The Future of AI Compute: Localized Data Centers (28:30) Global Accessibility and Regulatory Challenges (32:13) China’s AI Development and GPU Restrictions (39:50) Scaling Lambda Labs: Data Centers and Growth (45:22) Advancing AI Models and Video Generation (50:24) Optimism for AI's Future (53:48) How to Access Lambda Cloud

Jan 1, 2025 • 24min
#228 Rodrigo Liang: How SambaNova Systems Is Disrupting AI Inference
Rodrigo Liang, co-founder and CEO of SambaNova Systems and an expert in high-performance chip design, dives deep into the world of AI inference technology. He shares SambaNova's groundbreaking record-breaking models that deliver incredible speed and efficiency. The discussion highlights the shift from AI training to real-time applications and the importance of power efficiency. Rodrigo also explores the competitive landscape against giants like NVIDIA, advocating for a new era of scalable, user-friendly AI solutions that empower enterprises without costly infrastructure.

Dec 29, 2024 • 45min
#227 Sedarius Tekara Perrotta: The Importance of Data Quality in AI Systems
Sedarius Perrotta, co-founder of Shelf, delves into the pivotal role of data quality in AI systems. He reveals how unstructured data chaos can hinder AI performance and discusses innovative strategies to enhance data accuracy through real-time monitoring. Sedarius emphasizes the importance of harnessing legacy data while addressing current challenges in knowledge management. The conversation also touches on the future of data management in the age of generative AI and how organizations can unlock the full potential of their unstructured data for enhanced productivity and innovation.

Dec 23, 2024 • 58min
#226 Nathan Michael: The Future of AI-Powered Drones and Autonomous Warfare (with Shield AI)
Nathan Michael, CTO of Shield AI and an expert in defense technology, discusses the cutting-edge world of AI-powered drones. He highlights the transformative Hivemind platform that enables autonomous systems to operate in GPS-denied conditions. Nathan explores the implications of autonomous warfare, particularly in Ukraine, and the ethical considerations of deploying these advanced technologies. He also shares insights on the competitive dynamics of AI in military applications across the U.S., China, and Russia, reshaping the future of intelligence and reconnaissance.

Dec 18, 2024 • 50min
#225 Christian Marek: How AI is Shaping the Future of Product Management
Christian Marek, VP of Product at Productboard, discusses how AI revolutionizes product management. He shares insights on Productboard Pulse, a tool that aggregates customer feedback to enhance ideation. Marek explains how AI boosts efficiency and collaboration in product workflows, aligning development with strategic goals. He also reflects on the evolution of product management, emphasizing its growing importance and the need for tailored AI solutions. The conversation highlights the critical role of data-driven approaches in transforming customer experiences and driving ROI.

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Dec 11, 2024 • 53min
#224 Tariq Shaukat: How Safe Is AI-Assisted Coding?
This episode is sponsored by Oracle. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, or OCI is a blazing fast and secure platform for your infrastructure, database, application development, plus all your AI and machine learning workloads. OCI costs 50% less for compute and 80% less for networking. So you’re saving a pile of money. Thousands of businesses have already upgraded to OCI, including MGM Resorts, Specialized Bikes, and Fireworks AI. Cut your current cloud bill in HALF if you move to OCI now: https://oracle.com/eyeonai In this episode of the Eye on AI podcast, Tariq Shaukat, CEO of Sonar, joins Craig Smith to explore the future of code quality, security, and AI’s role in software development. Tariq shares his journey from leading roles at Google Cloud and Bumble to helming Sonar, a company disrupting code assurance for developers worldwide. With over 7 million users and support for 30+ programming languages, Sonar has become a critical tool in ensuring clean, maintainable, and secure code. We dive into Sonar’s innovative AI Code Assurance Workflow, which integrates seamlessly with generative AI tools like Copilot and Codium. Tariq discusses how Sonar addresses the challenges of AI-generated code, tackling issues like security vulnerabilities, maintainability problems, and the accountability crisis in today’s coding landscape. Tariq also unpacks the importance of hybrid deterministic and AI-driven approaches, the role of design and architecture in modern software development, and how Sonar is helping companies manage tech debt across billions of lines of code. With Sonar’s recent enterprise-grade SaaS launch and commitment to reducing developer toil, this episode offers valuable insights for developers, tech leaders, and anyone interested in the evolving intersection of AI and software engineering. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more discussions on AI, technology, and innovation! Stay Updated: Craig Smith Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI (00:00) Introduction to Tariq Shaukat and Sonar (01:23) Overview of SonarQube (03:03) Deterministic Systems and AI Integration (07:36) Challenges of AI-Generated Code (10:12) Early Issue Detection in Development (12:33) Accountability in AI Code Generation (16:20) Importance of Rigorous Code Reviews (19:34) Managing Tech Debt with Continuous Improvement (22:16) Why Sonar Focuses on Integration (25:08) Reviewing Billion-Line Code Bases with Sonar (29:37) Tailoring Sonar for Specific Codebases and Workflows (32:40) Avoiding Overwhelming Developers with Noise (37:49) Governance and Managing Complex Codebases (40:50) Addressing Tech Debt in Legacy Systems (45:07) Sonar’s Open-Source Model and Philosophy (48:11) What’s Next for Sonar

Dec 8, 2024 • 52min
#224 Matt Panousis: How AI Is Disrupting The Dubbing Industry (LipDub AI)
Matt Panousis, Co-founder and COO of LipDub AI, is revolutionizing the dubbing industry with AI-driven lip-syncing tools. He discusses the journey of LipDub, making Hollywood-quality dubbing accessible, and how generative AI shapes video content experiences. The conversation covers the challenges of realistic lip movements, the rise of content localization for global audiences, and the role of Vanity AI in enhancing visual effects. Matt also reflects on the importance of team building and innovation in driving the future of dubbing technology.

Dec 8, 2024 • 49min
#224 Matt Panousis: How AI Is Disrupting The Dubbing Industry (LipDub AI) | Chinese Version
In this engaging discussion, Matt Panousis, Co-founder and COO of LipDub AI, reveals how his company is revolutionizing the dubbing industry with AI-powered lip-syncing. He breaks down the challenges of achieving realistic mouth movements and facial synchronization, shedding light on the technical intricacies involved. Matt also introduces Vanity AI, a sister technology for digital makeup, and discusses how these innovations are making high-quality dubbing accessible to global audiences. Discover the future of content localization as AI transforms the way we experience media.

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Dec 4, 2024 • 45min
#223 Kai Beckmann: Why Next-Gen Chips Are Critical for AI’s Future
Kai Beckmann, CEO of Merck KGaA and an expert in materials science, dives into the world of semiconductor innovation. He discusses how next-generation chips are pivotal for AI's future, powering on-device applications while minimizing cloud reliance. Beckmann reveals Merck’s role in advancing materials for smarter chip production, tackling supply chain challenges, and adapting to rapid tech developments. He highlights how AI is transforming semiconductor manufacturing, improving efficiency, and driving the evolution of chip architecture.

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Nov 28, 2024 • 42min
#222 Andrew Feldman: How Cerebras Systems Is Disrupting AI Inference
Andrew D. Feldman, Co-founder and CEO of Cerebras Systems, discusses the revolutionary impact of their wafer-scale engine on AI inference technology. He highlights record-breaking inference speeds and the shift from GPUs to custom architectures. The conversation includes the significance of fast inference in enterprise workflows and the competitive landscape with giants like OpenAI. Feldman also touches on climate initiatives involving AI and the importance of partnerships with supercomputing centers. Discover how Cerebras is reshaping the future of AI.