As AI races forward, Utah researchers work to keep humans in control
kutv.com Oct 9, 2026

As AI races forward, Utah researchers work to keep humans in control

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, prompting former employees of leading AI firms to warn that safety safeguards are insufficient. At the University of Utah, researchers are exploring human‑AI collaboration to ensure control remains with people. In a robotics lab, Ph.D. student Connor Mattson programs low‑cost robots to learn everyday tasks such as cooking, emphasizing assistance rather than replacement. Simultaneously, Ph.D. candidate Zohre Karimi trains a larger robotic arm to excise throat tumors, arguing that surgeons could treat more patients while staying in command of the procedure. Assistant professor Daniel Brown notes the university’s participation in the Center for Human and Robot Co‑Adaption, a consortium of six schools investigating safe, cooperative robot design as companies race to build powerful AI future systems.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · Keeping humans in the decision loop is essential to prevent autonomous systems from making unchecked choices as AI becomes integral to healthcare and household tasks.