Raji Arasu, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Autodesk, stands at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, advocating for diversity and ethical accountability in technology development. With a career spanning over 25 years, Arasu has leveraged AI to tackle complex software challenges, showcasing her expertise and dedication to advancing the field. Her journey in tech began at Oracle in 1993, where she served as an engineering technical lead. Over the years, she climbed the ranks at eBay to become the Vice President of Technology, gaining a front-row seat to significant developments in AI.
Arasu's current role at Autodesk involves overseeing research and development in AI applications across construction automation, 3D modeling, and engineering design. Her commitment to transparency in AI systems is evident as she emphasizes the importance of ensuring users understand how these technologies function. This transparency builds trust and fosters collaboration between industry and government, crucial for establishing well-informed AI policies.
"Advances in computing power, generative AI, and the domain-specific fine-tuning of large models have shattered the boundaries of research labs and brought these technologies into the real world," Arasu highlights.
Throughout her career, Arasu has been a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. She believes incorporating varied perspectives is essential for creating governance frameworks that reduce bias and manage risks in AI.
"Incorporating diverse perspectives and creating governance frameworks to reduce bias and manage risks," she asserts.
Arasu also stresses the significance of close collaboration centered around the customer to ensure AI serves the common good. Her advocacy extends to supporting women in tech, a cause she champions through mentorship and leadership.
"Unlike past revolutions, there is now a clear recognition that inclusive participation — especially by women — is essential for achieving fairer, more innovative outcomes in AI and other emerging technologies," she states.
Arasu's professional journey illuminates the impact of mentorship and a robust support network. She credits her success to a diverse group of mentors who encouraged her to voice her opinions and secure her place in tech leadership.
"Early in my career, I was fortunate to have a diverse set of mentors who played a crucial role in shaping my confidence, boldly voicing my perspectives and opinions, advocating for myself, and ensuring I had a seat at the table," she recalls.
Having spent four years at Autodesk following tenures at StubHub and Intuit, Arasu continues to influence the tech industry with her focus on ethical design in AI development. She advocates for continuous monitoring and accountability to ensure AI systems function as intended and address issues swiftly.
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