Intheageof artificialintelligence
GENERALARTIFICIALINTELLIGENCE
A new horizon in AI landscape
In recent decades, Artificial Intelligence has made big steps, enabling achievements once thought impossible However, while much attention of the audience has focused on weak AI (or specialized AI), such as dominating sectors like speech recognition and data analysis, there's a more ambitious and promising field quietly emerging: strong artificial intelligence, or general AI
What is General AI?
What is general AI? Unlike specialized AI that handles specific tasks, strong AI aims to emulate human intelligence in all its forms. This means not only solving complex mathematical problems or playing strategic games like chess or go, but also understanding context, learning from mistakes, making ethical decisions, and interacting naturally with humans
Imagine a future where a robot doctor doesn’t only analyze symptoms and medical data but also understands a patient's medical history, formulates diagnoses, and prescribes personalized treatments with greater precision and speed than any human doctor This could not only enhance efficiency in healthcare but also democratize access to medical services, improving quality of life for millions worldwide
Pros and cons
Another revolutionary area could be education Picture an AI-powered education system that not only delivers personalized lessons based on each student's learning abilities but also constantly adapts the curriculum to incorporate the latest developments and individual student needs This could potentially eliminate educational disparities, ensuring everyone children and adults alike has access to high-quality education tailored to their specific needs
However, it's not all smooth sailing. There are significant challenges associated with the adoption and proliferation of strong AI Chief among these concerns is the impact on human employment If robots and AI systems can perform complex tasks with superior precision and speed, they could replace many traditional jobs, leading to unemployment and exacerbating social and economic inequalities Additionally, there's the issue of data security and privacy With AI systems handling and analyzing vast amounts of sensitive data, there's concern about safeguarding this information and ensuring ethical use of decision-making algorithms Transparency and accountability will be crucial to ensuring the safe and fair adoption of strong AI for all
CONSEQUENCESOFIMPLEMENTING ARTIFICALINTELLIGENCEINSOCIETY
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technological innovation that increasingly impacts society, and its development has changed many aspects of our world It has provided a new level of automation and improved efficiency in various industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and banking AI has also created new opportunities in the field of healthcare, enabling diagnosis and treatment based on large datasets Communication and interaction with AI systems have become ubiquitous, from virtual assistants to smart home devices These systems can enhance people's quality of life by providing personalized services and facilitating everyday tasks
Despite the many advantages, the development of AI also presents challenges for our society One of the main challenges is the issue of employment Automation and technological advancements can lead to job losses in certain sectors, requiring workforce adaptability and the creation of new skills There are also issues of privacy and data security, given the large amounts of information collected and analyzed to improve systems Ethical questions, such as the responsibility of autonomous AI systems for their actions, are also challenging areas that we must address
The consequences of AI development in society are pervasive and complex AI is changing the way we live, work, and communicate. While challenges related to employment, privacy, and ethics are inevitable, we must address them and find solutions that will allow us to take advantage of the benefits AI offers Artificial intelligence provides incredible opportunities for progress in various fields and enables us to shape a better future Therefore, it is important to understand, accept, and manage the consequences of AI to maximize its potential for the benefit of humanity
The development of AI is changing society and posing new challenges and opportunities that will require continuous adaptation and learning by individuals and organizations Over time, AI will become increasingly present in our lives, and as it develops to better meet human needs, people will also need to adapt their ways of working and thinking to new technological solutions
TheImpactofArtificialIntelligenceonHumanBehavior
AI is increasingly penetrating our daily lives, changing the way we communicate,work,entertainourselves,andmakedecisions Asatechnology capableofanalyzinglargeamountsofdata,recognizingpatterns,andlearning fromexperience,ithasthepotentialtosignificantlyimpacthumanbehavior OnevisibleimpactofAIonhumanbehavioristhechangeincommunication methods The development of virtual assistants, chatbots, and digital interfaces is opening new ways of interacting with technology Users are increasingly using voice commands or text messages to get information or complete tasks. These changes affect both verbal and non-verbal communicationpatternsandcanalsoinfluenceourabilitytoempathizeand understand compassion, considering that communication is increasingly occurringwithdigitalentitiesincapableofexpressingfeelingsoremotions
Socialinteractionsarealsochangingundertheinfluenceanddevelopmentof
AI Social networks, recommendation algorithms, and personalized content use technologies to provide us with content tailored to our interests and preferences In other words, a "bubble" is created in which we are exposed onlytocertaininformationandviewpoints,whichcanlimitourabilitytobe exposed to diverse perspectives and understand differences. Additionally, AI systems are based on user behavior data, preferences, and personal information This raises questions about privacy, data security, and information management There are also questions of transparency and accountability regarding decisions made by these systems, especially when usedinsensitiveareassuchasemployment,finance,andhealthcare
HOWEUROPEANCOUNTRIESARE INVESTINGINARTIFICIALINTELLIGENCE
How European Countries are Investing in Artificial Intelligence?
