Mines computer science professor Nirmalya Thakur’s accolades include over 120 citations of his most recent research paper and the creation of an unbeatable tic-tac-toe game. Now, he wants to use the power of artificial intelligence to directly improve lives.
AI and massive data collection efforts are among the most powerful – and controversial – aspects of modern hi-tech industries.
However, Thakur said a philosophy from his PHD mentor motivates him to look for the good in this burgeoning field.
“Research is not just about writing papers," Thakur said. "Research is about your opportunity to create a system, framework, program, that not just leads to a paper that people listen to at a conference, but that has the potential for advancing our knowledge and potential in computer science and humanity.”
Despite this, AI and data collection come with ethical concerns Thakur said must be wrestled with.
“The potential is significant, but it is also crucial that we develop AI in a responsible way such that the applications of intelligence impact humanity in a positive way, improve our quality of lives," Thakur said. "The future of human-AI collaboration can create a positive environment for humans and AI to interact, learn and grow together.”
For example, an application that can tell the difference between a serious fall and someone lying down in their bed.
“Let’s say at 11 PM, the sensor detects someone lying down," Thakur said. "Lying down posture doesn’t necessarily equate to falls. But if the same person is detected at 11 PM lying in the restroom, that is an emergency. So, this is the integration of environmental context that differentiates a normal, daily routine behavior – sleeping – versus an emergency behavior where an AI can provide intervention.”
Thakur’s latest program, Emotional Detours, helps AI learn from setbacks like a false fall alarm to foster a better environment for individuals and communities moving forward.