Apple to join AI best-practice research group with rivals Facebook, Google and Microsoft

Unclubbable Apple to join Google in 'Partnership on AI to Benefit People and Society'

Apple is set to join Google, Facebook and Microsoft in an artificial intelligence research group group dominated by technology industry giants.

The group was established last year and also includes online retailing giant Amazon and IBM among its members. At the time of the group's formation Apple was the most notable absentee from the list.

Now, though, according to newswire Bloomberg, the company is set to join the group, officially called Partnership on Artificial Intelligence to Benefit People and Society.

Apple and the group have not officially commented on the claims but Bloomberg sources have confirmed the move.

The group claims that it has been set-up to "study and formulate best practices on AI technologies, to advance the public's understanding of AI, and to serve as an open platform for discussion and engagement about AI and its influences on people and society".

While Apple did not join at launch, there were already moves being made to encourage the company to join, with Microsoft's Eric Horvitz, one of the project's interim co-chairmen, saying it was hoped they would join. "I know they're enthusiastic about this effort," he said.

That seems to now be the case it would certainly fit with Apple's growing efforts in this area. Over time the firm has been coy about its work in this area, although there have been signs its focus is increasing, such as its acquisition of AI startup Turi for $200m.

However, joining such a public group would have run counter to Apple's penchant for operating in the strictest secrecy - a policy that has also held it back from attracting top AI-development talent.

While Apple joining the group is a notable move there are still some other major organisations yet to join, including Twitter and semiconductor giant Intel.

Earlier in January, a European Union committee approved a report extending rights to robots and other systems with artificial intelligence.