Dale, Greg, and Alan tackle one of the most misunderstood corners of AI — small language models (SLMs) — before ranging into world models, construction robotics, the AI singularity, and whether AI is about to reshape the jobs market. Alan joins from what turns out to be the world's least reliable rural broadband connection, providing perfectly timed irony for an episode about edge computing.

Chapters

0:00 — Introduction & Catching Up

2:00 — What Are Small Language Models?

18:00 — World Models & the Future of Construction

30:00 — The Singularity: Musk, Amodei & Multi-Agent Networks

43:00 — Will AI Take Our Jobs?

Key Takeaways

📳 Small language models aren't simply "cheaper LLMs" — they're optimised for speed, privacy, and reliability at the edge. Construction and defence have some of the most compelling near-term use cases.

📳 World models will transform how projects are designed and simulated, but the pathway runs through robotics investment. Construction will be a beneficiary, not the primary driver.

📳 The singularity may be less of a sci-fi event horizon and more of a gradual (then sudden) shift in what intelligence means at scale. Multi-agent AI networks that can self-expand are a plausible path.

📳 2025 looks like the year knowledge-work roles in project controls and scheduling begin to be reshaped by AI — not eliminated, but fundamentally changed. Small teams will be expected to operate at the output of much larger ones.

Mentioned in This Episode

🍕 Project Flux & nPlan AI Day

🍕 Nodes and Links — Greg's multi-agent scheduling AI

🍕 Qtie & Newphonic — on-device voice AI

🍕 Meta LLaMA — open-source small model

🍕 Dario Amodei (Anthropic) — recent long-form essay on superintelligence

🍕 Elon Musk — comments on multi-agent AI and the singularity

🍕 DeepMind — early self-play AI training

🍕 Claude Code — Alan's parting warning: don't install it on a Mac Mini

In this episode of the "Gen Flux / Project AI" podcast, the hosts discuss the significance of AI Day and the exciting features being launched, including the Project Controls Loop and the concept of multiverse thinking in project management. They explore decision-making under uncertainty, the integration of AI in project management, and the market's reaction to recent AI developments. The conversation also touches on the future of AI, privacy concerns, and Elon Musk's vision for data centers in space.

Takeaways

🎱 AI Day is a significant event for the project management community.

🎱 The Project Controls Loop aims to enhance project management efficiency.

🎱 Multiverse thinking allows for better scenario planning in projects.

🎱 Decision-making under uncertainty is crucial in project management.

🎱 Integrating AI can streamline project management processes.

🎱 Market reactions to AI developments can be irrational and panic-driven.

🎱 Hyper vertical tools may offer advantages over generalist AIs.

🎱 Privacy concerns are growing as AI tools become more integrated into daily life.

🎱 Elon Musk's vision includes ambitious projects like data centers in space.

🎱 The future of AI will likely involve more personalized and proactive tools.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI Day and Project Flux

03:07 Exciting Features and Project Controls Loop

05:53 Multiverse Thinking in Project Management

08:39 Decision Making Under Uncertainty

11:48 Integrating AI with Project Management

14:45 Market Reactions to AI Developments

17:56 Hyper Vertical Tools vs Generalist AIs

20:47 The Future of AI and Privacy Concerns

23:53 Elon Musk's Vision: Data Centers in Space

🔗 Check out Project Flux here: https://www.projectflux.ai/

In this engaging conversation, the hosts reflect on the new year and discuss the latest trends in AI and robotics, particularly in the context of construction and aviation. They explore the implications of autonomous systems, the role of innovation managers, and the evolving landscape of project controls as a tech vertical. The discussion also touches on global perspectives on technology adoption, the dynamics of knowledge and power, and predictions for the future of the industry.

BRAND NEW WEBSITE

Takeaways

• 2025 was just an appetizer for what's to come in 2026.
• Drones are becoming increasingly significant in various sectors.
• AI technology is evolving rapidly, especially in aviation.
• Robotics in construction presents both opportunities and challenges.
• Innovation managers may not be the solution to tech adoption.
• Investment in physical technology is set to surpass software.
• Project controls is transitioning into a tech-focused domain.
• Knowledge is no longer the sole power; information asymmetry is key.
• Generalist skills will be more valuable than specialized knowledge.
• The future of work will involve greater uncertainty and adaptability.

Chapters

00:00 New Year Reflections and Excitement for 2026

00:53 The Rise of Robotics and Drones

02:57 Autonomous Flight and Safety in Aviation

05:45 The Future of Robotics in Construction

08:39 Specific Applications of Robotics in Construction

11:35 Innovation and Risk in Robotics

14:23 Global Perspectives on Robotics and AI

17:31 The Role of AI in Business Efficiency

20:06 Trust Issues with Autonomous Systems

22:58 The Future of Construction and Robotics

25:59 Emerging Markets and Innovation

28:54 Cultural Perspectives on Technology Adoption

34:35 The Power of Information and Knowledge

37:29 Emergence and the Changing Landscape of Knowledge

39:20 The Evolution of Success Criteria in Society

42:10 Wealth, Control, and the Compression of Knowledge

43:58 Understanding Systems and Complexity in the Age of AI

47:48 Predictions for the Future: Investment and Role Conflation

56:58 The Disruption of Information Institutions

01:00:51 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook