Waymo Gears Up for Orlando Debut, Local Tech Firm Develops AI Safety Net

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    Orlando is on the cusp of welcoming Waymo’s autonomous vehicles to its streets, a move that highlights the growing importance of ensuring artificial intelligence operates safely and efficiently. As the city prepares for this technological shift, a Central Florida company is pioneering software designed to monitor and manage AI systems, providing crucial oversight.

    Key Takeaways

    • As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, ensuring its safety and efficiency is paramount.
    • Nighthawk Cyber is developing DATAVARI software to provide oversight for various AI applications.
    • The technology aims to add "guardrails" to AI, ensuring human control and intervention when necessary.
    • Waymo has been testing its self-driving technology in Orlando and plans a customer launch this year.

    Ensuring AI Reliability

    With the proliferation of artificial intelligence, the need for robust monitoring systems is becoming increasingly evident. Nighthawk Cyber, based in Central Florida and operating out of the UCF Incubator, is addressing this need with its DATAVARI software, currently in development. The company’s mission is to create a management layer that can seamlessly integrate with and oversee AI assets.

    "As of right now, nobody is making anybody put any sort of guardrails in place, and honestly, we think that is a little reckless," stated Adam Runnels, Nighthawk Cyber’s director of product development. The DATAVARI software is designed to act as a vigilant overseer, tracking AI performance, defining success metrics, and monitoring operations to ensure they align with expected outcomes.

    Human Oversight in an AI World

    Nighthawk Cyber’s President, Seth Wade, emphasized the long-term goal of maintaining human control over AI. "Humans, we are inherently flawed… And then we create AI, which means it is inherently flawed," Wade explained. This acknowledgment of inherent imperfections in both humans and AI underscores the necessity for a system that can detect and address issues.

    DATAVARI aims to identify glitches in AI performance, alert the relevant company, and suggest potential solutions. Crucially, it facilitates human intervention when needed, allowing for corrective actions or safe shutdowns of AI systems. This "human in the loop" approach is central to Nighthawk Cyber’s strategy for responsible AI deployment.

    Preparing for the Future of Mobility

    Waymo has confirmed that its autonomous taxis will be available to customers in Orlando this year, though a specific launch date has not yet been announced. While many residents anticipate the convenience of self-driving services, some apprehension exists regarding the new technology. Nighthawk Cyber’s DATAVARI software seeks to alleviate these concerns by providing a layer of assurance for AI operations.

    Nighthawk Cyber has received a grant from the U.S. Air Force to further validate its technology. If successful, the company could secure up to $1.8 million in funding to enhance DATAVARI and expand its application across various industries, positioning Central Florida as a hub for AI oversight innovation.

    Sources