Hannah Thomson’s Play AI Story: A KPMG Case Study

My time at Play AI was an incredible deep dive into the world of artificial intelligence, blending creativity, hands-on learning, and thought-provoking discussions about the future of technology. Over the course of my experience, I worked on several exciting projects that really opened my eyes to both the potential and the risks of AI.

Creating AI-Generated Music

One of the highlights was experimenting with AI to create music. It was surreal to hear something I worked on actually played on the radio! This project wasn’t just about making cool sounds—it sparked deeper conversations about the ethics of AI in the creative industry. We debated questions like: Who owns AI-generated music? Will AI replace human artists, or will it just be another tool for them? It made me think a lot about the fine line between innovation and disruption, especially in industries that thrive on human creativity.

Building AI-Powered Apps

Another eye-opening experience was designing apps that could essentially perform aspects of our jobs for us. It was both impressive and a little unsettling to see how quickly AI could automate certain tasks. We explored the potential benefits—like increased efficiency and automation—but also tackled the risks, such as job displacement and AI decision-making
transparency. This project really reinforced the importance of responsible AI development, making sure it’s used to assist rather than completely replace human effort.

Training Autonomous Cars & Racing Them

One of the most fun and competitive moments was working with Amazon’s AI-driven model cars. We trained them to navigate a track, then put them to the test in a race to see whose car could finish the fastest. It sounds like a game, but it was actually a great hands-on lesson in machine learning—teaching models to interpret their surroundings, make real-time decisions, and improve over time. It gave me a new appreciation for how self-driving technology works and the challenges that come with it.

Lessons & Reflections

Beyond the technical skills, Play AI gave me a fresh perspective on AI’s role in our world. It’s not just about cool technology—it’s about how we choose to use it. The ethical discussions, hands-on projects, and team collaborations helped me understand both the excitement and the responsibility that comes with AI development. Looking back, this experience wasn’t just about learning AI; it was about understanding its impact. The skills, insights, and conversations I had at Play AI will definitely stick with me as I continue exploring this space.