UAA College of Engineering

Understanding Human-centered AI through Data Integration and Analytics

A project led by: Masoumeh Heidari Kapourchali
​​Understanding Human-centered AI through Data Integration and Analytics
Understanding Human-centered AI through Data Integration and Analytics

Human-Centered AI in Transportation

Advancing Mobility and Safety Through Intelligent Integration
The Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium (PacTrans) is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative that merges human-centered artificial intelligence with transportation systems. This project, titled "Understanding Human-centered AI through Data Integration and Analytics," aims to revolutionize mobility and safety in transportation by developing practical AI solutions that prioritize human welfare and ethical considerations. Human-centered AI is crucial as it ensures that technological advancements are developed with a primary focus on enhancing human welfare, aligning AI capabilities with ethical standards and societal needs.

At its core, The initiative goes beyond traditional education by crafting tools and methodologies that prepare the workforce to effectively apply AI in real-world scenarios. By collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, the project ensures that its outcomes are closely aligned with the current needs of the transportation sector and broader societal objectives.

Key aspects of this innovative project include:

  • Integrating human-centered AI principles into transportation systems

  • Developing practical solutions to enhance mobility and safety

  • Creating educational tools for workforce preparation in AI application

  • Aligning technological advancements with ethical standards and societal needs

  • Fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders in the transportation sector

Frequently Asked Questions

The project aims to advance transportation systems by integrating human-centered artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance mobility and safety. It focuses on creating practical, ethical, and human-focused AI solutions that address real-world challenges in the transportation sector.

This project is funded by the Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium (PacTrans), a regional university transportation center that supports research, education, and workforce development in transportation.

The Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium (PacTrans) is a Regional University Transportation Center (UTC) for Federal Region 10, led by the University of Washington (UW). The consortium currently includes six colleges and universities:

  1. University of Washington (UW)
  2. Northwest Indian College (NWIC)
  3. Portland State University (PSU)
  4. University of Alaska, Anchorage (UAA)
  5. University of Idaho (UI)
  6. Washington State University (WSU)

Human-centered AI prioritizes the needs, welfare, and safety of people in its design and implementation. It ensures that technological advancements align with ethical standards and societal goals. In the context of this project, it means developing AI solutions that improve transportation systems while keeping human users at the forefront.

The project enhances transportation systems by:

  • Improving mobility through intelligent AI integration
  • Increasing safety by addressing real-world challenges
  • Developing tools and methodologies that prepare the workforce to apply AI effectively
  • Aligning outcomes with the needs of stakeholders in the transportation sector

This initiative goes beyond traditional research and education by focusing on practical applications of AI in transportation. It emphasizes collaboration with diverse stakeholders to ensure that its solutions address pressing societal needs while preparing a workforce capable of applying these innovations.

The project collaborates with a variety of stakeholders, including:

  • Transportation agencies
  • Industry professionals
  • Academic researchers
  • Policymakers
  • Local communities

These collaborations ensure that the outcomes are relevant, ethical, and effective for real-world applications.

The initiative develops tools and methodologies designed to educate and train individuals in applying AI technologies effectively in transportation scenarios. This ensures that the workforce is equipped to handle emerging challenges and opportunities as AI continues to transform the industry.

Potential applications include:

  • Smarter traffic management systems
  • Enhanced public transit operations
  • Improved road safety measures
  • Data-driven urban planning for mobility solutions

You can find more information on the official PacTrans website:
Understanding Human-Centered AI Through Data Integration and Analytics