A memorandum of understanding on artificial intelligence R&D cooperation was signed by Hsinchu-based Industrial Technology Research Institute and University of California, Los Angeles’s Samueli School of Engineering Aug. 13 in the northern Taiwan county.
 
Inked by ITRI President Edwin Liu and engineering school dean Jayathi Murthy, the pact enables the institutions to foster related exchanges in cultivating AI talent and jointly developing advanced robots. The first group of ITRI researchers will visit UCLA next month, according to the institute.
 
Liu said Taiwan possesses strong R&D capabilities and a solid industrial foundation, while UCLA boasts a deep talent pool. The combination makes it possible to create high-value AI solutions, he added.
 
AI is one of the key high-growth sectors targeted for promotion by the government under such initiatives as the AI Taiwan Action Plan launched in January, 2018. With an annual budget of NT$9 billion (US$287 million), the four-year AITAP is deepening the country’s expertise, boosting industrial upgrades through the adoption of smart technologies and reforming regulations to foster cutting-edge R&D.
 
Established in 1973, ITRI is a state-backed outfit working to enhance Taiwan’s industrial competitiveness. Over the years, it has acquired around 30,000 patents and incubated more than 280 companies. (CPY-E)
 
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