The Stanford Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Institute (Stanford HAI) is a private, not-for-profit institution that is part of Stanford University. Launched in March 2019, it works on advancing artificial intelligence (AI) research, education, policy, and practice to improve the human condition. It conducts research on fundamental and applied topics; convenes stakeholders from academia, government, civil society, and industry to address critical technical and societal challenges; and educates students and leaders across all sectors.
The Institute’s AI research focuses on three aspects: human impact, augment human capabilities, and intelligence. Examples of its research projects include The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Perceptions of Humanhood (focuses on understanding and forecasting how the increasing presence of AI in daily life will change perceptions of what it means to be human), Correcting Gender and Ethnic Biases in AI Algorithms (aims at developing a AI auditing leveraging machine learning to discover and correct its own biases), and Adversarial Examples for Humans? (seeks to explore aspects of human perception, with potential implications for security and safety).
Stanford HAI has produced an annual AI Index Report since 2017 which tracks, collates, distils, and visualises data related to the state of AI. The 2019 report tracks AI technical progress; explores issues related to the impact of AI on the economy (jobs, investments, and corporate activity); investigates trends in education and AI; analyses data around autonomous vehicles and autonomous weapons; covers public perception of central banks, global governments, and the corporate world; examines AI ethical challenges and AI applications for sustainable development; and looks at AI strategies issues by countries.
Alongside the index, the 2019 edition included two tools for those who want to focus on the extensive global data: the Global AI Vibrancy Tool and the AI Index arXiv Monitor.
Conferences, workshops, and seminars are regularly organised on different AI topics including AI and International Security. A number of human-centred AI courses are also offered. In addition, the Institute funds research in human-centred AI.
In 2019, Stanford HAI called on the US government to develop a national vision for AI, and underpinned the need for a human-centred AI framework that guides a national policy and plan ‒ a framework anchored by shared values of equality, opportunity, and agency.
- Promotes AI for good that could provide ‘a better future for all of humanity’ and address the ‘challenges and disruptions’ ramifications for society.
- Advocates for human-centred AI policies that are anchored in the shared values of equality, opportunity, and agency.