RAIL Launches Phase II of its Responsible AI Innovations

The Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL) has experienced significant growth and made notable contributions to AI and quality engineering education. With the successful completion of Phase I, the lab is now transitioning into Phase II, launching new projects and initiatives to further its impact. On 17th September 2024, RAIL organised its Phase II Onboarding Workshop.

Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, the Principal Investigator and Scientific Director of RAIL, presented the lab’s Phase II agenda, outlining a roadmap for the next phase of their work. He explained that RAIL will actively engage with industry partners to develop cutting-edge AI technologies, focusing on creating AI-driven solutions to assist people with disabilities and enhance their quality of life and accessibility while continuing with AI solutions in health, agriculture, and energy systems.

Prof. Kponyo highlighted the broader application of AI across key sectors, including education, law and engineering, reinforcing RAIL’s commitment to fostering an AI4D (Artificial Intelligence for Development) network of labs that drive innovation and impact.

In addition to its research activities, RAIL will introduce specialised short courses on AI, data science, and other emerging technologies designed to equip professionals from various fields with critical skills and knowledge. These courses aim to democratise AI learning, making advanced technological education accessible to a broader audience and empowering individuals to integrate AI responsibly into their work.

Prof. Kponyo emphasised RAIL’s dedication to promoting the responsible use of AI, advocating for good practices, ethical standards, and evidence-based policy development that ensure AI technologies are used for societal good. The Phase II initiatives are geared towards advancing AI research and shaping a future where AI is a tool for positive transformation across diverse sectors.

Dr. Rita Udor, RAIL Gender Consultant, emphasised the importance of gender inclusivity in Responsible AI, announcing plans to train 1,000 female AI developers. This initiative aims to bridge the gender gap in tech and promote the responsible application of AI, focusing on use cases that address Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in sectors like agriculture, health, education, and engineering. The program underscores RAIL’s commitment to fostering diversity and equipping women with the skills to drive ethical and impactful AI solutions.

She also stressed that AI products should be designed to be accessible to everyone, avoiding bias and discrimination. She highlighted the importance of creating technologies that empower marginalised groups and promote inclusivity. Additionally, she called for collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure that AI solutions are equitable and serve the needs of all members of the community.

Dr. Dr. Christopher Seth Appiah, RAIL Ethics Consultant, spoke on the importance of ethics in AI, urging developers to prioritise ethical considerations when creating AI solutions. He iterated the need for inclusion and diversity, stressing that cultural differences and biases should be carefully managed to create fair AI systems.

He advocated a multidisciplinary approach, recommending close collaboration with social science experts and policymakers to guide the development process. This, he noted, would help bridge the gap between AI innovation and practical application, facilitating the commercialisation and public adoption of AI solutions that are ethically grounded and widely beneficial.