Friday, 1 March, 2024

  • March AI and business news

AI business technology news – March 2024

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Discover the most recent AI, technology, and business news, as well as valuable thoughts and insights, below, and please contact us to see how we can add value today.

March 2024 AI news content headlines

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26th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

AI and quantum will require 6-fold electricity demand in UK

The CEO of National Grid Plc predicts a sixfold increase in electricity demand from UK data centres over the next decade due to the growing use of artificial intelligence, leading to pressure on the country’s electricity network. To address this, National Grid is considering upgrading the grid with an ultra-high-voltage network to accommodate the increased energy-intensive computing infrastructure required for technologies like AI and quantum computing.

Key areas: AI, Energy
References: Bloomberg – Paywall

 

AI could boost UK economy by £144bn per year

AI has the potential to boost the UK’s GDP by £144bn per year, but it also poses a risk of displacing nearly 8 million jobs, according to research from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). The think tank emphasizes the importance of implementing frameworks and strategies to minimize job disruption and ensure that the labour market adapts to the advancements in AI technology.

Key areas: AI, Economy, UK, Economics
References: CityAM

 

GenAI boosts creativity

A new study finds that while generative AI can boost creative productivity and audience engagement, there is a risk of a shift towards more generic content. This highlights the importance of balancing the exploration of novel ideas with maintaining visual novelty. Overall, the research suggests that collaboration with AI can democratize creative value capture and enhance human creativity, emphasizing the need for artists to develop skills in ideation and filtering in the AI-assisted creative process.

Key areas: AI, GenAI, Creativity
References: Psypost

 

25th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

NIST focuses on synthetically generated content

The NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology’s) U.S. AI Safety Institute, led by Director Elizabeth Kelly, aims to be a global leader in AI safety by focusing on monitoring synthetically generated content and engaging in international collaborations. The institute, established in February 2024 as a result of President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI, is dedicated to developing strategies for evaluating large language models, conducting advanced research in machine learning and AI, and collaborating with other nations to advance AI technologies.

Key areas: AI, AI safety, AI governance, US AI
References: NextGov

 

Clampdown on AI washing

The SEC (The Division of Enforcement of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) has taken enforcement actions against companies and individuals for making false claims about their use of artificial intelligence (AI) in investment decisions, highlighting the growing concern of “AI washing” where companies misrepresent or exaggerate their AI capabilities. The SEC’s actions emphasise the importance of companies having a legitimate basis for their AI-related claims and ensuring that statements about their use of AI are accurate and not misleading to investors, with potential legal consequences for companies and individuals who engage in AI washing.

Key areas: AI, Ai washing, AI investment
References: Orrick

 

Humanising AI and its possible implications

People tend to anthropomorphise AI, attributing human qualities to machines, which can lead to misconceptions about AI’s capabilities and responsibilities. It also highlights the importance of understanding the complexities of AI and the ethical implications of humanising machines in order to take responsibility for the outcomes of AI technology.

Key areas: AI, AI thinking
References: Hackernoon

 

Top accounting firms heavily investing in AI

The major accounting firms, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC, are heavily investing in AI technology, particularly generative AI, to enhance efficiency, productivity, and client services. These firms are racing to deploy custom-built virtual assistants, like ChatGPT, to streamline tasks such as data formatting, email writing, and document summarization, with the expectation that AI will lead to job role transformations and the creation of new positions within the industry.

Key areas: AI, accounting
References: The Australian [Paywall]

 

GenAI tops skills list for 2024

GenAI is identified as a top skill in demand for professionals in 2024, reshaping the job market and emphasizing the need for AI-related skills. The adoption of GenAI is seen as a transformative force, allowing workers to focus on creative tasks while automating mundane responsibilities, leading to a shift towards skills-based hiring and a greater emphasis on adaptability and soft skills alongside technical expertise in the workforce.

Key areas: AI, GenAI, jobs, HR, Skills
References: Computer World

 

24rd March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

China planning new regulations on data flows

China is planning new regulations on market access and data flows, with a focus on developing emerging industries like AI. Premier Li Qiang emphasized welcoming foreign investment and highlighted measures to stabilize economic growth, including issuing special treasury bonds.

Key areas: China, data, AI
References: Reuters

 

Gen Z and AI: Shaping the Future of Work

Generation Z is incorporating AI tools like ChatGPT into the workplace, utilising them for tasks such as research, idea generation, and content writing. While some have faced issues like disciplinary action for using AI at work, the majority feel that AI enhances their creativity and productivity, although there are concerns about becoming too dependent on AI and losing critical thinking skills.

Key areas: AI, chatGPT, work
References: Edubirdie

 

Midjourney expanding into 3D and video

MidJourney, an AI image generation platform, is expanding to develop new 3D, video, and real-time creation models to simulate an entire world, as revealed during a recent Discord session. The company aims to create a virtual environment where users can build video games and shoot movies, potentially leading to a sandbox-like world simulation, resembling a modern interpretation of the metaverse.

Key areas: AI, image, video, 3d
References: Toms Guide

 

Big tech dominating AI talent market

Big Tech companies like Microsoft are increasingly dominating the AI talent market by strategically hiring key individuals and teams from promising AI startups, as evidenced by Microsoft’s recruitment of Inflection’s founders and employees. This trend highlights the intense competition for top AI expertise, crucial for developing advanced AI technologies, amidst concerns that the concentration of talent and resources among a few tech giants could stifle innovation and competition in the broader AI landscape.

Key areas: AI, AI jobs, AI skills
References: Financial Times [Paywall]

 

23rd March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

AI News – Matt Wolfe

Summary

  • Mustafa Suleyman Joins Microsoft: Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of Inflection AI, has moved to Microsoft as the CEO of Microsoft AI, marking a significant shift in the AI industry dynamics.
  • Inflection AI Halts Progress: Following Suleyman’s move, Inflection AI will stop progress on the piie chatbot, although Microsoft has not acquired Inflection AI.
  • Microsoft’s Strategic Move: Microsoft agreed to pay Inflection $650 million, highlighting the intense competition between major tech giants like Google and Microsoft in the AI race.
  • Nvidia’s GTC Conference Highlights: At the Nvidia GTC conference, Jensen Huang unveiled the next-gen Blackwell GPU, promising a 30x performance increase for AI inference and substantial cost and energy savings.
  • Groot AI Platform for Humanoid Robots: Nvidia announced Groot, a general-purpose foundation model for humanoid robots, aimed at enhancing robotic capabilities and optimization.
  • Digital Twins and Future Predictions: The concept of digital twins was emphasized, suggesting a significant focus on creating virtual simulations for better prediction and preparation for natural disasters.
  • Quantum Computing Emulator by Nvidia: Nvidia’s announcement of a Quantum Computing emulator sparked discussions about the necessity and future of quantum computing investments.
  • Emergence of New AI Terms: Key terms like digital twins, synthetic data, and multimodality were highlighted as important takeaways from the conference, indicating future trends in AI technology.
  • Elon Musk Open Sources Grock 1: Elon Musk open-sourced Grock 1, the largest open-source AI model with 314 billion parameters, potentially impacting the AI development landscape.
  • Apple’s Potential Partnership with Google: Rumors suggest Apple might partner with Google for a Gemini-powered feature on iPhones, showing the intricate collaborations and competitions within the tech industry.
 

Stability AI CEO resigns

Emad Mostaque has resigned as CEO of Stability AI to focus on decentralized AI, leading to the appointment of interim co-CEOs while the company searches for a permanent replacement. Mostaque’s departure follows key resignations at the AI startup and a push towards developing commercialized AI products, amidst industry drama and legal challenges surrounding the data used in Stability AI’s AI models.

Key areas: AI, leadership
References: The Verge

 

Machine unlearning

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a “machine unlearning” method for generative AI that allows for the removal of copyright-protected and violent content without needing to retrain the model from scratch. This approach offers a solution to the challenge of unwanted data in AI models trained on massive datasets from the internet, addressing concerns related to copyright laws, privacy issues, and inappropriate content.

Key areas: AI, technology, research
References: Techexplore

 

22nd March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

Will free AI models dent OpenAI dominance?

Open-source companies are challenging the dominance of proprietary AI systems like OpenAI by offering their AI models for free, aiming to compete in the global generative AI market. These companies are betting on the open-source approach to help them chip away at OpenAI’s market share, with a focus on providing business-grade services and applications on top of their open models to generate revenue.

