AI Start-Up Aims to Empower, Not Replace, Workers
Andi Peng, a former research scientist at the A.I. company Anthropic, recently co-founded Humans&. This new venture aims to shift the focus of artificial intelligence from replacing human workers to empowering them. Alongside notable technologists, including former employees from xAI and Google, Peng seeks to create systems that facilitate collaboration rather than autonomous operation.
Transition from Anthropic to Humans&
During her time at Anthropic, Peng was part of efforts to ensure A.I. technologies were not misleading or harmful. However, she became aware of a significant concern: many A.I. systems were designed to replace jobs. Her departure from Anthropic marked a commitment to developing technologies that prioritize human roles in the workforce.
The Vision of Humans&
Humans& aims to create an A.I.-driven communication platform that enhances teamwork among users. The company aspires to maximize human potential through A.I. while minimizing the risk of job displacement. “Anthropic is training its model to work autonomously. I think of machines and humans as complementary,” said Peng.
Funding and Company Growth
In a remarkably short time, Humans& has garnered $480 million in seed funding. This investment comes from notable names in technology, such as Nvidia, Jeff Bezos, and venture capital firms like SV Angel and Google Ventures. The start-up is currently valued at approximately $4.48 billion and employs around 20 staff members.
Market Context
- Funding Trends: Many A.I. start-ups have also raised significant capital recently.
- Competition: A collaboration of former OpenAI, Meta, and Google researchers secured $300 million for A.I. in scientific discovery.
- Bezos Initiative: Jeff Bezos raised $6.2 billion for an A.I. project where he is a co-chief executive.
Human-Centric A.I. Development
Humans& is aligned with a broader movement towards human-centered A.I. systems. The Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, established in 2019, emphasizes this focus. Prominent voices like Ben Shneiderman advocate for designs that prioritize human control. “There are clear principles favoring human-centered approaches,” he noted.
Innovative A.I. Interactivity
Eric Zelikman, CEO of Humans&, highlighted a critical limitation of current chatbots—their inability to ask questions effectively. He emphasized the importance of A.I. systems being interactive and able to store user information for future use. The goal is to develop A.I. that possesses both curiosity and memory, enhancing collaboration across various settings.
Conclusion
The establishment of Humans& reflects a progressive shift in the A.I. industry. The emphasis on empowering, rather than replacing, human workers may redefine how we envision A.I. in daily life. This venture represents not only a business opportunity but also a commitment to fostering a collaborative future with technology.
