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Raji Arasu, the Chief Technology Officer at Autodesk, has been harnessing AI for “multiple decades” to tackle complex software-related challenges.

“When traditional software development approaches — whether deterministic, procedural, or other conventional methods — have struggled to address complex problems, I’ve always turned to AI as a solution, particularly for handling unstructured data,” Arasu told TechCrunch in an interview.

Arusu has had a storied career in tech, with roles at notable companies such as Oracle, eBay, StubHub, and Intuit. In 2020, she joined Autodesk, where she has spent the past four years.

Many of her career advancements can be attributed to a strong professional network, which she seeks to repay by supporting women in tech and promoting DEI initiatives, with a particular focus on boards of directors.

“Early in my career, I was fortunate to have a diverse set of mentors who played a crucial role in shaping my confidence, voicing my opinions, and ensuring I had a seat at the table,” Arasu said. “Ensuring that women, people of color, and individuals from diverse backgrounds participate in strategic decision-making is vital.”

Throughout her numerous roles, Arasu has observed significant AI advancements, including the development of AI applications in areas such as construction automation, 3D modeling, and engineering design.

“Advances in computing power, generative AI, and the domain-specific fine-tuning of large models have enabled these technologies to move beyond research labs and apply to the real world,” Arasu said.

However, Arasu acknowledges that the risks associated with AI must be considered, including the systems’ potential to reflect the biases of their creators and the need for data privacy, transparency, and data practices to be addressed.

She advocates for close collaboration between industry and government to develop well-informed AI policies that address these risks, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary and diverse groups in creating these policies.

“Unlike past revolutions, there is now a clear recognition that inclusive participation, particularly for women, is essential for achieving more inclusive and innovative outcomes in AI and other emerging technologies,” Arasu said.

Moreover, Arasu stresses the importance of ensuring transparency and trust around AI systems that uses, arguing that this is crucial for building responsible AI.

“Ethical design should guide the development process,” Arasu said, “incorporating diverse perspectives, and creating governance frameworks to reduce bias and manage risks. Continuous monitoring and accountability are necessary to ensure AI systems perform as intended, and issues such as bias and data protection are prompt prepared for, while fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration centered around the customer can help ensure AI serves the greater good, addressing risks and maximizing its benefits for society.”