Insights from the Director: Unveiling the Future at the Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Colloquium

This past summer, NUARI and Norwich University hosted a one-day Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Transformation Colloquium exploring NUARI's and Norwich University's expanding AI efforts. Over the next several weeks, we will share videos featuring presentations highlighting work by Norwich and NUARI faculty and staff.

The event was designed not only to disseminate knowledge but also to ignite curiosity and engagement in AI. The Colloquium showcased NUARI's and Norwich's commitment to advancing AI research and its real-world applications, focusing on three innovative testbeds and a lineup of diverse presentations.

The next video in our series features Ali Al Bataineh, PhD, Professor and Director of the AI Center at Norwich University. Professor Al Bataineh begins his remarks by discussing a few of the new and exciting developments taking place at the AI Center, then moving into comments on advancements in AI and addressing some of the common fears about AI and the future. Professor Al Bataineh also addresses the mission and goals of the AI center that have benefits not only for students but also for Norwich faculty members, expanding its impact and outreach throughout the community. Professor Al Bataineh addresses the concerns raised by many surrounding the recent rise in popularity of AI and how it can be utilized to complement the work created and conducted by humans. "Humans have the power and responsibility to shape the direction and power of AI," stresses Al Bataineh. Professor Al Bataineh wraps up his comments by emphasizing that the AI Center is always looking for new ideas and opportunities to expand its reach and impact and that they welcome feedback and suggestions on how they can improve their program and services with an open invitation to join them in their events and activities and become part of their AI family.

Norwich University has received Department of Education funding to create the AI Center, whose mission is to conduct multiple forms and levels of research, deliver educational programming, and create workforce development projects to meet the growing national and regional requirements for an advanced computing-capable workforce. In collaboration with NUARI, Norwich is developing experiential learning with technical capabilities in various areas such as cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, justice studies, and information dominance.