Google hopes to take a step forward in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) with the formation of a new unit called Google DeepMind. The unit is dedicated to advancing AI research and development in a safe and responsible manner. Let’s explore what this new unit means for the future of AI, directly from the words of DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis. Be sure to read the official announcement for more.
When DeepMind was launched back in 2010, co-founded by Demis Hassabis and Shane Legg, general AI seemed like a distant science fiction concept. But now, AI research and technology are advancing at an exponential rate, with the potential to drive transformative changes in society, the economy, and science. In a message shared with employees, Demis Hassabis said, “In the coming years, AI – and ultimately AGI – has the potential to drive one of the greatest social, economic and scientific transformations in history.”
Google DeepMind brings together two leading brain trusts in AI: DeepMind and the Brain team from Google Research. By joining forces, these teams will accelerate progress toward a world where AI addresses humanity’s biggest challenges. Demis expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Together, in close collaboration with our fantastic colleagues across the Google Product Areas, we have a real opportunity to deliver AI research and products that dramatically improve the lives of billions of people, transform industries, advance science, and serve diverse communities.”
The creation of Google DeepMind also marks a commitment to building more capable and general AI systems, safely and responsibly. This mission requires solving some of the most complex scientific and engineering challenges. Demis Hassabis explained, “Through Google DeepMind, we are bringing together our world-class talent in AI with the computing power, infrastructure, and resources to create the next generation of AI breakthroughs and products across Google and Alphabet, and to do this in a bold and responsible way.”
DeepMind and the Brain team have already laid much of the foundations of the current AI industry through research advances in areas like Deep Reinforcement Learning and Transformers. The new combined unit, Google DeepMind, is expected to create the next wave of world-changing breakthroughs.
Demis Hassabis, along with Sundar Pichai, Jeff Dean, James Manyika, and other key leaders, have built a strong partnership to coordinate their efforts in this exciting journey. A new Scientific Board will oversee the research progress and direction of Google DeepMind, ensuring that the development of AI aligns with the best interests of society.
The formation of Google DeepMind may turn out to be a significant milestone in AI research and development. Time will tell. But with the combined expertise and resources of the DeepMind and Brain teams, Google DeepMind is well-positioned to help shape the path forward for artificial intelligence.