Techno-Apocalypse Skynet Future Averted Thanks to Industry Workgroup

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics announced the formation of the AIAA Aerospace Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory Group during its 2024 AIAA SciTech Forum.

The Advisory Group was formed to "advance the appropriate use of AI technology particularly in aeronautics, aerospace R&D, and space." By now, anyone who's seen the horrifying existence of being an infantryman facing down swarms of explosive drones alongside sumptuously detailed renditions of computer generated artwork should be able to see the spooky world to come: The combination of fully autonomous, uncontrolled, and numerous light aircraft could be a nightmare in the wrong hands, or the wrong AI. The Advisory Group will hopefully help to create guiderails and policies that help industry, government, and academic bodies avoid the automated hunter-killer Skynet future to come.

The AIAA said "the group will 1) ensure AIAA understands the scope and impact of its AI efforts across industry, government, and academia; 2) ensure the Institute’s policies and procedures enable innovation while being rooted on firm ethical foundations; 3) inform the application and use of AI across AIAA while maintaining and advancing technical excellence in the aerospace field; and 4) hold paramount the success of AIAA members, their organizations, and the broader aerospace community when considering the application of AI to AIAA endeavors."

Key challenges out the gate include "Integrating responsible AI approaches into the body of aerospace theory and practice; representing diverse viewpoints in the advancement of AI within the aerospace, including developing appropriate AIAA responses and accommodations to relevant external AI policy and industry practices and standards; and integrating aerospace workforce and AI competency considerations into aerospace education and professional development processes." Finally, they want to ensure that AI is applied "ethically in aerospace publishing".

FMI: www.aiaa.org/ai