What is project Albatross #
At its core, Albatross is a research project in the area of continual learning.
Continual Learning is an approach in artificial intelligence and machine learning where models learn and adapt continuously from new data over time. Unlike traditional models trained on a fixed dataset, continual learning models update their knowledge incrementally, allowing them to adapt to new tasks and environments without forgetting previously learned information. This approach aims to avoid catastrophic forgetting, efficiently utilize new data, and maintain the ability to generalize across different contexts, making the model more robust and flexible in dynamic and ever-changing environments.
Project goals #
As a research project, Albatross aims to achieve the following main goals:
- Leverage differences between classical deep learning and lifelong learning approaches to develop innovative training techniques that support efficient static training and robust, long-term lifelong learning.
- Design adaptable model architectures, focusing on modular networks and timeless knowledge structures to consolidate information despite changes in model or data distribution.
- Identify scalable data representations, using synthetic data generation and evolving features to minimize forgetting and computational costs.
- Create a comprehensive benchmark for lifelong learning, analogous to the ``ImageNet for Lifelong Learning,’’ to evaluate the proposed techniques in a realistic long-term input dynamic context and drive the whole field forward.
About the name #
Albatross is an acrynom. It stands for Applications for Lifelong Based Algorithms Targeting Robust Optimization on Sustainable Settings. Albatross is also the name of one of the largest, most efficient flyers in the animal kingdom.
The albatross is renowned for its exceptional flying abilities, capable of soaring effortlessly across vast ocean expanses with minimal energy expenditure. With wingspans reaching up to 11 feet, the albatross can glide on air currents for hours or even days without needing to flap its wings. Using wind gradients above the ocean surface to maintain speed and altitude, the albatross to cover thousands of miles on long migratory journeys, making it one of the most efficient and skilled flyers in the animal kingdom.
We strive for machine learning models to effortlessly stay aloft for extended periods of time, like the albatross.