How are video games being used to predict and prevent bad things from happening? On this episode of the Digital Enterprise Society podcast, Thom Singer and Craig Brown welcome Rob Kabera, co-founder and COO of Sync Energy AI and the only person to survive the Rwanda genocide and also be placed on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Rob builds video games that focus on AI risk modeling, resulting in accurate predictions about real world events and provide insights into how to adjust accordingly. This conversation is filled not only with information about the many applications of AI predictions but also with advice and wisdom that can help to expand your views and enhance your career. 

 

On today’s podcast, you will learn:

Using real world data to perfect AI predictions

• What makes AI learning and data so good, so real, and so accurate? 
• Data on disruptive events is required to be kept, which lends to highly accurate predictions. 

• Studying 350,000 events of the same phenomenon makes it easier to recognize.
• Not all companies are technology companies, but they are all technical companies in that many companies utilize the digital twin. 
• The utility industry is exceptionally conservative, which means something really has to work before anyone will adopt it. 
• The industry validates whether these predictions are working or not. 

 

Employing these tools to make better decisions

• Digital engineering is all about making better decisions to improve predictive models. 
• These tools can be used to improve productivity, improve efficiency and reduce risk. 
• Vegetation management near power lines is a $100 million expense in high risk natural disaster areas. 
• By utilizing AI tools it is possible to reduce power outages from 92% to 10% and significantly reduce the money spent maintaining assets. 

 

Additional benefits of AI risk modeling

• AI allows companies to experience thousands of different scenarios and review the pros and cons of each. 
• Risk spend efficiency can be reduced with the help of optimal simulations. 
• Simulations can be used to help policymakers make informed decisions. 
• Digital engineers should use their skills to develop the tools that will help make better decisions. 

 

Developing a broader view in your career

• Rob considers a broad view his first and most important career lesson. 
• Surviving the Rwanda genocide helped shape his outlook on life. 
• Using your strengths to help others is a key component of a fulfilling career. 
• Learn from the experiences of others to assist in your career. 
• Identify your gifts and develop them so that you can give them away. 
• Cross-generational networking can help to broaden your views.
• Good judgement comes from experience, experience comes from bad judgement- learn from others so you don’t have to learn the hard way. 

 

Continue the conversation with us within the Digital Enterprise Society Community at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.

 

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