Technology Magazine December 2020 | Page 95

Building trusted , secure , and safe AI systems

Reliable
, resilient , and secure AI solutions
Ron Keesing , VP of AI and Machine Learning , discusses how Leidos is exploring the applications and addressing the challenges of modern automation tech
Leidos ’ mission is to make the world safer , healthier , and more secure . We take on some of the world ’ s most interesting , challenging , and data-centric problems ,” says Ron Keesing , VP of AI and Machine Learning at Leidos .
Among the company ’ s core technical competencies is the development of artificial intelligence ( AI ) and machine learning , which it hopes to incorporate into all of its solutions . Leidos often begins by adapting technology developed in the commercial and academic world to the missions and domains of our customers . On the DARPA ACE ( Air Combat Evolution ) program . Keesing says , “ We ’ re taking a technology that came from the commercial world and using it to transform aerial combat . AI allows us to invert traditional battle paradigms , from one where many people control a single aircraft into one where a single person can control a team of manned and unmanned assets to complete complex mission objectives .”
“ We combine humans and machines to be able to perform these missions better and faster . Leidos ’ role as an integrator of AI technology comes from many different sources , and we bring them all together into solutions that the U . S . Government can use . Currently , we ’ re using AI to transform the processing of veterans ’ health benefits to make sure they ’ re receiving improved healthcare through natural language processing ( NLP ). This will enable faster claims and benefits processing with much higher accuracy and speed than was possible before .”
Keesing emphasizes the importance of keeping up with the latest AI-based research and promoting understanding among clients regarding the best way to use it . “ Many across the community are also starting to appreciate what it means for AI systems to be ethical ; we wouldn ’ t want systems making crucial mistakes that could put human safety at risk or behave in a manner we perceive as unfair .” As such , Leidos believes in building trust between humans and AI to foster comprehension and encourage its more comprehensive application .
Keesing closes by encouraging everyone , from students to senior decision-makers , to invest their attention in AI ’ s development . “ This is such an exciting time for people thinking about launching careers in AI and machine learning , making sure how people understand AI will affect their systems and programs . Whether we want it or not , this technology is going to transform every aspect of our world , and Leidos ’ is staying ahead to make sure the systems we ’ re building are safe , secure , and can be trusted .