Machine Learning

Machine Learning is the talk of the town these days. Conventional processes which used to be digitally transformed by IT solutions are now even more fast-tracked thanks to the advancement in Artificial Intelligence. With extensive research experience and knowledge in the domain of machine learning and pattern recognition, Dr. Faisal Shafait is highly regarded as a teacher and researcher at NUST. In fact, it is his brilliant contributions to document image analysis and computational forensics that have seen him secure the IAPR award and make history. Dr. Faisal is the Director of TUKL R&D Center at NUST-SEECS which conducts research in AI/ML and linked domains.

Machine Learning

TUKL R&D Center strives to carry out applied research to bring international cutting-edge, technological advancements to Pakistan for solving local problems and to nurture young talent to compete in the international market. It has become a leading hub for collaborative research & development in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence, driven by values of Innovation, and Integrity with primary focus on cultivation of talent & technology. Here at the lab, we make scientific innovation that can be scaled to help solve local and global problems. The main thematic areas of research are 

AI-based Environmental Monitoring where efficient algorithms are being developed to monitor deforestation, water resource estimation, crops yield estimation, and water quality assessment through satellite imagery. 

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare where scalable solutions are developed for the screening procedures of endemics like Dengue Fever. The on-going pandemic of COVID-19 has also instigated our researchers to carry out intensive AI-powered algorithm development to monitor the spread pattern of the disease and relevant precautionary measures. 

Chatbot Development for the e-commerce industry where users can get a personalized shopping experience with an AI-powered recommendation engine.

Judicial Automation System for the automation of the key parts of the justice disbursement process in Pakistan through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

TV Analytics that comprise the development of a web-based brand coverage analytics system to monitor advertisements in multiple TV channels and companies can analyze their sponsored product coverage on a single click.

In the recent pandemic times, our AI experts in the lab are conducting rigorous research for devising Artificial Intelligence-powered Machine Learning algorithms and simulation models for the forecast of COVID-19 that can be integrated with the governmental platforms to disseminate accurate information and keep track of the spread pattern of the disease.

The judicial automation system project at the lab will introduce a new paradigm to the judiciary system of Pakistan where an efficient Case Based Similarity mechanism is being developed to search for relevant cases in the knowledge base for any given petition. Furthermore, a legal summarization of the individual cases will also be carried out to be presented to the honorable judge.

A research Idea is a well-sustained learning ladder that can embark upon all research projects. For a researcher to be successful, continuous discovery of the perfect improvement plan for providing a solution can be a game changer. Main crux of research is implementation. Though it is critical and obtaining the intended outcomes for is the main goal of the researchers. Strong research requires implementation and it strengthens the projects in several ways. A researcher must know how to put his ideas into the canvas to bring a better picture to the world. Here at TUKL R&D Center, we focus not only on the development of solutions but also carry out the required work for its scalability and effectiveness in the real-world. 

High school students learn automation in many ways. Today multiple science, computer science-based projects are based on robotics and machine learning. Today, the students are expected to become problem solvers and leaders of the future. Education solutions for schools focus mostly on STEAM based learning that inculcates Robotics so that such students can be the entrepreneurs and solution providers in the future. TUKL lab provides the projects that can help the students of high school in many ways. Our basic yet innovative projects provide hands-on training to kids in the domains of Science, AI, Technology and Engineering. 

Yes, with the advent of AI, CNN etc many startups are evolving for providing data-engineering solutions. Multiple teams excel in repetitive digital work across Data. Today research and automation is made easily accessible and in an organized manner by all solution providers. Data sourcing, data Annotation, industry classification & intellectual mapping of the data to intelligently evolve it based on ML based models is the ultimate goal of most companies today. Pakistan is expected to grow more in the coming years with more innovative startup based solution providers.   

ML and AI are for everyone, everyone is talking about it. Only a few actually know what to do. Today we want machines to learn and students are adapting this kind of learning. Many exhibitions are held and conferences are organized all over the country, where ML based projects are featured. Students come forward with multiple ideas that are unique some examples include Keystroke based Biometric Verification deals with continuously monitoring the identity of a user through biometric means without any extra hardware and Vehicle Recognition can detect the vehicles that are not registered to help in maintaining the security protocols. Such projects are of great help and provide solutions for multiple societies. 

Based on his knowledge of machine intelligence and its developments, AI’s development will outpace our abilities but the reduction in human error, AI availability 24×7 and helping in multiple jobs and this digital assistance is inevitable. AI has become a part and parcel of human life, they help us make faster yet better decisions. I don’t believe that AI can be dangerous but artificial intelligence can dramatically improve the efficiency of our everything from workplaces to domestic needs. Being replaced by the machines will never be a threat to mankind, because it is the human brains that lie in creating such distinct innovations.

To all fresh graduates out there who want to pursue their career in ML/AI, I would like to advise that the role of a machine learning engineer is at the heart of AI projects. Career-wise it has a lot of growth chances, such engineers can embark on the journey to success with AI projects and work on the frameworks of their choice to kick-start their career or shift it into high gear. It is suitable for them to have a strong background in applied research and data science. They should have the calibre to think out of the box and should be able to apply predictive models and leverage natural language processing when working with enormous datasets. 

Originally published by Techjuice