Balancing Safety & Innovation: Are we getting it right? A Conversation with Dr. Paula Palade

Ready to explore the cutting edge of AI in autonomous vehicles?

Our host of Conversations in the Park Podcast, Timothy Papandreou, brings you an exclusive conversation with Dr.Paula Palade, PhD - a a visionary that leads by example in the automotive industry and a leading authority on AI ethics. Together, they look into the intricate world of AI-powered mobility, discussing the complex ethical questions that will decide how we move forward in this area. If you're passionate about technology and the future of transportation, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!

Tim Papandreou: Paula, it's such a pleasure to have this conversation with you. To kick things off, can you give us a bit of background about your journey into this space and why AI in AVs is so important to you?

Dr. Paula Palade: Thank you, Tim! I'm very happy to be here. My journey began with a PhD in electrical engineering, which led me into the automotive industry, where I worked on hardware and automated driving systems. Over time, I noticed a significant gap in the ethical considerations of these technologies. This prompted me to investigate further, leading to my involvement with the European Commission on AI ethics for connected and automated vehicles. My focus is on ensuring that these innovations are developed responsibly, with safety and ethical considerations at the forefront.

Tim Papandreou: That's incredibly important work. Speaking of ethics, what are some of the biggest ethical dilemmas you see as we move towards integrating AI into autonomous vehicles?

Dr. Paula Palade: One of the biggest ethical dilemmas is balancing safety with the advancement of technology. For instance, we often discuss reducing road fatalities with AI, but how do we ensure that this benefit is equitably distributed among all road users? It's essential that no category, whether pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicle passengers, is put at an increased risk. Moreover, we can't justify environmental benefits or congestion reduction if they come at the cost of safety. So, safety remains paramount in all discussions about AI in AVs.

Tim Papandreou: You touched on something crucial there—how do we measure success in AI for AVs? What metrics should we be looking at to ensure we're moving in the right direction?

Dr. Paula Palade: It’s about continuous monitoring and improvement. As we introduce these vehicles, the benchmarks for safety need to evolve. One aspect we're pushing for is the sharing of data, not just on collisions but also on near misses, to improve safety measures continuously. This open sharing of information could accelerate the learning process and improve safety across the board.

Tim Papandreou: Absolutely. One area that often comes up in these discussions is the balance between technological innovation and regulatory policy. How do you see policy shaping the future of AI in autonomous vehicles?

Dr. Paula Palade: Policy will play a significant role, especially in ensuring that the deployment of AI in AVs is done responsibly. In democratic societies, policy-making involves input from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, making it a more inclusive process. While the EU focuses on a rules-driven approach, the UK is fostering an environment that encourages innovation. The convergence of these approaches, along with the establishment of robust standards, will be critical in shaping the future of this technology.

Tim Papandreou: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of AI in AVs?

Dr. Paula Palade: I’m excited about the potential to use AI not just to make our roads safer, but to address some of the existing inequalities in road safety. For example, ensuring that vulnerable road users are better protected as we move forward. There's also a great opportunity for people to upskill and get involved in this transformative industry. The technology is here, and it’s up to us to decide how it impacts our world.

Tim Papandreou: Thank you, Paula, for sharing your insights. It's clear that while the their are many complexities ahead of us, with thoughtful consideration and robust ethical standards, we can create a safer and more equitable future.

Dr. Paula Palade: Thank you, Tim. It’s been a pleasure discussing these important topics with you.

If you enjoyed that conversation between Timothy Papandreou and Paula Palade, PhD, you'll want to dive deeper into the topic by watching the video below. This extended discussion features not only Tim and Paula but also Michael Wiesinger, VP of Commercialization & GM of the Transportation Sector at Kodiak. Together, they explore the complexities of AI in autonomous vehicles, offering invaluable insights into the future of transportation.

The conversation is also available on Apple Podcast and Spotify:

A Must-Listen for Anyone Concerned About the Future of Mobility

Conversations in the Park is not just another podcast—it’s where the tough questions get asked, and no topic is too controversial. If you’re interested in the future of mobility, ethics in AI, or the potential risks of autonomous vehicles, this episode is for you. Don’t miss out on a discussion that could shape the future of how we move.

Subscribe now and join the conversation: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.