Responsible AI Summit
Montreal

“We need fundamental additions to this toolbox we have created to reach machines that operate at the level of true human understanding,” Dr. Bengio said. Though these systems have undeniably accelerated the progress of artificial intelligence, they are still a very long way from true intelligence. But Drs. Hinton, LeCun, and Bengio believe that new ideas will come.

Aware of the issues raised by AI, the architects of the Montreal Declaration for a Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence propose ethical principles based on 10 fundamental values: well-being, respect for autonomy, protection of privacy and intimacy, solidarity, democratic participation, equity, diversity inclusion, prudence, responsibility and sustainable development.

Richard is the director of AI projects at the Future of Life Institute, where he does meta-research, analysis, and advocacy to keep AI safe and beneficial. "I’m very hopeful that the FLI grants program will lead to some very interesting and helpful AI safety papers and AI safety research that will build on past research and break new ground."

Researchers such as Abhishek Gupta are trying to help Montreal lead the world in ensuring AI is developed responsibly. His bi-monthly "AI ethics meet-up" brings together people from around the city who want to influence the way researchers are thinking about machine-learning.

“In the context of accelerated digital transformation, the human factor is more important than ever. By creating a position of Chief Scientist, Artificial intelligence, and by hiring Manuel, we want to clearly orient our AI initiatives and accelerate innovation,” explained David Furlong, Senior Vice-President, Artificial intelligence, Venture Capital and Blockchain at National Bank.

David Danks, a professor of philosophy and psychology at Carnegie Mellon, just started teaching a class, “A.I, Society and Humanity.” The class is an outgrowth of faculty coming together over the past three years to create shared research projects, he said, because students need to learn from both those who are trained in the technology and those who are trained in asking ethical questions.