On April 9, 2024, Paul had the pleasure of addressing the members of the North Wales Business Club with a presentation titled, “What is Possible with Popular AI Tools.” This presentation was designed to both educate and inspire, providing a comprehensive overview of the current capabilities and future potential of AI technologies. The meeting was held at the Conwy Enterprise Buildings in Llandudno Junction, Conwy.
Paul began by placing the current technology landscape in context with where we were a few decades ago. He highlighted the dramatic transformations that have occurred over time, underscoring the exponential rate of technological advancement. This historical perspective was essential to understand the magnitude of the changes we’ve experienced and to appreciate the accelerated pace at which technology, particularly AI, is evolving. By reflecting on the past, he painted a vivid picture of how far we’ve come, setting the stage for a deeper discussion about the present and future.
He then delved into explaining some fundamental AI concepts, ensuring that everyone had a solid understanding of what artificial intelligence is and how it functions. He covered key topics such as machine learning, neural networks, and the distinctions between narrow AI and general AI. This foundational knowledge was crucial for the audience to grasp the subsequent discussions and demonstrations fully.
Following this, the presentation transitioned into a discussion on the societal and ethical issues associated with AI. Paul emphasized the importance of being aware of these issues and actively working to mitigate them. He touched on topics such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for AI to disrupt job markets. He argued that while AI holds immense promise, it also poses significant challenges that society must address to ensure that the technology benefits everyone fairly and equitably.
The presentation culminated in a live demonstration of what can be achieved with AI tools. Paul showcased several cutting-edge applications, including specific features in ChatGPT and the power of the custom GPT framework. He demonstrated how these tools can be used in various real-world scenarios, from automating routine tasks to generating creative content. This hands-on demonstration was designed to illustrate the practical benefits of AI and inspire the audience to explore these technologies further in their own professional and personal lives.
There were some great questions asked by club members which stimulated some great discussion and aided members understanding.
In recent months, there have been significant advancements, with the public gaining access to online AI tools. These tools are primarily based on a type of ‘narrow AI’ known as Large Language Models (LLMs). Below are references to some of the more well-known platforms:
Useful References:
- ChatGPT by OpenAI:
- Gemini by Google:
- Copilot by Microsoft:
- Claude by Anthropic:
- Claude (deeper understanding and better link to search)
- Prompt Library
- Llama by Meta:
- Perplexity:
In-Depth Discussions about AI:
- Yann LeCun: Meta AI, Open Source, Limits of LLMs, AGI & the Future of AI | Lex Fridman Podcast
- Sam Harris: ChatGPT Could Be The Start Of The End! | Watch on YouTube
Powerpoint Slides