Oxford Semantic Technologies: Innovative AI using Knowledge & Reasoning
7th May 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing at an extraordinary pace. While many people are familiar with large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, developed using machine learning, an Oxford-based company is charting a different course in AI.
OST’s innovative approach relies on Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (KRR), a branch of AI that represents a logical and knowledge-based approach. Unlike machine learning, which finds patterns in vast datasets and draws statistical outputs, KRR enables AI to draw accurate and correct conclusions, and make logical and explainable decisions based on data combined with expert knowledge.
Launched as a spinout from the University of Oxford in 2017, OST has developed its KRR technology into RDFox®, AI software that can model the complex knowledge often found within organisations using a knowledge graph, and then find new or inferred information through reasoning.
And for Oxford Semantic Technologies, it can do this on an extremely powerful scale.
“Unlike many other AI and knowledge graph technologies, RDFox® offers advanced reasoning capabilities, enabling AI applications that are capable of instantly and precisely answering highly complex questions based on an organisation’s particular subject domain” said Oxford Semantic Technologies’ Chief Commercial Officer, Philip Foster.
“This unique approach allows us to solve complex problems with the accuracy and correctness that other AI technologies might struggle with.”
“What’s more, RDFox® uniquely runs in memory (RAM) rather than on hard disk. This means it is one or two orders of magnitude faster, which is important for complex or vast datasets. And because we operate in memory, RDFox® can be installed on small devices such as mobiles, on board vehicles, and IOT devices.”
The financial services industry is one industry making use of RDFox®. With millions of financial transactions every day, autonomous complex decisions and tracking financial crime can be performed at scale and speeds not previously possible – crucial for regulatory compliance.
Further afield, RDFox® capabilities allow engineers and designers, in manufacturing and retail, to instantly calculate the compatibility of products and parts, enabling immediate recommendations to customers that previously were time consuming or near impossible.
RDFox® is also powering intelligent diagnostic assistance in the detection of health issues and offering smarter and more reliable decision making in autonomous vehicles – both with potentially lifesaving impacts. In each of these examples, logical AI delivers the accuracy that is critical.
The ongoing success of Oxford Semantic Technologies is demonstrated by a growing list of significant global clients, including some of the world’s largest banks, leading manufacturing and automotive companies, and global retail brands.
The co-founders of Oxford Semantic Technologies are Professors Ian Horrocks, Boris Motik and Bernardo Cuenca Grau along with Adam Parr (Chair) and Peter Crocker (CEO).
Discover more about the team and technology at OST.
Press release sign up
