DeepMind, a division of Alphabet, is working together with Unity in an effort to expedite artificial intelligence and machine learning research. The partnership is expected to look into “virtual environments”, particularly those that DeepMind and other companies can utilize in visualizing and testing experimental algorithms.
However, not much is known about the collaboration. Nevertheless, the recent announcement basically serves as a wide statement of intent or agreement between the two entities.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be collaborating with Unity, creating virtual environments for developing and testing the kind of smart, flexible algorithms we need to tackle real-world problems,” CEO and Co-founder of DeepMind Demis Hassabis in a press release.
The collaboration between Unity and DeepMind makes perfect sense. In fact, Unity is among the most popular and largest video game development platforms in the world.
For this reason, many studios utilize artificial intelligence (AI) in filling massive, immersive worlds, specifically those with adversaries that act in a smart, challenging manner. Hence, the medium shares a clear link with the wider machine learning and artificial intelligence(AI) community, which is aiming at tackling various things including medical diagnoses and autonomous driving vehicles.
For some time now, Unity has been striving to foster this connection with the Unity Machine Learning Agents Toolkit, which is an open-source plugin. This free software is hosted on GitHub, which aids developers in training companies or smart ‘agents’ thanks to the machine learning techniques and sample settings located inside the Unity engine.
DeepMind also has a foundation in the development of video game. For instance, Hassabis worked at Lionhead Studios, specifically on the famous god and creature simulator dubbed Black & White prior to establishing Elixir Studios as well as creating BAFTA-nominated titles like Republic: The Revolution and Evil Genius. DeepMind has also utilized champion Go players and Atari games in testing AI algorithms. Unity serves as a clear step forward, as it backs highly complex 3D experiences and 2D games alike.
Source Endgadget
