Two tech luminaries have left their high-profile positions to embark on an ambitious project aimed at revolutionizing the field of artificial intelligence. David Ha and Llion Jones, former Google employees and well-known figures in the AI research community, have founded a new startup called Sakana. Drawing inspiration from the animal kingdom, Sakana aims to develop AI models that mimic the behavior of fish and bees.
Contrary to the trend of building larger and more complex AI systems, Sakana plans to create multiple smaller AI models that can work in tandem, forming a “swarm” of programs. This approach, inspired by the adaptable behavior of natural algorithms, is expected to yield AI systems that are not only highly intelligent but also cost-effective to train and utilize.
The startup’s vision challenges the traditional methods employed by industry giants like OpenAI, which rely on a single, all-encompassing AI model. Instead, Sakana believes that the collective intelligence of smaller, interconnected models can rival the capabilities of their larger counterparts.
Ha and Jones are well-acquainted with the power of AI, having made significant contributions to the field. Jones co-authored the influential paper “Attention Is All You Need,” which underpins many of today’s popular AI applications. Meanwhile, Ha’s expertise in generative AI earned him recognition while working at Google Brain in Japan.
Although Sakana is in its early stages and has yet to develop an AI model or establish an office, the innovative ideas it pursues have a solid foundation. Ha previously launched a project during his time at Google, in which a fleet of small AI models collaborated to play a game, demonstrating the effectiveness of a distributed approach. Similar to Sakana’s vision, other researchers have sought inspiration from the human brain’s neural networks to enhance AI capabilities.
With the promise of creating AI systems that rival the power and adaptability of nature, Sakana aims to leave a profound impact on the field of artificial intelligence. As they work towards building their team and securing funding, Ha and Jones are confident in the potential of their nature-inspired approach to reshape the future of AI.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the inspiration behind Sakana’s AI models?
Sakana draws inspiration from the behaviors and coordination of fish and bees, aiming to replicate their adaptability and efficient decision-making processes within AI systems.
2. How is Sakana’s approach different from other AI companies?
Unlike many large AI organizations, Sakana plans to develop multiple smaller AI models that work together in a “swarm” formation. This distributed approach is expected to achieve comparable intelligence while being more cost-effective.
3. Who are the founders of Sakana?
Sakana was founded by David Ha and Llion Jones, former Google employees and respected figures in the AI research community. Ha has notable experience in generative AI, while Jones co-authored a seminal paper on attention mechanisms in AI.
4. How does Sakana’s vision align with existing research?
Sakana’s approach aligns with research efforts that explore the potential of distributed AI models and draw inspiration from the neural networks of the human brain. By learning from nature and utilizing smaller interconnected models, Sakana aims to unlock new levels of AI intelligence.
5. What are Sakana’s plans for the future?
While still in its early stages, Sakana intends to establish an office in Tokyo and continue developing its nature-inspired AI models. The startup is actively seeking funding and building its research team to drive forward its ambitious vision.