Alan from Tryolabs - AI Is Not Magic: Here’s What Real Deployment Looks Like | DSH #1768

We’re at the AI4 Conference with Alan from Tryolabs — an AI consulting firm that’s been building real machine learning solutions since 2009, before AI was mainstream. Alan breaks down what “AI in the real world” actually looks like: not flashy demos, but messy enterprise systems, outdated data layers, and the hard work of making models reliable at scale. We also dive into the most inspiring side of the industry: AI for good — using computer vision to map schools via satellite imagery for UNICEF, helping sustainable fishing become measurable in real-time, identifying lions by whisker patterns to protect conservation land, and detecting early wildfire smoke before it becomes a crisis. If you’re building in AI (or thinking about it), this episode is a reality check — and a roadmap. What You’ll Learn 🦁 How AI can identify lions by whisker patterns to support conservation 🛰️ How satellite imagery can help map schools in developing countries 🌡️ How AI can measure risks like heat waves and their impact 🎣 How real-time monitoring can support sustainable fishing 🔥 Why wildfire detection is hard — and how AI helps spot early smoke 🧩 Why real AI deployment is more process + people than “cool tech” 📉 Why most companies are behind on data infrastructure 📦 Why some enterprises still move data with hard drives (seriously) 🤖 Why “agents” aren’t a silver bullet in real business workflows 🧠 How to avoid impostor syndrome and build a real mental model of AI Chapters (Timestamps) 0:00 — AI matching lion photos using whisker patterns 0:42 — Meet Alan + what Tryolabs actually does 1:19 — Why AI implementation is harder than people think 2:12 — UNICEF projects: heat waves + mapping schools from satellites 3:06 — Sustainable fishing + real-time monitoring on vessels 4:31 — Non-invasive conservation: tracking lions without collars 6:05 — The ethics debate: AI for good vs mass surveillance 7:15 — Detecting wildfires early with computer vision 9:12 — The hardest model to train (and why) 13:50 — Advice for newcomers: build mental models + avoid impostor syndrome 🎙️ APPLY OR CONNECT 👉 Apply to be on the podcast: https://www.digitalsocialhour.com/application 📩 Business inquiries / sponsors: sean@digitalsocialhour.com 👤 GUEST: Alan - https://www.instagram.com/tryolabsteam/ 💼 SPONSORS QUINCE: https://quince.com/dsh 🥗 Fuel your health with Viome: https://buy.viome.com/SEAN Use code “Sean” at checkout for a discount! 🎧 LISTEN ON 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-social-hour/id1676846015 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jn7LXarRlI8Hc0GtTn759 📸 Sean Kelly Instagram: @seanmikekelly ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed by guests on Digital Social Hour are solely those of the individuals appearing on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, Sean Kelly, or the Digital Social Hour team. While we encourage open and honest discussions, Sean Kelly is not legally responsible for any statements, claims, or opinions made by guests during the show. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and seek professional advice where appropriate. The content shared is for entertainment and informational purposes only — it should not be taken as legal, medical, financial, or professional advice. We strive to present accurate and reliable information; however, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or accuracy. The views expressed are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent those of the producers or affiliates of this program. 🔥 Stay tuned for more episodes featuring top creators, founders, and innovators shaping the digital world! Keywords AI4 conference, tryolabs, AI consulting company, machine learning deployment, AI for good, computer vision conservation, lion whisker identification AI, UNICEF satellite imagery schools, Giga initiative UNICEF Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.