Research

Researchers from Stanford and Scandia National Labs previously developed a device that acts as an artificial synapse, imitating the brain's efficiency and ability to learn. The team's prototype array of nine of these devices out performed expectations in processing speed, energy efficiency, reproducibility and durability. The hope is that this will be a step toward supporting artificially intelligent learning on small devices.

The Green New Deal, the sweeping plan to overhaul transportation, energy and other sectors, labels climate change as a "direct threat to the national security of the United States" failed a recent U.S. Senate vote. Here Stanford experts discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the Green New Deal and the urgency and importance of decarbonization.

A team of Stanford engineers have devised a way to ensure uninterrupted wireless connectivity as 5G begins rolling out next year. 5G radios will be delivering data at 100 Mbps to as many as a million devices per square kilometer on vehicles traveling up to 330 mph. The team has developed AI algorithms based on reinforcement learning and this system is able to adapt even after the self-driving radio is deployed.

One of the assignments for students in CS 181: Computers, Ethics and Public Policy involved regulating campus vehicles in a future where autonomous vehicles are prevalent and considering speed limits, pedestrians and how to handle accidents. This and other assignments helped them explore technology's impact on people and society from the perspective of a policymaker, computer programmer or philosopher.

Stanford's newly launched Public Interest Technology University Network, a partnership convened by the Ford Foundation, Hewlett Foundation and public policy think tank New America and 20 other colleges and universities will be developing a new generation of civic-minded technologists and bridging the gap between technology and public service.

Four scholars on artificial intelligence and the economy recently told an audience at the Stanford Graduate School of Business that while robots may not be coming for your job, concerns over growing inequality and lack of opportunity for many in the labor force are serious points to be addressed. Advances in AI and machine learning will become more of a challenge to the workforce but for now anyway, "humans are underrated."

Stanford researchers have developed a prototype that generates hydrogen fuel from seawater using solar power. By coating the anode with layers that were rich in negative charges the team was able to stop the seawater salt from breaking down the submerged anodes. Without the risk of corrosion from salts, the device matched current technologies that use purified water.

John Etchemendy, Provost Emeritus, Professor, Humanities and Science and Fei-Fei Li, Professor, Computer Science, leaders of a newly established institute on campus to advance AI research, education, policy and practice to improve the human condition started the discussion for HAI in Fei-Fei's driveway 3 years ago.

A team of researchers from MIT and Stanford have developed a machine learning method that could accelerate research and development of new battery designs and reduce production costs, among other applications. The machine learning model was trained with a few hundred million data points of batteries charging & discharging. The algorithm predicted battery life expectancy and has other applications for fast charging and validating new types of batteries.

Researchers from Chris Gerdes' Dynamic Design Lab have developed a neural network that integrates past driving experiences from driving trials from dry roads and under snowy conditions. The neural network system outperformed the physics-based system in both high-friction and low-friction scenarios and did particularly well in situations that mixed these two conditions.