New AI hub a world leader

Deakin University announces $20m research institute

DEAKIN University is set to establish a $20 million artificial intelligence (AI) institute at Waurn Ponds with a focus on human-centric research.

The institute’s co-director Kon Mouzakis said it will research applications for artificial intelligence in the health, defence, financial technology and manufacturing industries. “An example of our humancentric approach that supports jobs and improves lives is the Toby playpad app for children with autism, that learns and adjusts to develop a personalised program. This flexible framework for early intervention now has 7000 users worldwide,” Professor Mouzakis said.

“In very simple terms, artificial intelligence is where the humans believe that a machine has the intelligence to do a particular thing. Siri on the iPhone is based on AI.”

Prof Mouzakis said the institute will be “world leading” by conducting “the full spectrum of research” from algorithm discovery to commercial application.

“There is currently no other institute with such a seamless integrated approach to research and development in human-centred artificial intel- ligence at any university in Australia or overseas,” he said.

Prof Mouzakis said Deakin University is partnering with the Black Dog Institute to analyse social media to identify changes in online behaviour, which may predict suicide risk and help develop an early warning system.

He said the institute will create new-age jobs by conducting research into AI systems and their practical and commercial use. “Deakin’s groundbreaking research on image recognition and behavioural diagnostics is already supporting security staff to improve public safety in busy places, such as airports,” he said.

Deakin Vice-Chancellor Jane den Hollander said the new institute, known as A2I2, will become Australia’s go-to centre for AI research.

“Big data analysis is described as the new oil for its ability to create innovative and valuable solutions to the challenges facing industry, government and communities, and artificial intelligence is key to unlocking big data’s full potential,” Prof den Hollander said.

“The institute will allow the university to leverage our existing strengths to support research and the practical application of AI that provide a range of transformational benefits.”