Nokia Bell Labs and e&, a leading global technology group, have entered into a year-long, non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research and development focused on artificial intelligence (AI). The partnership aims to forge AI-driven use cases tailored for key industrial sectors.
The collaboration is designed to produce AI solutions that enhance sustainability and advance industrial automation. The initiative will also focus on expediting the transfer of innovative concepts to practical applications in the real world.
Under the terms of the MoU, both organizations will explore opportunities for cooperation with various industry players, universities, and research institutions. The goal is to craft cutting-edge solutions in AI and information and communication technologies, which will support broader goals of industrial automation and digital transformation.
The initiative addresses core industrial challenges such as enhancing productivity, improving efficiency, and ensuring safety, health, and sustainability across different sectors.
e& has positioned itself as a frontrunner in AI and Generative AI within the UAE and its 33 global markets. It has committed to achieving net-zero emissions in its UAE operations by 2030 and aims for the same across all its operations by 2040.
Nokia Bell Labs, recognized as a leader in Responsible AI, has established six guiding principles for future AI research, emphasizing fairness, reliability, privacy, transparency, sustainability, and accountability. These principles are intended to set the standards for AI and reflect the telecom industry’s focus on environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and governance.
Thierry E Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia, emphasized the significance of the collaboration: “This partnership underscores our commitment to innovation alongside our customers and partners. By developing applications and use cases that utilize our responsible AI, software, and data systems expertise, we aim to fast-track digital transformation and support the creation of safer, more productive, and sustainable technologies.”
Dena Almansoori, Group Chief AI and Data Officer at e&, also highlighted the importance of responsible AI development: “Understanding the vast potential of AI, it is crucial to establish robust protections for its responsible development and deployment. Our joint effort with Nokia Bell Labs will focus on harnessing AI to drive sustainable industrial automation, blending our in-depth industry knowledge with Bell Labs’ AI research prowess to tackle today’s most pressing industrial challenges.”
