S6 | 479: Left-brain/Right-brain AI with Peter van der Putten, Director AI Lab at Pega
About the Episode
Today we’re going to talk about the ethical use of AI, and how the concept of left-brain/right-brain AI can give businesses the best of all things, by helping them to create great customer experiences that are valuable to the business, while using AI in a responsible way.
To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Peter van der Putten, Director AI Lab at Pega.
About Peter van der Putten
Peter van der Putten is assistant professor of AI, Leiden University, and lead scientist and director, AI lab, at Pega. He is particularly interested how intelligence can evolve through learning, in man or machines. Peter has a MSc in Cognitive Artificial Intelligence from Utrecht University and a PhD in data mining from Leiden University, and combines academic research with applying these technologies in business. He teaches New Media New Technology and supervises MSc thesis projects.
Resources
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Pega AI Manifesto: https://www.pega.com/ai-innovation
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Synopsis
The podcast episode discusses the concept of left-brain, right-brain AI as a way to explain the different types of artificial intelligence (AI). The host uses the metaphor of the brain to describe these two types. Left brain AI is described as being more focused on rational decision-making, while right brain AI is associated with creativity.
Left brain AI technologies, such as machine learning and predictive analytics, are mentioned as tools for making automated decisions. These technologies can determine the best course of action in various situations, such as selecting a marketing offer for a customer, evaluating a loan application, or handling an insurance claim. Left brain AI involves analyzing information, making predictions, and determining the optimal action to take.
On the other hand, right brain AI is described as being more aligned with generative AI and the creative aspect of AI. However, specific details and examples of right brain AI are not provided in the transcript.
The podcast suggests that the concept of left-brain, right-brain AI may need further explanation to avoid getting lost in the hype and abundance of AI technologies. By using this metaphor, the host aims to provide a clearer understanding of the different types of AI and their respective focuses.
van der Putten discusses his role at Pega, which involves exploring how AI can be responsibly applied in large companies. They emphasize that their focus is not solely on the technology itself, but also on its proper application. The importance of ethical and responsible AI is highlighted, and the speaker mentions the development of new go-to-markets with AI, including a venture into generative AI. The episode emphasizes the potential for AI to have a positive and responsible impact on large companies when used appropriately.
Peter also emphasizes the importance of building a feedback loop to effectively apply AI. They explain that while AI technology is valuable, it is not sufficient on its own. Drawing insights from older technologies like cybernetics, which involve the concept of a feedback loop, can provide valuable guidance for implementing AI effectively.
Peter stresses that simply having a team of smart data scientists working on AI is not enough without a feedback loop in place. They emphasize that without a feedback loop, the intelligence gained from AI becomes useless. The feedback loop enables continuous learning and improvement by gathering feedback from customer interactions and using it to optimize processes in real time.
The episode introduces the concept of the autonomous enterprise, drawing parallels to self-driving cars. The speaker acknowledges that few enterprises can currently claim to be fully autonomous, and achieving autonomy is a journey. They suggest that organizations may initially experience chaos, then gradually manage and automate processes before incorporating more intelligence into interactions.
The ultimate goal is to establish an autonomous loop where AI drives processes and interactions, continuously learning from feedback and self-optimizing. The speaker emphasizes that this level of autonomy does not mean sacrificing control for the business. It is about leveraging AI to make data-driven decisions and improve outcomes while maintaining ethical considerations.
Overall, the episode highlights the significance of building a feedback loop as a crucial component of effectively applying AI. It stresses that AI should not be seen as a standalone technology but rather as a tool that can be enhanced by incorporating feedback and continuously improving processes.
Peter van der Putten, Director AI Lab, Pega
