- Allowing multiple machine learning models to integrate themselves for expanded social implementation of AI -
OMRON Corporation (HQ: Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, President and CEO: Yoshihito Yamada, hereinafter, "OMRON") announced today the development of a decentralized learning technology that enhances the performance of artificial intelligence (AI) by integrating multiple machine learning models*1 rather than aggregating the data needed for AI learning in one place. Dubbed as Decentralized X (patent applied for*2), this innovative technology allows businesses without access to massive pools of data to introduce high-performing AI, thus assisting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to solve social problems without the need for big data access.
To improve the performance of AI, it is necessary to gather together a sufficiently large amount of data in one place and have the AI learn from it. However, this gathering process incurs a huge cost and use of numerous human-hours, as data is located in various places. Protection of trade secrets and privacy as well as other restrictions add to the difficulty, thus making it nearly impossible to gather a sufficient amount of data. It follows, then, that collecting data of the required quality in the required quantity poses a major challenge for commercial applications of high-powered AI.
Decentralized X, OMRON's new offering, boosts AI performance by integrating AI machine learning models that have learned in a myriad of settings. Integrating different machine learning models is a technically challenging process, as the structural variety of said models makes it difficult to combine them without compromising their properties. Decentralized X uses a unique algorithm capable of integrating different machine learning models to develop AI, the performance of which compares favorably with that of AI based on learning that aggregates all the data.
For example, with Decentralized X, SMEs without a huge platform for gathering big data can facilitate AI-enabled solutions to day-to-day issues by contributing each of their machine learning models to integrate them for improved performance of their own AI. Even in cases where it is difficult to share data with other businesses due to the confidentiality of data (e.g., manufacturers' quality data and vital data from medical institutions), Decentralized X helps achieve collaboration in a way that enhances the AI performance of each business.
Decentralized X is the brainchild of OMRON SINICX Corporation (hereinafter, "OSX"), an OMRON subsidiary that creates "near-future designs"*3 for solving social issues through backcasting. Having assembled a team of exceptional researchers from a broad range of cutting-edge technological fields, such as AI, robotics, IoT (Internet of Things), and sensing. OSX is engaging in the research and development of innovative technologies they hope will solve social issues in the near future. Going forward, OMRON will apply Decentralized X to AI currently used in the Industrial Automation Business and other focus domains, thus accelerating the evolution of OMRON's AI, while at the same time encouraging open innovation among different players and social implementation of AI in various fields to work on solutions to social issues.
How Decentralized X works
Main features of Decentralized X
*1 An algorithm with a specific function, created from data that AI has learned
*2 A patent has been applied for in Japan (current as of November 2019).
*3 A concrete business architecture tailored to solving social issues envisioned by OMRON as it relies on technical innovation to integrate "business models," "technology strategies," and "intellectual property strategies"
OMRON Corporation is a global leader in the field of automation based on its core technology of "Sensing & Control + Think." OMRON's business fields cover a broad spectrum, ranging from industrial automation and electronic components to social infrastructure systems, healthcare, and environmental solutions. Established in 1933, OMRON has about 35,000 employees worldwide, working to provide products and services in around 120 countries and regions. For more information, visit OMRON's website: https://www.omron.com/