Fei-Fei Li on spatial intelligence and human-centered AI

How can we use AI to amplify human potential and build a better future? And what exactly does “AGI” even mean? 

To kick off Possible’s fourth season, Reid and Aria sit down with world-renowned computer scientist Fei-Fei Li, whose work in artificial intelligence over the past several decades has earned her the nickname “the godmother of AI.” An entrepreneur and professor, Fei-Fei shares her journey from creating ImageNet, a massive dataset of labeled images that revolutionized computer vision, to her current role as co-founder and CEO of the spatial intelligence startup World Labs. She explains why spatial intelligence—the ability to perceive and interact with the 3D world—is so crucial for AI's development and how it could lead to breakthroughs in fields like medicine, climate, and education. They get into regulatory guardrails, governance, and what it will take to build a positive, human-centered AI future for all. 

For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ 

Topics:

1:55 - Hellos and intros

3:43 - ImageNet and the interplay between data and models

6:06 - World Labs and spatial intelligence 

10:03 - Boundaries between 3D physical and digital worlds

11:50 - The difference between LLMs and LWMs 

13:02 - What humans are capable of creating with technology 

14:04 - Key principles of AI: human agency and respect 

17:16 - Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI 

19:13 - What this moment in AI means for humanity 

21:06 - Cross-sector collaboration  

25:10 - AI4ALL program and the importance of diversity in AI development

27:00 - Midroll ad break

27:09 - Using AI to improve healthcare delivery and treatment

30:20 - Founding history of AI and the meaning of the term “AGI”

33:00 - Future of agentic AI and voice 

34:42 - Fei-Fei’s mentor and his advice

37:18 - Rapid-fire questions

Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection’s Pi, OpenAI’s ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.