At the University of Cambridge, the ai@cam initiative is leading efforts to develop artificial intelligence that benefits society. Under the leadership of Professor Neil Lawrence and Jessica Montgomery, this initiative combines expertise from various disciplines to ensure AI addresses practical community issues.
Lawrence criticizes the hype around Artificial General Intelligence, referring to it as "AGI vaporware." He urges a focus on solving real-world problems like healthcare and education instead of marketing future tech. Montgomery highlights the need for collaboration in public services, underscoring that AI tools must be designed with input from public servants and service users to address complex societal challenges effectively.
Montgomery acknowledges public aspirations for AI, which include easing the workload of nurses and personalizing education for teachers. However, she notes there's growing mistrust about data privacy and concentration of power. She emphasizes that AI should be co-created with public involvement.
ai@cam's public dialogue initiatives aim to build trust and accountability. Lawrence stresses the importance of involving public voices in AI system design, citing past tech scandals as reminders of design pitfalls. He argues for a collaborative innovation model with frontline workers.
The initiative's "AI-deas challenges" and Policy Lab engagements are fostering partnerships for AI-driven solutions to public service issues. Liz Watts, Chief Executive of South Cambridgeshire District Council, reports that AI helps manage contact center queries effectively. AI tools like "Sam" automate responses, saving resources for more critical services.
AI also supports social care by reducing documentation time, enabling social workers to focus more on clients. Co-developed with input from social workers, these tools address specific needs of local councils. But challenges like limited budgets hinder AI adoption in smaller councils.
Dr. Kwadwo Oti-Sarpong's project under ai@cam's AI-deas programme guides local authorities in ethical AI use. His collaboration with Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service (GCSP) involves developing an AI tool to handle public consultation comments for urban planning.
This AI tool, designed with ethical principles in mind, helps analyze extensive public input effectively. Oti-Sarpong emphasizes the importance of transparency and inclusion to avoid bias. His team hopes to extend these insights to support local councils in implementing AI responsibly.
In summary, the efforts by ai@cam underline the importance of integrating AI into public services with a clear focus on ethical considerations and community involvement.