site.btaToyota, Sofia AI Institute to Develop New Robot Control Algorithms

Japanese industrial giant Toyota is funding studies by the Sofia-based Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) aimed to develop new robot control algorithms, the Education and Science Ministry said on Wednesday.

INSAIT, which is part of Sofia University, and Toyota will develop a new-generation robot with in-built AI in the framework of their strategic partnership.

The new type of AI should be able to respond to audio commands and natural-language instructions and should possess computer vision that can recognize objects. It will enable the robot to perform various everyday tasks. The robot will play an important social role: it will assist elderly people and people who cannot perform routine tasks at home. Over the long term, the robot may get to be used by households worldwide.

This is just one initiative within INSAIT's partnership with Toyota, which will be expanded and upgraded in the coming months and years. More AI and robotics research scholarships are planned for the institute. The idea is to draw top talent to make new world-class science breakthroughs, the press release said.