Investment strategies in artificial intelligence (AI) vary significantly among the member states of the European Union, ranging from direct funding of research and development to indirect support through the digitalizationofbusinessesandpublicservices.
European countries are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence (AI) to boost innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness These investments are seen across various sectors, including research and development,education,infrastructure,andregulation
Itisexpectedthatby2030,artificialintelligencewillinject more than 11 trillion euros into the global economy Together, artificial intelligence and robotics should drive the creation of around 60 million new jobs globally by 2025 TheEuropeanUnionisintensifyingeffortsaimedat adopting and enhancing artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on strengthening digital infrastructure andcapacitiesinmemberstates
However, challenges remain AI adoption is slow in sectors such as healthcare and public administration. The reasons can be found in regulatory barriers, trust issues, a lack of digital skills, and a low level of digitalization in businesses,amongotherfactors.
The European Commission has set ambitious goals for 2030 By then, 90 percent of small and medium-sized enterprises should achieve at least a basic level of digital intensity, and 75 percent of businesses should adopt technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence,andbigdata
For example, Spain's National Recovery and Resilience Plan specifically allocates funds to strengthen AI development,aimingtopositionthecountryasaleaderin scientific excellence and innovation The plan focuses on developing AI tools and applications in the Spanish languagetoincreaseproductivityintheprivatesectorand efficiency in public administration. Italy's strategic program for AI aims to make Italy a global hub for AI researchandinnovationbyenhancingskillsandattracting top AI talent. Denmark leverages its strong research and developmentecosystemandhigh'digitalintensity'insmall and medium-sized enterprises to advance its national digitalstrategy,includingtheuseofAItoimprovepublic administrationthroughreforms
Forthe2024OlympicGamesinParis,Franceis launchinganexperimentin‘algorithmicvideo surveillance’-andwhymightthisbeaproblem?
For the Paris Olympic Games, an intrusive surveillance tool will be deployed in our streets: algorithmic video surveillance (AVS), a video surveillance system using artificial intelligence (AI) This tool enables images to be analysed automatically by softwaretorecognisesuspiciousmovementsor shapes, for example A worrying device, made legalbythe2024OlympicGameslaw
HowdoesAVSworkinpractice?
It is often behind major events that our governments take advantage to pass emergency legislation And these are usually serious infringements of citizens' freedoms Thishasbeenthecaseinmanycountriessuch asRussia,theUKandChinaforexample
From now on, cameras powered by artificial intelligencewillbescrutinisingParisians'every move Walkingagainsttheflowofacrowdon the outskirts of a stadium because you're meeting up with friends could make you a suspect What will have analysed your movements:analgorithm
Algorithmic video surveillance (AVS) is a systemdesignedtoautomatetheprocessingof surveillance camera images It is an algorithmic layer added to ‘traditional’ video surveillance cameras The images captured by thecamerasareanalysedbyalgorithmstrained todetectpredefinedsituationsinrealtime It's not a question of spotting people but situations,it'saquestionofusingtheOlympic Gamestopushthroughthistechnologyonthe pretext of making the event safer This text opens up the possibility of infringements of the most fundamental rights Because we are talkingabouttheOlympicGames,becausewe need to guarantee security, we agree to its adoption
The law was passed under the fast-track procedureandstatesthat‘augmentedcameras’ will be used on an experimental basis This meansthatitwillnowbetotallylegaltoadda layerofartificialintelligencetothesurveillance camerasinourstreets, subways,trains,etc.,in ordertoanalyseourbehaviourinrealtime.
