i-PRO strengthens AI governance with new ethics committee

i-PRO announced the establishment of a comprehensive AI governance framework, aimed at ensuring the responsible research, development, and utilisation of AI technologies. This step builds on the company's Ethical Principles for AI, which were published in December 2023. The framework was further strengthened with the launch of the i-PRO AI Ethics Committee in June 2024, tasked with overseeing a newly introduced AI ethics review process.

The newly formed committee will play a central role in the AI product development lifecycle at i-PRO. Additionally, the company has announced plans to introduce AI ethics training for employees, scheduled to begin in October 2024. This training program aims to instil ethical AI practices among the workforce and ensure adherence to the company’s governance framework.

Masato Nakao, CEO of i-PRO, highlighted the company's dedication to ethical AI development. "i-PRO recognises the significant impact of AI on society," Nakao stated. "By establishing an AI governance structure ahead of others in the industry, we are taking proactive steps to ensure that our AI initiatives align with our social responsibilities. Our goal is not only to advance AI technologies but also to lead by example in ethical AI practices."

Nakao also emphasised the importance of collaboration within the industry. "We will cooperate with industry peers, partners, and customers to foster a culture of responsible AI development and utilization," he said, adding that these steps aim to position i-PRO as the industry leader in AI ethics.

The initiative comes at a time when there is growing global demand for responsible AI practices. The ISO/IEC 42001 standard for AI management systems was issued in December 2023, and the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, a comprehensive regulation for AI, was approved in May 2024. i-PRO is addressing these standards and regulations as part of its vision to continuously contribute to the safety and security of society through responsible AI.

i-PRO's efforts include its ongoing advancements in AI research and development, particularly in the fields of security, public safety, and medical technology. The company's edge AI technology has been pivotal in delivering advanced sensing solutions, solidifying its role as a leader in the professional security solutions market.

With these measures, i-PRO aims to address the ethical challenges posed by AI technologies and ensure that its AI initiatives contribute positively to society. The establishment of the AI Ethics Committee and the implementation of a governance framework signal the company's commitment to maintaining public trust while advancing in the field of AI.