Lockheed Martin Australia has become the first Foundation Partner with the University of Adelaide’s new Australian Institute for Machine Learning.
The strategic partnership will deliver machine learning research for national security, the space industry, business, and the broader community.
Machine learning is a form of artificial intelligence that enables computers and machines to learn how to do complex tasks without being programmed by humans. This technology is driving what is known as the "fourth industrial revolution."
“Artificial intelligence is expected to transform the global economy within the next decade," Professor Anton van den Hengel, Director of the University's Australian Institute for Machine Learning, said. "Our aim is to strengthen Adelaide’s position as a global destination for high-tech research and development, and ensure that SA is well prepared to reap the significant benefits this technology offers.”
The University's new Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) will be based in the SA Government's new innovation precinct at Lot Fourteen, the site of the old Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Researchers from Lockheed Martin’s STELaRLab (Science Technology Engineering Leadership and Research Laboratory) in Melbourne will partner with AIML researchers in Adelaide in support of honours, doctoral and post-doctoral R&D programs. The team will work with University of Adelaide researchers and students at AIML on the capabilities needed to meet complex and dynamic challenges, including next-generation machine reasoning for automated information processing and decision support, and advanced algorithm development for air, sea, land, cyber and space systems.
The partnership, which is initially for a period of three years, will also provide Adelaide researchers with access to Lockheed Martin’s global research and development network.
“Our new partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia is a perfect example of how the University can bring together outstanding research expertise, unique facilities, students, and an international reputation to attract global industry to Adelaide," the University of Adelaide's Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen, said.
“We're excited that the University, in partnership with industry and government, will play a key role in the new Lot Fourteen site, helping to drive innovation and underpinning the transformation of the SA economy. From this will flow new ideas and the industries of the future, producing a thriving innovation ecosystem in the heart of our vibrant city.”
“Our partnership with the University of Adelaide to develop world-leading machine learning technologies for Australia is a most worthwhile investment in our future and sovereign defence capabilities,” said Lockheed Martin Australia Chief Executive Vince Di Pietro.
According to the University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Mike Brooks, the Australian Institute for Machine Learning was well placed to work closely with a range of industry leaders.
“Our partnership with Lockheed Martin demonstrates a deep level of engagement between the University and industries that are critical to SA's future. This is particularly evident in national security, but will be felt more broadly, with technological advancements finding application in other industrial sectors,” Professor Brooks said.