SMART, the Singapore MIT-Alliance for Research and Technology, has announced the launch of a new interdisciplinary research group aimed at advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. The group, known as Mens, Manus and Machina – How AI Empowers People, Institutions, and the City in Singapore (M3S), will focus on addressing social and institutional challenges related to the rise of AI and new technologies.
Supported by a multi-million-dollar grant from the National Research Foundation, M3S will bring together a team of 17 professors from MIT and Singapore, as well as researchers from local institutions. The group will collaborate on research into topics including human-machine relationships, machine learning, and the impact of AI on human productivity and welfare.
The research conducted by M3S will contribute to Singapore’s AI ecosystem, enhancing existing initiatives in the city-state. The group will explore the use of data analytics, IoT technologies, and smart infrastructure to further integrate AI, automation, and robotics in Singapore.
The aim of M3S is to promote practical applications of AI and machine learning that augment human lives and have a positive impact on society. By considering factors such as physical and digital interfaces between humans and machines, as well as the implications of AI for human capital development, M3S aims to reshape the way we work and live.
The interdisciplinary approach adopted by M3S will address key issues related to human-machine collaboration and resource allocation, as well as structuring human-machine teams within organizations. The group will also focus on developing sustainable technology and ensuring public and social acceptability of robotics and AI.
The research conducted by M3S will advance fields such as soft robotics, brain interfaces, learning algorithms, task allocation, and more. By collaborating with local partners, M3S aims to drive scientific, societal, and commercial impact in Singapore and beyond.
The launch of M3S reflects Singapore’s commitment to its Smart Nation initiative and National AI Strategy. Through collaborative research and knowledge sharing, M3S aims to design innovative solutions that empower individuals, institutions, and cities. The group will also support the development of AI policies, economic growth, and workforce training in Singapore.
Since its establishment in 2007, SMART has been at the forefront of innovation in various fields. The launch of M3S represents another significant step in leveraging AI and automation to drive progress and transformation.
Lead Principal Investigator Professor Jinhua Zhao, along with Co-lead PIs Professor Daniela Rus from MIT and Professor Archan Misra from SMU, will helm the M3S research group. Their shared vision is to harness the potential of AI and robotics to enhance human potential and societal progress.
The launch of M3S demonstrates the commitment of SMART and its partners to exploring the transformative power of AI. Through cutting-edge research and collaboration, M3S aims to redefine the boundaries of AI, automation, and robotics and pave the way for a future where humans and machines work together seamlessly.
