Autodesk University 2024 delivered an inspiring keynote by President and CEO Andrew Anagnost, offering a bold vision for the future of AI, sustainability, and how these transformative forces are set to reshape industries. This year’s keynote featured in-depth conversations with Casey Wasserman, Chairperson of LA28, and Raji Arasu, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Autodesk. Together, they explored Autodesk’s groundbreaking role in the upcoming LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, its application of artificial intelligence (AI) across industries, and the lasting impact of technology in a rapidly changing world.
AI for Practical Transformation
Anagnost opened with a candid discussion about the gap between AI’s hype and its current usefulness. He acknowledged that while much of AI’s promise remains unfulfilled, Autodesk is laser-focused on creating AI tools that deliver practical solutions today. “Technologies come with a lot of hype, but our focus at Autodesk is on AI that works for you today, delivering tangible productivity and creativity gains,” Anagnost said. His message was clear: Autodesk is driving AI innovation that empowers users across industries, from architecture to manufacturing to entertainment.
One of the standout initiatives presented was Project Bernini, Autodesk’s groundbreaking AI model. Bernini allows designers to generate fully realized 3D objects in minutes, a process that would have traditionally taken hours or even days. This AI tool is already proving to be a game-changer in streamlining design workflows, with the potential to enhance creativity while eliminating repetitive tasks.
“Bernini exemplifies how AI can augment your creativity and productivity,” said Arasu, emphasizing that Autodesk’s AI is designed to solve real-world problems, not just theoretical challenges. Arasu elaborated on how Bernini allows designers to prompt AI using natural language, sketches, or images, creating a new era of rapid ideation. “We want AI to enhance your skills, not replace them. The creative work that you do is so complex and so special—AI cannot solve for your ingenuity,” Arasu said.
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