Noel Johansson holds a Masters in Machine Learning from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. Spiced with further ML studies in South Korea.
Hi Noel. What inspired you to focus your studies and career on machine learning and AI?
"I took a hands-on course in machine learning requiring us to implement ML algorithms from scratch and apply them to real-world datasets. I liked how raw data could be transformed into meaningful insights, and I found the process of training models to predict, classify, and solve problems incredibly rewarding.”
How would you explain the benefits of machine learning and automation to a total beginner? Say, a sales or marketing manager at a car dealership?
”I would focus on how it enhances both efficiency and decision making. Automating repetitive tasks, such as sorting customer inquiries, recommending cars based on buyer preferences, or predicting future sales trends. It’s all about making your processes faster and more accurate to free up time to focus on other stuff.”
Why South Korea … and what course did you attend there?
”I chose South Korea because I wanted to immerse myself in a culture and academic environment different from what I was famiIiar with. I attended several advanced courses, including Deep Learning Theory, Computational Image Generation and Manipulation, and Computer Vision.”
What’s your role at Phyron AI?
”I’m in the AI/ML development team, where my role is to design, implement, and test machine learning models that drive innovation. In essence, I help bring new machine learning models to life and ensure they perform at their best in production.”
What are the main developments in recent years?
”I began my AI studies 6 years ago, just before the big boom of large language models like GPT-3 and Chat GPT. Most significant since then have been the explosion of transformer-based models and the fast scaling of AI systems. Another major shift has been in the availability of AI tools and infrastructure. Many complex models are now accessible also to non-experts. AI is everywhere, for better or for worse, thanks to frameworks like TensorFlow and Pytorch AI.”
What’s the next big thing in AI automation?
”I believe the next big thing will be hyper-personalization. We’re already seeing hints of this with generative AI, where text, images, and videos can be tailored to individual preferences at scale. In the near future, this customization will become far more precise and widespread.
”For example, imagine an AI that can generate marketing videos or product images that are uniquely designed for each customer, based on their behaviors and interests.”
What excites you the most about the future of AI?
”For me … I think it’s the potential for AI to augment human creativity. We are just beginning to explore how humans and AI can collaborate, and I think that’s where some of the most innovative things will come from in the next decade.”
