Jun 15, 2022

6 Posts

Microscope and Plato's head statue
Jun 15, 2022

The Batch: Google Engineer Claims Sentient AI, Ethics Team Grounds Taser Drones, Meta Reorgs AI Division, Deep Learning Optimizes Physical Designs

A Google Engineer recently announced he believes that a language model is sentient. I’m highly skeptical that any of today’s AI models are sentient. Some reporters, to their credit, also expressed skepticism.
Example of text generated by LaMDA
Jun 15, 2022

LaMDA Comes Alive?: Google Engineer Says LaMDA AI is Sentient

A chatbot persuaded at least one person that it has feelings. A senior engineer at Google announced his belief that the company’s latest conversational language model is sentient.
Remote-controlled drone capable of firing electroshock darts
Jun 15, 2022

Ethics Team Scuttles Taser Drone: Axon Cancels Plans to Sell a Taser Drone

A weaponized AI system intended to protect students has been grounded. Axon, which makes law-enforcement equipment such as tasers and body cameras, canceled a plan to sell remote-controlled drones capable of firing electroshock darts.
Metaverse illustration with Meta AI product names
Jun 15, 2022

Meta Decentralizes AI Effort: Meta Restructures its AI Research Teams

The future of Big AI may lie with product-development teams. Meta reorganized its AI division. Henceforth, AI teams will report to departments that develop key products.
Animation showing optimizing a physical design
Jun 15, 2022

Airfoils Automatically Optimized: DeepMind AI Research Simulates Fluid Dynamics

Engineers who design aircraft, aqueducts, and other objects that interact with air and water use numerical simulations to test potential shapes, but they rely on trial and error to improve their designs. A neural simulator can optimize the shape itself.
Microscope and Plato's head statue
Jun 15, 2022

Can an AI System Be Sentient? Ask a Philosopher

A Google Engineer recently announced he believes that a language model is sentient. I’m highly skeptical that any of today’s AI models are sentient. Some reporters, to their credit, also expressed skepticism.

Subscribe to The Batch

Stay updated with weekly AI News and Insights delivered to your inbox