Key areas: AI,open source,
References: Wall Street Journal

Reddit, fuelled with AI growth potential, make an impressive IPO entrance

Reddit had a successful stock market debut, with shares rising nearly 50% on the first day of trading, valuing the company at $8 billion. The social media platform positioned its content as a training ground for artificial intelligence programs, emphasizing AI growth potential in its initial public offering marketing roadshow.

Key areas: AI, ipo, stock market
References: The Times

 

Google successfully applying GenAI to healthcare

Google Health has made significant progress in the field of generative AI for healthcare, introducing models like Med-PaLM 2 and MedLM for Chest X-ray to assist in tasks such as streamlining nurse handoffs and supporting clinicians’ documentation. Their research focuses on fine-tuning AI models for the medical domain, aiming to enhance reasoning capabilities and assist in tasks like report generation for medical images, showcasing potential advancements in medical AI capabilities.

Key areas: AI, GenAI,
References: Google

 

BNY Melon invest heavily in AI infrastructure

BNY Mellon has become the first major bank to deploy an NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD with DGX H100 systems, accelerating its AI journey and enhancing its processing capacity to innovate and launch AI-enabled capabilities. The collaboration between NVIDIA Professional Services and BNY Mellon allowed for the installation and configuration of the AI supercomputer, empowering the financial services company to leverage NVIDIA AI Enterprise software for building and deploying AI applications while managing AI infrastructure.

Key areas: AI, cloud, finance, AI infrastructure
References: FFNews

 

The UN adopted the first global resolution on AI

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted the first global resolution on AI, urging countries to protect human rights, personal data, and monitor AI risks. The resolution, proposed by the United States and co-sponsored by China and over 120 other nations, aims to govern AI development to prevent potential harms such as disrupting democratic processes and job losses.

Key areas: AI, governance, law
References: Reuters

 

21st March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

Cognizant launch AI lab

Cognizant has launched an Advanced Artificial Intelligence Lab in San Francisco with a focus on research, innovation, and development of cutting-edge AI systems, supported by a team of researchers, developers, and AI pioneers. The lab aims to advance the science and practice of AI through strategic partnerships, training programs, and platform investments, positioning Cognizant as an AI-first company at the forefront of innovation in the industry.

Key areas: AI, lab, research
References: Cognizant

 

Cohere seeking $5 billion

AI startup Cohere is seeking a $5 billion valuation in its latest fundraising round, aiming to compete with ChatGPT creator OpenAI by developing enterprise-focused AI models. The Toronto-based company has seen significant growth in its annualised revenue run rate, attracting interest from investors despite concerns about the profitability of foundation models in the AI industry.

Key areas: AI, startup, funding,
References: Financial Times

 

20th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

EY joining up with NVIDIA

EY US has partnered with NVIDIA to enhance clients’ AI capabilities across various sectors by leveraging NVIDIA’s advanced technology, aiming to accelerate the adoption of computationally intensive applications like AI, data science, and autonomous vehicles. As part of this collaboration, EY plans to train 10,000 individuals on NVIDIA AI technology to support clients in achieving cost savings, operational efficiencies, and innovative solutions, positioning EY as an innovation integrator in the competitive landscape.

Key areas: AI, partnership
References: EY

 

New partnership helping accelerate enterprise AI adoption

AWS, Accenture, and Anthropic have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate enterprise AI adoption, particularly in highly-regulated sectors like healthcare, government, and banking, by providing customized AI models through Amazon’s Bedrock platform and leveraging Accenture’s expertise for industry-specific applications. The collaboration aims to offer businesses a seamless path to responsibly deploy powerful AI systems, showcasing the potential of AI in transforming industries and improving customer experiences.

Key areas: AI, enterprise,
References: VentureBeat

 

AI poaching

Rival nations, including Canada and the UAE, are actively trying to attract top UK and European AI start-ups by offering subsidies, lenient tax regimes, and light-touch regulation to encourage them to relocate their headquarters. This push to poach AI companies is part of a global competition to develop cutting-edge technology and establish themselves as serious players in the AI industry, amidst concerns over strict regulations in the EU.

Key areas: AI, AI startups, AI investment
References: Financial Times [Paywall]

 

19th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

Cloud providers feeling the squeeze

Cloud software buyers are becoming more cost-conscious, leading to a slowdown in growth for high-performing companies in the industry. Net revenue retention rates in cloud software are declining, indicating a shift towards reducing costs and a more conservative approach from buyers, impacting companies like Snowflake, Twilio, Zoom, and others.

Key areas: Cloud, markets
References: CNBC

 

Saudi Arabia is planning to invest $40 billion in AI

Saudi Arabia is planning to invest $40 billion in AI, potentially becoming the largest player in the market. The country aims to establish itself as a key player in geopolitics and diversify its economy through this massive tech fund, with discussions of partnerships with top venture capital firms like Andreessen Horowitz.

Key areas: AI, government, investment
References: The New York Times

 

Microsoft hires co-founder of DeepMind

Microsoft has hired Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind and CEO of Inflection, to lead a new consumer AI unit, overseeing products like Copilot, Bing, Edge, and GenAI. Suleyman will report to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and will bring together various consumer-facing AI products under one team at Microsoft.

Suleyman, known for his work at DeepMind and Inflection, will lead a team that includes Inflection’s chief scientist, Karén Simonyan, as Microsoft aims to focus on consumer AI products and services, transitioning Inflection to selling enterprise AI software to businesses.

Key areas: AI, leadership
References: Financial Times [Paywall]

 

UK AI regulation bill

The Artificial Intelligence (Regulation) Bill [HL] proposes the establishment of the AI Authority in the UK to oversee various functions related to AI regulation, including monitoring economic risks, facilitating sandbox initiatives, and accrediting AI auditors, along with introducing regulatory principles for AI development and usage. This bill represents a departure from the UK government’s current approach to AI regulation, which relies on sectoral regulators and voluntary commitments from AI developers, contrasting with the EU’s wide-ranging legislation and the US’s ongoing examination of AI regulation at federal and state levels.

Key areas: AI, UK Government, AI Law, AI regulation
References: House of Lords

 

18th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

Nvidia unveils new AI chips

Nvidia has introduced its latest AI chips, the Blackwell GPUs, which are claimed to be significantly more powerful than its previous hardware, aiming to solidify its dominance in the AI market. This underscored the company’s position as a key player in the AI industry, with a focus on advancing generative AI technology and expanding partnerships with major cloud service providers.

Key areas: AI, processors, electronics
References: Financial Times

 

AI skills are in big demand within IT roles

AI seems to be having an effect on the tech job market, leading to a shift in demand for skills and resulting in higher unemployment rates among IT workers. Traditional tech roles are declining due to AI and automation, while jobs in cybersecurity, AI, and data science are on the rise, emphasising the importance of acquiring AI-related skills to stay competitive in the evolving industry.

Key areas: AI, IT, jobs, skills
References: WSJ

 

62% of game development studios are using AI

AI is being widely adopted in the gaming industry, with 62% of studios using AI tools, particularly for improving character animations and speeding up the development process. The main reasons for using AI include shortening prototyping time and enhancing world-building, with a growing interest among developers in AI NPCs (Non-Player Characters) and generative animations.

Key stats:

  • 71% of the studios that are using AI reported that it has improved their delivery and operations
  • 43% of surveyed developers who hesitate to try AI are interested but don’t have enough time
  • Developers are incorporating AI to immerse players in the game.
  • 64% of those creators use it for developing NPCs to populate these worlds

Key areas: AI, game development, tools, report
References: Eurogamer / Unity report

 

State of AI play in Denmark

A new BCG report highlights the significant potential of Generative AI (GenAI) for Danish businesses, with 81% of Danish executives predicting a positive impact and half of them viewing it as a transformative force, despite the low adoption rate of only 5% of companies advancing beyond pilot projects. The survey emphasises the importance of embracing GenAI to maintain innovation leadership, providing recommendations for successful adoption, including a clear vision, strategic roadmap, and prioritisation of high-impact use cases, while stressing the need for committed leadership to guide organisations towards a bold future in AI.

Key areas: AI, Denmark, government, GenAI, strategy, report
Reference: BCG

 

Apple may team up with Google for AI on the iPhone

Apple is in talks with Google to incorporate Google’s Gemini AI engine into the iPhone, potentially leading to a significant partnership that could impact the AI industry. This collaboration would allow Apple to enhance its iOS 18 features with generative AI capabilities, while also exploring discussions with OpenAI for potential AI deals, indicating Apple’s focus on leveraging AI technologies for future developments.

