Some humanitarian organizations are seeking new possibilities to use artificial intelligence technologies for improving their work and providing help. Modern AI is also becoming part of AI adoption in public services, helping organizations use technology to improve operations and decision-making.
AI Helps Humanitarian Groups Improve Disaster Response
Despite the numerous advantages, modern technologies have some problems that organizations should take into account. Organizations should ensure the protection of confidential data as well as the problem of fake news connected with humanitarian activities. Different AI projects for humanitarian work were showcased at the AI for Good conference in Geneva.
Read more: Study Finds AI Chatbots Get Health Questions Wrong Nearly Half the Time
Vehicles Driven by AI to Assist in Hard-to-Access Places
One of the major initiatives at the event featured an AI-operated vehicle called Sherp. This heavy vehicle can navigate through challenging areas, including floodplains, swamps, and rough terrain. This vehicle can even sail through the water and navigate through obstacles that can be up to a meter high, which makes it suitable for reaching hard-to-reach areas. The World Food Programme (WFP) plans to test a modified version of the vehicle that operators can control remotely from safe locations. The reason why WFP is considering this technology is that it can assist in delivering aid to the community residing in difficult-to-access areas.
The World Food Programme currently uses Sherp vehicles to assist those who need it in nations such as Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda. After encountering some problems during the delivery of assistance to communities, WFP collaborated with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) to develop an AI-powered technology.
The Role of Human Control in AI Technology
AI technology plays an important role in this project, but human control remains necessary. The vehicle cannot work fully on its own because humanitarian situations can change quickly and require human decisions.The team plans to set up a control room in a safe location where an operator can guide the vehicle during the most difficult parts of the journey.
Read more: Jeff Bezos Says AI Will Create More Jobs Instead of Replacing Workers
Researchers have already tested the system in Germany and plan to begin field testing in Uganda in 2028. Scientists working on the project believe AI can help manage large amounts of data, but human decisions are still important. They say technology and human experience must work together in complex environments.
Technology Enables Quick Disaster Responses
Artificial intelligence is also being used in humanitarian missions to improve disaster response. UNHCR created a Legal Virtual AI Assistant for legal experts. It helps them quickly find information about refugee rights. Another project, called Data Insights for Social and Humanitarian Action (DISHA), uses AI and data tools to support humanitarian groups.
The project works with technology companies to provide useful information for disaster planning and response. AI can also analyze anonymous mobile data to understand how people move during disasters. Organizations can use this information to identify areas that need support and plan their response more effectively.
AI Aids in Damage Assessment and Decision Making
Another way AI technology is being used is by analyzing satellite images before and after natural disasters. AI can help assess damage in these images and provide important information faster. Humanitarian experts believe that timely and accurate information helps organizations make better decisions. News source eTimes Pakistan.
