Eight projects proposing ways in which AI can be incorporated into public sector work have been selected as semi-finalists in a government-sponsored competition.
Run by digital business and technology service provider NTT DATA, the Civil Service AI and Data Challenge encouraged public sector workers to propose projects utilising the technology to improve services.
Among the semi-finalists selected are a plan to use AI verification to identify fraudulent documents submitted to HMRC, AI-enabled cameras used to safeguard birds approaching wind turbines, using government and open-source data for extreme weather tracking and a casework compliance assistant for the Department for Work and Pensions.
Also included is a somewhat outside-the-box proposal to create AI personalities to represent various demographics that could allow the public sector to explore their views and reactions.
“This challenge shows how civil servants will put AI and data to work improving public services. Last year we set out our approach to bring AI into the frontline of public services: test and learn, then scale what works. Today’s shortlist shows that in action,” said Ian Murray, minister for data and modern digital government.
“The semi finalists’ ideas show how AI and data can help government work smarter – cutting paperwork, reducing delays and freeing staff to focus on people – to make services more innovative and efficient, and deliver the value for money that taxpayers expect.”
The winner of the challenge will receive the £50,000 project development prize in May.