Responsible AI has power to improve every aspect of our lives: report
The collection of short papers developed by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) and the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) offers an insight into the world of responsible artificial intelligence and the opportunities it presents to Australia.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to improve our lives and has become embedded in everything we use, from the health system to education and transportation, according to a new public report.
But what exactly is responsible AI, and how can the technology be designed in a thoughtful way to be deployed across a wide range of sectors?
The University of Adelaide’s Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) partnered with the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) to provide some answers in a new report titled Responsible AI: Your questions answered, a short collection of papers exploring responsible AI and the benefits it offers Australia.
Responsible AI can be understood as the practice of developing and using AI systems in a way that benefits individuals, groups, and wider society, while minimising the risk of negative consequences.
Authors featured in the 38-page report include: Australian Manufacturing Workers Union National President Andrew Dettmer; University of Adelaide Centre for Augmented Reasoning Director Professor Anton van den Hengel; University of Adelaide Associate Professor Carolyn Semmler; CSIRO Data61 Director Professor Jon Whittle; University of Adelaide Executive Dean, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology Professor Katrina Falkner; Australian Institute for Machine Learning Director Professor Simon Lucey; National Artificial Intelligence Centre Director Stela Solar; and Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) Chief Executive Officer Kylie Walker.
Introducing the publication, Professor Elanor Huntington said the report explored the challenges ahead in bolstering Australia’s AI capability, including the need for more investment.
“AI has been embedded into our daily routines, seamlessly enhancing accessibility, productivity and experiences,” Professor Huntington, an Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering board member, said.
“It is being used to improve healthcare, education, transportation, and many other areas.”
AIML’s director, Professor Simon Lucey, said artificial intelligence was at an “interesting inflection point”, transitioning from a laboratorial curiosity to a tangible technology that is making an impact on the lives of everyday people, and Australia needs to leverage the wealth of knowledge inside universities to spark innovation across the economy.
“By fostering a culture of research, risk-taking, and close university-industry relationships, we can diversity our economy, bolster our global standing, and create a fertile ground for a new generation of Australian tech innovators,” Professor Lucey said.
Director of the University’s Centre for Augmented Reasoning, Professor Anton van den Hengel, said while there had been a surge in public awareness around AI, there was still a perception the technology was something out of Hollywood.
“The gap between current AI capabilities and the public’s expectation isn’t a drawback, it’s an opportunity for Australia to invest in building technology that will significantly alter our economic landscape and daily lives,” Professor van den Hengel said.
Responsible AI: Your questions answered is available to download from the ATSE website