USC to open "smart data" artificial intelligence institute

The University of South Carolina wants to start working smarter. Later this summer, the school will open an institute dedicated to studying and developing artificial intelligence, which is sometimes abbreviated AI, the school announced Tuesday. The institute aims to use its AI research to help develop "self-improving" and customized programs for social workers, pharmacists, teachers and more, the release said. To do that, "The AI Institute plans to enlist philosophers, ethicists, public policy experts, and lawyers dedicated to exploring the societal impact of AI technology, both the good and the unintended negative outcomes," the release said. "For example, some have expressed concern that autonomous vehicles could soon put tens of thousands of truck drivers out of work."