Google Establishes Google DeepMind to Advance Artificial Intelligence Research and Development

During an interview with 60 Minutes, Google CEO Sundar Pichai remarked that the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to do good or harm depends on human nature. He also stated that the AI revolution is rapidly approaching.

Keeping up with this fast pace, Alphabet Inc. announced Google DeepMind on Thursday, which represents the company's latest efforts to advance its research and development in AI. The union of DeepMind and the Brain team from Google Research is intended to expedite progress towards a future where AI can assist in solving humanity's most significant challenges.

In contrast, Pichai noted that progress in AI has been remarkably swift. To ensure that general AI is developed in a responsible and ambitious manner, Google is establishing a unit known as Google DeepMind. This entity will merge the Brain team from Google Research and DeepMind, two leading AI research groups. Pichai cited numerous AI advancements made over the previous decade, such as AlphaGo, WaveNet, and TensorFlow, to emphasise the collective accomplishments in the field.

What is DeepMind?

In 2010, Demis Hassabis, Shane Legg, and Mustafa Syleymann, who were AI researchers, founded DeepMind, an AI research start-up. Facebook was reported to be interested in buying the company in 2014, but it was eventually acquired by Google for over $500 million. This acquisition was seen as a strategic move by Google to gain an advantage over its competitors in the field of deep learning.

DeepMind specialises in developing machine learning systems that utilise deep neural networks and models based on neuroscience. The company applies general-purpose learning algorithms to large datasets to train its systems and make predictions. Its work showcases the tremendous potential of machine learning and its ability to advance AI. The principles developed by DeepMind can also be applied by other companies to enhance their efficiency in various fields.

What is Google Brain?

Google AI's research division, Google Brain, was established in 2011 by Google fellow Jeff Dean, Stanford University professor Andrew Ng, and Google researcher Greg Corrado. The team was formed with the goal of exploring deep learning techniques using the company's existing infrastructure. Google Brain combines machine learning research, large-scale computing resources, and information technology. TensorFlow, an open-source software library, is a significant technology developed by Google Brain that enables neural networks to be accessed by the public, along with numerous AI internal projects. Google Brain focuses on creating research opportunities in natural language processing and machine learning.

What does this merger mean for Google?

The CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, believes that the combination of Google Brain and DeepMind's talents into one team, supported by computing resources, will greatly enhance the company's progress in AI. Pichai noted that Google has been committed to improving its AI products, including Search, Gmail, YouTube, and Pixel phones' camera, since 2016, making it the first AI company to do so. This reflects the company's deeper commitment to AI innovation. Demis Hassabis, one of the founders of DeepMind, stated that Google DeepMind will help develop more capable general AI in a safe and responsible manner. The new entity will bring together top talent in AI, computing power, resources, and infrastructure to advance the next generation of AI developments for Google and Alphabet Inc.

According to Hassabis, the research achievements of the remarkable Brain and DeepMind teams formed the basis of the existing AI industry, including Deep Reinforcement Learning and Transformers. The research that they will now undertake as part of this newly merged unit will bring about the next round of groundbreaking innovations that will have a significant impact on the world.