Brazil unveils eight new AI labs

Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology, Innovations, and Communications Marcos Pontes on Monday (Nov. 4) announced the creation of eight artificial intelligence (AI) laboratories in the country. The labs will operate as a network. Four will focus on the internet of things—which keeps everyday objects online.

“I have good news. We’re creating eight artificial intelligence laboratories. Since we came to the government, this has been among the priority plans to improve the country’s capacity for AI,” the minister said at the opening ceremony of the 5th Innovation Week in Brasília.

The idea, Pontes said, is to bring together existing AI development initiatives across the country. No estimates have been given as to when the laboratories will be ready.

Thematic chambers

“One of these laboratories will focus on the frontiers of knowledge in AI with cyber security, ing efforts with the Brazilian Army. The other seven will be directed towards applied AI. Of these, which converge towards strategic planning, four are connected with the [Brazilian law on] the internet of things, which stipulates [the institution of] chambers divided into four themes: Cities 4.0, Industry 4.0, Agro 4.0, and Health Care 4.0,” the minister said.

The four laboratories will be linked to the chambers, each with a theme. “Of the remaining laboratories, one will be dedicated to AI applied to public istration,” Pontes added.