Dr. Ayanna Howard’s journey through the tech world, right from her days at NASA to her role at Georgia Tech, unveils the vast potential of robotics and AI in bringing about meaningful societal change. This blog entry dives deep into Professor Howard’s lecture, emphasizing her focus on the co-development of technology, the profound effect of technology, and the pressing need for ethical considerations in AI.
First and foremost, Ayanna Howard’s work orbits around societal upliftment. With a laser-sharp focus on enhancing the lives of individuals, especially children with disabilities, she showcases how technology can be a beacon of hope. As someone who is very interested in assistive technology, her statement, “If you’re working on the problem now, it means that when we are 40 or 50 years from now, it won’t be a problem” resonated deeply with me. This forward-thinking approach is super intriguing to me.
Delving further, Professor Howard’s introduction of robotic agents in therapeutics is a testament to the power of technological ingenuity. As a tech enthusiast, I was fascinated by how these agents can be tailor-made to provide feedback in a language children comprehend. This approach ensures that technology doesn’t merely exist as a novelty but emerges as a true companion for children, helping them hone their skills.
The professor’s talk wouldn’t be complete without touching upon the topic of emotions in AI. With AI evolving at an exponential rate, incorporating human-like emotions in robotic interactions can greatly enhance user experience, especially when assisting those with special needs. As someone who believes in the potential of emotionally intelligent AI, Howard’s insights seemed very promising
Ayanna’s career also offers a masterclass in leadership. By seizing opportunities, whether it was at NASA designing robots for Mars missions or foreseeing the potential of deep learning in the 90s, she emphasizes the essence of taking calculated risks in tech.
However, what struck me most was Professor Howard’s emphasis on human-human interaction. In an era where human-computer interactions dominate, understanding the nuances of human conversations (be it pauses or eye contact) can make technology more relatable and effective. This not only ensures user engagement but underlines the ethical aspects of AI. As we tread this digital age, it’s paramount that technology reflects the diverse tapestry of human emotions and behaviors. It’s a reminder that while creating algorithms, it’s crucial to eliminate biases and ensure a holistic representation, and I personally can understand the pressing need for that. Over the summer, I conducted research about eXplainable AI at the University of Louisville, and it was an illuminating experience regarding the need for more ethical and less biased AI systems
In conclusion, Dr. Ayanna Howard’s lecture was a deep dive into the transformative power of technology. Her journey, marked by challenges, innovations, and societal change, reminds us of the vast potential that lies within AI and robotics. It’s a call for all of us to not just be passive consumers of technology but active contributors to a future where technology aligns with the broader good of society.
[1] A. Howard. (2019). “Roving for a better world” [Video]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpjncBrHzzA
[2] “Ayanna Howard’s biography,” The HistoryMakers, https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/ayanna-howard-41 (accessed Oct. 8, 2023).
