International AI Summit 2024
Artificial Intelligence is transforming our world at an unprecedented pace.
From generating art to making split-second decisions in autonomous vehicles, AI’s capabilities are both awe-inspiring and potentially dangerous. As these systems become more sophisticated, the need for comprehensive safety strategies has never been more critical. This topic will be covered at The International AI Summit 2024 in Brussels.
Our group chose to highlight three themes on the future of AI, which will be featured at this week’s event and have profound importance to AI policy and governance.
Here’s Kinga’s article on AI safety and fairness.

Topic 1: Stay informed. Stay Safe.

The Unpredictable Nature of AI
One of the topics is Mitigating AI Risks through Safety and Fairness Measures. In this blog post I’d like to dive deeper into that and give you a quick introduction which you may find interesting. I encourage you to take a look and participate in the event!
AI systems operate with an autonomy that can make their actions difficult to predict or control. As Scherer (2015) notes, “regulation at any stage is complicated by the difficulty in defining what, exactly, ‘artificial intelligence’ means” (p. 357). This unpredictability isn’t just a theoretical concern – it’s a real-world challenge that developers, researchers, and policymakers are confronting head-on.
Consider the potential scenarios: an autonomous vehicle making an unexpected decision at a critical moment, or a generative AI system producing content that’s harmful or misleading. These aren’t hypothetical risks – they’re tangible concerns that demand immediate attention.

Key Challenges in AI Safety

The fundamental questions driving the AI Safety Summit are both complex and urgent:

• Who bears responsibility when AI causes harm?
• How can we prevent intentional misuse of AI technologies?
• Can we ensure AI systems remain safe and reliable throughout their lifecycle?

Traditional regulatory approaches struggle to keep pace with AI’s rapid evolution. As Scherer (2015) points out, methods like product licensing, R&D oversight, and tort liability often feel inadequate for managing risks associated with intelligent, autonomous systems (p. 356).

The Regulatory Puzzle

One of the most significant challenges is developing an effective regulatory framework. The unique nature of AI makes traditional approaches insufficient. Scherer (2015) poses a critical question: “Who (or what) will be held liable when an autonomous vehicle causes an accident?” (p. 356)
Figure 1. The Regulatory Problems of Artificial Inteligence. Scherer, M. U. (2015). Regulating Artificial Intelligence Systems: Challenges, Approaches, and Lessons from Robotics.Harvard Journal of Law & Technology, 29(1), 354-400.
The unpredictability of AI systems compounds this challenge. As Scherer explains, “The systems’ actions were unexpected – certainly to outside observers, and perhaps even to the systems’ programmers” (p. 362). This inherent uncertainty underscores the need for robust safety measures that can account for the unexpected.

Potential Regulatory Approaches

Several innovative approaches are being explored:

1. Tort Liability: Holding developers accountable for external risks could incentivize better safety practices (Scherer, 2015, p. 358).
2. Certification Systems: Similar to FDA approval, this would involve rigorous safety testing before AI deployment.
3. Insurance Models: Requiring developers to insure AI systems, allowing the market to assess and manage risks.
4. Transparency Rules: Implementing “sunshine laws” that mandate disclosure of AI system mechanics.

The Summit’s Focus

The upcoming AI Safety Summit will address these challenges through several key objectives:

• Examining lessons from recent international AI safety summits
• Building a global network of AI safety institutes
• Assessing risks across different AI applications
• Developing comprehensive guardrails for AI development
• Defining clear roles and responsibilities for stakeholders

The Importance of Global Collaboration

No single country or organization can tackle AI safety alone. The global nature of AI technology demands an international, collaborative approach. The Summit aims to create consistent safety measures that encourage innovation while mitigating potential risks.
Critical discussions will center on responsible information sharing – finding the delicate balance between transparency and security. How can we share enough information to keep AI safe without compromising technological advances or national interests?

