AI at Computex 2017

Touted as Asia’s largest computer fair, Computex Taipei 2017 is showcasing the latest in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technology with an entirely new category dedicated to this area of innovation. The fair runs from 30 May - 3 Jun and will see over 1600 companies from 26+ countries showing off their latest wares.

Nvidia's charging ahead with artificial intelligence

As he did at CES 2017 earlier this year, Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang took to the stage for his keynote speech on Day 1 of the event and scored another slam dunk with the crowd, introducing some mind-blowing stuff that they’ve been working on. Introducing smart, driverless cars at CES 2017 is clearly not where Nvidia was ready to stop after their last big reveal.

Huang gave us a real glimpse of the future of artificial intelligence and deep learning powered by Nvidia’s GPU computing technology and its new robotics platform called the Isaac Initiative, named after futurist Isaac Asimov.

During a demo of what the Isaac Initiative is all about, Huang presented rows of 3D-rendered robots randomly learning while practicing hitting 3D ice hockey pucks into a goal. Constantly learning, of course.

Huang says that with the Isaac Initiative we’ll be building the future of AI on some fundamental capabilities: smart processors (in this case the Jetson TX2), a smart software stack that allows the AI to “perceive, localize, plan, and take action”, and … Isaac's Lab.

Isaac’s Lab is where things get super cool. It’s where Nvidia will create a virtual world that any Trekkie would be beside themselves about. It’s called the Holodeck and it’s a photorealistic virtual space where artificial intelligence can teach itself, and machine learning can be developed within these artificial worlds. Virtual worlds to train AI. “The Holodeck is where we will raise, teach, and allow these robots to learn,” Huang said introducing the tech in his keynote speech.

VR enters the AI mix

These virtual worlds are created using HTC’s Vive headset and allow you to manipulate physical objects while obeying the laws of physics, in a digital space. The live demo saw three engineers manipulating their AI torsos to perform physical tasks prompted by voice commands. According to Huang, "The Holodeck can be used to design the product, design the factory that's going to make the product, and design the robots that are going to create the factory that is going to make the products”.

Getting smartphones ready for artificial intelligence

These leaps in artificial intelligence technology are not going unnoticed by ARM who have zoned in on machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies with the launch of two new processor cores – one aimed at performance, the other at efficiency.

ARM showcased its high horsepower Cortex-A75 paired with its super efficient Cortex A-55 processors at the Computex 2017 event and they’re definitely honing in on accelerating AI development – starting with our smartphones.

The Cortex A-75 has been tweaked to deliver a 40 percent boost in infrastructure performance compared to its earlier A-72 processor core which will enable it to handle machine learning. And then there’s still the power efficiency. "We need to enable faster, more efficient, and secure distributed intelligence between computing at the edge of the network and into the cloud," said ARM's Nandan Nayampally.

Asus doesn’t intend on missing out either

Asus also has its eye on artificial intelligence along with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). "Now, we are also rising in the smartphone [category] and we work very hard," Asus CEO Jerry Shen said at a media briefing at Computex 2017.

"And, I think, in the near future, if we want to change, based on the scenario, AR, VR, and another is AI," Shen added.

We’ll be keeping tracking of the events at Computex 2017, but in the meantime, if you’re interested in the latest news on artificial intelligence and machine learning technology follow our us on Twitter for updates and check out Clickatell Touch which uses AI technology to transform the customer service experience and enable businesses to offer their customers one-touch, on-demand customer care.