Experts noted that agile data collection and research is necessary to meet the needs of the hour
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will only increase across various industries as more and more organisations look to adopting the technology to improve their effectiveness and efficiency, experts said at the third edition of Artelligence – The Artificial Intelligence Forum.
Presented by Khaleej Times, the event brought together various experts to highlight the latest in AI technology as well as steps that governments are taking to ensure its safe and ethical use. The event was organised with the help of several sponsors including Darktrace as the AI Cybersecurity Partner; Denodo as the Gold Sponsor; SAS as the AI & Analytics Partner; Oracle as the Technology Partner; Dell Technologies as the Enterprise Technology Partner; and Elixir Group as the Technology Investment Partner.
Alexy Sidorov, chief evangelist, Denodo, UAE, spoke about the importance of clean, timely, and well-organised data, which is the core of Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Analytics. Enterprise Data Fabric, he explained, is an innovative way of managing and connecting disparate sources of data to create a quantum layer of the information.
However, he noted that many organisations are still hesitant to adopt a new data framework as long as their old technology works. “If they want to build their new technology capabilities such as Artificial Intelligence, then they will need to make the transition.”
Benedict Dellot, head of AI Monitoring, Center of Data Ethics & Innovation, UK, also spoke about various challenges that firms might face when it comes to new technologies. These include managing the hype of the technology with the reality of its capability, and the tradeoff that limits data collection when it comes to privacy.
“We need agile data collection and research so that we can meet the needs of the hour. Research needs to be responsive to live developments in the technology and be delivered at a pace that policymakers and the public expect and need,” he said.
A key challenge that limits data collection are concerns about privacy, he added. These need to be addressed to ensure the collection of accurate samples that will help with making effective decisions. Another concern revolves around the malicious use of AI technology. “Recently, we saw deepfake videos that allow people to create altered videos, and already people are concerned about how this will impact various segments such as politics.”
Matthias Schindler, global head of AI, BMW Group, Germany, spoke about how BMW Group has brought AI to the shop floor and in their production plants.
“At the BMW Group, we believe that technology serves people,” he said. “Currently, we are helping to reduce boring and repetitive tasks with the use of AI.”
He also highlighted how the company had taken a human-centered approach to AI and is using real time AI to control quality in the press shop. This includes using AI to check if all the parts are in order before assembly at the production plant.
Schindler also noted that BMW Group is committed to open source, which is why the group shares its AI algorithms that are used in production. “AI and open source are highly connected. We use AI to shorten quality control loops, and system integration in the BMW production system; anyone that wants to learn can check out and adopt the algorithm since it is open source.”
There is a decidedly competitive advantage for firms in prioritizing Ethical AI, said Hubert Etienne, AI ethics researcher, Facebook, France.
He explained that governments should promote good practices, and inform their population about new technology and the consequences of the use of that technology. If they fail in doing so, then they leave the population vulnerable. Similarly, firms looking to adopt AI solutions should ensure that they are collecting the data in an ethical manner.
“We need full transparency in data collection,” he said. “Also, an organisation should be seen as taking responsibility from the very beginning in order to build trust.”
Dr. Danny Ruta, AI clinical lead, Guy’s Cancer Centre, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, UK, also raised the question of whether regulation should be allowed to stifle innovation. AI technology has to reflect the values of the country where it is being deployed, and governments have to play a part in setting an ethical framework. This is vital in sectors such as healthcare and insurance, he said.
“If organisations don’t get consent from all the parties that are involved when it comes to gathering data and research, then there will be a backlash that will result in stifled innovation,” he said.
rohma@khaleejtimes.com