TUM and Google process AI partnership

Technical University of Munich (TUM) joined forces with Google, the internet subsidiary of conglomerate Alphabet, on Friday for a research and innovation partnership in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and robotics.

The long-term initiative is set to exploit TUM’s credentials in technological fields such as intelligent engineering systems, while also boosting the IT and electronics sector around Munich.

Google has agreed to donate €1m ($1.2m) to the charitable TUM University Foundation, which seeks to support young researchers and to lure top-quality talent to the university.

The corporate will also provide the institution’s incubation and tech transfer office, Unternehmertum, with approximately $310,000 through 2021, to support TUM’s AppliedAI initiative with direct investment, materials and personnel.

The $310,000 will come through Google’s local subsidiary, which has since 2016 hosted a software development centre with more than 500 employees.

Google previously partnered TUM to develop ScanComplete, which provides automated analysis of 3D scans of enclosed spaces.

Unternehmertum’s AppliedAI program was announced in October 2017 to encourage AI collaboration between companies, scientists, public institutions and young entrepreneurs.

As many as 3,000 participants are expected within AppliedAI’s first year. Corporate partners also include graphics processor maker Nvidia, which will offer its expertise in processors, as well as carmaker BMW and chemicals conglomerate Linde.  

Wolfgang Herrmann, president of TUM, said: “Robotics and AI will fundamentally transform all aspects of our lives.

“Our mission as a university is to think far into the future and to shape technological change so that it serves the common good.”