The Path to Truly Inclusive AI

In a recent webinar I attended on Metaverse by Dr. Martha Boeckenfeld, I asked a question on “how do we ensure that concentration of AI doesn’t create a further digital divide”. In her response, Dr. Martha mentioned a critical enabler and that is education. This intrigued me and I went back to review how the Responsible AI principles adopted by various AI companies are catering to this important enabler. While there are lots of principles being discussed which focused on capabilities and safeguards. There's a fundamental principle which I feel should be at top priority and that is inclusiveness. When I spoke to a few colleagues from industry on how they are managing the Inclusiveness in AI development, it was primarily targeted towards accessibility and bias removal. True AI inclusiveness rests on three pillars: accessibility, affordability, and awareness (education). Let's explore why these matter and how different stakeholders must come together to create truly inclusive AI.

1. Accessibility: Innovating at the Edge

When we discuss AI accessibility, our conversation often stops at user interface design. While crucial, true accessibility demands more. We need innovation in edge computing and reach to bring AI capabilities to areas with limited connectivity. We must ensure AI systems work effectively across different devices, languages, and cultural contexts. We should consider innovative approaches to improve accessibility through reach:

Community AI Hubs

- Transform existing village community centers into AI-enabled spaces

- Install shared AI devices for public use

- Create "smart corners" in public libraries and post offices

- Develop community-owned computing resources

Low-Cost Smart Devices

- Design affordable AI-enabled wearables for health monitoring

- Create simplified smartphones with AI capabilities

- Develop plug-and-play AI modules for existing devices such as TV’s

- Build rugged, low-power/ small models AI devices for rural areas

?Integration with Existing Infrastructure

- Upgrade existing public information kiosks with AI features

- Integrate AI sensors with existing agricultural equipment

2. Affordability: Democratizing AI Development and Usage

The current AI landscape resembles an exclusive club, where only organizations with substantial resources can participate in meaningful development. This concentration of power not only limits innovation but also creates systems that may not serve diverse needs.?

Subsidized Access

- Government-supported AI public services for economically marginal groups

- Community-pooled AI resources/ devices

- Subsidized AI-powered healthcare diagnostics (example: AI health clinics)

Startup Support

- Dedicated funding pools for inclusive AI startups that focus on marginal groups

- Technical resource sharing/ pool programs

- Mentorship networks for affordable AI solutions

- Incentives/ Rebates for companies focusing on inclusive AI

Development Support

- Open-source initiatives that reduce development costs

- Government Cloud computing solutions priced for smaller organizations

- Shared computational resources for research institutions

- Government incentives for affordable AI development

3. Awareness: Taking AI Knowledge to the Streets

Technology without understanding is merely magic. We must democratize AI knowledge through both online and offline channels:

Offline Experience Centers

- AI demonstration kiosks in public spaces

- Mobile AI experience vans for rural areas

- Interactive AI exhibits in science centers

- Hands-on AI workshops in community centers

Point-of-Use Awareness

- Hospital-based AI health assistance demonstrations

- Retail shop AI commerce guidance

- Bank-hosted AI financial literacy programs

- Farm-based AI agricultural tool training

Traditional Channels

- Educational institutions at all levels

- Community centers and public libraries

- Professional development programs

- Special programs for vulnerable populations

The Path Forward: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach

Call to Action

Let's move beyond discussing AI capabilities and focus on ensuring everyone can benefit from this technological revolution. True inclusiveness means getting everyone who can benefit from the technology being aware of it, have access to it in an affordable manner.

Share your thoughts on making AI truly inclusive. What innovative approaches to accessibility, affordability, and awareness have you seen or could propose?