The integration of machine learning and robotics into thin film deposition is transforming material discovery and optimization. However, challenges remain in achieving a fully autonomous cycle of deposition, characterization, and decision-making. Additionally, the inherent sensitivity of thin film growth to hidden parameters such as substrate conditions and chamber conditions can compromise the performance of machine learning models. In this work, we demonstrate a fully autonomous physical vapor deposition system that combines in-situ optical spectroscopy, a high-throughput robotic sample handling system, and Gaussian Process Regression models. By employing a calibration layer to account for hidden parameter variations and an active learning algorithm to optimize the exploration of the parameter space, the system fabricates silver thin films with optical reflected power ratios within 2.5% of the target in an average of 2.3 attempts. This approach significantly reduces the time and labor required for thin film deposition, showcasing the potential of machine learning-driven automation in accelerating material development.

In the quest for super-human performance, Large Language Models (LLMs) have traditionally been tethered to human-annotated datasets and predefined training objectives-a process that is both labor-intensive and inherently limited. This paper presents a transformative approach: Autonomous Learning for LLMs, a self-sufficient learning paradigm that frees models from the constraints of human supervision. This method endows LLMs with the ability to self-educate through direct interaction with text, akin to a human reading and comprehending literature. Our approach eliminates the reliance on annotated data, fostering an Autonomous Learning environment where the model independently identifies and reinforces its knowledge gaps. Empirical results from our comprehensive experiments, which utilized a diverse array of learning materials and were evaluated against standard public quizzes, reveal that Autonomous Learning outstrips the performance of both Pre-training and Supervised Fine-Tuning (SFT), as well as retrieval-augmented methods. These findings underscore the potential of Autonomous Learning to not only enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of LLM training but also to pave the way for the development of more advanced, self-reliant AI systems.

Can a micron sized sack of interacting molecules autonomously learn an internal model of a complex and fluctuating environment? We draw insights from control theory, machine learning theory, chemical reaction network theory, and statistical physics to develop a general architecture whereby a broad class of chemical systems can autonomously learn complex distributions. Our construction takes the form of a chemical implementation of machine learning's optimization workhorse: gradient descent on the relative entropy cost function. We show how this method can be applied to optimize any detailed balanced chemical reaction network and that the construction is capable of using hidden units to learn complex distributions. This result is then recast as a form of integral feedback control. Finally, due to our use of an explicit physical model of learning, we are able to derive thermodynamic costs and trade-offs associated to this process.

This paper introduces two new frameworks for learning action models for planning. In the mistake-bounded planning framework, the learner has access to a planner for the given model representation, a simulator, and a planning problem generator, and aims to learn a model with at most a polynomial number of faulty plans. In the planned exploration framework, the learner does not have access to a problem generator and must instead design its own problems, plan for them, and converge with at most a polynomial number of planning attempts. The paper reduces learning in these frameworks to concept learning with one-sided error and provides algorithms for successful learning in both frameworks. A specific family of hypothesis spaces is shown to be efficiently learnable in both the frameworks.

One of the ambitions of artificial intelligence is to root artificial intelligence deeply in basic science while developing brain-inspired artificial intelligence platforms that will promote new scientific discoveries. The challenges are essential to push artificial intelligence theory and applied technologies research forward. This paper presents the grand challenges of artificial intelligence research for the next 20 years which include:~(i) to explore the working mechanism of the human brain on the basis of understanding brain science, neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology and data science; (ii) how is the electrical signal transmitted by the human brain? What is the coordination mechanism between brain neural electrical signals and human activities? (iii)~to root brain-computer interface~(BCI) and brain-muscle interface~(BMI) technologies deeply in science on human behaviour; (iv)~making research on knowledge-driven visual commonsense reasoning~(VCR), develop a new inference engine for cognitive network recognition~(CNR); (v)~to develop high-precision, multi-modal intelligent perceptrons; (vi)~investigating intelligent reasoning and fast decision-making systems based on knowledge graph~(KG). We believe that the frontier theory innovation of AI, knowledge-driven modeling methodologies for commonsense reasoning, revolutionary innovation and breakthroughs of the novel algorithms and new technologies in AI, and developing responsible AI should be the main research strategies of AI scientists in the future.

