Microsoft bets on an AI future with new research group

Microsoft has formed a new artificial intelligence research and development initiative that brings together 5000-plus computer scientists and engineers to realise the tech giant's AI vision. Fronted by Microsoft-alumni Harry Shum, the new division will be tasked with making AI accessible and valuable for'every person and organisation', building on the company's focus on AI across apps, services and infrastructure. The news comes hot on the heels of the launch of the Partnership on AI, the cross-industry collaboration between IBM, Microsoft, Google, Facebook and Amazon. The new group will unite existing Microsoft teams including Information Platform, Cortana, Bing and robotics. Its scope will include all AI product engineering and the company is taking a four-pronged approach to the initiative.