Telenor has opened a new lab in Norway that will use data from its networks to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used for “real-life problems”.
The Telenor-NTNU AI-Lab, based in Trondheim, will work on joint projects to build knowledge around AI and its application to real-life problems. Other companies and organisations will contribute with problems to be solved and datasets.
Telenor is partnering with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the research organisation SINTEF for the research.
The operator will provide anonymised data from its mobile and IoT networks as well as its own research.
This will include dedicated IoT networks, announced in August 2016, that Telenor is launching in several cities. These will offer free access to developers to test products and services. The first pilot will be located in Oslo, run in collaboration with StartupLab.
Telenor said it had invested NOK 50 million in the lab.
“Artificial intelligence is perhaps the single most important technology of our century. In the future, AI will drive your car, revolutionise cancer treatment and make public services more efficient,” said Sigve Brekke, President & CEO of Telenor Group.
“With this opening we want to accelerate the education, research and competency building which will be crucial for Norway`s ability to compete in the digital future.”
Telenor recently predicted AI would be one of the key trends of this year.