Introduction
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, ensuring ethical AI development and deployment is crucial. Verdas AI supports companies with practical, actionable guidance using the IEEE CertifAIEd framework for identifying, preventing, and mitigating ethical risks. AIR6 Systems, a company specializing in advanced drone technology for industrial processes, recently underwent an IEEE CertifAIEd Ethics Profiling for their DrSolar drone-enhanced solar inspection system. This case study explores the process, findings, and outcomes of this ethical assessment, highlighting the importance of proactive compliance and responsible AI implementation.
About Verdas AI
Verdas AI is an authorized collaborator of IEEE SA’s CertifAIEd program. Headquartered in Germany, Verdas has 3 full-time Lead Assessors and a global network of specialists to support any assessment. VERDAS AI is a trusted partner in AI education and responsible AI deployment, working with startups, family-owned businesses, Fortune 500 companies, government ministries, and international standards associations to design and implement cutting-edge AI training programs. Verdas equips organizations with the knowledge and frameworks needed to deploy AI ethically, efficiently, and at scale.
About AIR6 Systems and DrSolar
Established in 2017, AIR6 Systems has roots in Austria (AIR6 Systems) extending to Germany, and in the UK. The Company aims to deliver advanced drone technology to be customised for and integrated into industrial processes as well as for operations of task forces. The company is interested in assessment and certification for their AIR6 Systems solar panel inspection, which includes an AIR4 drone equipped with SWIR sensor, onboard PC and proprietary software for image capture. The system collects highly actionable images within the Electroluminescence (EL) process for fault detection and classification. AIR6 is dedicated to fostering a culture of responsibility and trustworthy AI implementation, and conducting the IEEE CertifAIEd ethical risk profiling exercise further demonstrates this commitment.
The IEEE CertifAIEd Process
AIR6 Systems partnered with Verdas AI GmbH, an authorized IEEE CertifAIEd collaborator, to conduct the ethics profiling. The process involved several key phases:
- Enquiry, Data Collection, and Review: Verdas AI collaborated with the AIR6 team to understand the project goals, system scope, stakeholders, and operational context. This phase included reviewing the Concept of Operations documentation and specific use cases.
- Ethics Profiling: The team identified key values affected by the DrSolar system. These values were assigned risk impacts based on their potential effect on human, societal, and environmental well-being.
- Criteria Suite Selection: The identified values were mapped to the four IEEE CertifAIEd Ethical Criteria Suites: Ethical Transparency, Ethical Accountability, Ethical Algorithmic Bias, and Ethical Privacy. The most applicable suite, Ethical Transparency, was selected for further analysis.
Key Findings and Outcomes
- Stakeholder Identification: A comprehensive list of stakeholders was identified, including solar farm owners/operators, O&M companies, flight service providers, and AIR6 Systems staff.
- Value Elicitation: 22 ethical values were identified and evaluated for their potential impact. Values such as trust, accuracy, safety, cost reduction, and data transparency were prioritized.
- Risk Assessment: The risk level for each value was calculated based on the intensity and likelihood of the system’s impact. Transparency emerged as the clear focus of ethical risk, with additional concerns regarding Privacy and Accountability.
- Low-Risk Determination: Based on the analysis, the DrSolar system was determined to be a “Low Risk” system within the IEEE CertifAIEd framework.
- Focus on Ethical Transparency: The profiling revealed a strong emphasis on Ethical Transparency, particularly concerning the clarity of operations and confidence in system behavior.
Recommendations and Next Steps
The outcome of the ethics profiling included a concrete set of requirements to guide AIR6’s employees, along with clear examples of how to fulfil these requirements
- Providing clear explanations of how the system makes decisions.
- Ensuring accurate and reliable data for decision support.
- Providing transparency to stakeholders regarding the handling of proprietary information and personal data.
- Maintaining accountability for system outputs and decisions.
Conclusion
The IEEE CertifAIEd Ethics Profiling for AIR6 Systems’ DrSolar product demonstrates the importance of proactive ethical assessments in AI development. By identifying potential risks and benefits, engaging stakeholders, and prioritizing transparency, AIR6 Systems is ensuring the responsible and trustworthy deployment of their innovative technology. This case study serves as an example for other organizations seeking to integrate ethical considerations into their AI practices.
For companies aiming to ensure responsible AI implementation and achieve IEEE CertifAIEd certification, Verdas AI offers expert guidance and support. Our services include comprehensive ethical risk profiling, stakeholder engagement strategies, and compliance frameworks tailored to your specific needs. Contact Verdas AI today to proactively manage ethical risks and build trust in your AI systems.
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