The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) will collaborate with research entities, universities and companies on materials science research, investing approximately US$35m over the next four years in research that uses artificial intelligence to help accelerate the design and discovery of advanced materials. Initially, the program aims to help revolutionize materials science and identify new advanced battery materials and fuel cell catalysts that can power future zero-emissions and carbon-neutral vehicles.
“Toyota recognizes that artificial intelligence is a vital basic technology that can be leveraged across a range of industries, and we are proud to use it to expand the boundaries of materials science,” said TRI’s chief science officer, Eric Krotkov.
Initial research projects include collaborations with Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Michigan, the University at Buffalo, the University of Connecticut, and the UK-based materials science company Ilika.
Research will merge advanced computational materials modeling, new sources of experimental data, machine learning and artificial intelligence in an effort to reduce the timescale for new materials development. Research programs will follow parallel paths, working to identify new materials for use in future energy systems, as well as to develop tools and processes that can accelerate the design and development of new materials more broadly.
April 21, 2017