Amazon is investing $25 million over the next ten years to “advance science and application for artificial intelligence (AI) to improve customers’ lives.” The retail giant collaborates with academia, government, and industry experts to “advance AI research, develop AI talent, and empower entrepreneurs.”
It’s a difficult time for developers to move forward with innovative advancements in AI while regulations and legislation regarding safe and responsible use are still up in the air.
The e-commerce company revealed details at a signing ceremony at the US commerce department in Washington yesterday. It is supporting efforts by the US and Japan to “strengthen cooperation in AI.” Amazon announced a new research partnership with the University of Washington, the University of Tsukuba, and software company, NVIDIA.
Amazon invests in AI skills training
The partnership with universities will allow Amazon to invest in training resources for students to upskill in AI. This includes:
- AI research funding is available through an annual call for professionals.
- Funding post-doctoral and PhD fellowships to support promising researchers at each university.
- 10-week undergraduate summer research program. This will encourage students’ interest in AI research in the US and Japan.
- Three-week entrepreneurial boot camp program.
Head scientist of Artificial General Intelligence at Amazon, Rohit Prasad, says the partnerships have the potential to bring experts together, as well as countries, to accelerate critical AI research. “These renowned universities–the University of Washington and University of Tsukuba–are known for their world-class research and education in AI and computing.”
Amazon’s contribution is one of many other US and Japanese technology companies’ initiatives to advance AI, totaling $110 million.
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Amazon’s technology collaboration
In 2019, Amazon launched the program on fairness in AI together with the US National Science Foundation. The company says it is looking forward to continuing its efforts to “increase the range of depth of our partnerships” as it tries to pave the way forward for generative AI developments.
“This new effort with the University of Washington, the University of Tsukuba, and NVIDIA also expands upon our existing work to foster collaboration between sectors and disciplines,” says Amazon. “Our University Hubs program fosters technology collaboration and community with multi-year, multi-discipline research funding commitments, PhD fellowships, and technical events.”
AI technology doesn’t always work out
Last week, Amazon stopped its AI-powered technology Just Walk Out, realizing it’s not working. After nearly four years, it’s returning to ‘Dash Carts’.
Bloomberg reports that this is a sign that AI is not always working out. It’s reported that the technology relied on more than 1,000 people in India, who had to watch and label videos to ensure accurate checkouts.
NOW READ: Amazon Fresh brings back ‘Dash Carts’
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Mia is a multi-award-winning journalist. She has more than 14 years of experience in mainstream media. She's covered many historic moments that happened in Africa and internationally. She has a strong focus on human interest stories, to bring her readers and viewers closer to the topics at hand.
