A new supercomputer set to be one of the most powerful in Europe is to be built in a move to drive AI research in the UK, the government says.
The University of Bristol will host the new AI Research Resource (AIRR).
The machine will "help researchers maximize the potential of AI" and the safe use of the technology, according to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
It will be named Isambard-AI after the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
The new multi-million-pound Bristol facility will be used by a wide range of organizations from across the UK to harness the power of AI, which is already the main driver of emerging technologies like big data and robotics. The new supercomputing facility will also play a vital role in important area such as accelerating automated drug discovery and climate research.
In recent years, AI has experienced rapid growth and specifically with the development in deep learning technology it now means machines can process vast datasets, and, more importantly, learn from it to make accurate predictions that surpass any human capability.
Simon McIntosh-Smith, Professor of High-Performance Computing at the University of Bristol and project lead, said: “We’re delighted to be chosen as the site to host the UK’s first ever Artificial Intelligence Research Resource. Isambard-AI will be one of the world’s first, large-scale, open AI supercomputers, and builds on our expertise designing and operating cutting-edge computational facilities, such as the incoming Isambard 3.”
Dr Joanna Jenkinson MBE, Director of GW4 Alliance said: “GW4 Isambard started as a GW4 collaborative research community and was the world’s first Arm-based supercomputer to go into production use. Due to the success of Isambard, we secured further funding, and I was pleased to attend a government delegation visit to the site of the recently announced £10m GW4 Isambard 3 facility. I am delighted with the strength and innovation of GW4 Isambard and the importance of supporting academic collaboration has helped enable this national project”.
Katherine Bennett, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, said: “This investment in Isambard AI is hugely exciting and paves the way for pioneering research with transformational potential. We are delighted that the University of Bristol and the National Composites Centre will be home to this national asset. As part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the NCC is already a Centre of Excellence for digital engineering. Hosting Isambard AI will provide a springboard for continuing to accelerate the journey from digital innovation to impact.”
The UK will host the world’s first AI Safety Summit on 1 and 2 November, bringing together leading countries, technology organizations, academic and civil society to discuss the risks created or exacerbated by the most powerful AI systems, and how to address and mitigate them. The Summit will also look at how the benefits of safe AI can be unlocked to improve lives.
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