Operations & technology

Hollywood has long portrayed robots as friendly and misunderstood but also a technology to be feared if left in the wrong hands. Today, humanoid robots are being designed not only to carry out simple tasks but also, display a broad range of emotions and react to people in real-time. But just because we can build it, should we?

Utility-scale power plants have long dominated electricity distribution. Now, distributed energy resources (DERs) like rooftop solar are changing this model. DERs can disrupt the grid if poorly managed, but if integrated well, can enhance efficiency and resilience. This shift marks a significant change in how energy is generated and distributed.

As D.C. nears its 2024 Vision Zero deadline, traffic fatalities remain high. UVA Darden's associate professor Chris Parker has uncovered a key flaw: crash data underreporting by 30-40%. Parker's research aims to reshape traffic safety with data-driven solutions, potentially saving lives and creating more equitable streets in the nation's capital.

Social media is one of the biggest and most controversial disruptions in the last decade, arguably the last several decades. Algorithms, meant to create a more personalized experience, are isolating users from diverse opinions and news sources. How ca we use AI and data to redefine the user experience on social media to achieve healthier outcomes?

AI companions are designed to support the individual but what is the impact on broader society? Don’t we as humans get something out of supporting each other?

New research aims to make AI systems fairer when assigning tasks or allocating resources, giving everyone an equal shot at getting what they want.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, a unified team executing a flawed strategy often outperforms those pursuing a perfect strategy with fractured alignment. This principle of prioritizing alignment over flawless planning forms the cornerstone of the seven critical foundations for competitive success in the AI era.

As the race for fully autonomous vehicles heats up, challenges remain on the road to widespread adoption. Key to overcoming these obstacles will be consumer acceptance, technological advances, and regulation.

How close are we to fully automated vehicles and how will transportation itself change as a result?