Generative AI Explained

Generative AI is a type of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that can create new and original content, such as text, images, videos, or music.

This technology has been around since the 1960s, with early applications in chatbots. However, these early models were limited in their ability to create realistic and creative content.

Significant advancements propelled generative AI into the mainstream. In 2014, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) were introduced. GANs work by pitting two neural networks against each other, one generating content and the other trying to distinguish real data from the generated content. This competition drives the generation of increasingly realistic and creative outputs.

Further advancements included transformers, a new neural network architecture that improved how AI models process information. Additionally, the development of Large Language Models (LLMs) like OpenAI's GPT series allowed generative AI to handle complex tasks like writing different kinds of creative text formats.

So, how does generative AI work? These systems employ various algorithms to learn from existing data. For example, Variational Autoencoders (VAEs) are commonly used for image generation. These algorithms analyse the data to understand its underlying patterns and relationships. Once trained, the AI can use these patterns to generate entirely new content that resembles the data it was trained on.

Examples of Generative AI in Action:

• Creating realistic and artistic images: Generative AI can be used to create photorealistic images of people, places, or objects that don't actually exist. This technology is used in movies, video games, and even for generating product mock-ups. For instance, Nvidia's GauGAN2 allows users to create landscapes with just a few descriptive words.
• Generating creative text formats: Large language models like GPT-3 can be used to write different kinds of creative content, from poems and code to scripts and musical pieces.
• Personalising user experiences: Generative AI can personalise content for users, like suggesting products or recommending articles based on their past preferences.
• Drug discovery and scientific research: Generative AI can be used to accelerate scientific discovery by generating new molecules or simulating complex systems.

In essence, generative AI is not a replacement for human creativity but rather a powerful tool that can act as a creative assistant, helping to generate ideas and accelerate the creative process.