FOLLOW US

Earlier this month, a new study revealed that exposure to newer forms of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, such as robots and trackers, is having adverse impacts on people. Before that data emerged, the US State Department put out an urgent report about AI's potential to devastate the human race, barring the appropriate safeguards.

Of course, AI has its upsides as well. Certain studies have shown this technology can lead to earlier detections of medical illnesses, such as breast cancer. Many companies now also embrace AI as a means of streamlining daily operations and delivering a higher quality of customer service.

Coincidentally, some governments are taking similar steps forward. In San Jose, California, officials have begun working on technology that can identify homeless encampments.

Here's how San Jose is working to optimize artificial intelligence

For months, San Jose's agenda to use AI as a means of locating tents belonging to the homeless has been underway. The city reached out to myriad tech businesses, inviting them to set cameras on a municipal car used to patrol the streets.

This car commonly frequents district 10 and different public areas. So far, the municipal rides throughout the community take place every few weeks.

With the aforementioned cameras in place, video footage and pictures are then transferred into computer vision software. From this point, tech businesses have all the necessary training material to help AI spot homeless encampments accordingly and via the right algorithms.

San Jose's use of technology goes beyond just spotting tents used by the homeless, though. In collaboration with these companies, the city will also have the ability to detect potholes and incorrectly-parked vehicles.

Some people have concerns about adverse repercussions

Artificial intelligence may be one of the most controversial forms of tech in modern history. Amid San Jose's new work, some individuals expressed apprehension about cameras on municipal vehicles ultimately violating privacy rights.

Yet, this city assures the public that it's only surveilling objects like homeless encampments, rather than human beings. To put concerns to bed, San Jose also revealed that its technology blurs out people's faces and even the license plate numbers on their cars.