There’s something special about family camping trips, and for me, it’s those rainy days when we’re forced to slow down and truly connect with each other. My dad, a retired jeweler, is a smart man but belongs to a generation unfamiliar with computers, laptops, and smartphones. Terms like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are foreign to him, often associated with sci-fi movies.
On one such rainy day, as my dad asked about my work at Sunstone, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to explain AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL) using analogies from his jewelry background.
I began by comparing AI to teaching a machine the skills of a master jeweler with an obvious play to his ego but I wanted him interested. There are two types of AI:
Narrow AI: Machines that excel at specific tasks, like identifying gemstones, but can’t do much else.
General AI: The dream of a machine that could do everything a jeweler does and more, but we’re not there yet.
Next, I explained ML as teaching a machine about jewelry craftsmanship based on data without step-by-step instructions, using methods like:
Supervised Learning: An apprentice learning by watching a jeweler and receiving guidance.
Unsupervised Learning: An apprentice learning by examining completed jewelry pieces without knowing which are good or bad.
Reinforcement Learning: An apprentice learning through trial and error, with feedback on their work.
Then, I introduced DL as a special way within ML that uses artificial networks (like our brains) to find patterns in data, such as identifying subtle differences in precious stones. DL is great for tasks involving lots of unorganized data, like recognizing intricate patterns in jewelry designs or estimating the value of antique pieces. It’s more advanced than traditional ML because it can learn by itself from raw data without much guidance.
Sunstone aims to create AI machines as skilled as a master jeweler but focused on our expertise in Defense and Technology. While it may seem like a radical shift, we believe its true value lies in driving accelerated change.
By the end of our conversation, the rain had stopped, and my dad had gained a better understanding of my work. We played golf with an awesome discussion kicked off by my Dad of how we could use AI to help my golf game, whilst his swing needed no improvement.
From enterprise architecture and strategic analysis, planning and procurement to capability, project and program management and delivery.
From enterprise architecture and strategic analysis, planning and procurement to capability, project and program management and delivery.
