Apple joins Amazon, Google, Facebook in 'Partnership on AI' research project

An AI research group backed by some of the biggest names in tech announced today that another giant was joining its project. Partnership on AI wrote in a blog post that Apple would become a founding member. Apple will now work alongside original founding members Amazon, DeepMind/Google, Facebook, IBM, and Microsoft in a high-profile display of cooperation among companies that can often be heated rivals. "Diversity of thought across the organization is crucial to ensure that we effectively explore and address the influences of AI on people and society, provide guidance on AI best practices, and seek to advance the public's understanding of AI," says the blog post. "We are committed to having balanced representation at the leadership, executive, and operations levels."