
Work in the AI economy: The job of “Foxes”
Aug 28, 2017 · 1 min read
What will people do for work in the AI economy? We will train AIs. Really? Yes really.
Here’s a good early example from Waymo (formerly Google’s self driving car project). They employ people in a role they call “foxes” (a word derived from the word faux). Foxes build real world simulations for training AIs quickly and safely. How? They stage live performances for AIs. They:
- Serve as extras: from other drivers (to simulate traffic) to pedestrians to bike riders.
- Play leading or typecast roles: from the “bad” driver to the child on a bike to the New York pedestrian. Stunt work that pushes the limits of the AI training.
- Stage and breakdown training props: Hold signs (stop, etc.). Place cones. Reconfigure lines. Set up building facades.
