Embracing AI in Technology

Raji Arasu, the Chief Technology Officer at Autodesk, has harnessed the power of artificial intelligence for nearly three decades to tackle software challenges. According to Arasu, traditional software development methodologies—whether deterministic, procedural, or conventional—have often fallen short when addressing intricate problems. She stated, “I’ve always turned to AI as a solution, particularly for handling unstructured data.”

A Stellar Career in Tech

Throughout her extensive career, Arasu has forged a path through notable tech organizations. She embarked on her professional journey at Oracle in 1993 as an engineering technical lead. A few years later, she joined eBay, quickly ascending to become the Vice President of Technology. After contributing her expertise at StubHub and Intuit, Arasu took on her current role at Autodesk, where she has excelled for the past four years.

The Power of Networking

Arasu credits much of her success to the profound impact of her professional support network. She actively champions the empowerment of others, focusing on supporting women in technology and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, particularly within leadership roles. “Early in my career, I was fortunate to have a diverse set of mentors who played a crucial role in shaping my confidence, encouraging me to voice my perspectives and advocate for myself.”

Arasu emphasizes the importance of representation in strategic decision-making: “Ensuring that women, people of color, and individuals from diverse backgrounds are involved in these processes is vital.”

Advancements and Innovations in AI

Over the years, Arasu has had the opportunity to witness thrilling advancements in artificial intelligence. At Autodesk, she has been at the helm of the research and development organization that explores AI applications in areas such as construction automation, 3D modeling, and engineering design. “The surge in computing power, generative AI, and the intricate fine-tuning of large-scale models have transcended the confines of research labs,” she remarked. “I’m captivated by the speed at which this AI revolution is set to transform industries across the board.”

The Risks of AI Technology

Despite the exhilarating potential of AI, Arasu recognizes that it comes with significant risks. She points out that AI systems can mirror the biases and assumptions of their developers, leading to concerns surrounding data privacy, transparency, and ethical data practices. This underscores the importance of crafting robust policies that guide AI deployment.

Collaboration for Responsible AI

Arasu advocates for close collaboration between the tech industry and government entities to develop informed AI policies that address these risks. She emphasizes that effective policy can only arise from multidisciplinary and diverse collaborative groups. “Unlike past technological revolutions, there is now an acknowledged necessity for inclusive participation—especially from women—to ensure fairer and more innovative outcomes in AI and other emerging technologies,” she noted. “As AI continues to reshape sectors such as healthcare, education, and finance, women’s involvement is crucial to ensuring that the technology encompasses a wide array of human experiences.”

Building Trust and Ethical AI

Beyond regulatory frameworks, Arasu believes that companies have a responsibility to cultivate trust in their AI systems. This begins with being transparent about operational methodologies, allowing users to build confidence in the decisions made by these intelligent systems. She highlights that understanding customers’ concerns about data usage is essential, and establishes practices to safeguard proprietary and personal information while adhering to global regulations.

“Ethical design should be the cornerstone of the development process,” Arasu insists, advocating for the incorporation of diverse perspectives that can help mitigate bias and manage associated risks. Continuous monitoring and accountability are critical to ensuring AI systems operate as intended, promptly addressing any emerging issues.

Fostering Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Ultimately, Arasu posits that fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration—centered around customer needs—will ensure that artificial intelligence serves the greater good. This approach is essential for navigating potential risks while maximizing the benefits AI offers society at large.