New investment will position Canada at the forefront of the commercialization of artificial intelligence
VANCOUVER, BC, November 30, 2022 /CNW/ – Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most transformative technologies in the world. As a world leader in innovation, Canada develops and uses technologies such as AI to shape a better future for all Canadians.
Today, the dear François-Phillip ChampagneMinister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced an investment of $30 million in Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation, an innovative AI and robotics company headquartered in Vancouver. This investment, made through the Strategic Innovation Fund, supports a $1200.8 million project to develop the world’s first functioning human-like intelligence in general purpose robots. The government of Canada is committed to helping Canadians get the most out of their ideas, so it continues to provide funding to Canadian companies rich in intellectual property.
Sanctuary’s new project will develop robots that resemble humans, both physically and cognitively, enabling them to function in different jobs in different industries and perform physical labor. This would enable remote workers to control general-purpose robots to perform physical work tasks that would otherwise pose a hazard to humans – including in areas such as nuclear/chemical facility maintenance or mining, military and space operations – and to perform tasks in industries with labor shortages. such as healthcare and manufacturing. Deploying robots in some of these areas could save lives.
This project continues to cement from Canada global leadership in AI by supporting cutting-edge Canadian research into innovative technologies that drive our economy. Sanctuary will directly employ over 160 people through this project and hire 120 co-op students to work under this initiative.
This investment reflects the government’s commitment to not only accelerate the responsible adoption and commercialization of AI in the Canadian economy, but also enable established industries to become more productive and competitive.
Quotes
“As a leading digital nation, Canada is taking ambitious steps to unlock the potential of artificial intelligence. By investing in companies like Sanctuary, we leverage Canadian AI expertise to develop and commercialize innovative technologies. This initiative will help maximize the economic potential of AI for Canadians and further strengthen our AI leadership on the global stage.”
– The dear François-Phillip ChampagneMinister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“Many labour-related challenges are beyond the scope of today’s specialized AI and robotics technology. We appreciate the contribution of the government of Canada and we are working hard to make work safer, more accessible and ultimately more productive.”
– Geordie Rose, co-founder and CEO, Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation
Quick Facts
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Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation, founded in 2018, is a Vancouver-based company with a mission to create the world’s first human-like intelligence in general purpose robots that will help us work more safely, efficiently and sustainably, and help address the labor challenges many organizations face today.
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Sanctuary’s work will help build and drive from Canada global leadership in AI by supporting cutting-edge Canadian research into innovative technologies, while creating highly skilled jobs and boosting our economy.
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Canada ranks fifth on the Stanford Global AI Vibrancy Index and third among the G7 countries.
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SOURCE Innovation, science and economic development Canada
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2022/30/c7343.html
