Using AI To Train Firefighters

Roland Piquepaille writes "Computer scientists at the University of Southern California (USC) have developed DEFACTO, a training program which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help firefighters practice simulated emergency situations. The system is currently used by the Los Angeles Fire Department. DEFACTO has committees of AI 'agents' which can create disaster scenarios with images and maps seen in 3-D by the trainees. The software agents also evaluate the trainees' answers and help them to take better decisions. As one LAFD captain said, 'You can see if you're heading toward a mistake much more quickly.' Read more for additional details about this AI project and a photo of a LAFD Fire Captain using the system."

Comments

Fascinating

[edittard]

So what they're saying is that if you create a machine that interactively models some activity or situation, people can practice and try things out without the consequences that happen doing it for real. By doing this they can develop their skills and knowledge and later apply them to the real task.

This is a brilliant idea. I can see it going a long way. Pilot training is the first thing that springs to mind. I'm just surprised nobody thought of it before.