Colorado Springs, a city in El Paso County, Colorado, is making significant strides in embracing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) across various industries. From startups to established enterprises, companies in the region are leveraging AI to streamline processes, gain insights, improve customer experiences, and transform their businesses.
One notable example is Booz Allen Hamilton, which recently deployed advanced AI aboard the International Space Station. A team of 50 to 75 employees from the company’s Colorado Springs operation played a crucial role in using a large-language AI model to assist astronauts in diagnosing and repairing issues without the need for bulky manuals or reliance on mission control. Booz Allen Hamilton CEO Horacio Rozanski highlighted the successful upload and operation of the first large language model in space during a conference call with stock analysts.
UCHealth, a prominent healthcare provider based in Aurora, has been utilizing AI since 2018 to detect early signs of sepsis in hospitalized patients. By analyzing over 2,000 patients daily, AI helps identify potential cases of sepsis, enabling a small team of doctors and nurses to intervene promptly. The Virtual Sepsis program has already saved thousands of lives by initiating treatment two to four hours earlier than traditional methods. UCHealth also employs AI to assess the risk of patient falls and review medical imaging for abnormal growths, enhancing patient care and resource allocation.
Parsons, a defense and infrastructure giant headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, has been using AI for over two decades. Their Knowledge-based Predictive Analysis and Situational Awareness software, initially developed after 9/11, has evolved to find patterns in data and provide meaningful insights. Parsons focuses on making AI adaptable to ensure military personnel can influence the technology and keep it up-to-date with rapidly changing adversary tactics. With a significant presence in Colorado Springs, Parsons collaborates closely with the U.S. Space Force and employs over 500 people locally, with 25 dedicated to AI-related work.
Bluestaq, a defense technology contractor based in Colorado Springs, is currently evaluating the incorporation of AI and machine learning into their products. The company aims to leverage these technologies to help military customers analyze patterns and abnormalities in data, enhancing situational awareness. Bluestaq’s CEO, Seth Harvey, emphasizes the transformative potential of generative AI, which can aggregate and curate data across various sectors and industries. However, the challenge lies in ensuring the credibility and accuracy of the AI-generated results, prompting Bluestaq to implement rigorous policies and guidance for their employees.
Computer Access Technologies, a Colorado Springs company specializing in systems engineering services, is also exploring the integration of specialized AI software into their products and services. The firm recognizes the efficiency AI brings to processing data from different sensors, such as radio frequency, electro-optical, and infrared, particularly in the context of drone technology. AI enables the blending of data from these feeds in seconds or minutes, significantly reducing processing time. However, the critical skill of creating complex algorithms for AI tools remains in high demand.