Biography

Justin Starr, PhD is PreScouter’s VP of Digital Transformation, where he advises clients on AI strategies ranging from machine learning and computer vision to novel third-wave AI technologies. Before he joined PreScouter, Justin was the CTO of RedZone Robotics, Inc., a manufacturer of subterranean inspection robots, including the autonomous Solo platform. He also worked on several DARPA programs for QinetiQ North America’s Technology Solutions Group. Dr. Starr is the author of Water and Wastewater Pipeline Assessment Technologies, published by CRC press and has been awarded 6 U.S. Patents for his work in data collection and presentation systems for industrial robotics. When he isn’t working with PreScouter, Dr. Starr is an Assistant Professor of Mechatronics at the Community College of Allegheny County.

Description

While many describe the COVID-19 pandemic as a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, black swan events like terrorist attacks, natural disasters, economic collapses and even pandemics occur several times each decade. In response to these “black swan” events, some businesses thrive while others fail – and how a particular business performs depends on their ability to quickly react to emerging data.

Historically, intuitive leaders were key to making these assessments and pivoting a business strategy in response to a crisis. As the economy becomes more globalized, the amount of data needed to make an effective decision can swamp the capabilities of even the most talented executive.

Artificial Intelligence can be the difference between corporate success and failure. While often thought of as a technology of the future, AI is a technology that is being used in businesses today to optimize production, predict failures, increase EBITDA and delay capital expenditures. Businesses with trained AI systems can leverage these tools in the face of a pandemic to quickly determine a course of action, pivot if necessary and move before their competitors. PreScouter has advised dozens of major corporations on an effective AI strategy and this presentation will include several key case studies and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.