Professor Hava Siegelmann, a computer science expert, is researching lifelong learning AI, drawing inspiration from the brain's abstraction and generalization capabilities. The research aims to enable intelligent systems in satellites, robots, and medical devices to adapt and improve their expertise in real-time, even with limited communication and power. The goal is to develop AI systems applicable for far edge computing that can learn in runtime and handle unanticipated situations. Why it matters: This research could lead to more resilient and adaptable AI systems for critical applications in remote and resource-constrained environments, with potential benefits for various sectors in the Middle East.
MBZUAI hosted a talk by Visiting Associate Professor Adrian Bors on continuously streaming AI and the challenge of catastrophic forgetting. The talk covered approaches to continual learning like expanding mixtures of models and generative replay mechanisms. Results were presented on image classification and generation tasks. Why it matters: Continual learning is crucial for AI systems to adapt to new environments and real-world data without forgetting previous knowledge.
Giuseppe Loianno from NYU presented research on creating "Super Autonomous" robots (USARC) that are Unmanned, Small, Agile, Resilient, and Collaborative. The research focuses on learning models, control, and navigation policies for single and collaborative robots operating in challenging environments. The talk highlighted the potential of these robots in logistics, reconnaissance, and other time-sensitive tasks. Why it matters: This points to growing research interest in advanced robotics in the region, especially given the focus on smart cities and automation.
KAUST is launching the Lifelong Learning Initiative (LLI), offering short, hands-on courses in areas like cybersecurity, food security, and semiconductors. The inaugural AI courses, designed for those with basic coding skills, will start with a "Machine Learning Bootcamp" in Riyadh from May 10-12. The KAUST Artificial Intelligence Initiative (AII) is developing AI class material in partnership with SDAIA. Why it matters: This initiative will upskill Saudi nationals and residents in critical areas like AI, supporting the Kingdom's development objectives and mobilization of the labor market.
MBZUAI Professor Salman Khan is researching continuous, lifelong learning systems for computer vision, aiming to mimic human learning processes like curiosity and discovery. His work focuses on learning from limited data and adversarial robustness of deep neural networks. Khan, along with MBZUAI professors Fahad Khan and Rao Anwer, and partners from other universities, presented research at CVPR 2022. Why it matters: This research has the potential to significantly improve the ability of AI systems to understand and adapt to the real world, enabling more intelligent autonomous systems.