Balancing Innovation and Safety

The ultimate goal is not to impede AI development but to ensure it progresses responsibly. AI has immense potential to solve complex global challenges – from medical breakthroughs to climate change solutions – but only if we manage its development thoughtfully.
The Summit will explore both immediate risks, such as generative AI misuse, and long-term concerns about potential existential risks from super-intelligent systems.

Why This Matters to Everyone

The AI Safety Summit isn’t just for technologists or policymakers. It’s a critical conversation about how we want technology to shape our collective future. AI has the potential to do incredible good, but only if we approach its development with wisdom, foresight, and a commitment to human values.
As we stand at this technological crossroads, the choices we make now will determine how AI serves humanity in the years to come. The Summit represents a crucial opportunity to align technological innovation with ethical considerations and societal well-being.
Stay informed, stay engaged!

References:
Scherer, M. U. (2015). Regulating Artificial Intelligence Systems: Challenges, Approaches, and Lessons from Robotics. Harvard Journal of Law & Technology, 29(1), 354-400.
Mazzi, F., & Floridi, L. (Eds.). (2023). The ethics of artificial intelligence for the sustainable development goals. Springer.
Tucker, Catherine E. “The Economics of Artificial Intelligence: An Agenda.” National Bureau of Economic Research, 2018.

Topic 2: Robots, robots, robots!

Hello readers, it’s Aurora,
As in my previous articles, I’m here to walk you through the latest applications of AI, robotics, and new technologies across various work fields and how they’re shaping the workplace. If you’re looking for a quick overview before the upcoming AI Summit on December 5th, you’re in the right place!
The panel on the spotlight: How AI, Robots, and Automation Enhance Operations and Empower Employees

Getting Started: A Beginner-Friendly Intro to the Topic

The workplace of today is changing faster than ever, thanks to AI, robots, and automation. These innovations promise smoother operations, faster deliveries, and smarter decision-making. But it’s not all about shiny robots and algorithms; it’s also about how this technology empowers employees to focus on countless different tasks.
In the last few years, technology like AI and robots has gone from futuristic machines to everyday tools in the workplace.
Once limited to sci-fi movies, they’re now showing up everywhere—from helping doctors make faster diagnoses to managing inventories in warehouses and even tackling creative tasks like writing or designing. These smart systems aren’t just about automating boring jobs (though they’re great at that); they’re also giving workers superpowers, like analyzing mountains of data in seconds or making complex tasks a breeze.
For anyone curious about how these advancements are reshaping industries, the International AI Summit in Brussels on December 5th, 2024, is the perfect place to dive in.
This event will showcase the latest breakthroughs in AI and robotics, offering a glimpse into the future of work and innovation. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or completely new to the topic, the summit promises valuable insights, hands-on demos, and discussions to help you understand how these technologies can empower businesses and individuals alike. It’s a chance to explore cutting-edge ideas and leave inspired by the possibilities AI and robotics bring to the table.
But now it’s time to dive into how these advancements are being used with real-world examples!

Three Cool Ways AI and Robots Are Changing Work as We Know It

• Amazon: Speeding Up Warehousing and Delivery

Ever wonder how Amazon gets your package to your door so fast?
Thank its robotic helpers! Just like Santa with his elves, Amazon uses Kiva robots in its warehouses to move shelves of products to human workers. This cuts down on time and effort, letting employees focus on more complex tasks. And they’re not stopping there—Amazon’s Prime Air drones aim to deliver small packages in record time. It’s humans and robots teaming up for super-fast service!
Do we really need it? I’ll let you decide.. for now, moving on to our next robotic wonder!
Source: Knight, W. (2018). Amazon’s Robot Future Is Delayed, but It’s a Big Deal. MIT Technology Review.

• Robots in Surgery: Precision and Support

In hospitals, surgical robots like the da Vinci system are lending a “helping arm” to surgeons. Sounds like a futuristic movie, right? These robots assist with complex procedures by enhancing precision and reducing human error. While robots do the intricate work, surgeons can maintain control more easily and make critical decisions for the patients.
Keep in mind: this tech doesn’t replace doctors; it just gives them a better toolkit.
Source: Atallah, S. et al. (2020). Robotic Surgery: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Surgical Research.

