From an early stage, Sony set its sights on the potential inherent in AI × Robotics, and in 1999 it released the AIBO home entertainment robot. The AIBO represented a bold challenge in providing new experiences using cutting-edge technology. Since then, Sony has continued to improve its core AI technologies and has incorporated them into a wide range of products, thereby delivering new experiences. The Smile Shutter™ function in digital cameras and Face Recognition feature on PlayStation® are a few examples of the ways in which Sony’s technology has been applied. Sony also got an early start on advanced AI research in areas such as autonomous cognitive developmental intelligence and deep learning. These new technologies are now drawing a great deal of attention as the next big thing in AI tech. They are taking on further challenges with fresh eyes and new ideas, while combining the traditional techniques of Japan with new technologies.
Now, together with its partner companies and research institutes, Sony is embarking on a new challenge to innovate in the realms of AI and robotics, by fusing its constantly-evolving core technologies with the very latest in technology. Sony's goal is to realize home and urban environments that can autonomously learn and grow along with users, bringing not only greater convenience but also more joy to everyday life.
Since its foundation in 1946, Sony has been creating not only products, but the way people live through movies, music, games, cell phones and electronics. Now, Sony is taking on a new challenge in the world of robotics and AI. We are seeking unique and talented individuals who have passion for “moving” people through our wide variety of products, content, and services. Join us and be part of a diverse, innovative, creative, and original team to inspire the world.
The System R&D Group, part of Sony headquarters’ R&D Platform, has played a key role in developing algorithms and software, primarily those related to audio and video signal processing technologies that Sony has cultivated since its inception. In addition to these areas, we have expanded our R&D focus into the realm of advanced intelligent information processing, such as for computer vision, speech recognition, user interaction, machine learning and robotics. The fruits of our R&D efforts have been widely incorporated into Sony’s products and services, from TVs and digital cameras to broadcast equipment, games, and mobile devices. Our group in Tokyo collaborates with our research hubs across the globe (San Jose, Stuttgart, Brussels, Beijing, and Basingstoke) as well as with other outside research institutes from all over the world. In March 2016, we launched a new R&D initiative called the “Future Lab Program”, which aims to co-create new lifestyles and user value in the future.
The Mid-to-Long Term Business Development Division is part of Sony Corporation’s New Business Platform, and its mission is to develop businesses in new areas for Sony in the mid-to-long term. We will challenge established notions of electronics products and services through the application of AI and robotics technologies. For example, we will aim to bring greater convenience to the home and urban spaces, and to stir users’ curiosity with awe-inspiring experiences. But we do not believe that Sony is capable of accomplishing these big-picture challenges all on its own. Thus, we will collaborate with other companies and research institutes to develop technology and related businesses. Currently, we only have offices in Tokyo, but through collaborations, we will widen the scope of our activities.
Sony CSL was founded in February 1988. At Sony CSL, value is assessed by the degree to which achievements are perceived to contribute to humanity and society, to new science and technology, to industrial progress, and to product development. We respect and foster each member’s initiative and creative ability. A work of research is often a reflection of the researcher’s values, philosophy, and worldview. We gather “Crazy” people and let them challenge themselves to change the world. When founded, Sony CSL focused on fundamental research in computer systems, including operating systems, the Internet, and user interfaces. As the organization evolved, its focus shifted to exploring ways to use computers in diverse domains such as systems biology, econophysics and artificial intelligence. And now, its major research themes are “Global Agenda,” which encompasses issues ranging from energy to food and healthcare; and “Human Augmentation,” which includes studies exploring human creativity and human-computer interaction/integration. In addition to Tokyo, we have a lab in Paris (founded in 1996). We have two guiding principles: “Act Beyond Borders” and “Think Extreme.” Our priority is to empower each researcher to function to the best of his/her ability in the pursuit of fundamental, yet applicable research. While encouraging contribution to academia, we push our researchers to give back to humanity and society in concrete ways. The fruits of our research are incorporated into the products and initiatives of the Sony Group, or else are leveraged in collaborative efforts with companies outside of Sony. Finding investors and spinning off a project as a separate business entity is also an option at Sony CSL.
