The government is backing a new initiative to offer researchers better artificial intelligence (AI), enabling it to have a stronger impact in important areas like healthcare.
The programme’s full title is Machine Learning for Tomorrow: Efficient, Flexible, Robust and Automated. Launched through the combined efforts of the University of Cambridge and Redmond-based multinational Microsoft, the programme is designed to attempt to make AI more beneficial to a greater number of people. Its other aims include making AI simpler to create, smarter and more useful.
Governmental support
The UK Government will bolster the funding Microsoft is supplying in support of Cambridge University via its scheme entitled Prosperity Partnerships. This programme provides university funding so they can leverage necessary industry commitments over a selection of different areas. This range includes manufacturing and technology as well as healthcare. None of the government funding supplied to the research project will be received by Microsoft.
The joint University of Cambridge-Microsoft project will take place over a five-year term. During this period, it will endeavour to discover improved methods of using and compiling the type of data that creates the basis for AI, as well as working to simplify AI model development and decreasing both bias and errors in real life use of this cutting-edge from of technology.
Team leader for the project at the University of Cambridge, Dr. Richard Turner, commented:
“AI is making huge progress in real-world applications, from speech translation to medical imaging. While we know that AI has the potential to transform sectors from healthcare to gaming, as well as improve overall business productivity, we must not forget, we are still in the early stages of its development.”
He added:
“Building on the deep collaborative academic-industry partnership between Microsoft and the University of Cambridge, we aim to realise the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance the human experience and to nurture the next generation of AI researchers and talent. Investment in basic research and innovation is vital in helping design trustworthy and responsive AI.”
The AI revolution
The government in the UK has now identified Artificial Intelligence as one of the key Grand Challenges. Across the globe, AI is being utilised to revolutionise industries, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) discovered that AI could aid the UK’s economy in growing its Gross Domestic Product by 10% or more and spending power could potentially show an increase per household of up to £2,300.
AI technology is already embedded in several of the most used programs from Microsoft, such as Word, PowerPoint and Outlook. It has also been proven through NHS initiatives this year to allow healthcare professionals to spend a greater number of hours with patients and decrease delays significantly.
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