Practical, not marketing applications of machine learning
This episode's guest is Dr Maciej Adamiak, a researcher and practitioner who works with machine learning in projects based on geospatial data, image and sound, and solutions from the Internet of Things. In this conversation, he demonstrates why the term "AI" can be misleading: the focus is not on the "thinking machine," but on algorithms that, based on data, adjust model parameters and learn to recognise patterns.
What wiil you hear in this episode?
We discuss topics such as how motion information can be extracted from seemingly static images – for example, estimating vehicle speed – and how analysing satellite images supports our understanding of processes occurring on Earth. We also discuss plant classification and its potential applications in the context of beekeeping.
In the conversation, we also go back to a question that increasingly arises in discussions about technology: "Is this solution really necessary?" Dr Adamiak emphasises that responsible implementation of ML tools requires not only effectiveness but also consideration of the consequences – privacy, data collection methods and the rationale for automation. Against this backdrop, we discuss an approach in which devices can "listen" to their surroundings and recognise specific events, but do not need to store recordings – which is important in the context of data protection and regulatory compliance.
Finally, we discuss topics that are generating particular excitement today: the energy cost of training models, the growing amount of automatically generated content, bots and deepfakes, and how recommendation platforms (including YouTube) influence the visibility of content and the reception of information. The episode leaves the listener with a clear message: AI is a tool that can be great at pattern recognition, but it requires critical thinking, responsible decisions and a clear goal.
"Science Inspires" podcast
The podcast was produced in the Radio Łódź studio, where the conversations were hosted jointly by Michał Gruda and Radio Łódź journalist Joanna Karp.
The recording was made as part of the "Lodz for Young People" programme, run by the Marshal's Office in Lodz.
Edit: Michał Gruda (Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz)
