Utilizing AI for Humanitarian Causes
As technology continues to advance, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly more apparent within our society. For many, AI is a step in the right direction that could help us achieve more efficient processes in the healthcare, transportation, engineering, and agricultural sectors. Many are now speculating whether or not this same technology could also be employed to support humanitarian causes as well. Despite its potential, utilizing AI to improve the lives of those in need has been slower to catch on, but indications of a shift in approach is taking place nonetheless.
The current state of the world has made it difficult for traditional philanthropic organizations to keep up with the demands of global issues like poverty, food insecurity, and other social challenges. That’s why many of these organizations are turning to AI-driven platforms for help in order to streamline communication, speed up fundraising efforts, and most importantly, connect people with the resources they need.
For instance, the American Red Cross recently collaborated with UPS and Intel to create an AI platform to provide more accurate and efficient delivery of items like medicine, supplies, and food. The project was created to reduce risk in humanitarian efforts, improve donor allocation of resources, and ultimately, achieve better results.
Other humanitarian organizations have implemented AI solutions like natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms into their projects. Like the team at Missing Maps, a non-profit organization that uses crowdsourced mapping data to help deliver aid to areas where people are particularly vulnerable. The NLP tool helps expedite the process of mapping out regions and analyzing the data collected by volunteers.
In addition to these notable projects, there are countless others that have been created with AI-assisted technologies, proving that utilizing AI for humanitarian causes is an effective way to help move the needle in achieving a better world.
However, there are still those who question the moral implications that come with using AI for social good. Many are especially concerned with the looming presence of robots and automation when it comes to assisting people with their everyday tasks. But despite these fears, AI-supported systems are actually creating more opportunities for humans to collaborate and collaborate more efficiently, not take away from them.
At the end of the day, the success of AI-backed humanitarian efforts are contingent upon how we use the technology. For those who are interested in exploring this area further, investing in AI-specific educational programs is a great starting point. As we continue to learn about the various ways AI-supported projects can serve the world, it is likely that AI-focused companies will become more and more tapped into the business of helping others.
Overall, AI has the potential to transform the way we address humanitarian causes. Taking the time to invest in this technology and finding ways to apply it to solve modern day problems could potentially lead to a more peaceful, just, and equitable future.