The State of AI at Year’s End
2024 has been an incredible year for artificial intelligence, marked by significant advancements, growing adoption across industries, and increasing debate surrounding its ethical implications. From groundbreaking multimodal models to the rise of open-source AI, we’re here to recap the key developments that shaped the landscape for AI in 2024.
1. The Rise of Multimodal AI
This year saw AI break free from the constraints of single modalities like text and images. Multimodal models, capable of processing and generating information across various formats (text, images, audio, video), emerged as a major trend. These models are paving the way for more immersive and interactive AI experiences, with applications ranging from advanced virtual assistants to more realistic and engaging video games.
2. Smaller Language Models and Open Source
While large language models (LLMs) continued to dominate headlines, 2024 witnessed a growing interest in smaller, more efficient models. These models, often open source, offer greater accessibility and customization. This in turn empowers developers and businesses to build tailored AI solutions without the massive computational resources required for LLMs. This democratization of AI is fostering innovation and competition in the field.
3. AI and the GPU Shortage
The increasing demand for AI, particularly for training large models, exacerbated the ongoing global shortage of GPUs. This shortage highlighted the growing need for more efficient AI hardware and sparked innovation in alternative computing architectures.
4. Model Optimization Takes Center Stage
With the rising costs of training and deploying AI models, optimization techniques gained prominence in 2024. Techniques like Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) and quantization allowed developers to fine-tune and deploy models more efficiently, reducing computational costs and making AI more accessible.
5. Customized Local Models and Data Pipelines
Businesses increasingly sought to develop customized AI models trained on their own data. This trend led to a surge in the development of robust data pipelines and tools for managing and processing data for AI applications.
6. More Powerful Virtual Agents
AI-powered virtual agents became more sophisticated and capable, thanks to advancements in natural language processing and multimodal AI. These agents are transforming customer service, providing more personalized and efficient support across various channels.
7. Ethical Concerns and Regulation
As AI becomes more pervasive, concerns surrounding its ethical implications grew louder in 2024. Issues like bias in AI, data privacy, and the potential for job displacement fueled debates and prompted calls for greater regulation. Governments and organizations worldwide began exploring frameworks for responsible AI development and deployment.
8. The Emergence of “Shadow AI”
The rapid adoption of AI in the workplace led to the rise of “shadow AI,” where employees utilize AI tools without official approval or oversight. This phenomenon raised concerns about data security, compliance, and the need for clear corporate AI policies.
Looking Ahead
2024 laid the groundwork for an even more exciting future for AI. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect further breakthroughs in areas like multimodal AI, personalized AI experiences, and responsible AI development. The journey that AI took in 2024 is just the beginning. In the coming years, we can expect its promise to be filled with continued innovation and transformation. As you consider how AI can help you and your business, we can help. PKA is continually developing customized solutions that bring the promise and power of AI to your endeavor. Reach out today to see how we can help you get the most out of AI.
