Argomenti trattati
At a recent open house for the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Tech Exploration Lab, a wave of excitement filled the air as students showcased their innovative projects aimed at addressing pressing societal issues. Aarya Deshpande, a junior in computer and data science, found himself in the spotlight, engaging with numerous visitors eager to share their personal experiences with memory decline. His app, designed to support Alzheimer’s patients, emerged from a deeply personal place, reflecting both his technical skills and his compassion for others facing similar challenges.
Harnessing AI to enhance dairy promotions
Can AI make even Wisconsin cheese promotion smarter? Absolutely, according to Tiancheng “Albert” Wu and his dedicated team of freshmen. They engaged with industry giants like Crystal Farms and Cub Foods, aiming to revolutionize how these companies promote their products. Traditionally, seasoned product managers crafted promotional strategies based on intuition and experience. But Wu and his colleagues asked, why not leverage machine learning to elevate this process?
Using Google’s LLM, Gemini, they built customized analytical models that significantly outperformed traditional methods. The team conducted a “what if” analysis based on historical data, demonstrating that their enhanced model offered insights that were not only economically viable but also scalable. Wu expressed profound gratitude for the mentorship provided by industry leaders during this project, which allowed them to gain first-hand experience in a real-world setting. “This project has been a game-changer for us,” he remarked, emphasizing the value of practical learning in tech innovation.
AI ember detection: A tool for firefighters
Witnessing the devastating Los Angeles fires stirred something in Kathan Reddy and Shobhin Basu. They recognized the chaos caused by unpredictable embers igniting new fires, and they were determined to find a solution. This led them to develop an AI-based algorithm that can detect and track these errant embers using computer vision technology.
With a thermal imaging camera provided by the Tech Lab, they started feeding raw data images into their system to improve detection accuracy. Reddy noted that the support from Tech Lab staff, particularly Kevin Ponto, was crucial in their progress. “Every meeting we had with him seemed to jumpstart our project. His experience was invaluable,” Reddy said. The duo views their initiative as a humanitarian effort, aiming to assist firefighters in their efforts and potentially save lives.
Creating a digital memory book for Alzheimer’s patients
Aarya Vivek Deshpande’s project, “Hatti for Alzheimer’s,” encapsulates the intersection of technology and empathy. The app aims to help Alzheimer’s patients by creating a digital life storybook that engages users through personalized memories. “The elephant remembers for you,” is more than just a slogan; it embodies the underlying philosophy of the app.
Deshpande’s vision includes not only storing memories but also dynamically adapting content based on the emotional state of the user. He hopes to incorporate features that help reduce distress and promote joy among users. The concept began during his high school years but gained momentum once he connected with the resources and mentors at UW–Madison.
His collaboration with dementia scientists has enriched the app’s development, pivoting from a quiz-like format to a more emotionally engaging platform. Deshpande’s efforts have garnered recognition, including the WISCERS award, highlighting his potential to impact the field positively.
Looking ahead
As these students continue their projects, their commitment to technology and community impact shines through. With the support of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, they are not just creating apps or algorithms; they are weaving a tapestry of hope, innovation, and real-world solutions. The future looks promising, and it’s clear that the intersection of technology and humanity will lead to exciting developments.