Computer scientist and tech pioneer Prof. Dr. Sebastian Thrun will be honored at the Vordenker Forum at Goethe University Frankfurt for his life's work to date.
Thrun is considered one of the forefathers of probabilistic robotics, which uses statistical methods in artificial intelligence and robotics, and heads a group of scientists working in the field of autonomous driving. The German-born researcher, who became head of the Artificial Intelligence Lab at Stanford University at the age of 36, is also looking at other possible applications of artificial intelligence.
AI in medical applications
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Thrun is an expert in the use of artificial intelligence (Image: Vordenker Forum)Thrun cites medical image processing, i.e. the early detection of skin cancer using AI-supported image analysis, as an example of the opportunities associated with artificial intelligence (AI): "An iPhone camera with AI software can detect skin cancer earlier and better than any doctor, no matter how experienced." Early detection is considered a critical survival factor: if the cancer is treated in the early stages, the patient remains unaffected; with stage 4 skin cancer, which can occur as early as one year later, the chance of survival is only 20 percent. According to Thrun, AI can not only replace administrative tasks, but also outperform highly paid specialists with years of training.
Most office work can be done by AI
Thrun sees great potential for the use of artificial intelligence in the office: "Around three quarters of professional activities in Western industrialized countries take place there and 95 percent of them are repetitive in nature, i.e. not creative. All of these activities can potentially be replaced by AI, and that is exactly what will happen in the next ten to fifteen years. Companies and countries would therefore be well advised to invest in AI quickly and prepare for a fundamental change."
AI as the star salesperson
According to Thrun, sales will also change dramatically through the use of artificial intelligence: "Amazon already generates around 30 percent of its sales through recommendation engines, i.e. AI-supported product recommendations based on customer behavior." The thought leader refers to a project he supervised in which an AI computer analyzed a company's internal sales department in detail for around a month and then became a star salesperson. "Within four weeks, the AI software found out the best way to encourage prospective customers to buy goods and services."
According to Thrun, artificial intelligence acquires more knowledge in practically all areas within a few weeks than humans do in their entire lives. "How quickly and well the machine learns depends primarily on how much data we feed it," explains the thought leader. "The more data, the faster the intelligence grows."
Great interest in Thrun's award
Sebastian Thrun will receive his award on September 15, 2022 at Goethe University Frankfurt. The Vordenker Forum specifies a time slot of approx. 14:00 to 18:00. As the press contingent is limited, journalists are advised to register early for accreditation by emailing
