The UK to Increase Funding for AI Supercomputers
The United Kingdom has announced that it will boost funding for two artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputers to £300 million ($363.57 million). These supercomputers, known as the “AI Research Resource,” will support research into creating safer advanced AI models. The investment aims to provide British scientific talent with the necessary tools to develop the most advanced and secure AI models. The new supercomputers will offer more than 30 times the capacity of the country’s current largest public AI computing tools and are expected to be operational by summer 2024.
Enhancing the UK’s Computing Power
The development of these supercomputers will also strengthen the UK’s fastest computer, Isambard-AI, which will be built by Hewlett-Packard Enterprise and equipped with 5,000 advanced Nvidia AI chips. Additionally, a second machine called “Dawn” will be created in collaboration with Dell and powered by 1,000 AI chips from Intel. The Isambard-AI is projected to compute over 200 quadrillion calculations per second (200 petaflops), significantly increasing the country’s computing capabilities in the field of AI.
International Collaboration on Frontier AI
Vice President Kamala Harris of the United States also attended the AI Safety Summit in the UK. Both Harris and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the need for close collaboration on addressing the opportunities and risks presented by frontier AI. During her speech, Harris highlighted potential threats such as cyberattacks at an unprecedented scale and AI-formulated bioweapons that could endanger millions of lives. These remarks followed shortly after the release of an executive order by the Biden administration outlining its plans for implementing AI safety standards.
Hot Take: Investing in Safer AI Models
The UK’s decision to increase funding for AI supercomputers demonstrates its commitment to advancing the field of AI while prioritizing safety. By providing researchers with enhanced computing power, the UK aims to develop the most advanced and secure AI models. This investment not only strengthens the country’s scientific talent but also solidifies its position as a world leader in AI safety. With international collaboration and collective action, the UK and its allies can address the challenges and risks posed by frontier AI, ensuring a safer and more beneficial future for humanity.
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