Autodesk CTO Raji Arasu Advocates for Diversity in AI Development Teams

In an effort to highlight the contributions of women in AI, TechCrunch has launched a series of interviews that celebrate the achievements of remarkable women in the field. This initiative shines a light on their invaluable roles in the AI revolution, showcasing how their expertise and experiences drive innovation.

Spotlight on Raji Arasu: A Leader in AI Innovation

Raji Arasu, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Autodesk, has been utilizing AI technologies for nearly three decades to tackle complex software challenges. In a recent interview with TechCrunch, Arasu shared her insights on the evolution of AI in the tech industry.

Early Career and Professional Growth

Arasu’s impressive career began in 1993 when she joined Oracle as an engineering technical lead. Her journey continued with significant roles, including:

• Senior Manager at eBay, where she eventually became Vice President of Technology
• Tenures at StubHub and Intuit
• Current position at Autodesk for the past four years

Throughout her career, Arasu attributes much of her success to a robust professional support network. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, particularly in empowering women in technology and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Championing Diversity and Inclusion in Tech

“Having a diverse set of mentors early in my career was instrumental in building my confidence and advocating for myself,” Arasu noted. She believes that including women and individuals from diverse backgrounds in strategic decision-making is crucial for innovation.

AI Applications and Innovations at Autodesk

At Autodesk, Arasu oversees the company’s research and development organization, focusing on AI applications in:

• Construction automation
• 3D modeling
• Engineering design

“Advancements in computing power and generative AI have significantly expanded the capabilities of these technologies, making them accessible beyond traditional research labs,” she explained.

Addressing Risks and Ethical Considerations in AI

While excited about the AI revolution, Arasu acknowledges the associated risks, including:

• Biases in AI systems
• Concerns around data privacy
• Lack of transparency in data practices

She advocates for close collaboration between industry and government to establish well-informed policies addressing these challenges. “Inclusive participation, especially by women, is vital for achieving equitable and innovative AI outcomes,” Arasu stated.

Building AI Responsibly

To ensure responsible AI development, Arasu believes companies must:

1. Be transparent about their AI systems and decision-making processes
2. Address customer concerns regarding data protection
3. Maintain compliance with global data policies

“Ethical design should be the guiding principle in the development process,” she emphasized. This includes:

• Incorporating diverse perspectives
• Creating governance frameworks to mitigate bias
• Ensuring continuous monitoring and accountability

By fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, companies can navigate the risks of AI while maximizing its benefits for society.

For more insights on women in tech and AI developments, check out our Women in Tech page, and explore the broader implications of AI in various industries through credible sources like TechCrunch.