OREANDA-NEWS. September 08, 2015.Remarks by TMC Senior Managing Officer Kiyotaka Ise at the Press Conference

Good morning, and thank you for coming.

Today is a very exciting day for Toyota.

First, I am happy to announce an important new research collaboration with MIT and Stanford.

Toyota will invest fifty million dollars over the next five years and establish a joint research center at each university.

Together we will conduct collaborative research into artificial intelligence and robotics technology, with key program areas divided between the two institutions.

In addition, Dr. Gill Pratt, former Program Manager at DARPA, has joined Toyota to direct these research activities.

As many of you know, Gill is a leader in this field, and we are excited to have his help in expanding our research efforts.

Today's announcement is the next step in Toyota's history with these technologies.

Our research and development into artificial intelligence and robotics technology, which can be used for autonomous systems, dates back decades.

We believe this research will transform the future of mobility, improving safety, reducing traffic congestion, and raising quality of life for everyone.

AI is a driving force behind high-tech innovation around the world.

Not only will its impact on our industry be large, it will extend well beyond cars.

We understand the importance of this technology, and we know that competition from other automakers and technology companies is increasing.

As a result, today's announcement is the beginning of an unprecedented commitment by Toyota to artificial intelligence and robotics technology research, for years to come.

With Gill's help, we plan to take on new challenges, and we will do so at a scale that matches how important we believe this work is.

Working with MIT and Stanford is an important beginning. They are not just top universities in North America. They are on the cutting edge of artificial intelligence research.

This collaboration will help Toyota to learn and to strengthen its research in computer science, and it will give us the chance to share our knowledge and push the boundaries of new technology.

When I first met Gill last April, I asked him what future mobility should look like.

Not surprisingly, we shared the same point of view. It should save lives, it should improve quality of life, and it should continue to be fun.

Of course, Gill's point of view is about two feet taller than mine, so we are pleased that he will be our beacon.

I am very excited about what this new venture means for Toyota, and I look forward to more announcements in the future.

With MIT and Stanford, and Gill's help, I am confident we will see fantastic results.