Key areas: AI, partnership, AI technology
References: Bloomberg [Subscription] / The Verge

 

Use of AI in UK Government report

The National Audit Office (NAO) report highlights the increasing use of AI technologies in the UK government, with a focus on addressing barriers to realising the full potential. The report emphasises the need for a coherent plan for AI adoption, including addressing skills shortages, data quality, and legacy IT infrastructure, to ensure better outcomes and productivity savings in public services.

Key areas: AI, UK, government, economics
Reference: NAO

 

17th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

AI is helping reduce doctors’ clerical burden

Doctors are utilizing medical generative AI, such as ambient clinical documentation, to streamline administrative tasks and prioritize patient interactions, as demonstrated by companies like Microsoft’s Nuance Communications, Abridge, and Suki. These AI solutions are being integrated into electronic health record systems, like Epic, to help reduce doctors’ clerical burden and improve overall efficiency in healthcare settings.

Further thinking – Initiatives like this are not only transforming working practices, it is helping save lives. This innovative thinking could be applied to many other industries.

Key areas: AI, medical, use case
Reference: CNBC

 

GenAI changing employment laws

Employers are increasingly utilising AI, such as generative AI models, to perform tasks currently done by human workers, potentially changing job responsibilities and exemption statuses under wage and hour laws. The use of AI tools may impact employees’ exemption status, requiring employers to frequently audit job duties to avoid potential misclassification claims and ensure compliance with federal and state overtime laws.

Key areas: AI, GenAI, law, employment
Reference: Reuters

 

Extropic develops new AI processors

Extropic is developing a full-stack hardware platform that leverages matter’s natural fluctuations for Generative AI, aiming to create AI accelerators that are significantly faster and more energy-efficient than traditional processors. By implementing energy-based models directly as parameterized stochastic analog circuits, Extropic is working towards a thermodynamically intelligent future, offering a potential solution to the limitations posed by digital logic in computing efficiency.

Key areas: AI, processors, electronics, hardware
Reference: Extropic

 

AI partnership to help find copper reserves

Generation Mining Limited has signed a contract with Boart Longyear Canada for exploration drilling on high-prospective copper targets near its Marathon Palladium-Copper Project in Ontario. The company is utilising artificial intelligence and machine learning technology from ALS Goldspot to analyse over 60 years of exploration data to guide future exploration programmes.

Key areas: AI, innovation, partnerships
Reference: Generation Mining

 

GenAI turning advertising business models on their head

Generative AI is reshaping the advertising industry, with agencies needing to adapt to AI-enabled marketing to stay relevant. Value-based pricing, determined by the value of services provided, is being explored as a revenue model transformation opportunity for agencies in the face of AI advancements.

Key areas: AI, disruption, advertising, business models
Reference: Fast Company

 

16th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

Verses looks at nature for unlocking AI potential

A newly revealed firm, Verses, is advocating for a different approach to achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI) by drawing inspiration from natural ecosystems, aiming to develop a system that can self-organize and retrain in real-time like biological organisms. Verses is working on distributed intelligence, focusing on autonomy and computing efficiency, with the belief that AGI requires a shift away from the current trend of large model development. The company’s operating system, Genius, is being tested by beta users like NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Volvo, with a focus on delivering high-quality AI models with minimal complexity and a move towards sparse, well-selected data. [Axios]

 

AI discussion with Kjell Carlsson, Domino Data Lab

Summary

  • Kjell Carlsson’s Role: Kjell Carlsson is the head of data science strategy and evangelism at Domino Data Lab, speaking at SuperCloud 6 about AI and data science.
  • About Domino Data Lab: Domino Data Lab is an enterprise AI platform that facilitates the complete AI lifecycle, supporting data access, code versioning, infrastructure, and model deployment across all major tools and environments.
  • Impact of ChatGPT: Carlsson highlights ChatGPT’s transformative impact on AI, emphasising its role in demonstrating AI’s practical applications to a wide audience and sparking widespread interest and investment.
  • AI Implementation Challenges: The conversation addresses the challenges faced by companies in implementing AI, such as identifying business use cases, managing data privacy, ensuring governance, and operationalising AI models, which have been exacerbated by the advent of generative AI.
  • Keys to AI Success: Organisations successful in AI have well-established data science teams and view AI as products that require continuous development, monitoring, and governance.
  • Predictive vs. Generative AI Models: The integration of predictive machine learning and generative AI models is crucial for creating effective AI applications, with Carlsson cautioning against overly relying on LLMs for tasks better suited to other models.
  • AI in Biopharma: He is excited about the application of AI in the biopharma industry to accelerate the development of synthetic proteins, showcasing its potential to guide research and testing strategies.
  • Myth of AI Catastrophe: Carlsson refutes the notion that LLMs will lead to catastrophic outcomes, arguing that while there are real concerns, such as fraud and misinformation, the fear of AI sentience is largely overstated.
  • Need for Regulation: The necessity of government regulation to address the potential harms of AI is acknowledged, but Carlsson cautions against regulations that may stifle innovation without effectively addressing the underlying issues.
  • Data Scientist Shortage: The ongoing shortage of data scientists poses a threat to AI innovation, with Carlsson advocating for improved and accelerated education in data science to meet the growing demand.
 

Deepmind launch SIMA

Google DeepMind has developed SIMA, a Scalable Instructable Multiworld Agent that can understand natural-language instructions and perform tasks in various video game settings, showcasing the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and gaming environments. SIMA’s ability to generalize across different games and environments, along with its reliance on language for performance, highlights the potential for developing versatile, language-driven AI agents that can tackle complex tasks and contribute to the advancement of AI research. [Deepmind]

Further thinking – SIMA’s development marks an exciting frontier in AI, promising to bridge the gap between complex machine learning models and practical, user-friendly applications. Applications are wide including: Training/simulation, gaming, education tools, virtual assistants, accessibility technologies, robotics and content creation. As this technology matures, its potential applications across various industries are vast and could significantly impact how we interact with digital and physical worlds alike.

 

Cerebras launches their new AI processor chip

Cerebras Systems, an AI startup, has launched a new version of its large AI processor chip that offers double the performance for the same price as its previous model, aiming to compete with Nvidia’s advanced hardware in powering AI applications like ChatGPT. The new chip, called Wafer-Scale Engine 3 (WSE-3), boasts 4 trillion transistors and 125 petaflops of computing power, addressing the critical issue of power consumption in AI processing and positioning Cerebras as a more efficient solution for building AI applications. [Reuters]

 

15th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

New AI-assisted project engineer called Devlin arrives

Cognition, a new AI startup backed by prominent figures in the tech industry, has launched an autonomous AI software engineer named “Devin” that can handle entire development projects independently. Devin stands out from other coding assistants like Github Copilot by offering end-to-end project management capabilities, marking a significant advancement in the AI-assisted development space and potentially changing the future of software development with AI workers overseen by human users. [VentureBeat]

 

AI fruit fly

Artificial intelligence has been used to create a highly realistic virtual fruit fly that can walk and fly like a real insect, developed through a collaboration between Janelia and Google DeepMind. By combining an anatomically accurate model, a fast physics simulator, and an artificial neural network trained on fly behaviours, the virtual fly can mimic the actions of a real fly, providing insights into how the nervous system, body, and environment interact to control behaviour. [PHYS.ORG]

Further thinking – This represents a significant advancement in the field of computational neuroscience and artificial intelligence (AI), with far-reaching implications for both scientific research and practical applications. The creation of a virtual fly that mimics real fly behaviours through integration of anatomy, physics, and neural networks is advancing AI by providing insights into how biological systems control behaviour, inspiring new AI models based on biological principles. This technology also improves robotics and biomechanics simulations, accelerates scientific discovery, lays the foundation for future research on other organisms, and promotes ethical scientific practices by reducing reliance on live animal testing. Often unexplored technology has a direct and oblique way of helping us understand or utilise the world around us. This technology could benefit AI and society in many ways.

 

Matt Wolfe AI news

Super AI news by Matt. Worth a watch, like and subscribe.

Matt Wolfe AI news

Summary

A brief summary of the video with some of the highlights.

