Ahold Delhaize, The Netherlands, launched The Innovation Center for Artificial Intelligence (ICAI) at Amsterdam Science Park in The Netherlands.

ICAI is focused on the joint development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology through industry labs with the business sector, government and knowledge institutes.

“The Netherlands has all the resources to take up a prominent position in the international AI landscape – top talent, innovation strength and research at world-class level. ICAI combines these strengths in a unique national initiative,” says Maarten de Rijke, director of ICAI and professor of Information Retrieval at the University of Amsterdam.

The AIRLab hosts seven PhDs who will conduct research into socially responsible algorithms and transparent AI technology for managing goods flows. The research will take place at Albert Heijn and bol.com, both brands of Ahold Delhaize. In addition, AIRLab will focus on talent development tracks.

“Ahold Delhaize, Albert Heijn and bol.com look forward to working with ICAI. Artificial intelligence offers countless possibilities for the retail industry, the consumer and society at large,” adds Frans Muller, deputy CEO, Ahold Delhaize. “With this partnership, we want to further develop our ongoing initiatives and learn how AI can be used to better serve the interests of our customers. For instance, we will look at how to further optimize Albert Heijn’s supply chain by, for example, improving the availability of goods by taking into account local weather conditions. Also, we will investigate ways to make the assortment of bol.com even more accessible to customers. These insights and knowledge can be applied to our brands in the United States and Europe.”

“AI will influence every sector of society,” says de Rijke. “The partnership with Ahold Delhaize is of major importance because with it we are making a serious investment in the development of AI talent and AI technology outside of the traditional technology sector.”