What Is Few Shot Learning? (Definition, Applications) – Built In
Few-shot learning is a subfield of machine learning and deep learning that aims to teach AI models how to learn from only a small number of labeled training data. The goal of few-shot learning is to enable models to generalize new, unseen data samples based on a small number of samples we give them during the training process.
In general, few-shot learning involves training a model on a set of tasks, each of which consists of a small number of labeled samples. We train the model to learn how to recognize patterns in the data and use this knowledge.
One challenge of traditional machine learning is the fact that training models require large amounts of training data with labeled training samples. Training on a large data set allows machine learning models to generalize new, unseen data samples. However, in many real-world scenarios, obtaining a large amount of labeled data can be very difficult, expensive, time consuming or all of the above. This is where few-shot learning comes into play. Few-shot learning enables machine learning models to learn from only a few labeled data samples.
More From This Expert5 Deep Learning and Neural Network Activation Functions to Know
One reason few-shot learning is important is because it makes developing machine learning models in real-world settings feasible. In many real-world scenarios, it can be challenging to obtain a large data set we can use to train a machine learning model. Learning on a smaller training data set can significantly reduce the cost and effort required to train machine learning models. Few-shot learning makes this possible because the technique enables models to learn from only a small amount of data.
Few-shot learning can also enable the development of more flexible and adaptive machine learning systems. Traditional machine learning algorithms are typically designed to perform well on specific tasks and are trained on huge data sets with a large number of labeled examples. This means that algorithms may not generalize well to new, unseen data or perform well on tasks that are significantly different from the ones on which they were trained.
Few-shot learning solves this challenge by enabling machine learning models to learn how to learn and adapt quickly to new tasks based on a small number of labeled examples. As a result, the models become more flexible and adaptable.
Few-shot learning has many potential applications in areas such as computer vision, natural language processing (NLP) and robotics. For example, when we use few-shot learning in robotics, robots can quickly learn new tasks based on just a few examples. In natural language processing, language models can better learn new languages or dialects with minimal training data.
An error occurred.
Few-shot learning has become a promising approach for solving problems where data is limited. Here are three of the most promising approaches for few-shot learning.
Meta-learning, also known as learning to learn, involves training a model to learn the underlying structure (or meta-knowledge) of a task. Meta-learning has shown promising results for few-shot learning tasks where the model is trained on a set of tasks and learns to generalize to new tasks by learning just a few data samples. During the meta-learning process, we can train the model using meta-learning algorithms such as model-agnostic meta-learning (MALM) or by using prototypical networks.
Data augmentation refers to a technique wherein new training data samples are created by applying various transformations to the existing training data set. One major advantage of this approach is that it can improve the generalization of machine learning models in many computer vision tasks, including few-shot learning.
For computer vision tasks, data augmentation involves techniques like rotation, flipping, scaling and color jittering existing images to generate additional image samples for each class. We then add these additional images to the existing data set, which we can then use to train a few-shot learning model.
Generative models, such as variational autoencoders (VAEs) and generative adversarial networks (GANs) have shown promising results for few-shot learning. These models are able to generate new data points that are similar to the training data.
In the context of few-shot learning, we can use generative models to augment the existing data with additional examples. The model does this by generating new examples that are similar to the few labeled examples available. We can also use generative models to generate examples for new classes that are not present in the training data. By doing so, generative models can help expand the data set for training and improve the performance of the few-shot learning algorithm.
In computer vision, we can apply few-shot learning to image classification tasks wherein our goal is to classify images into different categories. In this example, we can use few-shot learning to train a machine learning model to classify images with a limited amount of labeled data. Labeled data refers to a set of images with corresponding labels, which indicate the category or class to which each image belongs. In computer vision, obtaining a large number of labeled data is often difficult. For this reason, few-shot learning might be helpful since it allows machine learning models to learn on fewer labeled data.
Few-shot learning can be applied to various NLP tasks like text classification, sentiment analysis and language translation. For instance, in text classification, few-shot learning algorithms could learn to classify text into different categories with only a small number of labeled text examples. This approach can be particularly useful for tasks in the area of spam detection, topic classification and sentiment analysis.
Related Reading From Built In ExpertsWhat Are Self-Driving Cars?
In robotics, we can apply few-shot learning to tasks like object manipulation and motion planning. Few-shot learning can enable robots to learn to manipulate objects or plan their movement trajectories by using small amounts of training data. For robotics, the training data typically consists of demonstrations or sensor data.