  • AI Dominance at South by Southwest: Although not all reactions from attendees were positive, AI was a major influence on the festival, with numerous companies and panels focusing on this technology.
  • Variations in Audience Reactions: A positive AI presentation reel was met with a noticeably unfavourable reception from the audience, suggesting resistance and scepticism on the part of some attendees.
  • Critics of AI Promotional Tactics: The film criticised the methods used by some AI evangelists, arguing that it might not be wise to tell people to accept AI disruption at face value.
  • Concerns About AI Control: One of the main causes of the audience’s apprehension was the question of who or what organisations controls the creation and application of AI technologies.
  • Scepticism Towards Tech Leaders: Concerns about tech leadership are reflected in the video, which highlights a general mistrust of individuals involved in AI, such as Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.
  • Introduction of Figure’s Humanoid Robot: Figure has combined GPT-4 with OpenAI to create a humanoid robot that is shown in a demo video and has advanced features like speech and vision.
  • Elucidation on AGI: The film refutes certain assertions made in the wider AI conversation by highlighting that, despite striking demonstrations, these developments do not amount to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
  • Speculation Regarding the GPT-4.5 Leak: There has been talk of an unconfirmed leak concerning GPT-4.5 that suggests enhancements over GPT-4, such as a greater token context window and improved performance metrics.
  • OpenAI’s Organisational Changes: Following governance scandals, the video discusses OpenAI’s internal dynamics, including new hires and board reorganisations.
  • Devin, the AI Software Engineer: Touted as a ground-breaking innovation, Devin is shown as an AI that can code, test, and debug, signifying a significant advancement in the use of AI in software development.
  • Market Saturation of AI Products: It is said that the increase in products putting “GPT” at the end of their names dilutes brand distinctiveness and causes confusion in the AI market.
  • TubeBuddy’s AI Features for Creators: This video illustrates how content creators can optimise their work with the help of AI tools like TubeBuddy, demonstrating the increasing usefulness of AI in the creative industries.
  • Gaming AI’s Potential for Wider Uses: According to Google DeepMind’s SEMA project, AI’s capacity to pick up knowledge from video games may be translated into a variety of real-world abilities.
  • Public Perception and AI Acceptance: This video ends with observations on the continued ambivalence surrounding AI, striking a balance between enthusiasm for innovation and worries about ethics, control, and openness.
  • AI’s Role in Disrupting Business: The story about how AI might upend established business models has drawn criticism for its occasionally unduly pessimistic outlook.
  • Figure One Robot’s Interaction Capabilities: The robot displayed intricate interactions, such as object identification and manipulation, demonstrating a highly developed fusion of perception and action.
  • Speed of AI Development and Transparency: The GPT-4.5 leak and conjecture highlight the quick speed of AI development and the necessity of openness in its progress.
  • Strategic Moves by OpenAI: In response to prior controversies and governance criticisms, OpenAI has made strategic adjustments as evidenced by the reorganisation of its board and the addition of new members.
  • Challenges in AI Product Differentiation: The talk about AI branding highlights the challenges businesses have differentiating their offerings in a market that is getting more and more crowded and uniform.
  • Future Directions and Ethical Considerations: While the film envisions a major role for AI in society, it also emphasises the need for ethical, control, and transparency concerns to be carefully considered in order to assure the technology’s beneficial development and application.
 

Tim Berners-Lee’s predictions on AI

Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, predicts that in the future, AI will play a significant role in transforming how we interact with the web, with the expectation that everyone will have a personal AI assistant. Additionally, he foresees a scenario where individuals will have ownership of their data across all platforms through a data store called a “pod,” and suggests that a big tech company may be forced to break up due to the rapid changes in technology and the rise of AI monopolies. [Hindustan Times]

 

By 2027 AI will represent 29% of organisational spend

Generative AI is predicted to drive a foundational shift in organisations, with IDC forecasting that by 2027, AI will represent 29% of organisational spend. Companies are expected to invest heavily in genAI initiatives, with a total economic impact of $11 trillion, leading to challenges such as upskilling employees and addressing issues like data security and AI governance. [Computer World]

 

Keep an eye out for data poisoning

Generative AI technology is advancing rapidly, but researchers are warning about the risks of data poisoning, where hackers manipulate training data to spread misinformation or steal data. Concerns are raised about the vulnerability of generative AI models due to their reliance on vast amounts of data from the open web, making it challenging to detect and eliminate poisoned data, potentially leading to harmful outcomes like disseminating false information or sharing sensitive data.

 

AI competition is heating up

Microsoft highlights Google’s competitive advantage in generative AI due to its data and AI-optimized chips, emphasising the rivalry between the two tech giants. Microsoft also expresses concerns about Google’s dominance in the AI space, particularly in voice assistants, and defends its own investments in OpenAI amidst regulatory scrutiny. [Reuters]

 

Apple acquires DarwinAI

Apple has acquired Canadian AI startup DarwinAI to enhance its position in the AI market, with a focus on developing smaller and faster AI systems for on-device use. The acquisition was not officially announced, but sources revealed that key figures from DarwinAI, including AI researcher Alexander Wong, have joined Apple to work on generative AI projects expected to be unveiled at the company’s developers conference in June. [Pymnts]

 

14th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

US championing global AI regulations at the UN

The US is advocating for global regulations on AI at the United Nations, emphasing the importance of responsible and inclusive development of artificial intelligence systems to address legal, national security, and human rights issues. This push for AI regulations at the UN by the US contrasts with the lack of strong regulations domestically, with China and the European Union already implementing guidelines and rules for AI technology. [Bloomberg – Paywall]

 

Dragonfruit AI announces major advancements in retail AI insights tools.

Dragonfruit AI has announced significant enhancements to its Spatial Retail Insights application, leveraging AI-powered computer vision to provide retailers with unprecedented insights into store performance and customer behaviour through existing video camera systems. These updates, including new report types like Window Shopping Report and Mall Conversion Report, aim to revolutionise the retail analytics landscape and empower retailers to make data-driven decisions for driving success in their operations. [Dragonfruit]

 

Insurance could help build AI trust and adoption

Insurance for artificial intelligence can help build trust in AI by offering protection against potential mistakes made by AI systems, particularly in industries like manufacturing and transport. Hitachi and Swiss Re are partnering to provide AI insurance, allowing companies to feel more confident in embracing AI technologies for data-led decision-making, potentially leading to reduced maintenance costs and improved machine uptime. [Wired]

 

13th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

World’s first comprehensive AI law in EU approved

The European Parliament has approved the world’s first comprehensive AI law, the AI Act. This law aims to regulate AI based on its potential to harm society and classify AI products according to risk levels. This groundbreaking legislation places the EU at the forefront of global efforts to address the risks associated with AI, with the goal of making AI more “human-centric” and setting a new standard for trustworthy AI globally. [BBC]

Further thinking – This is a huge step in the history of AI. With a solid framework, it will hopefully help reduce potential risks as well as drive further confidence in AI. We will closely at the implementation in coming months.

  • EU’s New Artificial Intelligence Act Overview:
    • Approved by the European Parliament after five years of deliberation.
    • Aims to ensure human control over AI and its benefits to humanity.
    • Introduces a risk-based framework for AI systems, varying scrutiny levels based on the system’s potential risks.
    • Most AI applications are expected to be low-risk, with specific regulations for higher-risk uses.
    • Mandates clear usage disclosure by companies, especially for higher-risk applications.
    • Bans high-risk applications such as AI in policing for identification purposes (with exceptions), certain predictive policing methods, and emotion tracking in schools and workplaces.
    • It requires deepfakes to be labelled to prevent disinformation.
    • Enforces EU copyright law compliance for AI developers, requiring detailed summaries of training data.
    • Subjects powerful AI models to extra scrutiny due to potential risks of accidents or misuse.
  • Impact on the UK/US:
    • The act is likely to influence UK/US policy and global AI governance practices.
    • The UK already hosts discussions and initiatives for AI safety but lacks legally binding AI guidelines.
    • The UK’s approach includes voluntary AI model testing agreements with developers and the establishment of an AI safety institute.
    • Tech companies, influenced by EU regulations, are adopting similar standards globally to ensure uniform compliance and governance practices.
    • Despite industry support for regulation, concerns exist about compliance challenges, highlighted by OpenAI’s initial reaction to potentially exiting the EU market.
    • The AI Act will be enforced in May 2025, marking a significant step towards global AI regulation trends.

OpenAI signs licensing agreements with EU publishers

OpenAI has signed licensing agreements with European publishers Le Monde and Prisa to incorporate French and Spanish language news content into its ChatGPT models, aiming to enhance user experiences and support journalism through AI technologies. Despite facing scrutiny from regulators in the US and UK, OpenAI continues to expand its partnerships with media companies to provide interactive and insightful news summaries to ChatGPT users worldwide. [Bloomberg – Paywall]

Further thinking – They say content is king and AI is no exception. Data is the lifeblood of AI and critical for quality analysis and judgement. We are going to see a rise in the licensing of data for training models. This trend will likely lead to more collaborations between AI companies and media organisations as access to diverse and high-quality data sources becomes increasingly valuable.

