Interview with Jeremy Moon, Executive Director, Advanced Robotics at UW - Speaker at Global Artificial Intelligence Conference A Posted on : Apr 18 - 2018

We feature speakers at Global Artificial Intelligence Conference - April 27-29 2018 – Seattle to catch up and find out what he or she is working on now and what's coming next. This week we're talking to Jeremy Moon (Executive Director, Advanced Robotics at the UW) Topic - "An Exploration Of Using Computational Methods For Creating Task Specific Intelligent Systems"

Interview with Jeremy Moon

1.Tell us about yourself and your background.

I am currently a student at the University of Washington studying mathematics and political science. I have been with Advanced Robotics at the UW for just over a year, and I was originally brought on a ballistics specialist. I quickly rose through the ranks and am now the organization’s chief administrator. In the future, I plan to launch my career into the field of social analytics, where I hope to use new computational techniques to tackle a variety questions within, business, politics, & economics.

2. What have you been working on recently?

My recent research and work has been focused on computational external ballistics. This work combines mathematical techniques and computer vision to create a fully automated targeting system. While these techniques have a series of applications, the technology currently in development is intended for applications within ARUW’s Standard Robots made for the RoboMaster competition, which is hosted by DJI.

3. Tell me about the right tool you used recently to solve customer problem?

Since ARUW is not a formal company, we do not have many ‘customer problems’. However, we do overcome day-to-day engineering challenges within our departments. A particular issue has been in area of on-board computation. Since we are limited in size and power consumption of our computer hardware, we have found it tough to find miniature computers which can handle the computation for our computer vision and our projectile algorithms. After trial and error, we eventually settled on a reasonably sized, but capable module. Though, we did have to make some serious mechanical changes to adopt the computer into our overall design. This issue I believe is pertinent to the entire industry, and is something that will have to be conquered through continued hardware development.

4. Where are we now today in terms of the state of artificial intelligence, and where do you think we’ll go over the next five years?

Artificial intelligence today is a catalyzing technology. The change it will bring to our daily lives will redefine how we live, how we interact with the world, and how we form our society. Compared to other technologies, AI is unique in that it hold a peculiar place in our culture and society. While we are not quite able to build C-3PO or other science fiction bots, AI has already become a hot topic within political and social debate. It will quickly fall on us, the creators of this technology, to act responsibly with this technology and to correctly inform the conversation. It is also important to remember the incredible tools that AI provide. Even simple systems, proliferated through more industries, will go far in providing the world with an easier and brighter future. AI is still in its infancy. But we will go far, so long as we do it correctly.

5. There is a negative perception around AI and even some leading technology folks have come out against it or saying that it’s actually potentially harmful to society. Where are you coming down on those discussions? How do you explain this in a way that maybe has a more positive beneficial impact for society?

It would be a shame to throw out AI technology because it changes status quo. Furthermore, I do not believe that AI developers attempt to preserve it. Artificial intelligence is s such a prolific industry because of the change it brings. However, that in no way means that all things AI are good. Every member of this industry must be careful to consider the implications of the technology they create. While most automated systems can be seen as helpful, some technologies do in fact disrupt more than they benefit. In that light, it is important for AI and tech developers to work closely with governments, interest groups and the general populace to make decisions that will truly be a benefit to society.

6. When you’re hiring, what types of people are you hiring? The job market for traditional programmers, engineers is  very difficult to get into AI space. Are you hiring from that talent pool or is that a different talent pool? In terms of talent, how do you go about ensuring you get the best AI people at your company?

Hiring and recruiting practices can be hard to determine because often the best workers are those who are the most enthusiastic. However, it is hard to get anything done with an unqualified workforce. More challenges are created by the fact that many of the technical fields surrounding AI require skill and knowledge beyond that of a typical bachelor's degree. Therefore, ARUW has invested significant resources into creating education programs that will help our new recruits get up to speed. If we can provide the extra know-how, we are sure that we can build the best team for the job.

7. Will progress in AI and robotics take away the majority of jobs currently done by humans? Which jobs are most at risk?

When you analyze the current job market for robots and AIs, it is fairly evident that the most impacted sector is manufacturing. However, it is my belief that AI will only be able to do so much when it that field. Like in many other areas of the job market, as projects get bigger, AI will become increasingly necessary to supplement a deficiency in labor. However, it is important to realize that automation, by its very nature, replaces existing jobs. So in order to maintain corporate responsibility, a large focus should be put on creating jobs as quickly as they are replaced. Additionally, it is important to refrain from being overzealous in the interest of AI. This technology should make lives easier, not harder.

8. What can AI systems do now?

Currently, an AI is capable of analyzing situations and determining a course of action based on its analysis. Though this is a crude summary of technology, I believe it highlights both the capabilities of the technology and fact that it can be greatly improved. Our next task is taking this technology and improving its accuracy while also increasing its total number of applications.

9. When will AI systems become more intelligent than people?

Many AI systems are already more intelligent than people. An AI’s ability to identify and categorize situations is largely unparalleled by humans. However, AI fall short in their breadth. Many AI are specific, which is what allows them to be capable. But they lack the ability to approach a large variety of situations. People with surely be able to hold a strong lead on AI in their versatility for a long time.

10. You’ve already hired Y number of  people approximately. What would be your pitch to folks out there to join your Organization? Why does your organization matter in the world?

Advanced Robotics at the University of Washington is critical because it provides early hands-on education and experience with AI and robotics. While there will always be qualified individuals with brand new college degrees, the most qualified recruits in AI will be those who have already build robots with complex automated systems. ARUW provides students with that opportunity. Additionally, we conduct our own research and develop new techniques for solving some of the most challenging engineering problems.

11. What are some of the best takeaways that the attendees can have from your talk?

After my talk, attendees will have greater insight into how capable automated systems can be created at the undergraduate level. Specifically, I will touch on the fact that AI can be effective, simple and easy to build if they are made with targeted functionalities.

12. What are the top 5 AI Use cases in enterprises?

In enterprise, the top uses for AI are in the fields of direct computation, cyber security, identification, prioritization, and mechanical automation.

13. Which company do you think is winning the global AI race?

Currently, because of their application of AI to marketable products, Google is by far leading the way for an easier and more productive AI integrated future.

14. Any closing remarks

Thank you for the opportunity to share what we have been doing here at ARUW and to talk a little bit about what efforts at the university level can do for AI.