The Goal of the Center is to lead the nation in the research and development of responsible computing technologies. At the heart of our center’s mission lies a commitment to shaping the future of computing in a way that is inclusive of multiple ways of knowing, is community-driven, sustainable, and deeply conscious of our broader societal responsibilities.
Responsible Design and Deployment of AI
Artificial Intelligence can be a powerful tool for positive societal impact– but significant harm can occur if implemented and deployed carelessly. Algorithmic bias, for example, where facial recognition does not see dark-skinned faces accurately, is even more prevalent as new tools emerge. Responsible design requires active collaboration with the communities impacted by these technologies, integrating their insights to reduce disparities and maximize collective benefits. Beyond immediate societal needs, responsible AI also extends to environmental stewardship, recognizing the resource-intensive nature of many AI processes. Moreover, the next generation of researchers and practitioners who will inherit and further shape these technologies must be considered.
Topics
- Reducing bias, increasing community input, engaging in participatory design, maximize collective benefit.
- Responsibility towards the environment
- Responsibility towards the next generation of researchers (Education)
Making Computing Sustainable
Information and communications technology is responsible for up to 4% of worldwide emissions, equivalent to the aviation industry’s carbon footprint. User and edge devices are responsible for over one-third of this carbon footprint. This environmental impact is expected to worsen as the number of edge devices is projected to increase from nearly 100 billion to trillions. We seek to make carbon and sustainability a first-order design parameter for future edge computing devices that range from tiny, energy-harvesting IoT devices to higher-performance consumer electronics.
Topics
- Carbon-aware networked systems (edge to cloud)
- Lowering embodied carbon, battery-free systems, new materials, energy sources, and emerging computing devices and architectures
- Efficient use of memory and cores/compute/bandwidth
Democratizing Access to Computing
Democratizing access to computing is essential to empowering a new generation of users, practitioners, learners, makers, and innovators to build a better future for themselves. We seek to ensure that computing and AI systems are accessible, sustainable, buildable, and adaptable to all– whether a frontline healthcare worker, a community organizer, a teacher, or an undergraduate engineering student.
- Low-burden systems that enhance accessibility
- Reliable and credible execution at a low cost
- Healthcare systems focused on low-burden operation, equity, and participatory design
- Educational initiatives centered on culture and environment
Featured Ongoing Projects
