Toyota unveils plans to invest $50m into AI research at MIT and Stanford for intelligent vehicles.

Automobile manufacturer Toyota is investing $50m into artificial intelligence (AI) programmes at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stanford University.

The programmes will be focused on developing intelligent vehicles and other mobility technology which utilises AI, which a particular onus on object recognition and situational analysis.

Kiyotaka Ise, senior managing officer of Toyota’s R&D Group, said: “We’re here today to mark the beginning of an unprecedented commitment. We will initially focus on the acceleration of intelligent vehicle technology, with the immediate goal of helping eliminate traffic casualties and the ultimate goal of helping improve quality of life through enhanced mobility and robotics. This partnership, directed by Dr. Pratt, is a great opportunity to work with two leading research teams from two top universities. I am very excited about what this new venture means for Toyota, and I look forward to more announcements in the future.”