- AI is a tool to help humans, so real live people need to make certain “AI Do Good”.
- And when you think about it, a lot of individuals use AI.
- You could be one of them, maybe without even being aware of it, via a product, service or other means.
- This is because AI is integrated into the very fabric of modern functionality.
- Starting now, each New Year’s Eve, the ‘AI Do Good Awards’ website, posts a list of those who have, or are, impacting AI.
AI Do Good as a tool for human empowerment.
Alan Mathison Turing
(Born 1912 – Died 1954)
Alan Turing, a British mathematician, logician, and cryptanalyst, is often celebrated as the father of modern computing and artificial intelligence (AI). His groundbreaking work during the mid-20th century laid the foundational principles that would eventually drive the evolution of AI. Turing’s most influential contribution was the conceptualization of the “Turing Machine,” a theoretical device that encapsulates the fundamental logic of the digital computer. This abstract invention provided a framework for understanding how machines could simulate any conceivable act of mathematical deduction, a core principle underlying AI. His development of the Turing Test, a method for determining whether a machine can exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to or indistinguishable from that of a human, remains a significant milestone in the philosophy of AI. He paved the way for the development of complex AI systems that enhance and augment human capabilities across diverse sectors, thus profoundly benefiting humanity.
AI Do Good so leaders focus on what is best for people.
Grace Brewster Murray
(Born 1906 – Died 1992)
Grace Brewster Murray Hopper, a trailblazing American computer scientist, mathematician, and United States Navy rear admiral, played a pivotal role in the early development of what would become artificial intelligence (AI). As a pioneering computer programmer, Hopper’s most significant contribution was her work on the Harvard Mark I computer, a foundational development in the evolution of computers and AI. Her foresight in recognizing the potential of machine-independent programming languages led to her development of the first compiler, a program that translates human-readable code into machine-readable instructions. Her vision and efforts in simplifying and democratizing computer programming not only revolutionized the field but also made AI development more feasible and impactful. Hopper’s enduring legacy in AI is marked by her belief in the power of computers to improve human life, a principle that continues to guide the ethical and beneficial use of AI in society.
AI Do Good trailblazer and community hero.
John McCarthy
(Born 1927 – Died 2011)
John McCarthy, an American computer scientist, is widely regarded as one of the founding figures of the field of artificial intelligence (AI). His most notable contribution was coining the term “artificial intelligence” in 1955, which not only named the field but also helped define its scope and objectives. McCarthy’s impact on the AI community extends beyond this seminal act; he was instrumental in developing several foundational aspects of AI programming. His vision and leadership in these early days helped establish a collaborative and innovative culture within the AI community, fostering a spirit of inquiry and exploration that continues to drive advancements in the field. McCarthy’s legacy is seen not just in the technologies and programming languages he developed, but also in the vibrant, global community of AI researchers and practitioners he helped to create.
AI Do Good with digital media.
Samuel Harris Altman
(Born 1985)
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) with a strong focus on its ethical and beneficial deployment for humanity. Under his leadership, OpenAI has emphasized the importance of developing AI in a way that is safe, transparent, and aligned with human values. Altman’s vision extends beyond technological advancement; he is deeply committed to ensuring that AI is accessible and beneficial to all, rather than being a tool for the few. This includes addressing issues like AI fairness, bias, and the potential socioeconomic impacts of AI technologies. Through OpenAI, Altman has been instrumental in driving forward groundbreaking AI research and applications, such as the GPT series, while continually advocating for policies and practices that prioritize the well-being and interests of society at large. His work is a testament to the potential of AI as a force for good, fostering innovations that could solve some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today.
AI Do Good to strengthen community bonds.
Timnit Gebru
(Born 1983)
Timnit Gebru, an Ethiopian-born computer scientist, has emerged as a prominent voice for diversity, inclusion, and ethical accountability in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). As a co-founder of Black in AI, a group dedicated to increasing the representation and participation of Black individuals in AI, Gebru has played a crucial role in addressing systemic biases within the AI community. Her research, particularly in computer vision, has been instrumental in revealing and mitigating racial and gender biases present in AI technologies. This work is vital in ensuring that AI systems are fair and equitable, especially when deployed in sensitive areas like facial recognition. Gebru’s advocacy extends beyond technical contributions; she actively promotes a more inclusive AI community by mentoring underrepresented groups, thereby nurturing a diverse generation of AI researchers and practitioners. Her efforts in raising awareness about the social and ethical implications of AI have sparked important conversations within the tech industry and academia about responsible AI development. Gebru’s work exemplifies the critical need for varied perspectives in AI to create technologies that are not only innovative but also equitable and beneficial for all sections of society. Her commitment to inclusivity and ethical practices in AI has had a profound impact on the field, fostering a more conscious and community-oriented approach to AI research and application.
AI Do Good scaling business.