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AmnestyInternationalFranceis thereforelaunchingacampaign callingforabanonfacialrecognition inFrance
On the other hand, some politicians, such as Agnès Canayer, a senator for Les Républicains, are defending the use of this technology on the grounds that “experimentation with this intelligent protectiondevicecouldbeanundeniableasset in the identification and rapid neutralisation of risks linked both to terrorists and to unexpectedcrowdmovements” [PublicSénat]
So obviously there is a major security risk during the Olympic Games, but France is in the process of developing an enormous security arsenal that is completely out of the ordinary, and the proportions go far beyond the sporting event and are extremely dangerousforourfuture
Foralittlemorecontext,wecanalsonotethat this law authorises the use of this security arsenalwellbeforeandwellaftertheOlympic Games Infact,itbegantobeappliedinApril 2023andwillofficiallylastuntil31March2025. As a reminder, the Games are being held between July and September 2024 And it applies absolutely to all events: sporting, recreational,culturalandsoon
“There'sakindoftechno-solutionism, whereeverythingisputbackintothose computersystemsandwedon'ttackle whatcouldreallyprovidealong-term, in-depthresponsetosecurityissues We're nottacklingsocialinequalities,we'renot tacklingeconomicissues,andsoon.”
KatiaRoux,technologyandhumanrights specialist,advocacyofficer atAmnesty InternationalFrance
The question Amnesty International France isaskinghereis:isthisthesolution?
Officially, and until recently, it was human beingsinCSUs(CentresSupervisionUrbains) who observed a city's surveillance cameras With this law, it is no longer humans but softwarethatwillprocessalltheseimages The algorithms will be trained to recognise certain typesof‘suspicious’behaviour Sotheideaisto predict a crime by analysing people's behaviour
From now on, a suspicious action will be analysed and spotted by one of these algorithms, and this will immediately trigger an alert in a CSU A human agent will then decide whether or not it is necessary to send thepolicetothescene
“Thecameradoesn'tjustlook,italso analyses.Bydoingthis,wesetinstonein thesoftwarecodewhoisnormal,whois not,whodeservestotriggeranalertor not.”
NoémieLevain,analysisofficeratLa QuadratureduNet
And therein lies the novelty of this law : it is the algorithms that will identify situations considered to be “abnormal” But how can we definewhatisthenorm?Howcanwebesure that the algorithm will not target groups that are already marginalised ? How can we be sure that so-called ‘exceptional’ measures will notbeperpetuated?
TheAVSposesaproblem Here'swhy
There are 8 situations defined in a decree (published well after the law was passed)
These‘suspicious’situationsareasfollows:fire, abandoned parcel, firearm So far, these elements seem fairly concrete and legitimate Then there's the failure of a person or vehicle to follow the direction of traffic, a person on the ground after a fall, crowd movements and excessivepopulationdensity.
ButinthecontextoftheOlympicGames,this raisesalotofquestions Becausetherewillbea lotofpeoplebydefinition Sowhenisacrowd considered too large ? How do you measure crowd density ? Will it for exemple automaticallyfilmpoliticaldemonstrationson thepublicspaces?
And finally : crossing or presence of a person in a prohibited or sensitive area But who will define these areas ? What are they ? How manyzones?
