The problem with "trustworthy" AI. Plane or Pilot?

  

  In an era of technological advancements, the aviation industry is at the forefront of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its operations. However, a recent event has raised questions about the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in aviation. This blog aims to explore the incident and the reasons behind my choice and provide a unique perspective on the trust dilemma between AI and human pilots. The incident in focus revolves around an AI-piloted aircraft encountering a critical situation where it had to make split-second decisions. As the events unfolded, it became apparent that the passengers and crew onboard were unaware that AI was controlling the aircraft. This led to a fundamental question: Should passengers trust the plane, the AI, or the human pilot?

I chose this event because it encapsulates the ethical complexities of integrating AI into traditionally human-controlled domains. The aviation industry has always emphasized trust – passengers trust the pilot to navigate safely. However, with the rise of AI, this trust dynamic is evolving. Understanding how we navigate this shift is pivotal for the ethical progress of the aviation sector. Reflecting on this event, my unique insight centers on transparency and clear communication in AI-assisted aviation. Trust concerns the technology's capabilities and passengers' understanding and confidence in the system. It raises ethical questions about disclosure – should passengers be informed when an AI system takes over, and to what extent? Lombion is concerned about how AI could never be like an actual person and how the algorithm could put people in harm's way. (Lombion, 2020)

While AI can bring efficiency and precision to aviation, the human touch remains indispensable. My perspective underscores the importance of maintaining a delicate balance where AI complements human expertise rather than replacing it entirely. The ethical responsibility lies in developing advanced AI systems and ensuring that passengers feel secure and informed about the technology in charge. In conclusion, the chosen event highlights the evolving trust dynamics in the aviation industry with the integration of AI. We must strike a balance that embraces technological innovation while upholding ethical principles. The future of aviation demands not just trustworthy AI but also a transparent and communicative approach that ensures passengers can trust the plane, the pilot, and the AI navigating the skies.

References

   Lombion, C. (2020, October 19) Do we trust the plane or the pilot? The problem with "trustworthy" AI

https://blog.okfn.org/2020/10/19/do-we-trust-the-plane-or-the-pilot-the-problem-with-trustworthy-a