Demystifying AI: CSIRO and Google Australia release video explainer

Have you ever wondered how your phone unlocks with your face, or how your favourite streaming app always seems to know what you want to watch next? The answer is Artificial Intelligence (AI), a technology that's woven into our everyday lives.

But with so much hype surrounding AI, it's easy to feel lost in the noise. We know Australians are curious and want to learn more – with top AI-related Google Searches asking ‘What is AI?’ and ‘What is generative AI?’.

We believe that understanding AI is crucial for everyone, so CSIRO and Google Australia (as part of our Digital Future Initiative) created an educational video to demystify AI – to show what it is, how it works, and how it's being used right here in Australia. And we’re sharing it today, on the Day of AI.

It's Not Magic, It's Maths

Journey into the heart of AI and you’ll find mathematics. Think of AI as a computer program that learns from examples, much like we learn from experience. We show it a massive amount of data, and it draws out patterns and relationships, allowing it to complete tasks, make predictions or create new content.

The Power of Patterns

This learning process is what powers many everyday AI applications, like face recognition on your phone. The AI model has been shown examples of faces, allowing it to identify yours accurately.

But AI goes beyond simple recognition. Generative AI, like Gemini, uses datasets to create new content – from writing poems to generating images.

The Importance of Responsible AI

While AI has the potential to transform our lives for the better, it's important to understand its limitations. AI models are only as good as the data they're trained on, and they can sometimes reflect and amplify biases present in that data. That's why human oversight is crucial. We need to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly, with fairness and inclusivity in mind.

We believe that AI should be used for good, and that means ensuring that it benefits everyone. By understanding the principles of responsible AI, we can all play a part in shaping its future.

AI in Australia: A World of Possibilities

AI is already making waves across Australia, supporting industries from healthcare to agriculture. It's helping doctors diagnose diseases, farmers optimise crop yields, and even personalise your online shopping experience.

The potential of AI is immense, and we're only just beginning to explore its possibilities. But by understanding how it works and the importance of responsible AI, we can all play a part in shaping its future.

Watch the video on the CSIRO YouTube channel now!