A Broomfield resident and Arizona State University student took a trip to Japan to study facets of artificial intelligence that can carry profound implications for our future.

Caleb Casey, 24, is a senior studying online at ASU and was part of a group of students who traveled to Hiroshima to better understand the impact of AI on society at the U.S. Japan Joint Summit on AI and the Future of Work in Society.

“The program … included about 30 individuals from across the U.S.,” Casey said.

Casey is majoring in innovation in society and business administration. He studies all manner of cutting-edge technology and how it relates to business.

The summit was hosted by Hiroshima University in partnership with three U.S. institutions — ASU, the University of Texas at Austin and Purdue University. Casey was assigned to a group of students learning more about how AI can be used to enhance human capabilities.

“Our main focus was a brain-computer interface, which interprets and transmits brain signals to control technology,” said Casey. “What that means is we were looking at the possibility of a brain implant that could help the user understand all languages, regardless of previous education in that subject.”

Casey’s group discussed the technology, if it existed, and what implications it may have on society as a whole. The goal of the summit was to study how AI can benefit society.

“This initiative addresses one of the most pressing challenges of our time: Understanding how to harness the transformative power of AI while mitigating its societal risks,” said ASU Professor Eusebio Scornavacca, director of the School for the Future of Innovation in Society. “Through this program, students gained a global perspective, learning not only the technical aspects of AI but also the ethical, cultural and societal implications of its applications.”

Part of the initiative was to understand the risks AI might bring to society.

“These experiences are crucial for preparing the next generation of innovators who will shape the future of AI in ways that prioritize meaningful, equitable and sustainable impacts worldwide,” Scornavacca said. “By fostering international collaboration and cross-cultural understanding, this program equips students to think critically and act responsibly in an interconnected world where AI plays an increasingly central role.”

Casey said that based on his work at the summit, he thinks technology — like brain-computer interfaces — needs to be approached carefully.

“The integration of AI with human brains through brain-computer interfaces presents both transformative opportunities and significant ethical challenges,” he said. “How do we ensure these technologies don’t exacerbate social inequalities? How do we protect neural data from security breaches? These are questions that require careful consideration from researchers, policymakers — and society, at large.”

The program was 10 days in August and included lectures, workshops, company visits, field trips to local attractions and cultural learning experiences in Hiroshima, including a visit to the Atomic Bomb Dome.

“The program actually lined up with the anniversary of the atomic bomb, so it was quite a special experience to be able to go to the remembrance ceremony,” Casey said.

The ceremony is held annually to remember the atomic bomb dropping in Hiroshima. It includes remarks from the prime minister and stories from survivors.

“As an online student, you kind of miss out on the traditional experiences college gives,” Casey said. “Being selected for this experience allowed me to interact with my peers in a classroom setting for the first time and I really appreciate that invaluable experience.”