Old RAH to host artificial intelligence institute under Adelaide University and State Government deal

THE old RAH site has its first tenant - artificial intelligence. A $7.1 million deal to establish the Institute for Machine Learning will be announced today.

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AN Australian-first institute focused on artificial intelligence will be the first tenant at the old Royal Adelaide Hospital site.

Adelaide University and the State Government will today announce a $7.1 million deal to establish the Institute for Machine Learning.

Building on current research at the university, the new facility will be home to more than 200 creative thinkers, researchers and start-ups.

It will help deliver what is known as the “fourth industrial revolution” — the transformation of the global economy through AI.

AI will form the “fourth industrial revolution”. Picture: iStock

Interim Vice-Chancellor Mike Brooks said AI would add 40 per cent to global GDP by 2030.

“The United States, Canada and the UK have all adopted a national strategy to fast-track the development of an artificial intelligence-enabled economy,” he said.

“China’s president has declared artificial intelligence and machine learning to be a top priority in the years ahead, and the eminent Shanghai Jiao Tong University is very keen to partner with us in this domain. Through the institute, South Australia has the opportunity to lead the nation in the development and implementation of a strategy to create a vibrant ecosystem of hi-tech businesses and highly productive workers.”

Interim Vice-Chancellor Mike Brooks at the University of Adelaide.

Science and Information Economy Minister Kyam Maher said the Government’s investment would help establish the centre and attract world-class researchers.

It will be housed in the Women’s Health Centre, one of the four heritage buildings that will remain on the 7ha site that is widely considered one of the best CBD development opportunities in Australia.

Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan said the deal showed the potential for research and innovation on the old RAH site.

“It’s an important demonstration of confidence in the development potential of the cherished heritage buildings at the front of the site, as well as a welcome boost for the East End of the city,” he said.

The institute will build on the work of the uni’s Australian Centre for Visual Technologies, known for research in a broad range of fields. These include pedestrian detection technology for driverless cars, transforming 2D images to 3D in virtual reality, video surveillance, and aerial imaging for defence and agriculture.

The State Government will tip $7.1 million into the institute, including $1.5 million for defence capability projects.

In return, the institute will dedicate at least 18,000 research hours over a five-year agreement for projects which help the Government to improve productivity, efficiency and service delivery for South Australians.