Prof. Sepp Hochreiter (Institute of Bioinformatics) is one of Europe’s leading experts in the research field of artificial intelligence (AI). He has made major contributions with fundamental research into deep‑learning technologies, a methodology based on the learning processes of the human brain. The long short‑term memory (LSTM) that he developed is used for speech‑recognition software in all smart phones all over the world. Hochreiter’s Institute for Bioinformatics at the Johannes Kepler University of Linz (JKU) has long been held in high regard by AI experts. Exchanges of opinions and experience with Audi on the subject of autonomous driving have been taking place for several years, and the two partners successfully concluded their first joint project in 2016.
Cooperation on a solid foundation
“With the establishment of the ‘Audi.JKU deep learning center,’ we are placing our cooperation on solid foundations,” says Michael Schmid, Head of the Audi Academy. “We are thus creating a win‑win situation for both sides. Audi is supporting the essential basic research in the field of artificial intelligence. At the same time, we are ensuring rapid knowledge transfer into practice and making contacts with talented young people.”
The “Audi.JKU deep learning center” has started to work on five projects. Research will be conducted, for example, into how cars driving in piloted mode in complex traffic situations can be exactly aware of and interpret their environment. Potential dangers must be recognized at an early stage and reaction times must be optimized. Another project deals with the use of artificial intelligence in vehicle sensors.