SRNL Hosts Collaborative Meeting on Artificial Intelligence
A collective of Laboratory researchers from several U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories recently met at a conference hosted by Savannah River National Laboratory to discuss collaboration on Artificial Intelligence (AI) issues. The meeting was in support of the Genesis Mission, whose goal is to expand and accelerate science utilizing Artificial Intelligence resources. DOE Legacy Management is looking for ways to monitor data, deploy electron donors, and add bioaugmentation to measure the success of legacy waste cleanup.
SRNL scientists Tom Danielson and Emily Fabricatore discussed important issues involving the evolution, use, regulations, and challenges associated with AI as well as discussion on the evaluation of existing AI data and its effectiveness. Shelly Wilson and David Wilson with Longnecker and Associates, discussed how the DOE is increasing the use of AI within the complex. Use of AI tools has resulted in efficiencies such as a reduced number of monitoring wells, lower costs, decreased worker exposure, and fewer waste samples. Additionally, powerful AI platforms have accelerated new discoveries, security and innovation.
Group discussions throughout the conference highlighted potential further solutions involving cleanup, user and technological deficiencies ensuring a successful integration into operational workflow. Researchers emphasized it is essential to provide a clear path on DOE’s course of action. The path should address challenges with data, state regulations impacting DOE work, and approvals needed to move forward. Additional discussion topics included AI today, lessons learned, readiness signals, and opportunities for time reduction to reduce or eliminate unnecessary cost, time, and approvals.
Other entities around the country may not possess the AI resources to address many issues themselves, but DOE has the capabilities and expertise to assist them, broadening SRNL’s scientific influence.