 

Microsoft introduce ‘buy what need’ AI chatbot model

Microsoft is introducing a new AI security chatbot with a consumption-based pricing model of $4 per “security compute unit,” aiming to provide flexibility for customers to purchase what they need. The chatbot, called Copilot for Security, utilises generative AI to assist cybersecurity professionals in understanding critical issues and is part of Microsoft’s broader efforts to incorporate AI into various products and services. [CNBC]

 

BoatBot AI service launched

A new AI boat service launched. It leverages AI technology to revolutionize boat service and ownership by providing a platform that offers seamless boat management, predictive maintenance, and digital service records. This innovative solution aims to empower boat owners, optimize service providers’ operations, and enhance transparency for brokers, introducing a new level of connectivity and efficiency in the marine industry. The platform uses AI and boating expertise, aims to simplify marine service operations, celebrate the joy of boating, and offer a more efficient and interconnected marine service experience for all stakeholders involved. [Boatbot]

 

Luxury Real Estate company uses AI avatars for property tours

Luxury Realty Group Holdings Inc. has partnered with Kore.ai and Talega Systems to beta test vuHome.ai, the first luxury real estate brokerage in North America, to introduce an AI conversational website solution that enhances the search experience for luxury properties in Las Vegas. This innovative website allows consumers to use compound search criteria to quickly find specific luxury properties and offers unique services such as immersive property tours guided by a conversational avatar, setting it apart from traditional real estate websites and portals. [LRGH)

 

77% of insurance companies exploring AI

The insurance industry is increasingly utilizing Generative AI for technological transformation, which will require significant investments in time and resources, leading to shifts in the type of staff and positions needed. A survey by Conning Insurance Research found that 77% of industry executives are in some stage of adopting AI as part of their value chain, indicating a growing trend towards using AI for greater efficiency and data management in the insurance sector. [Conning]

 

Prescient AI gets $10M for funding their marketing AI platform

Prescient AI, a marketing optimization tool, is receiving $10M to expand its platform and enhance product features for customers to make informed budget decisions. The AI solution by Prescient AI offers pinpointed recommendations and quantifies the impact of cross-channel awareness, providing actionable insights in a matter of days to help marketers optimize budget allocation efficiently.

 

A new class of algorithms developed to help scientific research

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a new class of AI algorithms called hypothesis-driven AI, which differs from traditional AI models by incorporating existing scientific knowledge and hypotheses to improve cancer research and treatment strategies. This innovative approach aims to uncover insights missed by conventional AI methods and offers a more targeted, interpretable, and resource-efficient way to analyze complex datasets in areas like medicine.

 

12th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

Google launch new AI tools for healthcare

Google Cloud has introduced new AI tools focused on healthcare and life sciences, including Vertex AI Search for Healthcare and enhancements to the MedLM generative AI foundation models. These tools aim to improve data interoperability and patient outcomes. These tools aim to assist healthcare organizations in managing administrative burdens, accessing and analyzing vast amounts of clinical data, and enabling conversational question-answer capabilities for healthcare workers using generative AI technology. [SiliconAngle]

 

Orq.ai secures €2.3 million funding

Orq.ai, an enterprise generative AI platform based in Amsterdam, has secured €2.3 million in Pre-Seed funding to integrate with LLMs (Large Language Models) and facilitate collaboration within organizations. The platform offers prompt management, experimentation, feedback collection, and real-time insights on performance and costs, aiming to simplify AI accessibility and drive AI transformations for companies in Europe. [tech.eu]

 

Formula helps explain how neural networks work

Neural networks, such as GPT-2, have been instrumental in advancing artificial intelligence, but their inner workings remain a mystery. Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a mathematical formula, Average Gradient Outer Product (AGOP), that sheds light on how neural networks learn relevant patterns in data and make predictions, potentially leading to more interpretable and efficient AI systems. This breakthrough could help democratize AI by simplifying machine learning models and reducing computational complexity, making them easier to understand and apply in various fields. [phys.org]

 

Reuters looking to spend $8 billion on AI

Thomson Reuters has accumulated $8 billion to invest in AI, with plans to expand in AI-driven professional services and information, including developing its own AI technology for legal and accounting customers. The company aims to transform into a content-driven tech company and has introduced generative AI initiatives to enhance legal research and workflow, although there are reservations within the legal industry about the readiness for an AI-powered future and concerns about AI replacing lawyers. [Pymnts]

 

Grok is made open-source

Elon Musk and xAI have made their chatbot Grok open-source. [Wired]

 

11th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

SAP goes full steam into AI

SAP has introduced significant upgrades in data and analytics, including the integration of AI capabilities like GenAI and a new copilot tool to automate data analytics tasks, enhancing operational efficiency and enabling more intelligent business transformations. These enhancements aim to empower users to interact with data more intuitively, break down data silos, and make more informed decisions, aligning with SAP’s focus on advancing AI initiatives and increasing its emphasis on Business AI as part of its Ambition 2025 and Transformation Program for 2024. [Datanami]

 

TechUK Urges AI Industrial Strategy

TechUK is urging the next government to implement an industrial strategy for AI, emphasizing the need to accelerate AI adoption across UK businesses and update the country’s AI Strategy beyond regulation. The trade group’s manifesto outlines seven tech priorities for the next government, including promoting affordable computing and cloud services, incentivizing AI skills uptake, and supporting tech startups with access to finance and mentoring. [Computer Weekly]

 

Self-learning robots advance robotics

Covariant, an OpenAI spinoff, has developed an AI model called RFM-1 that combines language reasoning skills with physical dexterity to help robots learn tasks like humans. The model has been trained on data from item-picking robots in warehouses and can adapt to its environment using training data, representing a significant advancement in robotics AI. [MIT Review]

 

AI skills shortage rising in Europe

The AI talent war in Europe is intensifying as an increasing number of startups and established companies compete for technical talent. Firms like Google DeepMind face challenges in retaining employees amidst growing competition and high demand. The influx of foreign AI companies, such as Cohere and OpenAI, opening offices in Europe is adding pressure on tech companies to attract and retain talent, leading to a surge in pay for C-suite staff and a shift in the landscape of AI talent recruitment and retention in the region. [Reuters]

 

10th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

Decentralised AI is gaining interest

Decentralised AI is gaining significant attention in the funding world, with io.net securing $30 million from investors to enable users to redistribute unused GPUs for AI companies. Other AI-related blockchain companies like Ritual and Sahara have also received substantial funding recently, indicating a growing interest in AI-driven innovation within the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors. [Blockworks]

 

AI in banking projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030

AI in banking is projected to potentially increase revenues by $1 trillion by 2030, with industry leaders emphasizing the transformative impact of AI on business models. Despite some scepticism and concerns about over-hyped technologies, leading banks have already embraced AI innovation and are ahead of their competitors in implementing AI use cases to gain a competitive edge. Additionally, the success of AI implementation in banking will depend on strategic choices, such as developing AI use cases, investing in technology infrastructure, and prioritizing the sourcing and development of digital talent. [Consultancy]

 

9th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

Biggest daily shift in Nvidia stock for 7 years

Nvidia’s stock experienced a significant setback on March 8, signalling the end of its recent bullish streak. The stock ended the week down 5.5% after a surge of up to 5.1%. This is the first time since June 2017 that the semiconductor stock saw a significant intraday surge followed by a substantial decline. The drop represents one of Nvidia’s largest single-day percentage declines since May 31, 2023. Despite the challenges, analysts remain cautiously optimistic about Nvidia’s long-term prospects, citing the ongoing AI boom as a critical driver of future growth. The recent downturn in Nvidia’s stock may signal the end of its uninterrupted bullish run, but it does not necessarily signify a fundamental shift in the company’s trajectory. The stock market turbulence mirrored the release of February US Nonfarm Payrolls data, which led to broader market jitters. [Finbold]

US Navy CIO highlights the importance of edge AI

The Navy’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), Jane Rathbun, highlighted the importance of AI in improving decision-making for warfighters by infusing AI capabilities at the edge to manage data telemetry for cybersecurity. Rathbun emphasized the need for proper data labelling and management to effectively train AI models, enabling quicker solutions and decisions for warfighters by leveraging AI, machine learning, and analytic capabilities. [MeriTalk]

 

Sam Altman reinstated to OpenAI board

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been reinstated to the board after an investigation into his abrupt firing and rehiring. The company emphasises the importance of moving past internal conflicts. The investigation found that Altman’s conduct did not warrant removal, and OpenAI is making governance improvements while facing legal challenges related to its AI products. [The Guardian]

 

Cloudera offers new AI-driven private cloud options

Cloudera, an enterprise AI-based data company, is enhancing its open data lakehouse on private clouds with Apache Iceberg to help organizations leverage AI for data analytics. The company aims to address concerns around data privacy, security, and compliance in GenAI adoption, offering solutions for scaling enterprise AI deployments and creating new use cases with high-performance table formats like Apache Iceberg. Cloudera’s platform updates, including expanded language support and security enhancements, aim to improve scalability and efficiency for businesses using data lakehouse solutions.

