LG launches AI research think tank for digital transformation

LG Electronics Inc. has launched LG AI Research, an artificial intelligence think tank dedicated to securing AI technology, to further aid the group's shift to digital transformation, the company announced on Dec. 7.

The AI research body will be in charge of studying the latest core technology such as data intelligence, which offers optimal decisions based on big data analysis, deep learning-based situational awareness as well as voice and video recognition.

To facilitate this project, South Korea's fourth-largest conglomerate has set up a high-performance computing system to enable deep learning research. Some of its AI research includes predicting battery life and level, alongside discovering new drug material candidates in connection to LG affiliates.

Over the next three years, LG Electronics and its 16 affiliates, including LG Display Co., LG Chem Ltd., LG Uplus Corp., and LG CNS Co., will help secure global talent and invest around 200 billion won ($185 million) in an AI think tank set to operate under LG Management Development Institute.

In particular, LG AI Research will focus on luring top-tier talent with competitive packages and conditions. The think tank will offer an agile and flexible research environment for researchers, allowing them to choose their own research topics.

Recently, the think tank brought in Lee Honglak, a former professor at the University of Michigan and a research scientist at Google Brain, the AI research team at Google. Lee will serve as the first Chief Scientist of AI (CSAI) and help draft artificial intelligence strategy.

Going forward, the LG AI Research will collaborate with global academic and research institutions to foster a global AI ecosystem. It also aims to expand its research staffing to 100 members by next year, and foster 1,000 AI experts within the LG Group by 2023.

“We strive for AIs to go beyond technology, and to help make our customers’ lives better,” said Koo Kwang-mo, the chairman of LG Group. “In this process, AI Research will play a pivotal role in leading changes for the company and introducing innovative measures,” Koo added.

The LG Group has identified artificial intelligence as the key growth driver to boost its future competitiveness. Its venture capital investment arm, LG Technology Ventures, has been ramping up investment in AI sectors, having invested a total of around $69 million in 24 artificial intelligence-related startups.

Also, it operates AI divisions in its global hubs including the US, Canada and Russia among others.


Write to Su-bin Lee at isb@hankyung.com
Danbee Lee edited this article.