James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence Director Spotlight

Dr. Elkins has a vested interest in utilizing and developing social robotics to enhance our societal institutions to create a safer and supportive environment for all citizens with ethics and inclusion in mind. During his time as a postdoctoral researcher, Dr. Elkins had the opportunity to be a part of a Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence called BORDERS through the University of Arizona. BORDERS consisted of a cohort of 14 different universities across the country and its purpose centered around border security and immigration research, educating the next generation of scientists and personnel, and creating transition prototypes and products to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) customers. DHS customers include, but are not limited to, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). A credibility assessment device for detection was one of the main creations that Dr. Elkins and the rest of the BORDERS team worked on. 

The assessment device was created with an increase in cross border traffic and the DHS personnel in mind. Even experts in lie detection would struggle with quickly identifying potential security concerns which is where the credibility assessment device came into play. The device, which uses sensors to detect five physiological and behavioral patterns, could be used at security checkpoints to support DHS personnel in identifying potentially threatening individuals. This device gained major traction in the public and government sectors, later being implemented in certain airport terminals.

Security is a sector of society that is prioritized here at the center. Beyond his work with BORDERS, Dr.Elkins also had the opportunity to consult with the Navy on conducting research on potential technology for the U.S. Navy. This work was fostered alongside researchers from the previously known AI LAB.

A project, conducted over a two-year period, investigated the application of augmented reality (AR) technology to the U.S. Navy maintenance activities. A number of undergraduate and graduate students conducted the technical work making this a great opportunity to train defense (DoD) and homeland security workers of our future.

These connections and research opportunities have further bolstered our experience as a center and has inspired our focus on homeland security and safety in general. It is the intention and mission of creating ethical and inclusive technological advancements that continuously lead us to impact the most critical areas of our society.

We hope to continue to explore this sector with social robots at the forefront of our research and innovations.