• AI in Retail: Towards a Smarter Shopping?

Retailers are getting tech-savvy with AI tools. Stores like Zara and H&M use AI to predict trends, manage inventory, and personalize the shopping experience. Ever got eerily accurate recommendations online and thought they were watching hidden in your closet? That’s actually AI learning your preferences!
Meanwhile, chatbots handle customer service questions, letting employees focus on creative work like designing new collections or planning marketing campaigns.
Source: McKinsey & Company (2021). How AI Is Reshaping Retail.
Robots and AI might seem like all fun and games with these modern examples, don’t they? But let’s explore the other shades of this topic.

The Good, the Bad, and the… Complicated

Here’s a quick face-off between the positives and negatives of these innovations in the workplace. Let’s briefly consider all sides before the summit—maybe it’ll spark some resonance and help readers new to the subject to form their own perspective on the matter.
We are starting with 5 points for the good stuff:

1. Faster, Smarter Work: Robots take care of boring, repetitive tasks so employees can focus on exciting challenges.
2. Safety: Robots don’t experience fatigue and can effortlessly handle heavy loads, making transportation safer for employees and reducing the risk of injury.
3. Happier Employees: Less grunt work means more time for creativity and strategic thinking.
4. Money Saved: Automation reduces errors and speeds up processes, cutting costs for businesses.
5. Life-Saving Precision: In fields like surgery, robots help achieve results that humans alone couldn’t.

And just to mention a few!
Undeniable is how these positive points in the use of new tech are genuinely helpful and represent significant advancements. However, let’s now take a look at some of the more negative aspects of these new tech applications and weigh both sides.
Now onto 5 challenges:

1. Job Anxiety: Robots and AI might take over some roles, leaving employees worried about their future.
2. Big Price Tag: Not every business can afford to go all-in on automation.
3. Ethical Dilemmas: AI can sometimes make biased decisions or raise privacy concerns.
4. Tech Glitches: What happens if the system crashes or the robots go off the rails?
5. Lots of Electricity Reliance: Substantial electrical power is needed for these new technologies, which can be costly and problematic – imagine during power shortages or fluctuations.

What Do People Think Of This?

To gather more perspectives on new technology applications in the workplace, I conducted a simple three-part poll on my Instagram stories (@loraurora), collecting responses from 30 random followers. The participants were from several EU countries, aged 20-40. The poll covered three examples of tech use: Amazon robots, surgical robots, and retail/shopping robots. I provided short articles for the first 2 polls and and a reel on the 3rd topic, each posted alongside the poll questions.

Images 1-3 from the IG account @_loraurora_ Random polls posted in 24h IG stories (25.11.24)

From a personal point of view, it seems like the scepticism in poll 1, regarding robots at Amazon, could be driven by concerns over job displacement.
Many people might view robots as a threat to employment, particularly in large-scale work places like Amazon, where automation could (and already does) replace workers in warehouse or delivery roles.
The high positive responses for robots in surgery and retail/sales could be due to a perception of these technologies enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them. Surgery robots, for example, are often seen as tools that assist doctors, while retail robots are viewed as helpers for specific tasks rather than full replacements for human workers.
However, retail robots received a significantly higher percentage of negative responses compared to surgical robots. I personally believe many people in personal shopping prefer a more friendly and human experience, one that is warmer and involves more interaction, rather than being entirely digitalized.
This contrast highlights how people perceive robots in different fields: either as tools that support human work or as a potential threat to employment and connections.
And what about your answer to the polls? Take a moment to think about it while we wrap things up!