Following extensive research, Cloudera has revealed that 53% of US organizations use Generative AI technology, with 36% in the early stages of exploring AI implementation. However, 84% of data strategy and management decision-makers are concerned about sharing data with third parties for training or fine-tuning Generative AI models, citing concerns about data privacy, security, and compliance. [Datanami]

 

8th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

Navigating the GenAI landscape needs strategic thinking

Over the past year, there has been a huge adoption of generative AI (GenAI) technologies, particularly ChatGPT, by businesses and individuals, driven by the fear of missing out on innovation and competitiveness. Despite the initial frenzy, many companies are still struggling to integrate traditional AI and navigate the complexities of GenAI, highlighting the need for a strategic approach and realistic expectations when leveraging AI technologies in business operations. [HBR]

 

AI companies received $4.7Billion VC funding in February

In February, AI companies received $4.7 billion in venture capital funding, comprising 20% of the total VC outlay for the month, indicating a sustained investor interest in AI despite a challenging VC market. [Inc]

 

HP launches AI MasterClass training

HP has announced enhancements to its partner program, including the launch of an AI MasterClass training and certification program aimed at accelerating partner growth through AI Data Science. The program, powered by HP University and in collaboration with NVIDIA, will equip partners with the knowledge needed to educate and advise customers on AI products and solutions, showcasing HP’s commitment to innovation and support in the AI landscape. [HP]

 

EnCharge AI, Princeton University, and DARPA develop advanced AI processors

EnCharge AI, Princeton University, and DARPA are collaborating on the development of advanced processors for AI applications, with the goal of integrating AI capabilities into commonplace devices such as automobiles and smartphones. By enabling on-device AI inference, reducing energy consumption, and addressing privacy concerns, these new computer chips hold the potential to increase the speed and efficacy of business operations, ultimately transforming productivity gains by placing AI in close proximity to users in personal computers. [Pymnts]

 

Great AI roundup by Ben Wodecki AI business [AI business]

 

Zama raise $73M for AI and blockchain technology

Zama, a Paris-based startup, has raised $73 million in funding for its homomorphic encryption technology, which aims to secure data as it travels across networks and to third parties, particularly focusing on applications in blockchain transactions and AI training [TechCrunch]

 

Microsoft and the Government of Singapore collaborate on AI training

Microsoft has partnered with government agencies in Singapore to train 2,000 small and midsize businesses in adopting AI tools, such as Copilot, over three years. The collaboration aims to enhance AI skills among SMBs and develop industry-specific use cases for generative AI, ultimately boosting productivity and operations in the evolving workforce. [ZNET]

 

7th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

AI2 Incubator investing $200M in compute resources for AI startups

AI2 Incubator, a spin-off of the Allen Institute for AI, has secured $200 million in compute resources to support startups in its program, enabling them to accelerate early development by providing dedicated AI-style computing at data centres owned by a partner. The Incubator focuses on pre-seed startups and offers up to $1 million worth of compute resources, including dedicated machines and custom silicon, to help these companies advance their AI models and technologies, ultimately aiming to get entrepreneurs to revenue faster and support their growth. [TechCrunch]

 

Companies succeed when adopting AI governance

An interesting discussion with Navrina Singh, the founder and CEO of Credo AI, about the importance of AI governance for companies to succeed, emphasizing the need for early adoption of governance practices to ensure innovation and mitigate risks associated with AI technologies. The conversation highlights the complex nature of AI technologies, the necessity of stakeholder involvement, and the call for more intentional regulation and enforcement mechanisms to address challenges such as deepfakes, election integrity, and data privacy. [Bloomberg Technology – Youtube]

Summary

  • Governance as a Success Factor: AI governance is seen as crucial for business success, challenging the view that it hampers innovation.
  • Leadership through Governance: Organisations embracing AI governance from the start are more likely to succeed, showcasing governance’s beneficial impact on innovation.
  • AI Governance Concerns: Issues of insufficient governance in AI technologies have been highlighted by whistleblowers in companies like Microsoft.
  • Socio-Technical Challenges: AI introduces complex socio-technical issues requiring comprehensive oversight across an organisation’s systems, models, and data.
  • Stakeholder Involvement is Essential: The effective deployment of AI systems requires the involvement of stakeholders across the organization, including users and compliance teams.
  • Pillars of AI Governance: Effective AI governance rests on alignment with organizational goals, thorough testing of AI and organizational structures, and clear communication of outcomes to all stakeholders.
  • Regulation and Enforcement Needs: There’s a call for more deliberate regulation and enforcement in AI, especially concerning its role in critical areas like elections.
  • Government Response to AI: Recent government initiatives show efforts to match the pace of technological innovation, though more funding for safety standards is needed.
  • International Regulations: The EU’s upcoming regulations and the UAE Act represent significant steps towards responsible AI use and protecting citizens’ rights.
  • Importance of AI Governance: The discussion underscores AI governance’s vital role in harmonising innovation with ethical standards, safety, and accountability.
 

Expedia streamline tech stack to enhance GenAI efficiency

Expedia Group utilized platform convergence to streamline its tech stack and enhance the efficiency of generative AI tools like GitHub Copilot, enabling faster product launches and internal processes. By consolidating its ML and AI platforms into one unified tech stack, Expedia was able to adopt AI tools more effectively, while also addressing challenges such as hallucinations and ensuring ethical AI practices through initiatives like a ‘Responsible AI council.’ [ITPro]

 

GenAI to make us 30% more efficient as a company

Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson discussed plans to utilize generative AI to increase efficiency in game development by 30% and boost monetization by encouraging gamers to spend 10-20% more on EA’s games. Wilson outlined three key pillars for leveraging generative AI: efficiency, expansion, and transformation, with the goal of making the company more efficient, attracting more players, and enhancing the gaming experience through personalized content. An interesting interview where he talks about monetising through personalisation GenAI [Tech raptor]

 

What is next for GenAI?

Generative AI, such as Large X Models (LXMs), is advancing rapidly and holds promise for automating a wide range of tasks, from household chores to industrial manufacturing, by training models on specific data categories like text, machine data, and human action data. Researchers predict that up to 40% of household chores could be automated within the next decade, with companies like Toyota and Google already leveraging generative AI to teach robots tasks like peeling vegetables and performing industrial processes. The development of LXMs is expected to accelerate advancements in automation, leading to the creation of general-purpose robots capable of handling various tasks efficiently and autonomously. [MIT sloan]

 

India has approved a $1.25 billion AI investment

India has approved a $1.25 billion investment in artificial intelligence projects, focusing on developing computing infrastructure and large language models, funding AI startups, and creating AI applications for the public sector. The investment aims to boost India’s AI market, projected to reach $17 billion by 2027 with an annual growth rate of 25%-35% between 2024 and 2027, according to Nasscom. [Reuters]

 

Fluent raises €6.9 million for their AI-powered analytics platform

London-based Fluent has raised €6.9 million in a seed investment round led by Hoxton Ventures and Tiferes Ventures to further develop its AI-powered data analytics platform. Fluent’s technology allows non-technical team members to ask data-related questions in plain English, enabling quick access to insights and freeing up data teams for more strategic analysis. [EU startups]

 

US Justice Department keeping an eye on AI

The Justice Department is increasing its focus on artificial intelligence enforcement, warning that individuals and companies misusing AI for white-collar crimes like price fixing could face harsher sentences. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the importance of managing AI risks in corporate compliance programs, highlighting concerns about the potential exploitation of AI by both foreign adversaries and domestic entities to harm the U.S. [AP]

 

Importance of AI in various sectors

Copyright CNBC – Screen capture from video – See link for video

Piers Linney, co-founder of Implement AI talks about the importance of AI and technology in various sectors like fintech and healthcare, emphasizing the need for countries like the UK to invest in AI to stay competitive globally. The discussion also touches on the role of government in supporting AI innovation and the urgency for quick decision-making to avoid falling behind in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Some good points by Piers, see video link [CNBC] or read the summary below:

Summary

  • Demand for Technological Innovation: In order to stay ahead of the global economy, the UK must prioritise investments in fintech, healthcare, and other industries. The UK has a great chance to take the lead in these fields.
  • Competitive Nature of Technology: The discussion emphasises how “winner takes all” in the technology industry. In contrast to cloud computing or digital transformation, waiting to adopt new technologies can have long-term negative effects.
  • Government Role: The ideal extent of government engagement in innovation and technology is a topic of discussion. Although undue intervention is discouraged, there is a call for the UK government to assist companies in getting the capital they need to compete on a global scale—possibly via a sovereign wealth fund.
  • Post-EU Funding Challenge: In light of the challenges in replicating EU funding in the wake of Brexit, it is suggested that the UK look into alternative funding models in order to support innovation and startups.
  • AI and Infrastructure Development: This dialogue discusses whether the UK should develop its own IT infrastructure or use already-existing cloud services. The article highlights AI’s transformative potential and suggests the UK act quickly to embrace this technology to stay ahead of the curve.
  • The Supporting Role of the Government: The government can unleash capital and innovation in ways the private sector cannot, even though its role should be supportive rather than directive. Without directly influencing the process of innovation, the government can play a significant role in creating the ideal environment for businesses to prosper.
  • Importance of Timely Action: This section emphasises the necessity of taking prompt, decisive action. It acknowledges the possibility of some investments failing, but emphasises the urgency of utilising technological innovation to identify areas of true value.
 

