Lockheed Martin partners with Uni of Adelaide on machine learning

Tuesday, 9 October 2018

Technology and innovation company Lockheed Martin ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ has become the first Foundation Partner with the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide’s new ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Institute for Machine Learning.

The strategic partnership will deliver world-leading machine learning research for national security, the space industry, business, and the broader community.

Machine learning is a form of artificial intelligence that enables computers and machines to learn how to do complex tasks without being programmed by humans. This technology is driving what is known as the "fourth industrial revolution".

The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s new ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) – which builds on decades of expertise in artificial intelligence and computer vision – will be based in the South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Government's new innovation precinct at Lot Fourteen (the old Royal Adelaide Hospital site).

As Foundation Partner, Lockheed Martin ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ will move a team of researchers from Lockheed Martin’s STELaRLab (Science Technology Engineering Leadership and Research Laboratory) in Melbourne to be co-located with AIML researchers in Adelaide, and will support honours, doctoral and post-doctoral R&D programs.

The team will work with ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide researchers and students at AIML on leading-edge technology, advancing the capabilities needed to meet complex and dynamic challenges in the areas of national security – including next-generation machine reasoning for automated information processing and decision support – and advanced algorithm development for air, sea, land, cyber and space systems.

The partnership, which is initially for a period of three years, will also provide Adelaide researchers with access to Lockheed Martin’s global research and development network.

“Lockheed Martin ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ strives to be the partner of choice as an industry leader in defence and technology. Our partnership with the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide to develop world-leading machine learning technologies for ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ is a most worthwhile investment in our future and sovereign defence capabilities,” said Lockheed Martin ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ Chief Executive, Vince Di Pietro.

The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Rathjen, said: “Our new partnership with Lockheed Martin ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ is a perfect example of how the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ can bring together outstanding research expertise, unique facilities, students, and an international reputation to attract global industry to Adelaide.

“We're excited that the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥, in partnership with industry and government, will play a key role in the new Lot Fourteen site, helping to drive innovation and underpinning the transformation of the South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n economy. From this will flow new ideas and the industries of the future, producing a thriving innovation ecosystem in the heart of our vibrant city.”

Dr Keoki Jackson, Lockheed Martin’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “Lockheed Martin invests in partnerships with ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥’s research and defence industry communities to develop discriminating technologies, provide export opportunities through our global supply chains, and create innovation, ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n skilled jobs, and sustainable business growth.

“Our commitment to R&D in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s enduring intent to drive growth and prosperity, and to play our part in positioning ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ as a leading and dynamic 21st century economy.”

Professor Anton van den Hengel, Director of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Institute for Machine Learning, said: “Artificial intelligence is expected to transform the global economy within the next decade. Our aim is to strengthen Adelaide’s position as a global destination for high-tech research and development, and ensure that South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ is well prepared to reap the significant benefits this technology offers.”

The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Mike Brooks, said the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Institute for Machine Learning was well placed to work closely with a range of industry leaders.

“Our partnership with Lockheed Martin demonstrates a deep level of engagement between the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ and industries that are critical to South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s future. This is particularly evident in national security, but will be felt more broadly, with technological advancements finding application in other industrial sectors. Such innovation is expected to be catalysed by the Federal Government's once-in-a-lifetime investment in defence and related industries here in South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥,” Professor Brooks said.


adelaide.edu.au/aiml


About Lockheed Martin ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥
Headquartered in Canberra, Lockheed Martin ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The company employs more than 800 people in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors.

About the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide
The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide is a world-class research and teaching institution, centred on discovering new knowledge, pursuing innovation and preparing the educated leaders of tomorrow. ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥’s third oldest university, the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide is proudly ranked in the top one percent of universities in the world.

 

Contact details

Mr David Ellis
Email: david.ellis@adelaide.edu.au
Website: /newsroom/
Deputy Director, Media and Corporate Relations
External Relations
The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide
Business: +61 8 8313 5414
Mobile: +61 (0)421 612 762


Michelle Scully
Email: michelle.m.scully@lmco.com
Head of Communications ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ and New Zealand
Lockheed Martin
Mobile: +61 (0)448 032 387