Illia Polosukhin, a former Google employee, is considered one of the founding fathers of modern AI for his work on the transformer neural network architecture. Together with seven colleagues, known as the “Transformer 8,” he co-wrote the influential article “Attention is all you need” in 2017. This groundbreaking work paved the way for the development of generative artificial intelligence.
In 2018, Google began using transformers in Google Translate, leading to significant improvements in the technology. However, it was not until OpenAI released ChatGPT in November 2022 that transformer technology gained widespread popularity. Polosukhin emphasized the importance of open-sourcing AI technology, as it allows for greater innovation and accessibility.
After leaving Google, Polosukhin co-founded his own AI company, Near, with Alexander Skidanov. He cited the need for speed and user-centric design as reasons for leaving the tech giant. Polosukhin is committed to developing user-owned AI that prioritizes privacy and user sovereignty.
In a recent appearance at Nvidia’s annual developer conference, Polosukhin and the other members of the Transformer 8 were celebrated for their contributions to the field of AI. He highlighted the importance of collaboration and open source development in advancing AI technology.
Overall, Illia Polosukhin’s work has had a significant impact on the field of artificial intelligence, paving the way for new innovations and advancements in the industry. His focus on user-centric design and privacy underscores the importance of responsible AI development in an increasingly digital world.
Article Source
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/ai-pioneer-illia-polosukhin-one-of-googles-transformer-8-wants-to-democratize-artificial-intelligence/3446422/?amp=1