In medical imaging, learning from only a few exposures can help us train machine learning models for medical imaging tasks such as tumor segmentation and disease classification. In medicine, the number of available images is usually limited due to strict legal regulations and data protection laws around medical information. As a result, there is less data available on which to train machine learning models. Few-shot learning solves this problem because it enables machine learning models to successfully learn to perform the mentioned tasks on a limited data set.
See original here:
What Is Few Shot Learning? (Definition, Applications) - Built In
- Machine Learning and BIG DATA workshop planned Oct. 14-15 - West Virginia University - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- How Google enables third-party circularity by increasing recycling rates with Machine Learning - The World Business Council for Sustainable... - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Hydroclimatic Research - A Promising Step Forward - University of Northern British... - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Semi-automatic detection of anteriorly displaced temporomandibular joint discs in magnetic resonance images using machine learning - BMC Oral Health - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- AI and Machine Learning - Partnership to bring infrastructure intelligence to US public sector - Smart Cities World - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Between rain and snow, machine learning finds nine precipitation types - Phys.org - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Between rain and snow, machine learning finds 9 precipitation types - Michigan Engineering News - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Machine learning optimizes nanoparticle design for drug delivery to the brain - Physics World - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Development and validation of a machine learning-based prediction model for prolonged length of stay after laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery: a... - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- G Sachs: Stock Mkt Not in Bubble Yet; Machine Learning/ AI Expected to Spawn New Wave of Superstars - AASTOCKS.com - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- AI and Machine Learning - See.Sense works with City of Sydney to develop AI dashboard - Smart Cities World - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Machine Learning Used to Predict Live Birth Outcomes in Fresh Embryo Transfers - geneonline.com - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- RIT researchers use machine learning to better understand the pathways of disease - Rochester Institute of Technology - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Leveraging machine learning to predict mosquito bed net utilization among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa - Malaria Journal - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Machine learning-based radiomics using magnetic resonance images for prediction of clinical complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients... - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Machine Learning Self Driving Cars: The Technology Driving the Future of Mobility - SpeedwayMedia.com - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Investigating the relationship between blood factors and HDL-C levels in the bloodstream using machine learning methods - Journal of Health,... - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- AI in the fast lane: F1 teams Alpine, Audi use machine learning as force multiplier - The Business Times - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Future Scope of Machine Learning in Healthcare Market Set to Witness Significant Growth by 2025-2032 - openPR.com - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- AI and Machine Learning - AI readiness and adoption toolkit launched - Smart Cities World - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Machine Learning Model UmamiPredict Developed to Forecast Savory Taste of Molecules and Peptides - geneonline.com - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Machine Learning Boosts Crop Yield Predictions in Senegal - Bioengineer.org - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Machine learning-driven stability analysis of eco-friendly superhydrophobic graphene-based coatings on copper substrate - Nature - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Integrated machine learning analysis of proteomic and transcriptomic data identifies healing associated targets in diabetic wound repair - Nature - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Development and evaluation of a machine learning prediction model for short-term mortality in patients with diabetes or hyperglycemia at emergency... - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Fast and robust mixed gas identification and recognition using tree-based machine learning and sensor array response - Nature - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Estimation of sexual dimorphism of adult human mandibles of South Indian origin using non-metric parameters and machine learning classification... - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Cloud-Based Machine Learning Platforms Technologies Market Growth and Future Prospects - Precedence Research - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Machine Learning Framework Developed to Optimize Phosphorus Recovery in Hydrothermal Treatment of Livestock Manure - geneonline.com - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Unifying machine learning and interpolation theory via interpolating neural networks - Nature - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Anna: an open-source platform for real-time integration of machine learning classifiers with veterinary electronic health records - BMC Veterinary... - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- The Future of Liver Health: Can Human Models and Machine Learning Reduce Disease Rates? - Technology Networks - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Machine Learning Radiomics Predicts Pancreatic Cancer Invasion - Bioengineer.org - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Next-generation COVID-19 detection using a metasurface biosensor with machine learning-enhanced refractive index sensing - Nature - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Machine learning-based models for screening of anemia and leukemia using features of complete blood count reports - Nature - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Estimating the peak age of chess players through statistical and machine learning techniques - Nature - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Optimizing water quality index using machine learning: a six-year comparative study in riverine and reservoir systems - Nature - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Physics-informed