How Can Artificial Intelligence Improve Humanitarian Assistance?

The unique topic of artificial intelligence (AI) for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) was in the spotlight last week, as leading minds from academia, industry and the federal government met to discuss how modern technology can help victims of disasters around the globe. The Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Workshop–co-hosted by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)–took place at the university's Pittsburgh campus Aug. 2-3. "The problem of catastrophes affecting humanity will unfortunately always be among us," said Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. David J. Hahn. "The great minds in this room are here to figure out how we can best leverage artificial intelligence and autonomy to better deliver resources and people to those in urgent need." As Hahn addressed the group, pictures of naval relief efforts over many years scrolled behind him, including Sailors and Marines assisting victims in Haiti after an earthquake, Japan after an earthquake and tsunami, New Orleans and New York after hurricanes, and more.