Maha to use Artificial Intelligence for skill development

Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday met ASEA Brown Boveri (ABB) CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer and discussed ways to use advanced technologies to address the state's requirements. The discussion, which was held on the sidelines of the NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Forum 2019, focused on how a partnership with the Swedish multinational corporation could be forged to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalisation technologies to meet the state's needs, including using AI to take skills' development to the next level.

“Maharashtra has been a forerunner in AI technology in India and ABB, as a pioneering technology leader in digital industries, is ready to support it in developing its digital economy. By rapidly adopting advanced technologies, Maharashtra can expand its role as an export hub and strengthen India's competitive position in global markets,” said Spiesshofer.

The discussion comes in the backdrop of the state exploring the potential of AI to address various issues surrounding crop yields, innovation and citizen programmes. Last year, the state collaborated with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to establish a centre for the fourth industrial revolution to design policy framework for new generation technologies such as drones, AI and block chain by bringing together leaders from business, academia and start-ups, and experts from other agencies.

One out of every two cars manufactured in the auto hub of Pune, the second-largest city in the state, has ABB automation and robotics involved in its processes. Enhancing the state's presence as a robotics hub was factored into the talks, the company said in a statementthat it is already working with NITI Aayog.