Artificial intelligence companies like OpenAI and Microsoft are adopting a technique called ‘distillation’ to create cheaper and more efficient AI models. This method involves training smaller models using larger, pre-existing ones as a guide. The approach has gained industry attention, with experts questioning the need for expensive AI development.
Distillation involves taking a large AI model, known as a ‘teacher,’ and using it to train a smaller, more efficient ‘student’ model. This process helps companies transfer knowledge from big AI systems into smaller, faster, and cheaper versions. The technique has been around for years but recent advancements have made it a key tool for businesses looking to save money while maintaining high AI performance.
The excitement around distillation grew after Chinese AI startup DeepSeek successfully used the method to create powerful models based on open-source technology from Meta and Alibaba. This development worried Silicon Valley, causing U.S. AI stocks to drop as investors questioned American companies’ high spending on AI infrastructure. The fact that DeepSeek trained its models with far fewer resources than its competitors made people wonder if expensive AI development is necessary.
While distillation offers benefits, it also has challenges. Smaller models are cheaper and faster but often struggle with complex tasks. However, experts believe most businesses don’t need huge AI models, making distillation a practical and cost-effective solution.
The rise of distillation is good news for supporters of open AI models, as it enables faster progress across the industry. However, companies like OpenAI are trying to prevent competitors from distilling their large models, fearing they might lose their competitive edge.
As AI development speeds up, distillation is proving to be a game-changer. The question is whether AI giants can maintain their dominance or if smaller, resourceful competitors will continue to level the playing field.
Source: https://www.tipranks.com/news/distillation-for-ai-chatbots-is-the-new-buzzword-that-could-change-everything