As wildfires have grown in numbers and intensity throughout the western United States, it's caused a run on new kinds of technology that can help fight them. That includes machine learning for data analysis, drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, and satellite surveillance. California alone tracked 4.2 million acres burned in 2020, with five of the six largest fires in state history occurring simultaneously. That has led to multiple tech-driven firefighting solutions being approved in the state, including predictive analysis, fire-spotting from orbit, and AI-powered equipment inspections. "AI-enabled systems are already being used to coordinate disaster relief, conduct reconnaissance, and direct recovery efforts. Detecting patterns, trends, and anomalies in supply chains and for logistical support has also become a common task for Machine Learning algorithms," said JT Kostman, the CEO of artificial intelligence firm ProtectedBy.AI, in an interview with Lifewire.

ISELIN, N.J. -- JT Kostman, Ph.D., an internationally recognized leader in cognitive computing, applied artificial intelligence, and data strategy, has joined Grant Thornton LLP as managing director of applied artificial intelligence. In this new role, Kostman will lead the development and delivery of artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, blockchain, and advanced analytic solutions and services for the firm and Grant Thornton clients. He will be based in the firm's Iselin, N.J., office and will report into National Managing Principal of Innovation Kevin Baril. Kostman is a data scientist, mathematician and psychologist renowned for his expertise in applied artificial intelligence and cognitive computing. He boasts an impressive pedigree – having served as chief data officer and a member of the executive committee for Time Inc., chief data scientist for Samsung, and chief data scientist and big data psychologist for Aptus Insights.

"On any shortlist I'm considered to be one of the world's leading experts on applied artificial intelligence," said JT Kostman at a NetApp breakfast in Sydney yesterday. The American's claim has substance. Kostman is a former Time Inc chief data officer, was once Samsung Electronics' chief data scientist, and says he has advised the US Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and the Department of Defense on AI and analytics. But even he isn't quite sure exactly what AI is. "I don't think anybody really does know what artificial intelligence is. I'm not sure that I'm really sure, what it really means. My definition of AI, truly, I define artificial intelligence as getting computers to do stuff that they do on TV and in the movies. That's what AI really is," he says.