Automation is the use of technology to perform tasks that would have otherwise needed human interaction. In a press release, Hochul described the multi-year project an effort to modernize DMV's aging technology systems.
"As a former County Clerk, I know first-hand the importance of the DMV in providing critical services to New Yorkers," Hochul said in a statement. "These investments are a major step forward in the DMV's strategic modernization as we look to create a quicker, easier and more convenient experience for everyone."
The governor previously served as Erie County Clerk before she was elected to Congress in 2010.
The DMV has contracted software company FAST Enterprises LLC to modernize and consolidate its technology, while also aiming to make the DMV more secure. It also aims to allow the DMV to offer more online and self-service options.
"Throughout this project, we will be replacing a patchwork of outdated computer systems, software and databases that account for about 70 percent of DMV's business volume," DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said in a statement. "This is a strategic investment and a huge undertaking, but we know the important role our agency plays in the lives of New Yorkers, and this project will help us serve them better, faster, and will make our customers' lives easier. It will also put our agency on a better footing for future upgrades, so our services can continue to evolve as technology improves."
The project is being announced at a time when the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is being discussed and explored across different industries, including customer service. In her Executive Budget, Hochul proposed committing $275 million to establish an "Empire AI consortium"
During a panel at UAlbany on AI technology earlier this year, Brian Nussbaum, associate professor at UAlbany's College of Emergency Preparedness, made the argument that AI could play an important role in assisting people when they interact with the government.
"AI has the potential to really help people fill out forms more efficiently and that would free up people to help with the most complicated cases, where the simpler cases can be sort of streamlined and done more effectively. So, there are places where I think it has the potential to be very useful," Nussbaum said. "One thing government has a lot of is filling out forms, filling those forms out in triplicate and submitting them to four different people ... so I do think there is the potential for a co-pilot in filling out those sorts of forms, which could be really useful."
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