Apple is known for its secrecy when it comes to ongoing product development, but the company is operating a little different with its efforts around artificial intelligence and machine learning. Apple’s director of machine learning, Carlos Guestrin, openly discussed Apple’s plans to grow its engineering presence in Seattle in a new GeekWire interview.
Guestrin joined Apple through the company’s acquisition of AI firm Turi last fall, and now the University of Washington is naming a $1 million professorship after him to help discover and support new talent in the machine learning field:
Guestrin spoke with GeekWire about the professorship:
In a separate report that includes even more from Guestrin, GeekWire says Apple is further expanding its footprint in Seattle as it focuses on AI and ML at the satellite office space:
“It’s another way to foster the university’s development,” Guestrin said. “At Apple, we’re really excited to collaborate with the UW, and leverage the great talent pool and energy around the city.”
The full interview is loaded with discussion around Apple’s efforts with AI and ML and is worth a read.
Back in December, the first AI research paper from Apple was published online which was a significant event for the company. Apple’s openness to discuss its involvement in the field has been necessary to attract talent that otherwise is accustomed to publishing research regularly.
