Los Angeles International Airport uses randomization software to prevent terrorist attack

Security officials at Los Angeles International Airport are using randomization software in an attempt to help prevent terrorist attacks.
Developed by computer scientists at the University of Southern California, the program, called ARMOR, is used to make the placement of security checkpoints random and unpredictable, according to a Friday report in Newsweek magazine.

Computer scientists at the University of Southern California (USC) have developed DEFACTO, a training program which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help firefighters practice simulated emergency situations. The system is currently used by the Los Angeles Fire Department. DEFACTO has committees of AI 'agents' which can create disaster scenarios with images and maps seen in 3-D by the trainees. The software agents also evaluate the trainees' answers and help them to take better decisions. As one LAFD captain said, 'You can see if you're heading toward a mistake much more quickly.'...

Viterbi AI project under CREATE auspices speeds simulations

A former Viterbi School computer science graduate student now has his PhD, and this thesis project continues in development as a way to train firefighters and other responders to fight conflagrations.

Viterbi School artificial intelligence expert Milind Tambe and Nathan Schurr (PhD 2007) brought the complex system into being; working directly with the L.A. County Fire Department as it evolved, making sure that it remained relevant and useful.