Generative AI is all the buzz, and Women in AI Austria recently had the pleasure of exploring this transformative technology at a BLUE&MiNT event, held on June 19, 2024. Hosted in the stunning Skylobby of IBM in Vienna, the event focused on the themes of being open, targeted, trusted, and empowering.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome by Diellza Ahmetaj, setting the stage for a series of engaging talks. The speakers following her provided invaluable insights into the world of AI, with dynamic discussions focusing on the risks and potential of Generative AI.
Kathrin Hahnekamp opened the session with a short introduction to KAT3 tech consulting.
Dr. Annalisa Cadonna and Sara Gogic captivated the audience with what it was like to move through research and design in a project context, specifically highlighting practical applications of Generative AI and Retrieval Augmented Generation with watsonx.ai.
Nathaniel Boisgard rounded off the first part of the event with a comprehensive overview of AI Governance, in preparation for the upcoming EU AI Act.
Carina Zehetmaier delivered an insightful introduction to Women in AI Austria, emphasizing the organization’s mission to empower and support women in the AI field. She highlighted the growing concern that women, already underrepresented in tech, face an even greater disparity with the rise of AI technologies. Carina underscored Women in AI Austria’s commitment to bridging this widening gap by providing networking opportunities, professional development, and a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences. Her overview showcased the group’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive community and encouraging more women to engage with and excel in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Dr. Franziska Brunner delved into the transformative potential and risks of Voice AI. This technology significantly enhances inclusivity and accessibility by enabling more natural and intuitive interactions, which is especially beneficial for users who prefer hands-free interaction or have limited literacy. Voice AI enriches user experiences through its integration with visual and haptic interfaces, offering flexible, multimodal interactions and personalized responses based on user preferences. At the same time, the sophistication of voice synthesis raises concerns about potential misuse, including emotional manipulation, identity impersonation, and fraud. As Voice AI becomes more integrated into daily life, it’s crucial to balance technological advances with maintaining genuine human connections and addressing ethical and security risks. Franziska underscored the need for thoughtful implementation of generative Voice AI to maximize its benefits while mitigating its risks, a perspective grounded in both UX research and voice studies.
Sabine Singer’s thought-provoking talk, “Wie intelligent ist die KI?” explored the compelling intersection of artificial, human, and emotional intelligence, and how this synergy is transforming our lives. She illustrated how AI is empowering machines to tackle complex tasks previously exclusive to humans and highlighted the collaborative potential of human creativity and emotional insight in fields such as medical diagnostics and creative processes. Sabine also addressed the ethical challenges associated with AI, urging a balanced approach where technology and humanity work together to create a more empathetic and improved future. Her presentation offered an inspiring vision of how integrating diverse forms of intelligence can revolutionize our world while fostering a thoughtful discussion on the responsibilities that accompany such advancements.
Post-presentation, the event transitioned into a networking session, where attendees had the chance to exchange ideas, explore collaborations, and build connections within the AI and BLUE&MiNT Women In Technology community.
A special thanks to IBM Austria for hosting the event, it was a fantastic opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals passionate about advancing AI through diversity and inclusion. And to all the members of Women in AI Austria who participated and contributed to its success. Your enthusiasm and dedication make our community vibrant and strong.
Franziska Brunner coordinated Women in AI Austria’s contributions at this BLUE&MiNT Event and wrote this review for Women in AI Austria.