This paper introduces two new frameworks for learning action models for planning. In the mistake-bounded planning framework, the learner has access to a planner for the given model representation, a simulator, and a planning problem generator, and aims to learn a model with at most a polynomial number of faulty plans. In the planned exploration framework, the learner does not have access to a problem generator and must instead design its own problems, plan for them, and converge with at most a polynomial number of planning attempts. The paper reduces learning in these frameworks to concept learning with one-sided error and provides algorithms for successful learning in both frameworks. A specific family of hypothesis spaces is shown to be efficiently learnable in both the frameworks.

Little by little, newspapers are revealing the bright future that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is building. Intelligent machines will help everywhere. However, this bright future may have a possible dark side: a dramatic job market contraction before its unpredictable transformation. Hence, in a near future, large numbers of job seekers may need financial support while catching up with these novel unpredictable jobs. This possible job market crisis has an antidote inside. In fact, the rise of AI is sustained by the biggest knowledge theft of the recent years. Many learning AI machines are extracting knowledge from unaware skilled or unskilled workers by analyzing their interactions. By passionately doing their jobs, many of these workers are shooting themselves in the feet. In this paper, we propose Human-in-the-loop Artificial Intelligence (HitAI) as a fairer paradigm for AI systems. Recognizing that any AI system has humans in the loop, HitAI will reward these aware and unaware knowledge producers with a different scheme: decisions of AI systems generating revenues will repay the legitimate owners of the knowledge used for taking those decisions. As modern Merry Men, HitAI researchers should fight for a fairer Robin Hood Artificial Intelligence that gives back what it steals. This article is part of the special track on AI and Society.

Little by little, newspapers are revealing the bright future that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is building. Intelligent machines will help everywhere. However, this bright future has a dark side: a dramatic job market contraction before its unpredictable transformation. Hence, in a near future, large numbers of job seekers will need financial support while catching up with these novel unpredictable jobs. This possible job market crisis has an antidote inside. In fact, the rise of AI is sustained by the biggest knowledge theft of the recent years. Learning AI machines are extracting knowledge from unaware skilled or unskilled workers by analyzing their interactions. By passionately doing their jobs, these workers are digging their own graves. In this paper, we propose Human-in-the-loop Artificial Intelligence (HIT-AI) as a fairer paradigm for Artificial Intelligence systems. HIT-AI will reward aware and unaware knowledge producers with a different scheme: decisions of AI systems generating revenues will repay the legitimate owners of the knowledge used for taking those decisions. As modern Robin Hoods, HIT-AI researchers should fight for a fairer Artificial Intelligence that gives back what it steals.

My Ph.D. dissertation describes PAGODA (probabilistic autonomous goal-directed agent), a model for an intelligent agent that learns autonomously in domains containing uncertainty. The ultimate goal of this line of research is to develop intelligent problem-solving and planning systems that operate in complex domains, largely function autonomously, use whatever knowledge is available to them, and learn from their experience. PAGODA was motivated by two specific requirements: The agent should be capable of operating with minimal intervention from humans, and it should be able to cope with uncertainty (which can be the result of inaccurate sensors, a nondeterministic environment, complexity, or sensory limitations). I argue that the principles of probability theory and decision theory can be used to build rational agents that satisfy these requirements.

My Ph.D. dissertation describes PAGODA (probabilistic autonomous goal-directed agent), a model for an intelligent agent that learns autonomously in domains containing uncertainty. The ultimate goal of this line of research is to develop intelligent problem-solving and planning systems that operate in complex domains, largely function autonomously, use whatever knowledge is available to them, and learn from their experience. PAGODA was motivated by two specific requirements: The agent should be capable of operating with minimal intervention from humans, and it should be able to cope with uncertainty (which can be the result of inaccurate sensors, a nondeterministic environment, complexity, or sensory limitations). I argue that the principles of probability theory and decision theory can be used to build rational agents that satisfy these requirements.