Valencia to host AI uncloaking pilot

The Port of Valencia will play host to a pilot system that will help users question AI algorithms to ensure transparent and ethical decisions are made.

The THEMIS 5.0 project is led by the Italian tech firm Maggioli and part-funded to the tune of nearly €3 million by the Horizon Europe programme. Managed by the UK Research and Innovation government department, it held its kick-off meeting in Athens on 7 November.

“THEMIS 5.0 is a ground-breaking project that is a giant step towards more transparent and reliable AI,” said Hara Stefanou, project coordinator at Maggioli.

“By enabling users to actively participate in AI decision-making processes, we are giving them the tools to shape AI according to their values and expectations.”

THEMIS proposes a chatbot which will guide users through the process of evaluating AI solutions, bringing together developers and users to create responsible, ethical and trustworthy systems.

The main objectives of the project are to increase transparency, demystify algorithms and make it easier for users to understand how AI decisions are made. It also aims to encourage users to question AI systems and to spot biases and problematic aspects.

Fundación Valenciaport’s role is to define the requirements and conceptual modelling of the system as well as develop the pilot for use in the Port of Valencia.

The THEMIS 5.0 consortium consists of 16 partners from eight countries – Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Norway and the United Kingdom.