150 influential figures came together to explore AI’s transformative potential during an exclusive evening at the National Library of France. This VivaTech partner event, The Symposium: AI Edition, was hosted by Edda and The University of Tokyo and gathered various panels of AI leaders to delve into AI applications in several industries, including defense and architecture.
Let's take a closer look at how AI is reshaping these fields in this modern renaissance of technology.
Antoine Bordes, VP of AI at Helsing. Photo credit: Edda
AI in Defense: Accelerating Innovation
The defense sector has always been a catalyst for major technological breakthroughs, and AI is significantly accelerating this trend. During the Symposium: AI Edition, Antoine Bordes, VP of AI at Helsing and former researcher at CNRS and Meta AI, spoke about the subject.
Bordes highlighted how AI is transforming defense by drastically reducing the time required for innovation. Traditionally, the development of advanced defense technologies, like the French fighter jet Rafale, took decades. Today, AI can shorten conceptualization and testing for similar projects to just a handful of weeks.
The crucial part of using AI in defense is teaching it to recognize targets correctly and accurately with large amounts of data. “If you have 24 hours of footage of a large area, it would take people days to comb through to find what you are looking for, but with AI, they can find it in a matter of seconds,” he emphasized.
Bordes also touched on the unfortunate but undeniable role of conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, in accelerating technological advancements. In times of war, the need to gain an advantage over adversaries—whether by being faster or working smarter—drives rapid innovation. Ultimately, the aim is to leverage these advancements to uphold and advance democratic values. “The goal is to help advance these technologies as much as we can so that we hand the power to governments and serve democracies,” he explained.
By harnessing AI in defense, Bordes believes that we not only enhance our capabilities but also work towards a future where technological progress supports global stability and democracy.
Right, Yuki Ikeguchi, Executive VP at Kengo Kuma & Assoc. Left, Asger Taarnberg, Project Manager at Kengo Kuma & Assoc. Photo credit: Edda
AI in Architecture & Design: Redefining Design Processes
Architecture, much like defense, is experiencing a significant disruption with the advent of AI. In the following panel, Yuki Ikeguchi, Executive Vice President at Kengo Kuma & Assoc., and Asger Taarnberg, Project Manager at Kengo Kuma & Assoc., discussed the transformative potential of AI in architectural design and planning.
Taarnberg began by comparing the slow adoption of technology in architecture to trying to accelerate an old truck. Each new technology represents a new gear that takes time to switch into, but AI offers significant potential. He explained that AI can process vast amounts of data from architectural models, transforming elements like windows, doors, and columns into comprehensive data sets. This data includes details on materials, life expectancy, and more.
AI's ability to handle data processing and pattern recognition allows for faster and more accurate estimates, which is crucial for architectural planning. “However,” Taarnberg adds, “AI still lacks the ability to experience, to have sensorial touch and read the atmosphere inside of the room. I don't think there is a data model that can do just that yet and it’s a key aspect of architectural design.”
He emphasized that AI should be seen as a companion, aiding in research and data analysis. For example, AI can help architects understand local requirements for projects worldwide and simulate different design scenarios quickly. This enhances the ability to create well-informed and contextually relevant designs. It can also render 2D images in 3D, speeding up architectural representation.
While AI excels in processing and generating data, Taarnberg pointed out that the creative process of architecture involves multiple stakeholders and negotiations, something AI is not yet equipped to handle independently. However, he noted, “This is the worst that this technology will ever be, it will only get better.”
Embracing AI's Transformative Potential
AI is transforming unexpected industries, from defense to architecture, by accelerating innovation and enhancing capabilities. The insights from these panels reveal that while AI holds immense potential, it is most effective when used as a companion to human creativity and expertise.
Want to explore more ways AI is being used across different sectors? Watch any of the VivaTech 2024 Session Recordings for more insights from experts from around the world.