What you need to know about AI for the EU

The EU’s AI Act, expected to become law by summer 2024, will impact businesses deploying AI models in the EU, requiring compliance with new regulations and obligations. The Act adopts a risk-based approach, categorizing AI systems into high-risk, low-risk, and minimal risk, with specific rules and obligations for each category, aiming to prevent misuse of AI technology and ensure transparency and accountability. Here is an interesting article. [Sifted]

 

6th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

AWS launch new GenAI competency program

AWS has launched the Generative AI competency program to validate generative AI expertise, software, and hardware that meet their standards, helping businesses identify and adopt the best AI solutions. The program includes over 40 partners offering tools and services across various AI sectors, aiming to assist AWS customers in developing successful generative AI strategies and accelerating growth within their businesses. [ZDNET]

 

2024 AI Trends by IBM

An interesting video from IBM highlighting some of the key trends to look out for in 2024. [IBM – Youtube]

Summary

  • Reality Check on Generative AI: 2024 has been identified as the year for more realistic expectations of generative AI, with a focus on integrating these technologies into existing tools such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop rather than viewing them as standalone solutions.
  • Advancements in Multimodal AI: Significant progress has been made in AI models that can process multiple types of data (e.g., text, images, video) to perform tasks such as providing visual aids alongside textual instructions, thereby increasing AI’s versatility and applicability in a variety of fields.
  • Shift Towards Smaller AI Models: To mitigate the high energy consumption and costs associated with large models, there is a trend towards developing efficient models with fewer parameters while maintaining performance, as demonstrated by innovations such as Mistral’s Mixtral.
  • GPU and Cloud Cost Considerations: The desire for smaller models stems in part from the high costs and demands placed on GPUs and cloud services for training and running large AI models, emphasising the importance of optimisation.
  • Model Optimisation Techniques: Using techniques like quantization and Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) to reduce computational demands and improve the efficiency of AI models, making them more accessible and sustainable.
  • Custom Local Models: Emphasising the creation of custom AI models trained on proprietary data to meet specific organisational needs while protecting data privacy and reducing reliance on large, generic models.
  • The Rise of Virtual Agents: Virtual agents are evolving beyond simple chatbots to automate tasks, make reservations, and connect to services, increasing productivity and user experience.
  • Regulation and Oversight: The implementation of regulations, such as the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, demonstrates the growing concern and need for governance in AI development and application, particularly in terms of copyright and privacy.
  • Shadow AI in the Workplace: The widespread, unofficial use of AI tools by employees without IT oversight raises security, privacy, and compliance concerns, emphasising the importance of corporate AI policies.
  • Your Turn to Identify the Tenth Trend: The video concludes by inviting viewers to suggest what they believe could be the tenth most important AI trend for 2024, encouraging discussion and speculation about future AI developments.
 

Microsoft set to make huge financial gains from AI investments

Microsoft has made significant investments in AI, particularly with its Copilot tool, which has shown impressive results in increasing productivity and efficiency for users across various tasks. The company’s strategic focus on expanding its AI offerings, such as industry-specific Copilots, is driving growth in its AI revenue and positioning Microsoft as a key player in the AI market, with potential estimates suggesting substantial financial gains in the future. [Nasdaq]

 

UK government investing another £100M into AI research

The UK government is planning to double funding for the Alan Turing Institute, a national body for data science and artificial intelligence, with an additional £100m investment to advance research in AI. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt aims to boost the AI sector by focusing on areas such as healthcare, environmental protection, and national security, with the goal of improving productivity and economic growth in the UK. [Guardian]

 

Raising the AI bar report by Experian & Forrester

Financial services and telco providers must develop new business strategies due to economic uncertainty, regulatory changes, and cybersecurity risks. To thrive in these conditions, businesses are using AI to unlock data insights, improve business operations, and improve risk management and fraud detection. Forrester Consulting surveyed 10 countries in EMEA and APAC to find out how companies are using AI to improve analytics, risk assessment, and customer experience. This shows the importance of AI in driving strategic growth in changing markets.

Key findings

  • 79% are prioritising the adoption of advanced analytics with AI/ML capabilities.
  • 54% of firms believe the productivity gains from investments in AI have already offset its initial cost.
  • 59% believe AI/ML has fundamentally changed how their organisation operates.
  • 48% Lack of ability to seamlessly connect different data assets, databases, and database architectures (data fabric)
  • 46% Data management infrastructure unable to adequately support AI/ML use cases
  • 45% Lack of fast and scalable processes for model deployment
  • 42% Lack of resources for ongoing model development, maintenance, validation, and reporting
  • 41% Lack of sufficient categorisation capability to generate insight from unstructured data
  • 41% Lack of sufficient data science and analytics expertise
[Experian]

Further thinking – The shift towards AI-driven decision-making is becoming more evident as businesses recognise the potential benefits and competitive advantages it can bring. This trend indicates a significant transformation in the way companies approach data and analytics, paving the way for more innovation and growth in the future. The increasing demand for AI and machine learning capabilities is pushing companies to invest in improving their data infrastructure and expertise in analytics.

 

Appian released their new AI platform that integrates GenAI

The latest version of the Appian AI Process Platform integrates Generative AI and process automation, enabling business users to gain data insights and support complex casework. The release includes a new generative AI prompt builder AI Skill and Case Management Studio, both designed to empower users to leverage AI for process automation and streamline workflows efficiently. [Appian]

Also, there was a discussion about how Appian’s low-code platform is enhancing its capabilities by incorporating AI to automatically classify documents and emails, as well as integrating with GPT for various functionalities. The new AI Skill Designer allows users to train AI models to handle document classifications and data extraction, streamlining processes and reducing manual data entry, ultimately enabling users to focus on more creative tasks while leveraging AI technology within Appian’s business automation tools. [Fast Company]

 

Theia Insights raises $6.5M for global investment AI technology

Theia Insights, a Cambridge-based deep tech start-up founded by former Amazon Alexa scientist Dr. Ye Tian, has raised $6.5M to develop foundational AI solutions for the global investment community. The company’s products leverage advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, NLP, and Large Language Models to provide clarity and insights in the dynamic economic landscape, aiming to revolutionize portfolio construction and risk monitoring processes. [Theia insights]

 

Puma partners with Google Cloud for AI solutions

PUMA is partnering with Google Cloud to enhance its online shopping experience by utilizing AI solutions for personalized product discovery, customer loyalty rewards, and online-to-offline purchases. The collaboration aims to leverage Google Cloud’s AI capabilities to provide innovative features such as generative AI shopping assistants, virtual try-ons, and AI-driven loyalty programs, ultimately redefining direct-to-customer commerce with tailored and rewarding customer experiences. [PR newswire]

 

5th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

The AI battleground according to Aravind Srinivas

While Microsoft has been successful in swiftly deploying AI solutions across enterprises, Perplexity’s CEO argues that Google’s business model and public expectations for accuracy are causing it problems when it comes to AI execution. By providing instantaneous responses to user queries, dismantling the conventional ad-driven model, and maybe changing the way knowledge workers look for information online, Perplexity intends to radically transform the search engine industry. [CNBC -Youtube]

Summary:

