One of the world's leading innovators in bio-based AI will join the University of Sheffield as part of a new multi-million pound center aimed at transforming the university's research, innovation and teaching around artificial intelligence. I joined.
- The University of Sheffield has appointed one of the world’s leading innovators in bio-inspired AI to head its new Center for Machine Intelligence (CMI).
- Professor James Marshall, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Opteran Technologies, reverse engineered the honey bee's brain to develop the next generation of autonomous machines, creating an AI model inspired by nature's most efficient navigators. We've set a new standard.
- Center for Machine Intelligence is set to transform artificial intelligence research, innovation and teaching at the University of Sheffield
One of the world's leading innovators in bio-based AI will join the University of Sheffield as part of a new multi-million pound center aimed at transforming the university's research, innovation and teaching around artificial intelligence. I joined.
Professor James Marshall, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Opteran Technologies Limited, has been appointed director of the University's Center for Machine Intelligence (CMI).
Within Opteran, Professor Marshall is helping develop the next generation of autonomous machines using AI inspired by insect brains. The technology, called 'natural intelligence', is based on the work of Professor Marshall, who reverse engineered the brains of insects such as bees, which are some of nature's most efficient navigators.
This biological intelligence will enable machines to better solve complex visual and navigational challenges, setting a new standard for autonomous machines that far exceeds the capabilities of the industry's current technology. Opteran thinks it's possible.
Northern Gritstone, an investment company set up by the University of Sheffield, the University of Manchester and the University of Leeds to accelerate the commercialization of university spin-outs and start-ups in the North of England, announced in 2022 a landmark first deal with Opteran. The technology is part of a £12m seed round, with more than £3m invested in the technology.
Professor Marshall, who has joined CMI in Sheffield, will retain part of his role at Opteran.
Sheffield's Center for Machine Intelligence brings together experts from across the university to harness the power of AI to help address some of the biggest global challenges facing society today. The center will work closely with the university's flagship research institutes on issues such as AI and social equity/inequality, the role of AI in health and healthcare, AI-driven engineering and scientific discovery, and reliable autonomous systems. There will be a particular focus on
Apart from research, Sheffield's CMI aims to be at the forefront of AI education, making Sheffield an AI-active place where all students have the opportunity to learn about this innovative technology and prepare for future jobs. It is positioned as an educational institution.
Professor James Marshall said: “I am honored and excited to start as Director of the Center for Machine Intelligence. AI and its risks and benefits are increasingly at the forefront of innovation and of interest to the public and policymakers. Sheffield is well placed to bring a unique and candid perspective to the debate, encouraging the application of technology in areas such as healthcare and materials, while also highlighting the costs and benefits that society needs to trade off against each other. We will examine it carefully.”
Professor Guy Brown, Interim Director of the Center for Machine Intelligence and Professor of Computer Science at the University of Sheffield, said: “I am delighted that Professor Marshall will be leading the Center for Machine Intelligence. James has a powerful combination of industry experience and academic excellence, and brings a broad and comprehensive view of AI research in Sheffield. He recognizes that all of our faculties can make significant contributions to the conversation about advances in AI and its potential pitfalls. CMI already has a strong foundation that James can build on. We are establishing foundations, including establishing a dedicated AI Research and Engineering (AIRE) team led by Professor Haiping Lu, strengthening our links with the Alan Turing Institute, and bringing together a vibrant community of more people. There are over 350 AI researchers in Sheffield.
Find out more about the Center for Machine Intelligence at the University of Sheffield.
