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Dream Machines

The college’s minds are harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence while keeping humanity at the fore

By Andrew Doerfler — November 5, 2021

We are on the cusp of a new era. As the power of artificial intelligence is unleashed, global industries are experiencing a transformation unlike any other — and the University of Florida is stepping forward to shape the future.

Here, faculty and students are taking a great leap to unlock the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), while making sure that the technology is harnessed for the betterment of humanity. To achieve this goal, creators and innovators must represent a diversity of thought and disciplines. That’s where the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences shines. The college is the heart of the campus’ interdisciplinary research, built upon a longstanding legacy of collaboration.

Through AI, researchers and educators throughout the college are finding new ways to forge a richer understanding of the world — and the universe — around us. Home to HiPerGator AI, one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world, UF is positioned to become a leader in this domain. The potential extends anywhere that a deeper analysis of data stands to reveal new insights about urgent questions.

As we venture into a bold new age of AI, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ core values of curiosity and collaboration will offer the chance to design, develop and guide advanced technologies with purpose. And this is only the beginning.

 

PREPARING FOR A NEW ECONOMY
Any job that involves data can make use of AI. As this technology becomes increasingly pervasive, more and more careers will demand it.
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS FOR DRUG DISCOVERY
Previously, chemists using computational methods to identify molecules for use in medicine had to choose between accuracy and speed.
BRINGING NEW LIFE TO MARGINALIZED STORIES
Researchers are turning to artificial intelligence to bring a vital facet of American history to a broader audience.
COUNTERING BIAS IN PREDICTIVE POLICING
Police departments and courts worldwide have begun looking to artificial intelligence to prevent crime and sentence offenders.
CONNECTING AI AND THE HUMANITIES
As AI becomes a fixture in our lives, three scholars had a chance to examine how our society shapes technology.
A NEW SCHOOL OF THOUGHT
As we teach machines to think for us, technology is returning the favor by revealing new insights into our own thought processes.
FORWARD-LOOKING FACULTY
Earlier this year, UF made a significant investment by committing to hire over 100 new AI-focused faculty members.

Need a rundown on AI terminology? We’ll break it down for you.

ALGORITHM: Set of rules or commands informing the machine how to take action
ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS: System akin to the human brain, designed to solve highly complex tasks
MACHINE LEARNING: Subset of AI using algorithms to help a machine respond to new data
DEEP LEARNING: When neural networks function properly and the machine begins to learn the ‘why’ behind the action

This story appears in the fall 2021 issue of Ytori magazine. Read more stories from the issue.

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