Deakin University AI centre gets govt funding

Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander AO said Deakin stands ready to work with the State and a future Federal Government to ensure the centre is best positioned to help prepare local and global communities for the jobs of the future.
“Deakin is committed to supporting the communities we serve and we know there will be an increased demand for AI technology by business, industry and in the wider community. Deakin’s sustained commitment to AI with a $32.7 million investment in A²I², along with the strong support of State and Federal Labor, means we are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible between human interactions and artificial intelligence.
“Deakin looks forward to working with the State Government and a future Federal Government to participate in a process that will best locate the new National Centre of Artificial Intelligence Excellence,” Professor den Hollander said.
On Friday 12 April, Professor den Hollander joined Victorian Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula to launch A²I² at Deakin’s Burwood Campus.
“The ability of machines to imitate intelligent human behaviour is already part of our lives. Just ask Siri, Alexa or Google. AI is helping hospital trauma centres make faster, better decisions, and researchers develop improved materials for manufacturing,” Professor den Hollander said.
“Much is made of the potential for AI to replace human intelligence, but AI’s true potential lies in its capacity to enhance human abilities rather than replace them. We’re not building robots to take the place of humans, but we are creating technology that will work alongside people to help them make more informed and better decisions.”