Basically, they give us more questions than answers
You could also say to yourself, as long as we havenothingtoreproach,well,there'snothing annoying about using this kind of software, and it's even just a very good aid to the police inmanaginglarge-scaleevents
Howeverherearefewoppositions:
AVSwillthreatenourprivacyandfreedoms.
The legalisation of algorithmic video surveillanceinFranceraisesnewandworrying issues in terms of respect for the right to privacyandfreedomofexpression
Firstofall,thefactthatalgorithmscananalyse people's behaviour live means that personal dataarebeingcollected,whichraisesconcerns aboutrespectfortherighttoprivacy
Secondly, this type of technology can have a real dissuasive effect on freedoms The simple factofknowingthattheyarebeingmonitored can lead people to modify their behaviour, to censor themselves and to refrain from exercising certain rights Such as the right to express themselves publicly or join a demonstration, fundamental rights in a functioning democracy It is this famous dissuasive effect that leads to self-censorship So, insidiously, this will have an effect on our behaviour Andthenasa result,isthecontrol ofpopulationsandtheirmovements
AVS can stigmatise and discriminate certain people
Forcamerastodetect‘abnormal’or‘suspicious’ situations, algorithms need to be trained By humans These are the people who choose which data will train the algorithms by first determining what is ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’ This so-called ‘training’ data may contain discriminatory biases Could a homeless person or someone who plays music in the street one day be considered ‘suspicious’ because their behaviour does not correspond to the defined ‘ norm ’ ? This is the type of risk associatedwithalgorithmicvideosurveillance Some people are more likely to suffer the effects of this technology than others And there is a risk that situations identified as ‘potentially suspicious’ will amplify and automatediscrimination
“Willapersonwithadisability,a differentwayofmovingaroundor gesturesbedetectedbythealgorithmas behavingabnormally?”
It is rare for these so-called ‘ emergency ’ measures to be lifted quickly Instead, surveillance and control measures are becomingthenorm
The Olympic Games have already been used as a testing ground for giving states greater powers, which are then maintained when the exceptional situation ends In the UK, for example, during the London 2012 Olympic Games, the government authorised facial recognition during the events, normally on a temporary basis The reality is that it was never withdrawn and they are still using it today
live by scanning and cross-referencing their faceswithadatabase
Facial recognition has already been tested in French cities, where surveillance experiments are on the increase It is against this backdrop that Amnesty International France is calling for a law banning facial recognition for identification purposes in the public space The aim is to establish safeguards before we slide towards widespread surveillance The organisation believes that France's decision to authorise artificial intelligence-assisted surveillance during the 2024 Olympic Games onan ‘experimental’basiscouldbeastepwith no return and pose real risks to our human rights
InIran,forexample,thistechnologyisusedto detect women who do not wear the hijab In China,theyuseittodetectwhetherawalkeris crossing at a red light, for example If they do, their face is automatically displayed large on a sign in the middle of the road before they receive a fine directly at home and lose points ontheirsocialcredit
AVSopensupthepossibilitiesofsurveillance, forbetterorworse
Legalising algorithmic video surveillance meanspavingthewayforevenmoreintrusive technologies: this is the greatest concern we have
To reassure us, the authorities state that algorithmic video surveillance has been adoptedonanexperimentalbasisuntilMarch 2025 However, we are concerned because this lawisrepresentativeoftheworryingtendency of the authorities to extend their surveillance powers as part of emergency measures taken inthenameofsecurity
“By becoming the first EU Member State to doso,Franceispavingthewayfortheuseand standardisation of tools enabling mass surveillance”explainsKatiaRoux
And it should be noted that in France, there are major economic interests in these technologies There are a huge number of companiesdevelopingthiskindofsurveillance software For the Olympic Games, the Ministry of the Interior launched an €8 million call for tenders and 4 French companies won the jackpot Wintix in particular
Thenextstep: facialrecognition?
It's only a short step from algorithmic video surveillance to facial recognition. Technically, thiswouldsimplybeafunctiontobeactivated on certain algorithmic surveillance camera software
What are the differences between the two systems?
