A co-investment by the State Government and the University of Adelaide, the AIML is a leading research institution in machine learning that is recognised globally. The opening of the AIML in Lot Fourteen included demonstrations of drones programmed to operate autonomously, and an AI-based traffic management system that could predict traffic flow issues.  

“Our Institute is making an important national and international contribution to pushing the boundaries of what machine learning can do, and how that can be applied to almost every aspect of our lives,” said Professor Anton van den Hengel, Director of AIML at the University of Adelaide.

“Artificial intelligence and machine learning are already impacting on industries as diverse as agriculture, medicine, transport, space, defence, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing, and we aim to ensure South Australia remains at the forefront.”

Professor van den Hengel explained that over the last two years the AIML has engaged with more than 100 organisations to help them enter into the new AI-enabled global economy, and that they are working with 10 South Australian SMEs to develop world class AI products to sell.

University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen AO said that the university’s AIML is a partnership between the university and the state government of SA, as well as with industry partners such as Lockheed Martin.

“The Institute is yet another example of the power of universities, governments and industry to unlock the potential of their collective know-how and vision,” said Professor Rathjen.

“Innovation precincts bring together research and education with government and industry. At Lot Fourteen, we are seeing the evolution of a complex, high-tech ecosystem, where the co-location of all these partners is already driving new knowledge and new ways of using that knowledge. This will result in the creation of new technologies and industries for our state across a range of sectors, said Professor Rathjen, adding that “the University is pleased that its Australian Institute for Machine Learning is an important part of this ecosystem.”

Professor van den Hengel said that the support of the South Australian Government has been instrumental in the setting up and growth of the AIML, as well as being recognised as one of the best Machine Learning research groups worldwide.

Premier Steven Marshall said that the AIML is a unique collaboration between government and academia that delivers more jobs across every sector and drives the state’s economic growth.

“[It] will bolster South Australia’s entrepreneurial activity across a range of industries from defence to tourism, providing us with new tools and capabilities to ensure that this state remains at the forefront of global innovation and enterprise.”

“These cutting edge research projects will enable us to harness for the first time, rich data and insights, to inform new ideas about how we implement our strong vision for South Australia,” said Hon. Marshall.

Premier Marshall said that Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence have “tremendous potential to impact people’s day-to-day lives”. It is helping businesses from various sectors grow, thus providing job opportunities, growing South Australia’s population and boosting its economy.

“Lot Fourteen provides unparalleled collaborative opportunities, and to have this institute in proximity of companies across other high-tech and high-growth sectors is exciting for our state.”

The AIML is a leading research institution in machine learning globally, ranked number one in the world for three key areas of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The AIML joins a host of other leading companies across emerging industries of space, defence, cyber-security, artificial intelligence and creative industries in the innovation precinct Lot Fourteen. Some of Lot Fourteen’s residents include the Australian Space Agency, Inovor Technologies, Defence Teaming Centre Inc., Jumpgate VR, Sitael Australia, etc. Lot Fourteen is also home to a startub hub operated by Stone & Chalk.

Cover Image: Professors Peter Rathjen and Anton van den Hengel with Premier Steven Marshall in AIML. (Image: The University of Adelaide)