Autonomy Summit Explores Potential and Challenges of AI

The inaugural University of Maryland (UMD) MATRIX Lab Autonomy Summit brought together leaders, experts, and professionals to explore the most pressing issues surrounding autonomous systems and artificial intelligence (AI).

On November 14, more than 200 attendees representing dozens of different organizations across industry, government, and academia gathered at the USMSM SMART Building in California, Maryland. The day’s presentations, panels, and breakout sessions explored building trust in autonomous systems, bridging gaps between technology development and workforce readiness, and accelerating the innovative use of autonomous technologies across multiple domains. These discussions are now being compiled into actionable takeaways.

The MATRIX Lab organized the event with the support of local government and nonprofit organizations as well as several UMD Clark School of Engineering departments and units. Dr. Reza Ghodssi (ECE/ISR/Fischell Institute) is the UMD Herbert Rabin Distinguished Chair in Engineering and the MATRIX Lab Executive Director of Research and Innovation.

“It was worth the time and effort to bring world class expertise to the region,” Dr. Ghodssi said. “By connecting leaders and experts across multiple sectors, we were able to discuss current and developing issues related to AI and autonomy, identify gaps in the ecosystem, and develop solutions to close those gaps. We will be sharing those takeaways with our partners, so we can all work together to improve and advance this critical field.”

More information can be found on the UMD ECE News. (9 - December / 2024)