Tech large Meta will open a brand new £12m analysis lab in Cambridge centered on spatial audio expertise for the corporate’s wearable AI product providing, in help of the federal government’s Oxford-Cambridge hall plans.
The corporate described the transfer as an funding in Meta’s “long-term dedication to innovation within the UK”, the place it employs greater than 5,500 individuals.
“Meta’s funding is a large vote of confidence within the UK as a hub for world-leading analysis and innovation whereas serving to to supercharge the potential within the Oxford to Cambridge development hall,” mentioned Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
“We wish our high-tech industries to proceed to guide the world in years to return which is why we’re backing our innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs.”
The ability will analysis and help audio developments for Meta’s push into wearable AI tech, notably its AR glasses, the expertise of which has been integrated into merchandise from Ray-Ban and Oakley.
“Creating this world class audio lab in Cambridge is an indication of our long-term dedication to the UK and our perception within the high engineering expertise it produces,” mentioned Meta’s chief world affairs officer Joel Kaplan.
“We wish the brightest minds to ensure our sensible glasses have the neatest AI-powered audio so you may concentrate on what you’re listening to it doesn’t matter what’s occurring round you. I can’t wait to expertise the outcomes of the work the lab produces.”
Supporting the realm linking Oxford and Cambridge as a expertise hub has been a key ambition of this authorities, with Science Minister Lord Vallance just lately describing the area as “central” to the UK’s wider development plans.
“There is a gigantic prize at hand if we will unleash the Oxford-Cambridge Hall’s development potential,” Vallance mentioned.
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