“Your job in a world of intelligent machines is to keep making sure they do what you want, both at the input (setting the goals) and at the output (checking that you got what you asked for).”
– Pedro Domingo (Author of The Master Algorithm)
The WIE and IEEE of S.P.I.T teamed up together to organize a seminar on 10th October 2017, introducing the concept of Data Science, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. The session was conducted by Mr. Bhavik Gandhi, Director, Analytics at the popular match-making website Shaadi.com. He was also a Former Associate Vice President of services and analytics at Pepperfry and a Software Development Engineer at Microsoft and Amazon. As an experienced professional, Mr. Bhavik shared the nitty-gritty of Machine Learning and the difference between a Data Scientist and a Data Analyst.
Data Sciences is a combination of varied fields involving computer science and extensive use of algorithms. While a data analyst identifies trends and patterns in heaps of data, a data scientist churns out innovation using seemingly complex maze-like information. The discussion started off with the basics of data management, from illogical raw data to easy to understand algorithms which could be communicated to the world to compile a whole new set of information.
The core requirements of a data scientist have evolved from the age-old tradition of only programming to culminating a sense of business understanding and communication skills. According to Mr Bhavik, modelling machines that could eliminate the need of creating more machines itself is extremely important.
“The work we are doing now should be aimed such that we don’t need anybody for that task in a decade or half.”
– Mr. Bhavik Gandhi
Using interactive videos and slides, Mr Bhavik explained how companies like Amazon have automated and simplified their logistics using machine learning. Machine learning comprises of Supervised and Reinforced Learning or Unsupervised Learning. The difference is, how you teach the computer, you either explain explicitly or let it decide for itself according to a given condition set, very much like self-learning. Futuristic applications like a Robotic House Assistant or the Apple Intelligent Personal Assistant SIRI, are all possible because of Artificial Intelligence.
The talk proceeded to the fears of apocalypse and doom relating to machines taking over the human world. We must take advantage of technology for the greater good as long as it is humanely possible. To conclude, he entertained questions of the young minds present at the seminar. Mr Bhavik was then given a token of appreciation by Mrs Aarti Karande, WIE, S.P.I.T and students.
“As budding engineers, we need to keep up with technological trends and hence this was a wonderful opportunity for the students. We thank Mr. Bhavik for sharing his valuable time with us.”
-The IEEE Committee
Report by Edward Cullen, Petyr Baelish, Erza Scarlet