Small AI uses specialised models that are trained using narrower datasets for a specific purpose. Because small AI is available on your phone, it can help deliver against information needs, and such products could emerge from collaboration between the World Bank, governments and the private sector.
The World Bank is urging developing countries to kickstart the creation of “small AI” models, which can run on a mobile phone with low connectivity, to reap the full benefits of artificial intelligence.
The bank's chief knowledge officer says the technology could speed up economic development from centuries to decades. Donohoe, a former finance minister for Ireland, cited the example of Indian farmers engaged in the World Bank’s agricultural scheme, AgriConnect, who needed to access soil analysis in their own language.
“Small AI would be available in a local setting, with low connectivity, and in the local language of the community – and tends to be available on your mobile phone,” Donohoe stated.
“There’s not going to be enough scientists and agricultural experts to do that for every small farm in India,” Donohoe noted, adding that “this is where what we describe as ‘small AI’ comes in.”.