Hyundai launches Boston Dynamics AI Institute to advance dev't in AI, robotics 

MANILA: Hyundai Motor Group announced the launch of Boston Dynamics AI Institute, with the goal of making fundamental advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and intelligent machines.

The new Institute, which will be run by Marc Raibert, the founder of Boston Dynamics, will receive an initial investment of more than US$400 million from both Hyundai and Boston Dynamics. 

The Boston AI Institute, a research-focused organization, will attempt to find solutions to the most significant and challenging problems facing the development of cutting-edge robotics. Robotics technology will be developed by top talent in the fields of AI, robotics, computers, machine learning, and engineering with the aim of increasing the usefulness and capabilities of robots.

The Institute's culture is built around four major technical areas: cognitive AI, athletic AI, organic hardware design, as well as ethics and policy, and aims to bring together the best aspects of business development laboratories and university research labs.

“Our mission is to create future generations of advanced robots and intelligent machines that are smarter, more agile, perceptive and safer than anything that exists today,” Boston Dynamics AI Institute Executive Director Marc Railbert stated.

“The unique structure of the Institute — top talent focused on fundamental solutions with sustained funding and excellent technical support — will help us create robots that are easier to use, more productive, able to perform a wider variety of tasks, and that are safer working with people.”

The Boston AI Institute will provide resources to the technical fields of cognitive AI, athletic AI, and organic hardware design in order to make these advancements, with each discipline advancing the capabilities of advanced machines. In addition to working on technology with its own employees, the Institute intends to collaborate with academic institutions and business research labs.

In Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Institute will have its main office in the state’s research district of Kendall Square. The Institute intends to hire researchers in artificial intelligence (AI), robots, software, and hardware, as well as technicians at all levels.

Photos from Hyundai

Also read: Hyundai attains double-podium finish at Road America 240