Essential Insights from AI UK 2024
Earlier in March, Klarian's Head of Analytics, Dr. Liam Trimby, had the opportunity to attend AI UK 2024, hosted by the Alan Turing Institute in London.
This event marked a significant milestone following the first AI safety summit in the UK and drew an impressive turnout from fellow Exeter businesses, including representatives from the Met Office and Exeter University, who made up about one-sixth of the delegate stands.
In this blog post, Liam shares his highlights and key learnings from the AI UK 2024 event.
A Focus on AI Reliability and Safety Standards
A central theme throughout the conference was the importance of AI reliability and safety standards. With an eye on the outcomes of similar summits in France and Korea, Klarian is committed to adhering to these standards from the outset. However, it was universally acknowledged that standards alone are not enough to deter bad actors.
Therefore, building AI systems with inherent resilience to manipulation and prioritising security is essential. NASA's contribution resonated deeply with Klarian's analytical approach, validating the significance of traditional symbolic AI and physics-based methods alongside newer AI technologies. AI is another tool in the arsenal; and it should not be used as a crutch to replace accurate, totally reliable, and time-tested methods.
Government Involvement and Initiatives
The UK government's presence was notably strong, with ministers, lords, generals, and the chief scientist leading a series of engaging discussions aimed at establishing the UK as an AI superpower. Among the initiatives discussed was the construction of a machine-learning oriented supercomputer located just an hour away from Klarian's Exeter office. Klarian has been invited to participate in the Alan Turing Institute's Trustworthy and Ethical Assurance platform, as well as the UKRI Digital Twinning Network, marking significant steps towards collaborative efforts in AI development and ethical considerations.
Business-Specific Insights and Opportunities
The conference offered a wealth of knowledge specific to Klarian's business activities, particularly in discussions around using finite-element-analysis combined with hybrid agent-actor AI models for predictive maintenance. Insights into supply chain optimisation techniques and the potential application of transfer-ML methods to the pipeline industry were especially intriguing. Additionally, I participated in a roundtable on environment and sustainability, which further highlighted the interconnection between AI advancements and sustainable practices.
Looking Forward
The sentiment towards general AI and its proximity to current capabilities sparked thoughtful discussions. Debates on whether a General AI must interact with the physical world or could be text/image-based only provided fascinating perspectives on the future of AI technology.
AI UK 2024 was not just an event; it was a showcase of the potential that lies within the intersection of AI technology, ethical standards, and collaborative effort. For Klarian, the insights gained and the connections made at the conference are an invaluable resources that will guide our approach, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovation while adhering to ethical and safety standards.
By Dr. Liam Trimby, Head of Analytics