Toyota’s AI initiatives now headed by former Google exec

Toyota has gotten itself a capable individual to head its artificial intelligence initiatives. James Kuffner, the former head of robotics and one of the key executives of Google’s driverless car efforts, is now head of Toyota’s US-based AI research lab. Kuffner believes Toyota’s business down the line could one day be concentrated or at least mainly work with robots. Toyota is promising US$1 billion in funding for the lab in its first five years, showing just how important this initiative is for the carmaker.

Toyota takes a different approach to how Google wants AI-assisted driving to work. Toyota believes humans should stay at the wheel for a longer transition period as they are aided in increasing degree by automation. The company aims to create vehicles and machines that can help its ageing population, such as finding ways to increase car access for the elderly and handicap as well as create new forms of mobility indoors.

Source: Financial Times