PAI Group

Physics of Artificial Intelligence Group

We study AI much like we study the human brain. We bring together scientific expertise from physics, neuroscience, psychology, and cognitive science to better understand this artificial organism that’s emerging right now.

– Hidenori Tanaka
Scientist, PAI Group

Unlocking the secrets of the AI black box

Study will shape the technology for the benefit of all.

Not long after the advent of artificial intelligence, NTT Research’s PHI Lab recognized the need to understand its “black box” nature to develop novel systems with drastically improved energy efficiency for computation. Over the past five years, it has pursued that goal with an interdisciplinary approach to understanding AI that led to the creation of the Physics of Artificial Intelligence Group.

The group’s work builds on a pioneering Physics of Intelligence vision formed in collaboration with the Harvard University Center for Brain Science. With AI now advancing at an astonishing rate, issues of trustworthiness and safety have also become critical to industry applications and governance of AI adoption. In continuing collaboration with leading academic researchers, the Physics of Artificial Intelligence Group aims to address similarities between biological and artificial intelligences, further unravel the complexities of AI mechanisms, and build trust that leads to more harmonious fusion of human and AI collaboration.

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”
– Marie Curie

AI is quite possibly the most transformative single technology ever developed by humankind, and the Physics of Artificial Intelligence group is dedicated to uncovering insights about AI from physics, neuroscience, and psychology. Much as Newton gave us F=ma and Einstein put forth E=mc², the opportunity now lies before us to discover and define the laws of the world that govern artificial intelligence. In turn, those laws will direct its development, how it learns, and how it can be implemented to further humankind.

Ultimately, the Physics of AI Group seeks to understand how and why AI behaves the way it does in order to create an effective and trustworthy AI. It is this AI that will be the backbone of the systems that interact with and serve society.

Introducing the PAI Group

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