Wrapping It Up

AI, robots, and automation aren’t just the future—they’re happening right now, and they’re changing how we work in big ways. From faster deliveries to life-saving surgeries and smarter shopping, the possibilities are endless. But it’s not all smooth sailing; there are challenges we need to address to make sure these tools empower, not replace, employees.
And what about you, readers? Now it’s time to drop a comment and share YOUR thoughts on this topic!
Still feel like you need to learn more? No problem— I’ve got you covered with a few insightful readings linked below! Dive in and join the conversation!
https://hubvela.com/hub/technology/advantages-disadvantages/workplace/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.interactsoftware.com/blog/pros-cons-digital-workplace/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.newhorizons.com/resources/blog/pros-and-cons-of-ai-in-the-workplace?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Topic 3: A Fireside Chat Exploring the UN’S AI Agenda Under the Global Digital Compact

It’s Max,
This Thursday, you’re invited to get toasty and talk about the rise of the machines with two of the world’s preeminent scholars of artificial intelligence.
Part of this week’s AI Summit 2024 in Brussels features a fireside chat about the UN’s AI agenda under the Global Digital Compact (GDC). Heading the event are Amandeep Singh Gill, a former Indian diplomat, who is currently serving as Secretary-General António Guterres’s Envoy on Technology, as well as Cameron F. Kerry, a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Center for Technology Innovation at the Brookings Institution and visiting scholar at the MIT Media Lab.
They’ll be talking about the future of artificial intelligence and the United Nations agenda for establishing AI governance and applying AI technologies to advance development goals.
So let’s get into some of what they’ll be chatting about.

The Global Digital Compact

If the compact is unfamiliar to you — that’s because it’s still very, very new. It was finalized during the “Summit of the Future” in September of this year and published as a part of the United Nations Common Agenda. And it’s got some lofty goals too. In addition to regulating AI, the compact includes the intention to apply human rights online, connect all people and all schools to the Internet by 2030, protect data and avoid Internet fragmentation, and ultimately embrace an ethic of the early Internet as a “global commons.”
Artificial intelligence, and its governance, feature prominently in the document, and can be broken down into five parts.

The U.N’s A.I. Agenda at a Glance

1. Creating an independent AI panel

The UN wants to formally establish a multidisciplinary panel, drawing on national, international, and regional initiatives, which would consider the promotion of scientific understanding of AI, conduct evidence-based assessments of impacts, risks, and opportunities, and make sure the benefits of AI technology are equally distributed around the world.

2. Starting a dialogue about governance

The GDC discusses “global dialogue on AI governance,” which will happen within existing UN meetings and conferences and provide a platform for all countries to express their views on AI governance and help build international cooperation.

3. Building capacity in the developing world

A major aspect of the agenda is a focus on supporting developing countries in helping to strengthen their AI capacity by using, developing, and accessing AI systems and also addressing potentially negative impacts of AI on employment, labour, and the environment.

4. Setting the Stage

The GDC outlines principles like transparency and accountability, human oversight, compliance with international law, as well as “actions to counter potential harms, including hate speech and discrimination,” promotion of cultural and linguistic diversity. The authors also identified the need to work with the national, regional and international players.

5. Working Together

The agenda focuses on sharing best practices between nations and promoting a common understanding of AI-related issues.

Back to the Fireplace

So that’s a peek at what we might find on the agenda on Dec 5th. A look behind the curtain at the UN’s newly developing AI policy and the implications it could have in the future. One interesting element of the chat is that it’s being led by a delegate from the developing world and another from the United States. While we can’t know if this was an intentional pairing, it does echo the mandate of the GDC AI policy, which at its core, is about uniting the advanced and advancing nations of the world with a shared set of policies, rights, and responsibilities to help navigate the emerging field of AI and contribute to a global digital commons.
It should be an interesting chat.

References:

A new era in digital governance: The Global Digital Compact’s blueprint for change. Center on International Cooperation. (2024, October 9). https://cic.nyu.edu/resources/a-new-era-in-digital-governance/

United Nations. (n.d.). Secretary-general’s report on “Our common agenda.” United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/content/common-agenda-report/

Join in!

So that’s a taste of AI Summit 2024, taking place this week in Brussels. There’s still time to register and be part of an international conversation on the future of AI business, regulation, and ethics and governance. Sign up here: https://global-aiconference.com/ and maybe we’ll see you there!