Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning  are powerful technologies that have created endless  possibilities. They contribute to AI chatbots, have put us on the cusp of fully self-driving cars, and help translate documents into human-like speech in dozens of languages. For many narrow applications, we have become accustomed to superhuman performance, such as in the case of AlphaGO beating the world’s best human player, or IBM’s DeepBlue beating Garry Kasparov. 

But AI is a tool that can amplify us for good or for bad and that we need to handle with care. The world is full of examples of AI’s potential hazards, from self-driving cars that don’t recognize road hazards to natural-language processing algorithms that create startlingly real – and completely bogus – stories and articles. In the case of recruiting and building models from job applicants, our unnatural biases can surface and become amplified if we aren’t proactively working to prevent this.

Here at DataRobot, we’re committed to AI you can trust, offering expertise and tools to test your systems across multiple dimensions of trust. That allows you to design AI that performs exceptionally, maintains operational excellence, and reflects your values. The goal is to strive to be proactive and catch problems early.

We build our approach to AI you can trust on three key principles:

1. Performance. Our platform includes guardrails that ensure performance and permit the democratization of AI so that any business can take advantage of it.
2. Value and risk. DataRobot’s Humble AI takes into account that many AI-derived projects are based on fuzzy data. It creates “triggers” that highlight potentially faulty AI-based conclusions.
3. Ethical and explainable. Our AI platform is not a black box. It allows technical and non-technical users to explain AI models with transparency in a way that is based on your company’s values. The need to partner closely with your subject matter experts can’t be overstated. The more they understand the more likely you can avoid costly mistakes.

We see AI as an important adjunct to your decision-making, not a replacement for it. One analog we like to use is that of medical imaging. Today’s sophisticated imaging devices – combined with AI – can be powerful diagnostic tools. But it’s important to have human expertise backing that up to either confirm it or suggest a second look.

Similarly, we’re aware of the risks to privacy AI can present. What if an insurance carrier was able to closely track a policy holder within a few feet of their actual location, and noticed that the holder’s car was parked near a bar at 2 a.m.? Would that be a cause to increase premiums or even cancel a policy?

Instead, we’re building AI that helps an enterprise solve tough problems in ways that are ethical, fair, and trustworthy. Our AI tools are working in industries such as manufacturing, financial services, and retail, and many others, providing best-in-class accuracy and insight into potential anomalies. We are grateful for the combined experience of our customers, partners, and employees. We have learned through practical experience the importance of proactive trust measures, and this experience helps to protect our customers from the unexpected model issues that arise.

To learn about DataRobot’s commitment to ethical AI, watch the replay of a live event we recently hosted on LinkedIn, featuring our VP of Trusted AI, Edward Kwartler as he talked about Trust, Ethics, and AI.

Also, be sure to visit our “More Intelligent Tomorrow” series of podcasts. These weekly conversations with AI innovators cover technology trends, best-practices for AI, career advice, and more.

Finally, visit our AI You Can Trust page, which outlines our approach to AI and offers resources that help you understand why you’ll want to work with us.