AVS detects and reports ‘suspicious behaviour’ Facialrecognitionidentifiespeople
Facial recognition has been used extensively and illegally for years by the French public authorities The technology is already everywhere, and if you've ever walked down the streets of France, your face has probably alreadybeenscanned
It all started in 2015 when the police acquired an Israeli software called BriefCam Over the course of more than 8 years, more than 200 municipalities in France have acquired this software, which can be used to directly recognise a vehicle by its colour or number plate But it doesn't stop there: it also has a facial recognition function, which scans faces and cross-references them with files to obtain a person's identity It was the French investigative media Disclose that uncovered thisscandal Despiteallthis,GéraldDarmanin, France's Minister of the Interior, continues to denyitontelevision
KatiaRoux
AnexampleofthesituationinChina Credits:People’sdaily
The government's line of defence is that the facial recognition option is not available on theversionofsoftwaretheyown Butboththe user manual and the internal report commissioned by the Home Office say the exact opposite So the reality is that the software has been used without any judicial control or legal supervision for more than 8 yearsinFrance
In addition to BriefCam, there have been many other experiments with facial recognition, with varying degrees of legality and supervision, such as in 2020, when the PACA region installed facial recognition software at the Lycée Ampère in Marseille to recognisetheirstudentsandauthorisethemto enter the building, and then track their movements The project was quickly stopped by the Marseille court because it was totally illegal Then, in 2021, software was installed in a football stadium in Metz to detect fans bannedfromthestadium Again,totallyillegal and rejected by ACNIL And then, on a regular basis, in the streets of Nice, where residents have become guinea pigs for facial recognition
These experiments are used to train the algorithms so that they perform better and better,andtheguineapigsarethecitizens
put drones in, if that's not enough we won't either, we'll put an algorithmic layer on top, and tomorrow perhaps we'll be using facial recognition and emotion detection The legalisation of AVS is a turning point in the sense that it is the first image processing technology with artificial intelligence to be authorised
Under the Olympic Games law, the French governmentsaidthatfacialrecognitionwould notbeused,thatitwasoutofthequestion,but it did not say that it was prohibited That's why what we need today are clear red lines, notdottedones
AmnestyInternationalFrancehaslauncheda petition aimed at putting an end to this AVS experiment and also banning facial recognitionandthiskindoftechnologyforits incompatibilitywithhumanrights.
Is this new law a breaking point, a tipping point, towards a Black Mirror society? The experts at Amnesty International France explain that this is definitely a frightening process, a staircase where each step brings us closer to this surveillance society and from whichthereisnowaybackdown Wehaveto put cameras in, if that's not enough we won't, we'llputmorein,ifthat'sstillnotenoughwe'll
MargauxLavenant
TheEvolutionofAIinEastAfrica: ACatalystforDevelopment
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving across the globe, with East Africa emerging as a significant player in this technological revolution Countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are leveraging AI to drive socio-economic development, improve publicservices,andfosterinnovation
TheAILandscapeinEastAfrica
The adoption and development of AI in East Africa are driven by several factors, including increased internet penetration, government initiatives,andtheriseoftechhubs According to the World Bank, internet penetration in East Africa has been steadily increasing, with countries like Kenya and Rwanda having internet penetration rates of 43% and 26% respectivelyasof2020
GovernmentInitiativesandPolicies
Governments in East Africa are recognizing the potential of AI and are formulating policies to support its growth Rwanda, often dubbed the "Singapore of Africa," has been at theforefrontofthismovement TheRwandan government has implemented policies to promote ICT and AI, including the Rwanda National AI Policy, which aims to create a conducive environment for AI development anddeployment
Similarly, Kenya's government has established the Ajira Digital Program, which aims to introduce young people to digital and online workopportunities,withAIbeingakeyfocus area Thisprogramispartofabroaderstrategy to position Kenya as a leading tech hub in Africa
One of the most significant impacts of AI in East Africa is seen in the healthcare sector AI is being used to address various healthcare challenges, from diagnosing diseases to managing patient data In Rwanda, AIpowered drones, developed by the company Zipline,areusedtodelivermedicalsuppliesto remote areas These drones have significantly reduced the time required to deliver blood andvaccines,thussavingcountlesslives
In Kenya, AI is being used to improve diagnostics Forinstance,IBMResearchAfrica has developed an AI system that uses mobile phonedatatopredictandmonitorthespread of diseases like malaria This system helps health officials to respond more effectively to outbreaks, thus improving public health outcomes.
