Microsoft, Energy Department To Develop Disaster-Response AI Tools

The U.S. Department of Energy and Microsoft on Tuesday announced a partnership to develop artificial-intelligence tools aimed at helping first-responders better react to fast-changing natural events, such as floods and wildfires. From a report: “There are just so many technologies where we can solve some of the toughest problems, in a moment where we’re having an explosion of wildfires and floods and some really major natural disasters,” said Cheryl Ingstad, director of the Energy Department’s Artificial Intelligence and Technology Office. “And we think we can bring AI to bear here and help save lives.” The First Five Consortium, a nod to the importance of the first five minutes in responding to a natural disaster, aims to build between 10 and 30 different AI-powered systems. The Energy Department will spearhead the development and testing efforts. Microsoft will provide technological resources, including its Azure cloud for AI model training and inference. Other organizations, including public- and private-sector entities, are expected to participate. The announcement comes as California confronts another summer of raging wildfires, while Iowa reels from devastating windstorms. The consortium is expected to have its first prototype ready for testing this fall. Over the longer term, officials envision a range of AI systems that can help save lives, property and resources.