How smart tools are boosting safety and accessibility in trade professions

How surveillance technology can improve public safety

Most people know that they’re being watched in some capacity, from targeted Instagram ads to traffic cameras. Researchers are working to find ways to use AI-based surveillance technologies ethically to advance public good, like monitoring low water crossings or auto-pedestrian accidents to decrease deaths and injuries. But these tools don’t come without concerns. For example, some surveillance technologies are trained on biased data sets and inaccurately identify people of color. In this episode, host Rylie Lillibridge talks to researchers and experts on how these tools can be used for good – and what dangers still exist.

How smart tools are boosting safety and accessibility in trade professions

Welding can be a dangerous job. Heavy equipment, sparking electrical arcs and high temperatures can create a risky situation, especially for inexperienced welders. Tools integrated with artificial intelligence technologies are lowering the risks and increasing accessibility in welding and other trade professions. They’re also helping students learn skills faster and work more efficiently. In this episode, hear from professionals in the field, the researchers who seek to support them and an educator exploring how these tools could enhance training.

How artificial intelligence is making cities smarter

The systems our cities rely on – transportation, emergency response, and more – are increasingly using artificial intelligence to make operations run more smoothly. Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, so the way officials use AI technology can vastly improve the lives of its citizens. In this episode, hear how researchers are creating digital twins of cities to smooth out transportation issues and modeling fire patterns to keep citizens safe.

The successes and challenges of autonomous vehicles

In 2022, Cruise decided to test its fleet of self-driving cars in several cities across the U.S., including Austin. The cars caused traffic backups, car accidents and even injury. It’s clear we have a long way to go with autonomous vehicles. So how do we enter a future where driverless cars are an inevitability? In this episode, hear why experts are hopeful for the future and some good news about the way the technology is enhancing the lives of farmers and ranchers.

ChatGPT and the future of large language models

OpenAI’s ChatGPT is the latest buzzed-about technology in the field of artificial intelligence. The chatbot has both created new opportunities and caused concerns in creative fields, academia and beyond. And machine-generated writing is showing up everywhere. But how do these large language models work, and what are they allowed – and not allowed – to say? In this episode, host Rylie Lillibridge walks through language models and datasets, and even tries to jailbreak the technology.