Google DeepMind: New AI Unit to Focus on Safe Development

The new AI Unit "Google DeepMind" established by Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai

Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has announced the merger of two entities within the company to create a new business unit, Google DeepMind, dedicated to developing the next generation of artificial intelligence breakthroughs and products. The unit was established by combining the DeepMind AI company, based in London, and the Brain team from Google Research, which Google purchased in 2014. The goal of this unit is to accelerate the development of AI in a safe and responsible manner.

The new unit will be led by Jeff Dean, the chief scientist for Google Research and Google DeepMind, who will report directly to Pichai. Dean has been tasked with building powerful multimodal AI models. The aim is to create more capable systems more safely and responsibly to ensure the bold and responsible development of general AI.

Despite the reassurances from Pichai, fears of an AI takeover in the workplace remain. A recent survey of 11,004 US citizens showed that 56% of respondents believed AI would have a major impact on the US economy. Only 13% of respondents believed that AI would help more than hurt American workers.

While the resulting developments of Google DeepMind will be used to enhance Google products, specific details are yet to be revealed. However, it is clear that Google is committed to leading the way in AI development, while also ensuring that the technology is developed in a safe and responsible manner. 

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