To make AI-focused female scholars and others well deserved (and overdue), TechCrunch is launching TechCrunch A series of interviews Outstanding women who focus on contributing to the AI ​​revolution.

Autodesk's chief technology officer Raji Arasu said she has been using AI for decades to solve software-related challenges.

"When traditional software development methods (whether deterministic, procedural or other conventional methods) are struggling to solve complex problems, I always use AI as a solution, especially for Process unstructured data.”

Arasu has a long career in the field of technology. In 1993, she joined Oracle as a leader in engineering technology. A few years later, she was hired as senior manager of eBay, where she has been committed to technical vice president. After taking office at Stubhub and Intuit, Arasu accepted Adodesk's proposal, where she has been there for the past four years.

Arasu said a strong network of professional support makes many opportunities possible. She tries to help others succeed by supporting women’s support in technology and driving DEI initiatives, especially on the board of directors.

“Early in my career, I was fortunate to have a wide variety of mentors who were shaping my confidence, boldly expressing my views and opinions, advocating for myself and making sure I sit down at the table and play A crucial role.” “It is crucial to ensure that women, people of color and individuals of multiple backgrounds are part of strategic decision-making.”

Over the years, Arasu has said in her various work that she has front seats in terms of exciting developments in the AI ​​space. At Autodesk, for example, she oversees the company’s R&D organization, which explores AI applications in areas such as building automation, 3D modeling and engineering design.

“Advances in computing power, generating AI and specific fine-tuning in large fields have broken the boundaries of research labs and brought these technologies into the real world,” she said. “I’m attracted by the speed at which this AI revolution is expected to change the industry. .”

Arasu admits that while it’s exciting, AI has risks. She said AI systems often reflect creators’ biases and assumptions and there is significant concern for data privacy, transparency and data practices that need to be addressed.

Arasu is a champion of “close collaboration” between industry and government, who have developed “well-informed” AI policies that start addressing these risks. But she warned that strong policies can only come from multidisciplinary and diverse cooperative groups.

“Unlike the revolutions of the past, it is now clear that inclusive engagement, especially women, is crucial to achieving more equitable and innovative results in AI and other emerging technologies,” Arasu said. “With AI, The reshaping of industries such as healthcare, education and finance, ensures that the technology reflects a wider human experience.”

Independently of regulation, when building AI responsibly, Arasu believes companies must make sure their systems are clear about how they operate so that users can trust (or at least distrust-distrust) decisions. She said she has adopted habits of protecting proprietary and personal information from understanding customer concerns about data and maintaining compliance with global policies.

“Ethical design should guide the development process, combine various perspectives and create governance frameworks to reduce bias and manage risks. Continuous monitoring and accountability are essential to ensure that AI systems work as expected and resolve issues quickly,” Arasu said. . Finally, fostering customer-centric interdisciplinary collaboration helps ensure AI serves the common good, navigating risks and maximizing its benefits to society.”