The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced a partnership with Google to enhance environmental monitoring and weather prediction through AI and machine learning (ML) technologies.
The three-year agreement will pilot specific AI- and ML-related projects focusing on NOAA’s environmental monitoring, weather forecasting, climate research, and technical innovation.
“Strengthening NOAA’s data processing through the use of big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other advanced analytical approaches is critical for maintaining and enhancing the performance of our systems in support of public safety and the economy,” said Neil Jacobs, Ph.D., acting NOAA administrator in a press release. “I am excited to utilize new authorities granted to NOAA to pursue cutting-edge technologies that will enhance our mission and better protect lives and property.”
According to the release, the research will initially focus on small-scale AI and ML systems and move to executing full-scale prototypes – based on the results of the initial efforts – that NOAA could operationalize.
Further, the agreement allows NOAA and Google to work on “a number of projects” and offer hands-on AI training opportunities to NOAA’s workforce.
“NOAA’s AI strategy aims to infuse new technologies and approaches to increase efficiency and skills through partnerships, training, and AI-related research and development,” the agency said.
