By AIT Public Affairs
23 August 2024: Addressing the critical need for AI-readiness in research and innovation, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)’s School of Engineering and Technology (SET) has inaugurated the AI and Simulation Lab (ASL). This state-of-the-art facility is set to support AI research, education, and innovation, positioning AIT at the forefront of global advancements in these fields.
Emerging from a strategic retreat in November 2023, the lab represents AIT’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge AI technologies with academic excellence and fostering robust collaborations across academia, industry, and government.
AIT President, Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, highlighting its potential to provide students with a platform for brainstorming and innovation. He emphasized the importance of using this space to develop and present products to the industry, noting that collaborative idea generation and support from key stakeholders are crucial for driving innovation.
Prof. Sangam Shrestha, SET Dean, underscored the launch as a key milestone in the SET’s history, noting that ASL symbolizes AIT’s commitment to advancing research and innovation. He expressed deep gratitude to those instrumental in the project, particularly Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat, Dr. Chaklam Silpasuwanchai and Dr. Sanit Arunplod and conveyed confidence that the lab will become a cornerstone of academic and research excellence.
The lab is designed to serve as a hub for cutting-edge research, facilitating collaboration among faculty and students as they explore new ideas and develop innovative AI applications. It offers access to the latest tools and technologies, enabling advanced simulations and contributing to solutions that can make a tangible difference in the world. The ASL aligns with AIT’s vision of fostering innovation, excellence, and sustainability. It is expected to inspire creativity, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and drive breakthroughs that will position AIT as a leader in global research.
Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), highlighted the lab’s role as a catalyst for innovation and its significance in advancing AI technology. He acknowledged the support from various funders and expressed optimism for the groundbreaking work that will emerge, confident it will shape the future of AI across multiple sectors.
The lab’s state-of-the-art infrastructure includes a 110″ 4K interactive display, Cube Island for research and prototype showcases, dual 65″ synchronized displays for demonstrations, and a server room equipped with AI-grade GPUs and high-end multi-CPU setups. These features ensure the lab can handle intensive AI research and simulations, with scalable growth in AI and server capabilities.
The lab was funded by i-bitz, AIT SET, the Global Water and Sanitation Centre (GWSC), and the AI Centre. The launch event also highlighted innovative student projects, showcasing the lab’s focus on cutting-edge technology. Projects included the Hybrid Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Speller, designed to aid individuals with severe motor disabilities, the AI Interviewer, a customizable pre-screening tool for HR, and the Liveness Detection API, which enhances video-based facial recognition security. Additionally, Scholarly, an AI-powered research writing application, was presented to assist students and researchers, particularly those with limited English proficiency, in crafting high-quality academic papers.
These projects underscore the lab’s commitment to advancing accessible AI solutions and fostering a collaborative environment where ideas can flourish. ASL is set to become a hub of innovation at AIT, leading research that has the potential to influence the future of technology.
The launch was also attended by Prof. Nitin K. Tripathi, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs at AIT; Mr. Russell Rein, Vice President for Administration; Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering (WREE); Mr Sanjeet Amatya, Director, Public Affairs, OIPA, AIT faculty, staff, and students.
