AI investment for driverless cars and more

The government is investing around $4 million in the University of Auckland to understand the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and its many applications, including driverless cars.

Leading expert professor Michael Witbrock, a New Zealander who has spent much of his career overseas, has returned to the country to the University of Auckland to run a new AI lab.

AI technology could significant influence and benefit future work and leisure time.

Education minister Chris Hipkins says the government is committed to ensuring New Zealand is at the forefront of new technology.

“AI has many applications, from driverless cars to improving healthcare for hospital patients. We want New Zealanders studying, benefiting, and working with AI,” Hipkins says.

Witbrock says New Zealand at the forefront of AI technology means the country can take full advantage of these developments, expected in the coming decades.

“If we do get to the stage where we have machines that are as smart, or smarter, than we are, then they must be for the good of humankind,” Witbrock says.