Latin American Countries to Launch Own AI Model in September
Twelve Latin American nations are gearing up to launch Latam-GPT in September, an AI language model tailored to the region’s cultures and languages. Spearheaded by Chile’s CENIA and over 30 other organizations, the initiative aims to boost AI accessibility, preserve Indigenous languages, and support local applications in education and healthcare. The project has begun development and seeks further funding despite currently lacking a dedicated budget.
A dozen Latin American countries are set to debut their own AI model this September — it’s called Latam-GPT. Officials from Chile announced on Tuesday that this marks the first large artificial intelligence language model designed specifically to reflect the region’s rich cultural diversity and linguistic nuances. The initiative is steered by Chile’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) and partners with over 30 regional institutions to heighten accessibility and adoption of AI across Latin America.
Chilean Science Minister Aisen Etcheverry is particularly optimistic about Latam-GPT as a potential “democratizing element for AI.” The vision isn’t just lofty talk; he emphasizes its practical uses, like supporting education systems and enhancing healthcare with AI tailored to local culture and language. This model aims to resonate more deeply with the communities it serves.
Work on Latam-GPT kicked off back in January 2023, serving as an answer to the inaccuracies and constraints posed by global AI models that mainly focus on English. It’s important to note that while this model will lay the groundwork for tools—like chatbots—it won’t directly compete with established products like ChatGPT.
A noteworthy initiative within the project is its commitment to preserving Indigenous languages. The team has already turned their attention to developing an initial translator for Rapa Nui, which is the native language of Easter Island. Plans are in the works to expand this capability to other Indigenous languages, with applications set to include virtual public service assistants and personalized education systems.
At its core, Latam-GPT utilizes Llama 3 AI technology and relies on a network of regional computers for training, some housed at Chile’s University of Tarapaca, supplemented by cloud resources. The initiative has also received backing from the regional development bank CAF and industry giant Amazon Web Services, showcasing a collaborative effort across sectors.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the project is currently operating without a dedicated budget. CENIA head Alvaro Soto is hopeful that by showcasing what the system can do, they can lure additional funding needed to sustain and grow the initiative so it can have a real impact.
In conclusion, the collaboration among Latin American countries to develop Latam-GPT signifies a pivotal shift in how AI can be culturally and linguistically tailored to serve diverse communities. It aims to empower local education and healthcare sectors while preserving Indigenous languages. Despite budgetary hurdles, the project’s innovative approach, driven by regional cooperation, has the potential to make artificial intelligence more accessible and relevant across Latin America.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
