Putting the AI Zone to work in the field and at instructional sites
The University of Arizona’s Data Science Institute (DSI) is launching the “AI Zone,” a mobile, interactive exhibit designed to demystify Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for diverse audiences. Debuting at the AgTech Conference in Yuma, AZ, on November 13-14, 2024, the AI Zone is set to show how AI tools are reshaping industries like agriculture. Developed in collaboration with the SWEETER initiative and funded by the National Science Foundation, this hands-on exhibit invites users—students, educators, farmers, and the general public—to explore AI’s real-world applications, from monitoring livestock health to detecting crop diseases.
Led by DSI Director Nirav Merchant and student collaborator Leonardo Hernández, the AI Zone features innovative demonstrations, including models running on Nvidia Jetson Nano hardware, such as Meta’s Segment Anything Model, which highlights AI’s potential to optimize agricultural operations. This dynamic space offers observation and active learning, allowing participants to train and customize AI tools based on their needs.
Designed to be portable, the AI Zone is available for educational events, outreach, and community engagement, making AI accessible to all.