Sanctuary’s project will develop robots that are human-like, both physically and cognitively, allowing them to function in different jobs across different sectors and perform physical labour. PHOTO by Pexels.
The Canadian government will invest $30 million in Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation, a Vancouver-based AI and robotics company looking to develop the world’s first functioning human-like intelligence in general-purpose robots.
This investment, which is being made through the Strategic Innovation Fund, will support the company’s overall $120.8 million endeavour.
Sanctuary’s project will develop robots that are human-like, both physically and cognitively, allowing them to function in different jobs across different sectors and perform physical labour. This would enable remote workers to control general-purpose robots to complete physical work tasks that would otherwise present danger to people and perform tasks in industries facing labour shortages, such as health care and manufacturing.
“Many labour-related challenges are outside the scope of current specialized AI and robotics technology,” said Geordie Rose, co-founder and CEO, Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation. “We appreciate the contribution from the Government of Canada and we are working hard to make work safer, more accessible and, ultimately, more productive.”
Sanctuary will employ over 160 people through this project, as well as hire 120 co-op students to work under this initiative.
“Canada is taking ambitious steps to harness the potential of artificial intelligence. By investing in companies like Sanctuary, we are leveraging Canadian expertise in AI to develop and commercialize innovative technologies. This initiative will help maximize the economic potential of AI for Canadians and further cement our AI leadership on the global stage,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
Sanctuary has now received more than $100 million in funding since its founding in Vancouver, Canada in 2018.
