Technical Safety BC partners with Generation R to deliver an ethics roadmap for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics initiative

VANCOUVER, Nov. 28, 2017 /CNW/ - Generation R and Technical Safety BC are pleased to announce the completion of the first ethics roadmap for a software-based decision support system. This system uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to improve the prediction of technical safety hazards, thereby enhancing public safety in British Columbia. This work was highlighted on November 16, 2017 at a United Nations Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) event called 'Entrepreneurial Perspectives on Emerging Technologies in the Field of AI and Autonomous Systems' as the first example of how ethical risks inherent in AI and data analytics can be proactively managed in industries today.

Technical Safety BC uses a proactive, knowledge-based approach to oversee the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment. In their continual quest to improve public safety through effective operations and services, Technical Safety BC recently launched an initiative to use data analytics and machine learning techniques to generate safety-related, predictive insights from historical records of safety inspection data. With their algorithmic and technological capabilities quickly building, Technical Safety BC partnered with Generation R on the development of an ethics roadmap to assist with process and decision guidance.

Generation R is an AI ethics consultancy that used proprietary methods to assess Technical Safety BC's new initiative and develop the ethics roadmap. The outcomes of the project are published in a case study on Generation R's website entitled, Predictive Algorithm to Support Frontline Worker Decisions. 

Catherine Roome, President and CEO of Technical Safety BC, said, "I believe that good corporate governance requires those of us using AI in service to our clients to do an ethics review."  She further added, "It's not just because future regulatory environments will require it, but because it encompasses every aspect of the use of the tools ? from deployment for employees, to impact on clients and stakeholders, to enterprise risk management."

Generation R delivered five actionable recommendations highlighting how Technical Safety BC can effectively engage employees in their new data analytics initiative while encouraging the development of communication and monitoring practices to minimize the risks of using AI-based decision support systems. In addition, Generation R provided 31 critical business, policy and design decisions that Technical Safety BC can consider in order to understand tradeoffs of using AI and data analytics as part of their operations.

AJung Moon, CEO and Co-Founder of Generation R added, "It is much harder to revert negative effects of AI and data-driven systems once they are already deployed in an organization. It is wise to understand ethical risks inherent in the system and mitigate them as you design and deploy new technology."

In closing, Ms. Roome remarked that "Generation R did an outstanding assessment for us which advanced our thinking around AI by years ? an outstanding return on investment for public benefit."

About Generation R
Generation R (www.genr.ca) is an strategic AI consulting firm that helps businesses and organizations identify and manage ethical risks inherent in intelligent automation technologies. Generation R's team consists of influential thought leaders in this field, who consult on algorithmic ethics and roboethics issues to the United Nations, Senate of Canada, and OECD among others. It is the first company in the world to systematically identify ethical risks of AI and automation technologies customized to today's businesses and translate them into actions businesses can take to manage risks.

About Technical Safety BC
Technical Safety BC is an independent, self-funded organization mandated to oversee the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment. In addition to issuing permits, licenses and certificates, we work with industry to reduce safety risks through assessment, education and outreach, enforcement, and research.

SOURCE Technical Safety BC