Many predicted 2023 would be the year for artificial intelligence (AI) to launch into the stratosphere, but AI kind of fell off a bit toward the end of 2023. While 2023 saw multiple breakthroughs in the AI space like the explosion of new large language models, new products and devices implementing these breakthroughs were few and far between. Imagine the last year of AI as if it were the day the original iPhone was announced: It's fantastic and futuristic, but it still needed years of refinement before it can become an iPhone 15 MAX. I personally believe that 2024 will be a big year for AI. I think we will witness specific trends in AI becoming more actualized and easier to implement in everyday devices. As we move through 2024, several key trends are poised to make a significant impact. Let's explore five of the most exciting developments to watch:

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‍1. The Rise of Small Language Models (SLMs):

‍Large language models (LLMs) like GPT-3/4, LAMDA, and Llama have dominated the AI landscape in the past year, but their immense size requires vast computing resources, and their data sets are generalized with billions of parameters. This software is great for solving lots of problems across multiple spaces and sectors. While LLMs are generalized, SLMs are targeted and trained to handle specific tasks and applications. Microsoft's Phi-2 SLM is trained on just 2 billion parameters, but what it's trained on is more specific to the tasks it's designed to handle. These SLMs are packing similar power into a smaller, more manageable package. This makes AI accessible to a wider range of businesses and developers.

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‍2. Enhanced Experience with Multimodal AI:

‍Most AI models are limited to processing a single data type, like text. Multimodal AI integrates various formats like vision, speech, and text, creating a more human-like experience. Imagine AI assistants that understand your questions not just from the words you say but also from facial expressions and gestures. We are already seeing tech like this being implemented in new devices like Apple Vision Pro AR headsets that track your eyes and, in combination with hand gestures, allow you to use the headset. This technology will revolutionize human-computer interaction and will impact sectors like customer service, education, and healthcare.

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3. AI for Sustainability and Environmental Solutions

AI is becoming a powerful tool for tackling climate change and environmental challenges. We can expect advancements in areas like:

• Optimizing energy use: AI can analyze energy consumption patterns and predict demand, leading to more efficient power grids and reduced carbon footprint. Teaching AI to understand how much data needs to be used for specific tasks can lead to energy conservation at a large scale, affecting how much global energy is consumed.
• Precision agriculture: AI-powered systems can analyze soil conditions and weather patterns to optimize crop yields, minimize water usage, and decrease pesticide reliance. This can have a profound impact on global food numbers and can help millions of people worldwide.

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‍4. The Continued Evolution of Generative AI:

‍Generative AI, like the technology behind text-to-image generation, will continue to evolve in 2024. Programs like Midjourney and Dall-e will push the boundaries of what we can perceive when it comes to distinguishing real from fake.

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5. The Growing Focus on Explainable AI (XAI):

‍As AI becomes more complex, ensuring its transparency and explainability is crucial. XAI techniques will be critical in building trust and mitigating potential biases in AI decision-making. By understanding how AI models arrive at their conclusions, we can ensure fairness, reduce risks, and promote responsible AI development.

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Will 2024 be the year for AI? The trends listed above are the backbone of what will really send AI into the next level and will be the foundation for how we move technology forward in the future.