May 25th, 2021 marked an important milestone for the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) – the one year anniversary of Tech Talks! This Tech Talk, like all others before, was marked by insightful discussion of emerging technologies and fascinating demonstrations. The most recent Tech Talk, featuring Dr. David Ebert - discussing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) - took a close look at AI as it captures, interprets and presents data. The virtual event was attended by 120 members across the United States and some as far away as the United Kingdom!
While introducing Dr. Ebert, Aeronautical Center Director Michelle Coppedge noted, "To be most effective, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning systems need to be integrated into human-computer teaming environments. This techno-human collaboration depends on the technology being trustworthy, dependable, and transparent." Dr. Ebert spoke to the need for this human and machine cooperation.
Artificial Intelligence is an incredible tool, but there are times when the AI fails to properly interpret data. Machine Learning requires transparency so that humans can continue to refine AI results and output. However, the technology continues to be a powerful and impressive resource, providing dynamic data visualizations, opening up new ways of evaluating and applying data.
Serving as Associate Vice President for Research and Partnerships at the University of Oklahoma, Dr. David Ebert is also the Gallogly Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Director of the Data Institute for Societal Challenges. During the MMAC Tech Talk, Dr. Ebert addressed not only the topic at hand but also the insightful questions of the Tech Talk audience. One attendee asked about the timeline for increasing validity of independently derived AI information. Dr. Ebert assured them that the technology, initially hampered by computational capabilities, is becoming exponentially more trustworthy. He also responded to a question about FAA collaboration in Artificial Intelligence with the University of Oklahoma and widely opened the door to such an opportunity.
One viewer praised the Tech Talk as a "highly informative presentation with lots of useful data points throughout." Another viewer commented, "The subject of discussion was interesting as Dr. Ebert described the AI service with examples of actual data collected. The topic was relevant to new technologies that are and will be utilized in the FAA soon." Deputy Director of the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Kevin O’Connor summed the Tech Talk up succinctly: "Dr. Ebert, you had me at data visualizations. We, here at the FAA, love the data visualizations that AI presents!"
