Interview with Shana Penna, Founder, Puffin Innovations - Speaker at Global AI Conf - Sep 2018 Posted on : Aug 17 - 2018

We feature speakers at Global Artificial Intelligence Conference - 2018 Sep 25 - 27 – Boston 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 Shana Penna, Founder, Puffin Innovations Topic - "The Transformative Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On The Lives Of Those With Disabilities."

Interview with Shana Penna

1. Tell us about yourself and your background.

I am COO and cofounder of an assistive technology startup in Boston called Puffin Innovations. My company is integrating artificial intelligence and internet of things connectivity into technologies for people with severe disabilities. Prior to joining Puffin Inno, I lived in Beijing and received an MBA from an MIT Sloan affiliate program at the prestigious Tsinghua University. In addition to my entrepreneurial activities, I am the proud mother of two daughters.

2. What have you been working on recently?

My company has been working to finalize the beta iteration of our device and software. We are looking to begin distributing our technology to people with disabilities in the next few months. We have also begun evaluating other opportunities for our technology, which allows me to explore potential uses with the military. As someone who served, whose family has also been serving from WWII to more recent wars in Afghanistan, it makes me proud to open up an opportunity to use technology to make our military warfighters safer.

3. 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?

I think that we are finally beginning to understand the vast potential of AI in aspects unheard of even a decade ago. I excitedly watch what is going on in predictive medical technologies with hope that we will finally be able to better understand the most challenging conditions. For our market, those with the most severe disabilities, AI opens up opportunities in community participation, education, and employment. In five years, I hope that we continue to allow AI to help us navigate the most challenging situations because I do believe that there is value in all aspects of society when we do.

4. 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?

I do think that we should always be cognizant of the potential pitfalls of any emerging technology, however I am optimistic about the influence of AI on many populations that have been historically left behind. One worry in this regard is the inherent biases that AI developers can input into their algorithms. For this reason, I hope that we develop the right protocols to ensure that biases are not affecting underrepresented communities. My company’s goal is to use AI to facilitate access to opportunity for those with severe disabilities, we believe the use of AI as a conduit will allow them to show their full potential.

5. 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?

I like to think big, someone who does not see barriers as problems, so when I hire I am looking for people who not only think big but also those who will challenge me on my crazy ideas. Starting a company in Boston offers an incredible pool of potential talent, though I have learned that some schools educate the thinkers, and some create doers. As such, I am learning how to navigate the ideas of the thinkers while supporting the implementation initiatives of the doers.

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

I do think that AI and robotics will change our workforce, but there will always be limits to this because not every job can be done by these technologies. Instead of focusing on what will be lost, I like to think of what will be gained. If we have robotic support in our homes, this can allow us to be better parents or more involved in giving to our communities. Obviously, income will be a challenge, but I hope that the right interventions will minimize that risk. My main concern is any increase in inequities, because our current problems will only be exacerbated if we do not plan accordingly.

7. What can AI systems do now?

Obviously, AI is nowhere near its forecasted potential, but I like to think about the little things it already contributes to my life. As a diabetic, I am using glucose monitors and apps to help with managing the complicated disease. Using the information, I can structure my activity and eating so it does not cause any adverse effects. Someday I hope that the information being collected for the AI could be used for an actual cure. Additionally, for the able-bodied the simplicity of word prediction has made writing and texting easier; but for people with disabilities word prediction has made typing significantly easier. This simple predictive tool has completely changed the way people with disabilities communicate.

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

Though there have been instances of AI outsmarting a person, I do think it will take a long time for AI to become more intelligent than people. The best outcome is for us is to use AI to continue learning, because we still don’t even know the full potential of our own brains.

9. 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?

Our organization has a bold mission, to transform the lives of those with severe disabilities with AI and IoT connectivity. People with severe disabilities have never had the opportunity to reach their full potential because of the limitations in our economy and environments. AI, IoT, and robotics is changing this in extraordinary ways. We want people who are excited about these changes. Our organization matters because it is looking to change society as a whole. We want people with disabilities to easily engage the world, because their contribution to our communities is invaluable. We want people with disabilities to showcase their full potential by eliminating barriers and to that will contribute to innovation, as well as the economy. The impact of our technology can be measured by not only typical business methodologies, but also by the measurable impact it will have on all aspects of our world.

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

That artificial intelligence is already contributing to improving the lives of people with disabilities, and eventually its impact will transform their lives by eliminating all barriers to opportunity.