Understanding Artificial intelligence – Education
The importance of terms and concepts regarding AI was the subject discussed in Part 1 of this series. Florida educators have recognized that in order to compete and excel in the AI revolution, training will be the foundation to build our success.
Institutions such as Florida Atlantic University are offering new degree programs across the AI spectrum. Specialized concentrations of study will include autonomous systems, sensor development and data interpretation just to list a few. Florida graduates will be poised to capitalize on explosive demand and the state will cement its place as a center of AI innovation.
Applications in Florida Businesses
The integration of AI into Florida businesses has been massive. Agricultural applications have benefited from corporate, state and university cooperative efforts to create systems capable of monitoring farm health through multiple sensor streams (imaging and chemical) in order to apply appropriate treatments (pesticides, weed killers and fertilizers) autonomously.
The complexities of real estate zoning and regulations (local, state and federal) are often a stumbling block for investors and developers attempting to determine the best use of a land parcel. The (often) hundreds of pages of zoning rules and myriad regulations are exactly the types of large and structured data sets that AI can rapidly analyze and evaluate to assess allowable usage.
Businesses exist to provide services and products to consumers and generally do not focus on in-house AI expertise. Florida has become an international source of AI software/process developers in support of business. Dozens of companies ranging from just a few to hundreds of employees call Florida home. The concentrated effort to educate our youth in AI disciplines will further expand the Florida AI footprint.
Florida Healthcare AI Developments
In the midst of the Covid uncertainties many Florida hospitals and doctors’ offices tried implementing remote appointments via phone or face time. This has started a trend toward remote patient monitoring. Using AI systems and sensors to monitor vital functions and biomarkers, healthcare providers are often able to rapidly assess a patient’s condition without an in person visit.
Considering population numbers, the variety of conditions/diseases and time constraints, it is obvious that AI is essential to widespread remote patient monitoring.
Florida Cities Utilize AI
Cities, particularly large ones, are pressured to provide taxpayer services and timely responses to valid concerns. AI provides the opportunity to consolidate data tracking, budget projections and streamlining citizen/department interactions into a single platform.
This platform can allow citizens and city officials single point of access to any concern and “intelligently” direct the user (citizen or official) to the desired answer and/or department contact. The platform can also provide city officials with an ever evolving source of real time data pulled from all municipal departments to provide future planning responsive to populace desires.
Eglin AFB Developing AI Warplanes
A major concern regarding military spending is cost. Major weapons systems are famous for cost overruns and missed deadlines. Eglin Air Force Base in Florida is at the forefront of an AI revolution in weapons development and procurement that will dramatically expand American defense capability at a fraction of the unit cost of modern aircraft. Project “Venom” is currently installed on modified F-16 Falcon fighters and enables one AI computer to learn from and control six planes simultaneously.
An even more ambitious AI effort is well underway called “Valkyrie”. Valkyrie drones offer comparable range and payload to current manned fighter planes. Networked with the Air Force’s “Skyborg” system, the Valkyrie drones provide stealthy, low cost (projected $2M per drone) wingman assistance, reducing manned pilot workload. At $2M per drone, Valkyrie is less expensive than the missiles used by adversaries trying to shoot it. Enabling offensive systems to be less expensive than the defenses they face is a true game changer.
The Sooner and Younger, the Better
Even though AI is rapidly being integrated into all aspects of daily life, the public’s understanding is nominal at best. Fortunately Florida is stepping up to address AI education of our K-12 children. University of Florida faculty has worked with state officials to develop a four part curriculum instructing students in AI concepts and applications.
Florida is meeting the future and it will be populated with students and workers educated to handle the opportunities and pitfalls of an increasingly AI driven world. Move over Silicon Valley, here we come!
Convention of States Informs Citizens
COSA promotes independent and analytical thought. AI is a complex discussion but one that can be addressed by civil discourse between the citizenry, industry and government. Open a dialogue with your local and state officials to discuss concerns you may have regarding the inevitable expansion of artificial “intellect”. Since this is new territory for all of us please be clear, reasonable and always respectful.