AIinEducation
Education is another sector where AI is makingasignificantimpactinEastAfrica AIpowered educational tools are helping to bridge the gap in access to quality education InRwanda,Andela,aglobaltechcompany,is using AI to train young Africans in software development Through its rigorous training program, Andela identifies and nurtures talent, providing young people with the skills they need to succeed in the global tech industry
InKenya,EnezaEducationusesAItoprovide educational content to students via mobile phones This platform offers interactive lessons and quizzes, making learning more engagingandaccessible,especiallyforstudents inremoteareas
AIinAgriculture
Agriculture is a critical sector in East Africa, andAIisplayingacrucialroleintransforming it AI-powered solutions are being used to optimize farming practices, improve crop yields, and reduce post-harvest losses In Tanzania, for example, Hello Tractor, an AIdriven platform, connects small-scale farmers tractor owners This platform helps rs to access affordable tractor services, ncreasingtheirproductivity anda,thestartupAkorion(ezyagric)uses to provide farmers with real-time mation about soil health, weather patterns, and crop diseases This information helps farmers make informed decisions, leadingtobetteryieldsandincreasedincome
EconomicImpact
TheeconomicimpactofAIinEastAfricaissubstantial AccordingtoareportbyMcKinsey,AIcouldcontributeupto$12trilliontoAfrica’sGDP by2030 InEastAfrica,thetechindustryisasignificantcontributortotheeconomy Forinstance,inKenya,theICTsectorcontributed84%tothe vation,drivingeconomicgrowth
Zipline'sRecord
Zipline’s drones in Rwanda have made over 150,000 deliveries since 2016, making it one of the world's largest autonomous delivery systems
Andela’sGlobalReach
Andela, with a significant presence in Rwanda and Kenya, has trained over 1,000 software developers who work for global tech companies like Microsoft and Google
mobile money service M-PESA, which for fraud detection and financial services, 0 million users and processes more than actionspersecond
AIforWildlifeConservation
In Uganda, AI is used for wildlife conservation TheUgandaWildlifeAuthorityusesAI-powered camera traps to monitor and protect endangered speciesinnationalparks.
ChallengesandtheWayForward
Despite the remarkable progress, the adoption of AI in East Africa faces several challenges These include limited access to high-qualitydata,inadequateinfrastructure,andashortageofskilledprofessionals However,withcontinuedinvestmentin educationandinfrastructure,andsupportivegovernmentpolicies,thesechallengescanbeovercome
ThefutureofAIinEastAfricalookspromising AsAItechnologycontinuestoevolve,itwillplayanincreasinglyimportant roleinaddressingsomeoftheregion'smostpressingchallenges,fromhealthcareandagriculturetoeducationandeconomic development.ByharnessingthepowerofAI,EastAfricaiswellonitswaytobecomingasignificantplayerintheglobaltech landscape
TheevolutionofAIinEastAfricaisatestamenttotheregion'sresilienceandinnovativespirit Fromtransforminghealthcareandagriculturetorevolutionizing educationanddrivingeconomicgrowth,AIisplayingapivotalroleinthedevelopmentofEastAfricancountries.Asgovernments,businesses,andcommunities continuetoembraceAI,theregionispoisedtoachieveremarkablesocio-economicprogress,pavingthewayforabrighterfuture
M-PESA
KFIRSTLEGOLEAGUEAND AIHACKATHONINKIGALI
A Catalyst for Rwanda's Technological Future
igali, the capital city of Rwanda, recently played host to two significant events that underscored its commitment to technological advancement and innovation: the First LEGO League and an AI Hackathon These events are not merely competitions but are emblematic of Rwanda's broader strategy to position itself as a leader in technology and innovation in Africa
The First LEGO League: Inspiring Young Minds
The First LEGO League (FLL) is an international competition that aims to engage children in engineering, robotics, and problem-solving Participants, aged 9 to 16, work in teams to design, build, and program robots using LEGO Mindstorms technology. The event in Kigali saw enthusiastic participation from numerous schools, highlighting the growing interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education among Rwandan youth
