Google DeepMind: The Podcast

Join Paige Bailey, AI developer relations engineering lead at Google DeepMind, as she dives into the cutting-edge world of AI tools for creators. Discover how the Gemini app is revolutionizing filmmaking with advanced simulation techniques and immersive storytelling. Learn about the art of crafting effective prompts for AI models and how innovative platforms enhance creativity and productivity. Paige also discusses the importance of safety in AI developments, ensuring responsible use while pushing the boundaries of human imagination.

Drew Purves, the Nature Lead at Google DeepMind with two decades in ecological research, dives into the thrilling intersection of AI and conservation. He discusses how AI helps fill data gaps crucial for protecting biodiversity, spotlighting projects like PERch, which analyzes sounds from nature to track species health. Purves also shares insights on the Dolphin Gemma project, revealing how AI decodes dolphin communication. With advancements in satellite imagery, this conversation unveils the transformative role AI could play in tackling environmental challenges.

Max Jaderberg, Chief AI Officer at Isomorphic Labs with a background in teaching AI to play games, and Rebecca Paul, Head of Medicinal Drug Design with extensive experience in drug discovery, join the conversation. They delve into how AlphaFold 3 is transforming drug discovery by predicting molecular structures. The discussion covers tackling complex diseases, the challenges of drug efficacy, and the significance of AI in personalizing medicine. They even touch on the ambitious goal of designing treatments for previously deemed "undruggable" diseases.

Carolina Parada, Senior Director and Head of Robotics at Google DeepMind, dives into the exciting world of robotics. She discusses the leap in robotic capabilities with multimodal understanding and embodied reasoning, allowing robots to perform tasks like tying shoelaces and adapting in real-time. Parada explains the innovative two-system approach enabling robots to combine complex reasoning with rapid responses. With advancements in dexterity and learning methods, she envisions a future where robots significantly enhance human capabilities, especially in healthcare.

Joelle Barral, Senior Director of Research at Google DeepMind, specializes in harnessing AI to improve healthcare outcomes. In this conversation, she delves into how AI integrates medical insights to enhance diagnostics while keeping the doctor-patient relationship intact. Barral discusses AI's role in cancer care, emphasizing partnerships that use advanced data for better treatments. She also addresses ethical concerns around patient data and the balance needed between innovation and accountability in healthcare research.

Join Murray Shanahan, Professor of Cognitive Robotics at Imperial College London and a principal scientist at Google DeepMind, as he explores the philosophical depths of AI. He discusses the limitations of the Turing Test, introducing the 'Garland test' for consciousness. Murray sheds light on the influence of films like 'Ex Machina' on public perception of AI. He also delves into the evolution of AI reasoning, contrasting symbolic methods with modern approaches, and questions the ethical implications of consciousness and suffering in artificial entities.

David Silver, an Original DeepMind researcher renowned for his work on AlphaGo, shares his bold vision for AI's future. He discusses how AI should evolve beyond reliance on human data, advocating for self-learning systems capable of generating their own experiences. Silver reflects on significant moments like move 37 in Go, illustrating AI's potential for creativity. He also introduces AlphaProof, a groundbreaking system for AI-driven mathematical proofs, emphasizing the importance of trust and innovative approaches in the AI landscape.

Greg Wayne, Director in Research at Google DeepMind, reveals exciting insights about Project Astra, a cutting-edge universal AI assistant prototype. He discusses its unique abilities, such as real-world interaction and multilingual processing, showcasing its potential to support individuals with disabilities. The conversation dives into the AI's memory management, ethical considerations, and proactive features, grasping the challenges of creating an invaluable companion. Tune in to discover how this groundbreaking technology could redefine daily assistance!

Oriol Vinyals, VP of Drastic Research and co-lead of Gemini at Google DeepMind, shares insights on the evolution of AI agents from narrow tasks to complex problem-solving. He explains the two-step training process of multimodal models, highlighting the advancements in reinforcement learning. Vinyals delves into the challenges of scaling AI capabilities, its reasoning mechanisms, and future functionalities like independent research. The conversation also touches on the implications of AI in travel planning and the exciting journey toward achieving artificial general intelligence.

In this engaging discussion, Nicklas Lundblad, Director of Public Policy at Google DeepMind and an expert in AI regulation, delves into the intricate balance between innovation and regulation in artificial intelligence. He argues for nuanced, adaptable regulatory frameworks that prioritize harm reduction while addressing public sentiment. Lundblad highlights global approaches to AI governance, emphasizing the significance of democratic involvement and transparency. The conversation underscores the need to mitigate biases and ensure ethical standards as AI technologies evolve.