Samsung AI Center Montréal opens a modern lab to develop wireless and robotics technologies

Led by Professor Gregory Dudek, the research team will develop AI-based technologies to enhance wireless communication networks. (Photo: Jamie McCall/Flickr, CC BY-ND 2.0)

Samsung AI Center Montréal is announcing a new state-of-the-art facility in downtown Montréal to welcome its team of researchers tasked with improving the quality of wireless networks and developing innovative robotics technology.

Established in 2018 on René-Lévesque Blvd, the Samsung AI Center Montréal has recently moved to the new facility on Sherbrooke Street W. That is double the size of the original lab. The centre is also doubling the size of its team by adding 15 research scientists to apply advanced AI to telecommunications, machine learning, robotics and other multi-modal interactions. Graduate students in related fields are also invited to develop their skills through an internship program.

Headed by McGill University Professor Gregory Dudek, an expert in a wide range of AI technologies, from machine learning to robotics, the team is working to develop advanced cellular communications and services with greater energy-efficiency and better access to data.  The team will build on demonstrated results from using AI methods to improve the quality of service of cell phone networks at a time when the demand is fast increasing. Furthermore, the team will be tasked with developing sensors for robotic systems meant for commercial and personal use such as cleaning up in a restaurant, a kitchen or even tidying the house.

The Samsung AI Center Montréal serves as an outpost for collaboration with top universities, academic centers and start-ups in the Greater Montréal AI community, while also developing local, highly qualified talents.

“The demand for wireless data from mobile devices users has never been greater. The combination of AI and machine learning technologies will allow transformations that are key to our everyday use of mobile devices and reduce power consumption,” said Professor Gregory Dudek, Vice-president of Research for Samsung Electronics. “Montréal’s strong AI ecosystem and innovative talent pool offer a unique environment to allow us to reach new heights.”

The Samsung AI Center Montréal is part of a network of seven Global AI Centres worldwide, including the SRA Silicon Valley and Toronto AI Centers. It is one of Samsung’s two facilities dedicated to AI in Montréal with the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology located within the MILA facility.

“The investments and expansion of the Samsung AI Center in downtown Montreal confirms once again that Montréal is a powerhouse in technology, including artificial intelligence, robotics and machine learning. With its great university network, world–renowned researchers and a pool of talents, it is natural that companies select Montréal. We are thrilled that Samsung continues to be part of the great AI ecosystem of Montréal, in order to develop innovative solutions for today and tomorrow”, says Luc Rabouin, Executive Committee Member, Responsible for economic and commercial development, and design.

Montréal International and Investissement Québec International accompanied Samsung in this expansion.

“With more than 600 independent researchers and 14,000 students enrolled in artificial intelligence-related programs, Montréal has one of the world’s best talent pools in the industry. By investing in a new lab in downtown Montréal, Samsung is recognizing the strength of our AI ecosystem while providing a new opportunity for advanced students to take their career to the next level. Professor Dudek’s research in AI and robotics is highly regarded worldwide, and we are proud to see it move forward to the next level in Montréal,” said Stéphane Paquet, President and CEO of Montréal International.

“By choosing to open this new laboratory in Montréal, Samsung is confirming that our artificial intelligence ecosystem is highly appealing,” says Hubert Bolduc, President of Investissement Québec International. “Our experts, based here and in Asia, will continue to support the subsidiaries of foreign companies in order to facilitate their contributions to the emergence and promotion of AI expertise, while investing in Québec for the long term.”