There has been an explosion of interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recent months – following the technical progress in generative AI. AI technologies now make it possible to generate professional-quality art, music, videos, news articles, and books – with only modest guidance from the app user. Furthermore, AI-powered chatbots are adept at answering questions about almost anything. Many people now envision a technical revolution of apps based on these technologies – that will affect many professions including retail, publishing, media creation, education, and software development. Investment in AI – and its applications has also soared.
IEEE’s Role in AI Extends Across the Organization
The AI explosion touches IEEE in many ways. As the leading professional society in AI-related technologies, IEEE has a tacit responsibility to provide sound technical information to the general public. As a standards organization, we have an interest in developing standards for AI’s safe and effective use. As a professional society with AI in our field of interest, we have a keen interest in supporting our members who work on AI technology and how it affects their careers. And as a publisher, media creator and educator, we have a keen interest in how AI can be used to improve our own operations.
IEEE has long been active in its response to AI opportunities and challenges. Many IEEE Societies and Councils have responded in their domains. A coordinated response is needed to ensure that IEEE’s response has no major gaps. That was a prime motivation for forming the IEEE AI Coalition.
IEEE’s AI Coalition
The AI Coalition represents a collective of over forty stakeholders from across IEEE who have come together with a shared purpose: to consolidate IEEE’s AI content on a cohesive platform and foster a robust network for AI-related resources. Its mission encompasses three key objectives:
- Classify and Index IEEE AI Work: We diligently organize and categorize AI-related work from across IEEE, ensuring that it is accessible in one centralized area. By doing so, we aim to bridge any gaps and facilitate seamless exploration of AI research, applications, and insights.
- Enhance IEEE Services with AI: We explore how artificial intelligence can enhance the services provided by IEEE. Whether it’s optimizing processes, improving member experiences, or advancing technical publications, we strive to leverage AI effectively.
- Provide a Long-Term Vision: The AI Coalition is committed to developing a forward-thinking, long-term vision for the integration of AI within IEEE. We envision a future where AI-driven innovations empower our members, drive societal progress, and shape the technological landscape.
AI Coalition Team Workshop
On June 6th, the AI Coalition held a team workshop at the Microsoft New England Research and Development (NERD) Center in Cambridge Massachusetts. Forty-two participants attended – with twenty-one attending in person and twenty-one participating remotely, including TAB VP Fred Schindler.
The result of the workshop was the identification of gaps and companion action items:
· AI Technology – Advancing Hardware topics in AI
o Action: Work with Leadership Team to identify experts to lead this effort (Computer Society, CIS, etc)
· Social Implications of AI, partner with Tech Ethics and SSIT
o Social implications related to implementation
o Responsible AI
o Technology to Verify AI Models and Data to build Trust and Understanding
o Action: Recruit leadership / form subcommittee
· Future Tech Forum / AI Coalition Event
o Nov 7-8, 2024, NERD Center Cambridge, MA
o Will invite Imagination in Action to collaborate
The discussion of developing a Long-term vision of the AI Coalition began – but will require more work and reflection.
All of the in-person meeting attendees were invited to attend the CSAIL + Imagination in Action Summit: AI Frontier & Implications at MIT’s Stata Center on June 7. The summit itself – which featured many short expert talks on a broad swath of AI topics – was a real imagination expander. And … many informal discussions on AI opportunities and challenges took place among the hundreds of attendees in the hallways surrounding that meeting. Before lunch, all IEEE members in attendance were invited to go on stage to be recognized and share a group photo.
After the meeting, discussions have continued on further refining the list of high-priority gaps. One particularly interesting new idea, currently under discussion, is the creation of an AI Speakers Bureau to provide trusted information on various aspects of AI.
Learn More About the IEEE AI Coalition
General information on the IEEE AI Coalition may be found at Events – IEEE AI Coalition. The IEEE Collabratec AI Community, a discussion forum on Artificial Intelligence, is open to all at
https://ieee-collabratec.ieee.org/app/community/1298/Artificial-Intelligence/activities.
Fred Mintzer,
Editor In Chief, IEEE Collabratec AI Community – a stakeholder in the AI Coalition
participant in the June 6th meeting
3 Responses
Nice initiative to address the complexities in AI!
The IEEE AI Coalition is spearheading efforts to consolidate and advance AI research and applications, addressing both technical and social aspects of AI integration. Their mission includes enhancing IEEE services with AI and developing a long-term vision for the technology’s impact. For engaging stories and insights into the lives of notable figures, visit https://wealthystars.net/johnny-bananas-net-worth/.
I appreciate AI Coalition efforts, it is always important to understand the AI methodology to be used (scope and limitations) before applying and marketing a product or service.