Microsoft recently launched the AI for Humanitarian Action program, which will make their technology available to those working on various humanitarian efforts. The tech giant wants to use its AI technology for good causes. (Image is of the Microsoft Research Lab - asia via Microsoft)
Microsoft’s latest initiative sees them moving beyond high-end gadgets and classroom programs in an effort to give back. The tech giant plan to offer their AI technology to those taking part in humanitarian efforts around the world. Their newly launched AI for Humanitarian Action program will put $40 million towards initiatives focused on four areas over the next five years: disaster response, needs of children, refugees and displaced people, and human rights.
For the AI for Humanitarian Action program, Microsoft will work with non-governmental organizations and humanitarian groups to pair its data science background with their expertise. The company already has ideas for how the AI can be employed in these different areas. Considering disaster relief, Microsoft wants to use AI to predict upcoming disasters, quickly assess damage, and target aid more effectively. In order to forecast famines around the world, they’re joining forces with World Bank, the United Nations, and other tech companies.
Microsoft has been working with Operation Smile for a while, which helps to protect children, has groups targeting human trafficking, and has researchers studying sudden infant death syndrome. The company is increasing their efforts by developing chatbots with the ability to connect displaced youth with educational resources along with using AI-powered speech translation to connect with those protecting human rights to people who need their help. For issues regarding human rights, they will collaborate with NGOs and other humanitarian organizations to come up with solutions to monitor, detect, and stop human right abuses.
"We believe that technology, like artificial intelligence combined with cloud technology, can be a game changer, helping save more lives, alleviate suffering and restore human dignity by changing the way frontline relief organizations anticipate, predict and better target response efforts," Microsoft President Brad Smith said
This new program follows Microsoft’s previously announced efforts as part of AI for Good initiative. AI for Earth launched last year and is a five year, $50 million pledged to offer their AI technology to universities, non-governmental organizations, and other groups dedicated to solving environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity, and more. Their second program, AI for Accessibility, launched in May and is another five year, $25 million pledge to create AI-powered technologies to help people with disabilities tackle challenges in three areas: employment, human connection, and modern life.
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