Government of Canada invests $30 million in AI market
by CM staff
The investment will support a $120.8 million project to develop the world's first functioning human-like intelligence in general-purpose robots.
VANCOUVER — Canadian government invests $30 million in Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation, an AI and robotics company headquartered in Vancouver.
This investment, which is being made through the Strategic Innovation Fund, will support a $120.8 million project to develop the world’s first functioning human-like intelligence in general-purpose robots.
“Many labour-related challenges are outside the scope of current specialized AI and robotics technology,” said Geordie Rose, co-founder and CEO, Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation. “We appreciate the contribution from the Government of Canada and we are working hard to make work safer, more accessible and, ultimately, more productive.”
Sanctuary’s project will develop robots that are human-like, both physically and cognitively, allowing them to function in different jobs across different sectors and perform physical labour. This would enable remote workers to control general-purpose robots to complete physical work tasks that would otherwise present danger to people—including in areas such as nuclear and chemical facilities maintenance or mining, military and space operations—and perform tasks in industries facing labour shortages, such as health care and manufacturing.
Sanctuary will employ over 160 people through this project, as well as hire 120 co-op students to work under this initiative.