Elon Reeve Musk
(Born 1971)
Elon Musk, born in South Africa, is a technology entrepreneur and business magnate, and has significantly contributed to the field of artificial intelligence (AI) with a focus on its beneficial impact on humanity. Although Musk is known for his cautionary stance on AI, emphasizing the need for regulation and ethical guidelines, his initiatives have greatly influenced the development of AI for positive purposes. As a co-founder of OpenAI, Musk helped establish an organization dedicated to advancing digital intelligence in a way that is most likely to benefit humanity as a whole. His vision extends to ensuring that AI empowers and augments human capabilities rather than supplanting them. Through his various ventures, Musk integrates AI in practical applications, such as in Tesla’s autonomous driving technology, demonstrating its potential to enhance safety and efficiency. His advocacy for sustainable and responsible AI development reflects a commitment to leveraging technology to address global challenges, improve quality of life, and empower individuals, thereby underscoring the transformative and positive power of AI in human society.
AI Do Good , enhancing human lives.
Andrew Yan-Tak Ng
(Born 1976)
Andrew Ng, a British-American computer scientist, has been a transformative figure in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in machine learning. He co-founded Google Brain, a deep learning research project at Google, which has made significant strides in advancing AI technologies. Ng’s work in deep learning, a subset of machine learning involving neural networks, has been instrumental in developing systems that can learn and improve from experience without explicit programming. His contributions have led to breakthroughs in a range of applications, from voice recognition software to self-driving cars, fundamentally enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of AI systems. Beyond his technical accomplishments, Ng is also a renowned educator, having co-founded Coursera, an online learning platform that has democratized access to AI and machine learning education for people around the world. His advocacy for the ethical use of AI and commitment to harnessing AI for good aligns with the broader aim of using technology to solve important human problems and improve the quality of life globally. Ng’s influence in the AI community continues to inspire innovations that positively impact various aspects of human life, from healthcare to environmental sustainability.
AI Do Good in community planning.
Herbert Alexander Simon
(Born 1916 – Died 2001)
Nobel laureate Herbert A. Simon, an American economist, political scientist, and cognitive psychologist, made groundbreaking contributions to understanding decision-making processes in both humans and machines, significantly impacting the field of artificial intelligence (AI). His pioneering work in the theory of bounded rationality revolutionized the way we understand human decision-making, emphasizing the limits of cognitive resources and the role of heuristics in problem-solving. This approach was crucial in the development of AI, as it provided a realistic framework for programming machines to make decisions in complex, real-world scenarios. His work not only advanced the technical aspects of AI but also addressed the ethical and societal implications of technology, advocating for the responsible use of AI to enhance human capabilities and welfare. Simon’s vision of AI as a tool for augmenting human intelligence and solving critical societal problems continues to influence the direction of AI research and application, ensuring that technology serves the greater good of humanity. His legacy is evident in the widespread adoption of AI in various fields, from healthcare to education, where it is used to improve decision-making and optimize outcomes, embodying the principles of AI Do Good.
AI Do Good strategies.
Raymond Kurzweil
(Born 1948)
Ray Kurzweil, an American inventor and futurist, has made substantial contributions to artificial intelligence (AI) that have greatly benefited humanity, particularly in the realms of optical character recognition, text-to-speech synthesis, and speech recognition technology. His innovations in optical character recognition (OCR) have revolutionized the way computers interpret written text, making it possible to digitize printed materials en masse, thereby enhancing accessibility to information. His foresight and innovations in these areas reflect his broader vision of using AI to augment human capabilities and improve the quality of life. Kurzweil’s impact extends beyond the technical sphere; as a futurist, he has influenced public understanding and anticipation of AI, advocating for its potential to address significant challenges and enhance human potential. His contributions embody the ethos of AI Do Good, demonstrating how technological advancement can be harnessed for positive and humanitarian ends.
AI Do Good collective participation.
Ellen Ochoa
(Born 1958)
Ellen Ochoa, an American astronaut and engineer, has made significant contributions to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in space technology and exploration. As the first Hispanic woman to go to space and a former director of the Johnson Space Center, Ochoa played a key role in advancing the use of AI in NASA’s space missions. Her work involved developing and utilizing AI-driven systems to enhance the functionality and safety of spacecraft. This included the implementation of advanced robotics and automated systems, which are essential for tasks like spacecraft navigation, data analysis, and conducting experiments in space. Ochoa’s expertise in optical systems was particularly valuable in the development of AI technologies for remote sensing, which allows for detailed observation and analysis of planetary surfaces and atmospheres, thereby enriching our understanding of space. Her leadership in incorporating AI into space exploration has not only improved the efficiency and success of missions but has also opened new possibilities for research and discovery in the vast expanse of space. Ochoa’s achievements demonstrate the critical role of AI in pushing the boundaries of human exploration and knowledge, and her career continues to inspire future generations in the fields of space science, engineering, and AI.