machine learning-based real-time long-horizon temperature fields prediction in metallic additive manufacturing - Nature - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- The Silicon Revolution: How AI and Machine Learning Are Forging the Future of Semiconductor Manufacturing - FinancialContent - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Machine learning model for differentiating Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia from colonization and analyzing mortality risk in non-HIV patients using... - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Radiomics and Machine Learning Applied to CECT Scans Show Potential in Predicting Perineural Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer - geneonline.com - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Machine learning and response surface optimization to enhance diesel engine performance using milk scum biodiesel with alumina nanoparticles - Nature - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Landmark Patent Appeal Decision Strengthens Protection for AI and Machine Learning Innovations - The National Law Review - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Machine learning researchers and industry leaders gathering at Santa Clara University - Stories - News & Events - Santa Clara University - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Building better batteries with amorphous materials and machine learning - Tech Xplore - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Machine Learning-Supported Fragment Hit Expansion in Absence of X-Ray Structures - Evotec - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Machine learning model predicts which radiotherapy patients are most vulnerable to adverse side effects - Health Imaging - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- How AI and Machine Learning Are Revolutionizing Laser Welding - Downbeach - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- What if A.I. Doesnt Get Much Better Than This? - Machine Learning Week 2025 - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Sex estimation from the sternum in Turkish population using various machine learning methods and deep neural networks - SpringerOpen - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Predictive AI Must Be Valuated But Rarely Is. Heres How To Do It - Machine Learning Week 2025 - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Interpretable machine learning incorporating major lithology for regional landslide warning in northern and eastern Guangdong - Nature - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Building Machine Learning Application with Django - KDnuggets - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Evaluating the use of body mass index change as a proxy for anorexia nervosa recovery: a machine learning perspective - Journal of Eating Disorders - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Prediction of cutting parameters and reduction of output parameters using machine learning in milling of Inconel 718 alloy - Nature - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- How AI and machine learning are changing both retail and online casino experiences - Retail Technology Innovation Hub - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Machine learning and cell imaging combine to predict effectiveness of multiple sclerosis medication - Medical Xpress - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- IC combines machine learning and analogue inferencing - Electronics Weekly - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- ODU Awarded $2.3M NIH Grant to Improve Detection of Brain Tumor Recurrence with AI and Machine Learning - Old Dominion University - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Development of a machine learning-based depression risk identification tool for older adults with asthma - BMC Psychiatry - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- AI and Machine Learning Uses in Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Upcoming Webinar Hosted by Xtalks - PR Newswire - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Error-controlled non-additive interaction discovery in machine learning models - Nature - September 23rd, 2025 [September 23rd, 2025]
- AI, Machine Learning Will Drive Market Data Consumption - Markets Media - September 23rd, 2025 [September 23rd, 2025]
- Machine Learning Model May Optimize Treatment Selection and Survival in HCC - Targeted Oncology - September 23rd, 2025 [September 23rd, 2025]
- From pixels to pumps: Machine learning and satellite imagery help map irrigation - Phys.org - September 23rd, 2025 [September 23rd, 2025]
- CMU physicist challenges what we know about particle physics with machine learning - The Tartan - September 23rd, 2025 [September 23rd, 2025]
- Hire Python Developers to Leverage the Power of Machine Learning & AI - WebWire - September 23rd, 2025 [September 23rd, 2025]
- AI-Powered Biology Careers in 2025: Opportunities with Machine Learning Skills - BioTecNika - September 23rd, 2025 [September 23rd, 2025]
- Machine learning and predictingstock price movements on NGX - Businessamlive - September 23rd, 2025 [September 23rd, 2025]
- Building a Hybrid Rule-Based and Machine Learning Framework to Detect and Defend Against Jailbreak Prompts in LLM Systems - MarkTechPost - September 21st, 2025 [September 21st, 2025]
- Development of a novel machine learning-based adaptive resampling algorithm for nuclear data processing - Nature - September 19th, 2025 [September 19th, 2025]
- Autobot platform uses machine learning to rapidly find best ways to make advanced materials - Tech Xplore - September 19th, 2025 [September 19th, 2025]
- 5 Key Takeaways | The Law of the Machine (Learning): Solving Complex AI Challenges - JD Supra - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Spectral and Machine Learning Approach Enhances Efficiency of Grape Embryo Rescue | Newswise - Newswise - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Helpful Reminders for Patent Eligibility of AI, Machine Learning, and Other Software-Related Inventions - JD Supra - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Opening the black box of machine learning-controlled plasma treatments - AIP.ORG - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Post-compilation Circuit Scaling for Quantum Machine Learning Models Reveals Resource Trends and Topology Impacts - Quantum Zeitgeist - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Machine-learning tool gives doctors a more detailed 3D picture of fetal health - Medical Xpress - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Portable Electronic Nose with Machine Learning Enhances VOC Detection in Forensic Science - Chromatography Online - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- Developing a predictive model for breast cancer detection using radiomics-based mammography and machine learning - SpringerOpen - September 13th, 2025 [September 13th, 2025]