The theme for this year ’ s FLL was "City Shaper," challenging participants to think creatively about how to build smarter, more sustainable cities Teams were tasked with identifying real-world problems in urban development and designing innovative solutions using their LEGO robots
This hands-on experience not only nurtures technical skills but also fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity among young learners
The AI Hackathon: Pioneering Future Technologies
Running concurrently with the FLL was an AI Hackathon that brought together budding software developers, data scientists, and AI enthusiasts from across Rwanda This event focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to solve pressing local issues, ranging from healthcare to agriculture and urban planning
Participants were given access to cutting-edge tools and mentorship from industry experts The collaborative environment encouraged the exchange of ideas and fostered a spirit of innovation Teams worked tirelessly to develop AI-powered solutions that could potentially transform various sectors of the Rwandan economy The winning projects demonstrated remarkable ingenuity, such as AIdriven predictive models for crop yields and machine learning algorithms to enhance medical diagnostics
Implications for Rwanda's Progress and Development
Hosting these events in Kigali is significant for several reasons Firstly, it aligns with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, which aims to transform the country into a highincome, knowledge-based economy By promoting STEM education and fostering a culture of innovation from a young age, Rwanda is laying the groundwork for a future workforce equipped to thrive in a technology-driven world
Secondly, these events help bridge the digital divide by providing access to modern technological tools and knowledge They create opportunities for youth who might not otherwise have exposure to such resources, thereby promoting inclusivity and equitable development
Moreover, the AI Hackathon emphasizes Rwanda's commitment to integrating AI and advanced technologies into its developmental agenda The innovative solutions generated during the hackathon have the potential to address some of the country’s most pressing challenges, improving efficiency and productivity across various sectors
The First LEGO League and AI Hackathon in Kigali are more than just competitive events; they are pivotal moments in Rwanda’s journey towards technological empowerment and sustainable development By nurturing young talent and fostering a culture of innovation, Rwanda is not only preparing its youth for the future but also positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s technological renaissance These initiatives reflect a forwardthinking approach that could propel Rwanda to new heights in its socio-economic development, making it a beacon of progress on the continent
Written by: Therese Mpongera Teta
HOWAICANSAVEAND IMPROVETHEITALIAN CULTURALHERITAGE
The AI4CH project
The cultural heritage of Italy at risk
Italy is globally renowned for its rich cultural heritage Historical monuments, museums, and archaeological sites scattered throughout the country attract millions of tourists each year, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for art and history enthusiasts
However, managing this invaluable heritage is a constant challenge The wear and tear of time, climate changes, and human intervention pose significant threats to the preservation of these cultural assets In many cases, maintenance and conservation efforts are not always up to the necessary standards, leaving Italy's treasures vulnerable to irreparable damage
The role of AI and the AI4CH project
In this context, artificial intelligence is emerging as a valuable resource for improving the management and safeguarding of cultural heritage
A pioneering project in this field is AI4CH (Artificial Intelligence for Cultural Heritage), which is changing the way cultural heritage is monitored and preserved in Italy
The AI4CH project brings together researchers, technicians, and cultural sector professionals to explore and implement AI-based solutions aimed at heritage conservation This interdisciplinary approach aims to develop tools and models that can be used to analyze, monitor, and protect cultural assets more efficiently and proactively
