Towards AI by Deep Neural Networks

The "Towards AI by Deep Neural Networks" short summer course is designed to provide undergraduate students with a condensed introduction to the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the lens of deep neural networks. This course aims to provide students with a high-level understanding of the theories, algorithms, and practical applications of deep learning, computer vision, embodied artificial intelligence, and large language models, enabling them to gain exposure to this rapidly evolving field.

 

Over the span of the 2-week interval, students will be introduced to key concepts and applications of AI, with a focus on deep neural networks and their relevance in high dimensional data analysis, data representation and data-dependent reasoning and planning. The course will offer a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals, allowing students to develop a solid foundation in this exciting area of study. Topics covered include sparse, low-rank, and deep network models, as well as convex and nonconvex formulations, drawing from the latest mathematical, statistical, geometrical, and computational principles. In addition, the course will provide insights into embodied AI, exploring how artificial intelligence systems are integrated into physical devices or robots to interact with and learn from the real world. Students will learn about the processing and response mechanisms for sensory inputs such as vision, touch, and sound, and how these contribute to the effective performance of tasks and navigation in various environments. Applications of embodied AI, including autonomous vehicles, drones, robotic assistants, and smart home devices, will be discussed to illustrate the potential and impact of AI in the real world.

 

As part of the course, students will also be introduced to computer vision and large language models, which serve as major motivations for the development of advanced AI systems. By incorporating these elements, the course aims to provide a well-rounded understanding of the current state of AI research and its potential applications across various industries. Through this immersive 2-week course, students will gain a glimpse into the potential of AI and its impact on diverse fields, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to further explore the world of deep neural networks, high dimensional data analysis, and embodied AI.