Microsoft recently announced its decision to acquire Berkeley, California based artificial intelligence startup Bonsai. The tech giant aims to help developers and subject matter experts to build powerful autonomous platforms.
Bonsai previously received funding from M12 – that happens to be Microsoft’s venture capital arm. It excels in designing deep learning systems and tools for enterprises in robotics, manufacturing, HVAC, autonomous vehicles and energy sectors. The one primary advantage of Bonsai’s machine-learning approach, is its novelty to abstract low-level mechanics of machine learning, making it easier for subject matter experts build and train autonomous systems to accomplish tasks, regardless of their AI aptitude.
Microsoft forecasts rise of autonomous systems due to the AI wave and expects to see over 800 million in operation by 2025. To train and develop autonomous systems, traditional machine learning methods are not enough.
The company has been keeping software developers in the forefront of digital transformation, this was further confirmed with its acquisition of GitHub. Microsoft’s Bonsai acquisition is another step towards empowering developers with right tools and technologies.
Bonsai’s machine learning portfolio includes automated model generation, unique machine-teaching innovations, APIs, SDKs and pre-built support. Bonsai’s platform along with simulation tools and learning at Microsoft Research will be the ultimate AI toolchain for developers.
“This toolchain will compose with Azure Machine Learning running on the Azure Cloud with GPUs and Brainwave, and models built with it will be deployed and managed in Azure IoT, giving Microsoft an end-to-end solution for building, operating and enhancing “brains” for autonomous systems” said Gurdeep Pall – Corporate Vice President, Business AI in the official blog.
Microsoft’s Bonsai acquisition will be the ultimate combination of research, novel approach and technology and will prove to be highly beneficial for AI development and AI developers.
