LaMDA
Google · May 2021
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Parameters137B
Why It Matters
The conversational AI behind Google Bard (before Gemini). Famous for the controversial claim by a Google engineer that it was 'sentient' — making it the most publicly debated AI model of 2022.
Description
Google's 137 billion parameter conversational AI model, designed specifically for open-ended dialogue. Built to carry on natural, flowing conversations that could stay on topic while also being interesting, specific, and factually grounded. Became the most publicly debated AI model of 2022 when a Google engineer controversially claimed it was 'sentient' — sparking a global conversation about AI consciousness and safety.
Notable Milestones
- ▸Powered the original Google Bard chatbot
- ▸Sparked global 'sentient AI' debate in 2022
Key Innovations
Instruction Tuning
Instruction TuningFine-tuning a model on instruction-response pairs so it follows user commands more reliably.