Computer and electrical engineering are central to technological innovation, advancing areas like AI, control systems, renewable energy, microprocessor technology and telecommunications. These fields are vital in shaping modern society, improving efficiency, and addressing global challenges through ongoing research and development.
Craig Ramlal is a true representation of the field of electrical and computer engineering. He is the Principal Investigator of the Intelligent Systems Laboratory and directs the Control Systems Group. Craig is also the Coordinator of Postgraduate Studies and Research at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of The West Indies. In 2023, the United Nations recognized him as a global AI expert, appointing him to the United Nations Secretary General’s High-Level Artificial Intelligence Advisory Body. He currently serves on the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers’s (IEEE) Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems 2.0, as an advisor to the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) on regional AI matters and CARICOM Caribbean Telecommunication Union’s (CTU) Taskforce on AI. He served on the Caribbean Development Bank’s technical subcommittee on IRC/RDA and worked with CARICOM IMPACS on the regionally adopted Autonomous Weapon Systems Declaration.
Let’s explore the journey of this inspirational individual.
Advancing AI Through Engineering and Innovation
Craig began experimenting with the Visual Basic 6.0 programming language at 14 years old. At that time, domestic internet infrastructure in the Caribbean was still in its early stages. Programming was not part of his high school curriculum, and online resources for self-taught learners were relatively limited. Nevertheless, Craig pursued self-directed learning, using the internet as a tool. His interest in technology was fueled by a fascination with combining hardware and software to create intelligent systems an idea sparked in part by exposure to Marvel’s Iron Man comics.
Here’s something people probably don’t know about Electrical and Computer Engineering. The field is extremely broad. This field oversees control, energy, telecommunication, electronics, and computer systems. This breadth gave Craig a comprehensive perspective on artificial intelligence, rooted in the mathematical foundations of intelligent control and decision-making, supported by the design of microprocessors and GPUs, and connected to real-world applications in energy, industrial systems, and robotics.
Craig’s expertise lies in intelligent control systems, which formed the core focus of his master’s and PhD research. Through this work, he came to understand that artificial intelligence is inherently tied to physical systems, it does not exist in isolation. In light of current global developments, he emphasizes the importance of building regional expertise across all areas of AI. To support this vision, Craig later developed the MASc, MPhil, and PhD programs in Artificial Intelligence at the University of the West Indies, ensuring that the programs address the full technical spectrum needed to develop integrated, real-world AI systems.
Grasping the Art of Balancing the Responsibility
With senior positions come greater responsibilities, and Craig is no exception. Fortunately, the lab is a resourced centre at the university and is supported by a strong, capable team. He receives valuable assistance with both teaching and administrative duties from colleagues who share his vision and dedication.
Craig firmly believes that research is the cornerstone of any civilization. It enables regions to achieve independence by developing solutions to their own challenges, while also advancing humanity through a focus on global problems. Since its founding in 2018, his lab has been actively involved in over 43 projects, balancing theoretical exploration with practical application.
One of Craig’s key strengths is his ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively. Even while overseeing numerous projects, he ensures that each receives the attention it deserves. In addition to his leadership and mentoring roles, he continues to lead his own research, which focuses on robust, intelligent decision systems whose frameworks are mathematically grounded. He reserves dedicated time each week to make progress in this area and finds great personal fulfillment in the work.
Shifting Global AI Landscape and Governance Challenges
Craig noted that the global AI landscape is in continuous flux driven by geopolitical pressures and rapid technological advancement. Countries are naturally prioritizing their own concerns, particularly when it comes to issues like safety frameworks and access to compute infrastructure.
The key challenge lies in developing governance models that can manage shared but unequal responsibilities, ensuring that all nations have access to AI technologies and the ability to adapt policies to suit their own contexts and needs.
Leveraging AI for Sustainable Advantages
Artificial intelligence is a borderless and multisectoral technology. When used effectively, it holds significant potential for small island developing states (SIDS). As Craig has emphasized, AI can support the growth of niche industries. This helps with the growth of wealth and attracts foreign investors to already-developed markets.
While public service AI systems do not require the same scale of infrastructure as large general AI systems, it is still difficult for SIDS to access and maintain them. To address this, more research is needed in hardware design, software development, and mathematical theory to support the creation of smaller, open-source, and efficient AI models. Craig’s lab is currently focused on this area, with the goal of positioning the Caribbean as a leader in the development of sustainable AI solutions.
Navigating Challenges While Developing AI
To navigate challenges while developing AI-driven solutions for practical implementations, Craig is aiming to popularize two terms: “baseline socio-technical capacity in AI” and “sovereign compute security.”
