The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution may have only just begun, but NATA Chief Information Officer, Dean Tomlinson, confirms that NATA is already innovating and developing AI functionality for implementation.
This will include leveraging generative AI to support a reduction of operational costs and time.
“As AI and automated systems are increasingly adopted, assessments from Accreditation Bodies such as NATA will need to have an increased focus on requirements for verification and validation, control of data, and organisational governance and accountability,” Tomlinson said.
Standards lead the way
The development and integration of AI presents significant innovation opportunities and time savings for a multitude of industry sectors, but it also comes with significant risks. Fortunately, there are already standards and guidelines being created to help manage these rapidly growing technologies.
“For example, the AIMS [Artificial Intelligence Management System] Certification Standard, ISO/IEC 42001, was published December last year,” Tomlinson said. “It provides a fairly comprehensive set of requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and governing an AIMS system.”
Testing and validating AI
The development and implementation of standards is just the first step in assuring AI systems. Tomlinson expects these systems to be rigorously tested and validated before deployment.
“There needs to be on-going and proactive approach by NATA towards a fluent process of AI integration in Australia,” he said. “All that are adopting AI need to help to make ethical AI governance more functional.”
Tomlinson added that the international standard process not only serves as an “effective assurance mechanism that enhances the reliability and safety” of AI-driven solutions but can also “improve public trust and confidence” in its use.