Lucas García, Principal Product Manager for Deep Learning at MathWorks, dives into the integration of ML in safety-critical systems. He discusses crucial verification and validation processes, highlighting the V-model and its W-adaptation for ML. The conversation shifts to deep learning in aviation, focusing on data quality, model robustness, and interpretability. Lucas also introduces constrained deep learning and convex neural networks, examining the benefits and trade-offs of these approaches while stressing the importance of safety protocols and regulatory frameworks.
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Quick takeaways
Verification and validation (V&V) processes are crucial in ensuring the reliability and safety of AI models for critical systems.
The new W-shaped workflow proposed by EASA addresses the unique challenges of integrating AI into traditional engineering practices.
Advancements in constrained deep learning aim to enhance safety and reliability by embedding specific properties into model architecture.
Deep dives
The Role of AI in Safety-Critical Systems
Incorporating AI into safety-critical systems, such as those used in aviation or automotive industries, presents unique challenges compared to traditional programming. Understanding the verification and validation processes is crucial; verification checks that the model is built correctly, while validation ensures it meets intended functionalities in real-world conditions. Traditional workflows, like the V-diagram, may fall short for AI integration. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has proposed a new W-shaped workflow to address these gaps, emphasizing the need for systematic actions to capture and correct errors in AI-driven systems.
Challenges in AI Model Implementation
When developing AI models for applications like battery state of charge estimation, traditional observers such as Kalman filters require underlying mathematical models which aren't always feasible. Instead, AI models can leverage available input-output data from various sources, such as current and temperature measurements. This shift towards AI allows for the potential creation of more generalized solutions, overcoming limitations of classical approaches. However, proper requirements must still be established to ensure that the AI models behave as expected under operational conditions.
Navigating AI Verification and Validation Complexity
Introducing AI into development practices complicates traditional verification and validation models due to AI's unpredictable behaviors. The W-shaped workflow designed by EASA is quite intricate; it involves steps like data management, learning process management, and learning process verification. Central to this approach is ensuring the training data adequately represents the operational design domain, which includes edge cases. The aim is to assure that the AI models not only meet performance requirements but also maintain safety standards during implementation and integration.
The Importance of Formal Methods in AI
Establishing robust formal methods to verify AI systems is vital, especially when facing concerns about adversarial attacks that could jeopardize safety. These methods offer mathematical guarantees of model reliability, although they are still a developing field. Tools like MATLAB's Deep Learning Toolbox Verification Library aim to facilitate robust testing and verification of neural networks. By confirming that small perturbations in inputs do not drastically alter outputs, developers can strengthen the trustworthiness of AI systems in critical applications.
Emerging Trends and Future Directions in AI
Recent advancements indicate a rising interest in constrained deep learning to inherently enhance safety and reliability in AI models. By incorporating characteristics like monotonicity or convexity directly into model architecture, engineers can design networks with built-in properties that align with safety standards. While these approaches slow convergence and may require more complex setups, they offer significant trade-offs for improved reliability. As the field evolves, the focus on creating accessible tools for practitioners to develop and implement these specialized AI models will become increasingly important.
Today, we're joined by Lucas García, principal product manager for deep learning at MathWorks to discuss incorporating ML models into safety-critical systems. We begin by exploring the critical role of verification and validation (V&V) in these applications. We review the popular V-model for engineering critical systems and then dig into the “W” adaptation that’s been proposed for incorporating ML models. Next, we discuss the complexities of applying deep learning neural networks in safety-critical applications using the aviation industry as an example, and talk through the importance of factors such as data quality, model stability, robustness, interpretability, and accuracy. We also explore formal verification methods, abstract transformer layers, transformer-based architectures, and the application of various software testing techniques. Lucas also introduces the field of constrained deep learning and convex neural networks and its benefits and trade-offs.