AI Today and Tomorrow: Insights from PIP Breakfast with Dr. Zack Hubbard
- On November 21, 2024, the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce held a Power in Partnership Breakfast focused on artificial intelligence (AI).
- Hubbard shared insights about the present state and future trends of AI.
- Hubbard explained key concepts related to AI and addressed generative AI.
AI Now and in the Future Discussed at PIP Breakfast
On November 21, 2024, the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce held a Power in Partnership Breakfast focused on artificial intelligence (AI). The featured speaker was Dr. Zack Hubbard, the chief information officer at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC). Dr. Carol S. Spalding, the college’s president, welcomed guests and highlighted the college’s 63-year history and its ongoing campus expansion.
Dr. Hubbard shared insights about the present state and future trends of AI. He emphasized its significant impact on daily lives. Common examples of AI include smart assistants like Alexa and Siri, social media recommendations, shopping suggestions, and chatbots. He also discussed future AI applications, such as self-driving cars, robotics, healthcare innovations, finance solutions, and advancements in augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR).
Hubbard explained key concepts related to AI and addressed generative AI. This type of AI creates new content, such as text and images. He spoke about the implications of AI on society and employment, noting both advantages like increased efficiency and job creation, and disadvantages, particularly privacy concerns. He urged attendees to safeguard their personal information.
RCCC is partnering with Dell and Intel as part of an AI incubator program. This partnership allows the college to access training resources for AI and other computer science areas, enhancing their cybersecurity efforts.
Attendees had the chance to ask questions after Hubbard’s presentation. Elaine Spalding, president of the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, thanked everyone for attending.