LCRIG’s AI Task Group recently held its first AI webinar, ‘An Introduction to AI’. This webinar is the first in a series of AI related webinars/sessions that aim to provide an honest conversation about AI and its capabilities. LCRIG’s objective is for the AI Task Group to help us assist local authorities and supply chains in better understanding concepts and uses surrounding AI. How AI can be best integrated into day-to-day operations and highway services, while also considering some of the challenges associated with its implementation.
The webinar had a record number of attendees, which signifies just how important the subject area is for the sector.
The ‘Introduction to AI’ webinar was chaired by Sean Rooney (Head of Service- Highway Maintenance, Oxfordshire County Council). Sean was joined by Paula Claytonsmith, and the LCRIG AI Task Group expert panel:
- Marina Malieva – Business Development Manager, Vaisala
- Stephen Remde – CTO, Gaist
- Edward Wells – Head of Digital Construction, Galliford Try
- Alex Wright – Director of Technology, XAIS-PTS
Alex Mindell – Head of AI and Autonomy from the Department for Transport, also joined the webinar as he is supporting LCRIG with our work in this area.
The webinar began with an outline of government policy by defining AI into three categories – generative, predictive, and perceptive, detailing how these differ and where they may be applied in a transport context. A consistent theme across the discussion was that AI is not a new concept and has many definitions due to its growing nature, resulting in it becoming a complex topic to understand. Further discussions between the panel members surrounded the benefits and limitations of AI, the current maturity status of AI across the sector, data security, and climate change.
The webinar also posed the question of data as a commodity, to which it was established that data is indeed a commodity. It is invaluable to models and algorithms as it is used as a foundation for AI systems, however, there are complications surrounding access, bias, and privacy to name a few. Despite this, the webinar concluded with a shared sentiment that AI is the future and local authorities and supply chains cannot afford to not engage with the opportunities it brings. The next webinar in the series will be looking at Cybersecurity and will include speakers from DfT and National Highways.
The conversation around AI will be continued at LCRIG’s Innovation and Learning Festival in July with the Think Pavilion hosting the following sessions:
- “Roadside Assistance Required: When Your AI Gets Tricked at 70mph.” Delivered by National Highways Cyberfutures Team.
- “Who Holds the Keys to AI Trust? Your Voice Shapes the Future.” Be part of the conversation that sets the standard for responsible, trustworthy AI in local government.
- “Unlocking Safer Roads: Can AI Be Our Ultimate Ally?” A session looking at how AI can/could or should be used for Safety Inspections.
Judging by the popularity and interactive nature of last year’s sessions we know these are going to be very popular and will lead to further LCRIG support activities around AI. Whatever your thoughts are on AI we’d love to see you there! Find out more and book your place here.