One of the main aspects of AI4CH is the use of advanced sensor networks, high-resolution cameras, and 3D scanners to collect detailed data on monuments and historical sites This data is then analyzed by AI algorithms capable of detecting anomalies and predicting potential problems before they become severe For instance, variations in humidity, temperature, or vibrations can indicate material deterioration or water infiltration, allowing for timely and targeted interventions
The benefits of this approach are evident Through continuous and predictive monitoring, the need for invasive and costly interventions can be reduced, while preserving the integrity of historical sites Additionally, the use of AI allows for systematic and accurate data collection, providing a solid foundation for research and long-term conservation planning
A practical example of AI4CH's application is the project implemented in Naples, where intelligent systems manage the context evolution of cultural sites Sensors and algorithms analyze real-time data to monitor the conservation status of assets, facilitating preventive and targeted interventions This not only improves maintenance efficiency but also helps preserve cultural heritage for future generations
The adoption of AI in the cultural heritage sector represents a significant turning point for Italy It not only addresses current conservation challenges but also promotes a more sustainable and innovative approach to heritage management With projects like AI4CH, Italy is demonstrating how tradition and innovation can coexist, ensuring that its rich cultural heritage continues to enchant and inspire future generations
Artificial intelligence, therefore, is not just a technology of the future but a valuable ally in protecting the past With the support of innovative projects and a forward-looking vision, Italy can ensure that its historical marvels remain a living heritage for the entire world
Grammarly: Ukrainian Leader in Artificial Intelligence for Enhancing Written Communication
Fromastartuptoagloballeaderinwritingenhancementtools,Grammarlyhasexpandedits functionality,enteredinternationalmarkets,andattractedsignificantinvestments.
GrammarlyisaUkrainiantechnologycompany that develops AI-based tools for grammar checking,styleimprovement,andotheraspects of written communication Since its founding, thecompanyhasgainedworldwidepopularity, becominganindispensabletoolformillionsof users.
Intoday'sworld,theaccuracyandclarity ofwrittencommunicationarebecoming increasinglyimportant.Grammarlyhelps peoplewritecorrectlyandclearly,which isessentialinbothprofessionaland personalcontexts.
Key features of Grammarly include grammar, punctuation, and style checks, textstructuring,andplagiarismdetection Thetoolintegrateswithvariousplatforms, such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, browsers,andmobileapplications.
Grammarly has over 30 million active users worldwide The product is used by students, educators, and professionals in variousfields.
- Many users report that Grammarly has significantlyimprovedtheirwritingskills, increasedproductivity,andenhancedthe qualityoftheirwork
Grammarly was founded in 2009 in Kyiv by Alex Shevchenko, Max Lytvyn, and Dmytro Lider
Grammarly's success has positively impacted Ukraine's economy by creating new jobs and fosteringthedevelopmentofthetechnologysector.
The company actively supports educational projects aimed at improving literacy and writing skillsinschoolsanduniversities
Amongthechallengesthecompanyfacesarecompetitionintheglobalmarketandtheconstant needforinnovation.
Grammarly plans to expand its functionality, including support for new languages and improvements for various platforms. The companyisalsoworkingonimplementingnew technologies, such as advanced natural language processing and enhancing user experience.
Grammarly is an example of a successful Ukrainian technology company that has achieved globalrecognitionbyleveragingadvancedartificialintelligencetechnologies.
Grammarly'ssuccessdemonstratesthepotentialofUkrainianITcompaniesintheglobalmarket andunderscorestheimportanceofinnovationandtechnologyinthemodernworld.
List of Al bots that can help in various aspects of everyday life and work
ChatGPT. Google Assistant. Siri. Alexa.
Chatbots for General Communication : BotsforWorkingwithText:
Grammarly Hemingway Editor QuillBot.
Bots for Project Management and Organization :
Trello Bot Slack Bot.
Bots for Financial Management : Mint. Cleo.
Bots for Social Media Management :
Hootsuite Bot. Buffer Bot