A world-renowned innovator in bio-inspired AI has joined the University of Sheffield to spearhead a new center aimed at revolutionizing the institution’s research, innovation, and teaching in artificial intelligence.
Professor James Marshall, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Opteran Technologies Limited, has been appointed as the Director of the University’s Center for Machine Intelligence (CMI).
At Opteran, Professor Marshall is contributing to the development of autonomous machines using AI inspired by the brains of insects, known as ‘Natural Intelligence’. This technology, based on Professor Marshall’s research into insect brains like that of the honeybee, promises to enhance machines’ abilities to tackle complex visual and navigational tasks, potentially surpassing current industry standards.
Northern Gritstone, an investment business founded by the Universities of Sheffield, Manchester, and Leeds, invested over £3 million into Opteran in 2022, signaling significant potential for the technology.
Professor Marshall will maintain part of his role at Opteran while leading Sheffield’s CMI, which aims to address global challenges through AI research. The center will focus on areas such as AI and social equality, healthcare, engineering, and autonomous systems, collaborating closely with the University’s flagship research institutes.
Besides research, Sheffield’s CMI aims to advance AI education, ensuring all students have access to learning opportunities in this transformative field to prepare them for future employment.
Professor Marshall expressed his excitement about leading the CMI, highlighting Sheffield’s unique perspective on AI application and its societal implications.
Professor Guy Brown, Interim Director of CMI, praised Marshall’s industry experience and academic excellence, emphasizing the center’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary AI research and addressing ethical considerations.