Baseline socio-technical capacity in AI: Deals with the minimum level of knowledge, infrastructure, and social readiness that a civilization needs to meaningfully use, manage, and benefit from Artificial Intelligence (AI). It reduces the negative perception of the public towards AI, which causes excessive imposition of rules, laws, or controls on an industry, sector, or activity. Craig clearly explained that AI is becoming ubiquitous, and it should match an region’s demand. In this case, “baseline socio-technical capacity in AI” is required. A civilization that understands AI’s opportunities, risks, and limitations can effectively use these technologies to support sustainable development and growth.
Sovereign compute security: Per Craig, processors are currently involved in every part of technology and the foundation of modern society. During the pandemic and the blockchain mining surge, he saw the negative impact of not having stable access to chips. Now, they are facing progress in chip nationalism. “Sovereign compute security” is akin to the issues of energy and food security—just as nations work to secure energy and food supplies, they must also ensure a steady chip production and supply to keep economies running.
At the department and within the ISL, they also lead the design and development of digital processors and public education, and advocacy efforts focused on artificial intelligence. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to build foundational capacity in the region, in prioritizing research into efficient, low-compute capable AI systems, they aim to address the region’s vulnerabilities and reduce dependence on external computing infrastructure.
Remaining Ahead of the Game
The Intelligent Systems Lab is a research centre made up of 31 multidisciplinary members spread across three continents, with its main base at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. The lab focuses on intelligent systems and enabling technologies, aiming to develop both theoretical foundations and practical applications that have the potential to create new industries in the region.
Key areas of research include improving the robustness and stability of AI systems, developing safe and responsible decision-making frameworks, and building universal knowledge systems. These efforts support applications in intelligent energy systems, hardware accelerators, plasma technologies, robotics, and general AI systems, including interactive AI characters inspired by fiction.
The lab is committed to open-source development and makes several of its software systems available under an attribution license at https://github.com/intelligent-systems-lab-org. This commitment to openness, along with a focused approach to research, fosters innovation and ensures the sustainability of its work. The lab also shares its findings and methodologies with students at all levels, contributing to long-term growth and impact.
Major Achievements
Craig accomplished several things and has always been striking gold. However, in his career, the highlight was joining the UWI faculty at 26 and as the youngest member of the engineering faculty at the time.
The university has invested its effort and time in Craig, by which he is now tenured. He is truly thankful for the guidance of his late PhD advisor, Dr. Salim Ibrir, whose mentorship challenged him to evolve both as a researcher and an educator. He mentioned that receiving his consistent support and insight was influential in shaping his career and holding his teachings with him regularly.
He often thinks that living in the Caribbean is a precious gift because it’s more than a location but a home and it allows him to pay back to this place that has contributed to building his identity.
Handling Work-life Balance
Craig explained that the work is incredibly challenging. It involves working to develop the regional AI ecosystem, implementing research, creating policy, participating in standards committees, managing strategic partnerships and advisory boards, and addressing public concerns amid rapid technological change and widespread media attention on potential risks. He described it as a delicate balancing act and emphasized that he couldn’t manage it all without the unwavering support of his family and the UWI St. Augustine Campus.
While traveling, he often must spend weeks away from his daughter. When he returns, he makes it a priority to spend meaningful time with her. He hopes that these sacrifices will contribute to a future where she grows up in a world with a more thoughtful and positive relationship with technology. This hope drives him to continue shaping the future of technology in a way that will help her—and others—thrive.
A Piece of Guidance to Upcomers
The rapid growth of AI and smart systems can be overwhelming with all the publications, preprints, and reports. He observes that new researchers are often overwhelmed by the latest ideas or feel like recent publications have already addressed their studies. To make a real impact, he believes it’s significant to do the following: advance AI theories, apply them to real-world solutions, participate in policy discussions to guide technology regulation, and share the latest research with students to ensure the next generation continues the work.
The advice is to pick a challenge that has a big real-world impact, such as developing safe AI systems, and focus on it. “Go wide by going deep” in your research. Get involved in policy talks, build valuable networks, and work with others from different fields. Find mentors who have successfully worked in both industry and academia.
Far-Reaching Game
In the coming years, his focus is on creating open, sustainable AI solutions for small island developing states. The Intelligent Systems Lab (ISL) will work to make AI more accessible and help position the Caribbean as an AI research hub. Craig aims to ensure the region’s challenges are heard in global AI policy discussions.
Craig plans to remain involved in international dialogues shaping AI’s future and continue inspiring his students to develop inclusive, impactful AI solutions.