  • Perplexity’s Position: The CEO of Perplexity, which describes itself as the world’s first AI answer engine, emphasises the competitive advances that small companies are making in the AI space.
  • Microsoft’s Success: Microsoft is praised for its rapid integration within enterprises, including the creation of various specialised co-pilots (for finance, health, and Office 365), demonstrating strong execution capabilities.
  • Google’s Struggles: Google is identified as having the greatest difficulty implementing AI strategies, owing to its business model and the high expectations for accuracy associated with its brand.
  • Apple’s Potential: While Apple currently lacks a significant AI product, future updates to Siri and machine learning developments are anticipated.
  • Market Perception: The AI market is discerning, rewarding companies that demonstrate promise and innovation while penalising those who fall behind in product development and execution.
  • User Expectations of Google: The public’s association with Google’s accuracy is a double-edged sword; while it’s a strength, it also magnifies and scrutinises any errors in AI.
  • Perplexity’s Innovation: The CEO tells the origin story of Perplexity, which was inspired by the hassle of searching through ads for simple answers, resulting in the development of a direct answer AI tool.
  • Search Engine Evolution: Perplexity aims to revolutionise how search engines work, shifting away from link-based answers laced with ads and towards direct answers that improve user efficiency.
  • The Impact on Google: The shift towards AI answer engines such as Perplexity presents a significant challenge to Google, threatening its dominant position in internet search with a more user-centric approach.
  • Changing User Habits: The move to AI-powered answer engines represents a fundamental shift in how information is sought online, with knowledge workers increasingly abandoning traditional search methods for work-related queries.
 

Achieving GenAI outcomes at scale

Mastering Generative AI (GenAI) for business strategies requires acknowledging its potential, aligning it with customer needs and competitive advantages, and embedding it as a core element of the organisational DNA to achieve substantial results on a large scale. Businesses should take charge of the process, steering clear of inaction or depending on external entities for strategic implementation. [BCG -Youtube]

Summary:

  • Understand GenAI Capabilities: Discover what Generative AI (GenAI) can do by learning about the available tools, methodologies, and software.
  • Assess Customer Pain Points: Constantly evaluate what your customers’ most pressing issues are and how your company can provide competitive solutions.
  • Parallel Analysis: Analyse GenAI potential and business needs concurrently to determine where they intersect for value creation.
  • Regular Strategy Integration: Make GenAI solutions for business problems an ongoing part of your strategic planning.
  • Consistency in Exploration: Continue to investigate how GenAI can be effectively integrated into business operations for long-term benefits.
  • Focus on Scalable Outcomes: Identify and improve critical processes that have a significant impact on customer satisfaction and product quality.
  • Avoid non-bottlenecks. Optimisation: Improving processes that are not bottlenecks will have little effect on overall business outcomes.
  • Ownership of GenAI Integration: Companies frequently fail because they delay or outsource the strategic thinking process.
  • Proactive and Internalised Approach: It is critical to own the GenAI integration process and embed it into the organisational fabric.
  • Contant iteration: Adoption of GenAI should be viewed as an ongoing programme rather than a project.
 

Snowflake and Landing AI deepen partnership

The partnership between Snowflake and Landing AI is expanding with an investment that will allow customers to use Landing AI’s computer vision capabilities directly on Snowflake’s platform, allowing for the development of custom computer vision solutions in a secure environment. This collaboration aims to enable various industries, including manufacturing, retail, and pharmaceuticals, to use AI and computer vision for tasks such as quality inspection, automated checkout, and drug discovery, resulting in increased efficiency and lower costs. [Snowflake]

Further thinking – This is an interesting synergy of leading computer vision and cloud platform technology. Most enterprises are shifting towards a particular cloud ‘data-as-a-service’ platforms like Snowflake. Having partnerships that compliment each other can be of mutual benefit for wider and faster growth especially in different sectors.

 

AI jobs bucking tech employment trends

With the release of ChatGPT, the number of newly listed AI jobs has increased by 42% from a low point in December 2022. The demand for AI-related positions is on the rise, and companies are willing to pay a premium to attract top talent, even though the tech talent market as a whole is trending downward. [Wall Street Journal – paywall]

 

Cloudflare introduces Firewall for cloud-based AI

Cloudflare has introduced a Firewall for AI to protect Large Language Models (LLMs) from potential abuses and attacks by deploying a specialised Web Application Firewall (WAF) that can detect vulnerabilities and provide visibility to model owners, leveraging Cloudflare’s network to identify attacks early and safeguard both end users and models. The Firewall for AI tool kit includes features like Rate Limiting, Sensitive Data Detection, and a new protection layer under development to analyze user prompts for exploitation attempts, addressing unique security challenges posed by the non-deterministic nature of LLM interactions and the integration of training data into the model itself, allowing attackers to exploit new attack vectors that traditional security tools may overlook. [Cloudflare]

Further thinking – Cloudflare’s bold move is a masterstroke for attracting security-conscious LLM customers. Cloudflare is one of the world’s largest networks, so this move will boost its cloud AI offerings. More AI on AI monitoring is also evident here. Cloudflare’s adoption of this novel approach shows their dedication to cybersecurity innovation, attracting security-conscious customers who value proactive defence. As AI becomes more common in cybersecurity, AI monitoring will likely increase to combat sophisticated threats. Growth comes from confidence, and it will be interesting to see how this will impact the sector as a whole.

 

End-to-end AI exploration at Nokia Bell Labs

Interesting video on Nokia Bell Labs. Bell Labs historically pioneered AI research, notably inventing CNNs (Convolutional Neural Networks). Now Nokia Bell Labs are looking at integrating AI across the network lifecycle, from design to maintenance. Their work extends to developing specialised AI applications for industrial automation and creating enterprise-specific language models, including a tailored model trained on Nokia’s proprietary documents for improved operational efficiency and predictive maintenance. [Youtube]

Video summary:

  • Foundations of AI at Nokia Bell Labs: The concept of convolutional neural networks, a foundational mathematical piece for AI and machine learning, was invented by Yann LeCun at Bell Labs.
  • Long-term AI Research: Nokia Bell Labs has been conducting AI research for many years, seeing its application across various sectors, including networking and industrial automation.
  • AI in Networking Lifecycle: AI applications span the entire lifecycle of a network, from design and deployment to operation and maintenance.
  • Designing AI-Native Networks: The goal is to integrate AI into networks from the beginning, enhancing design and deployment strategies.
  • Operational Efficiency through AI: AI is used to optimise base station configuration, improve energy efficiency, and adapt to changing traffic patterns.
  • Predictive Maintenance with AI: Utilising AI and machine learning for anticipating equipment failures and conducting preemptive maintenance to avoid service interruptions.
  • Industrial Applications on Networks: AI supports a wide range of applications such as industrial automation, data analytics, and robotics, crucial for the operation of devices connected to the network.
  • AI on Edge Devices: Research focuses on running sophisticated AI algorithms on constrained devices like smart glasses, watches, and other wearables, overcoming battery and computing limitations.
  • Enterprise-specific Language Models: Development of a Nokia-specific language model trained on proprietary documents to enhance understanding and interaction within an enterprise context.
  • Customisable AI Solutions: The Nokia language model, although not as comprehensive as ChatGPT, performs well within its niche and can be augmented with customer-specific information to meet particular enterprise needs.

Further thinking – As demonstrated by Nokia Bell Labs, integrating AI throughout the product and service lifecycle transforms operations, design, and maintenance, resulting in increased efficiency, innovation, and reliability. Based on fundamental AI research, such as the development of convolutional neural networks, this approach focuses on developing AI-native systems that improve operational efficiency, enable predictive maintenance, and power industrial applications with real-time data analytics and automation. Furthermore, the emphasis on developing enterprise-specific AI solutions, such as customisable language models, ensures that AI can meet the diverse needs of various industries while optimising performance and facilitating seamless user interactions. This comprehensive AI integration not only improves current technologies but also paves the way for future advancements, emphasising AI’s critical role in driving technological progress and operational excellence.

 

India implements new AI model regulations

India’s new advisory requires major tech companies to get government approval before launching new AI models to prevent bias, discrimination, and electoral integrity threats. Though not legally binding, the advisory signals a shift towards future AI regulation, with the Ministry of Electronics and IT citing the IT Act, 2000 and IT Rules, 2021 for immediate compliance and reporting within 15 days. Indian startups and Silicon Valley leaders are surprised and concerned about the new regulation’s impact on India’s AI competitiveness. [Techcrunch]

 

GenAI is transforming software testing

Generative AI, such as DataCebo’s Synthetic Data Vault, is being used to create realistic synthetic data for various applications like software testing and training machine learning models, offering solutions for scenarios with limited or sensitive real-world data. DataCebo, founded by MIT alumni, focuses on supercharging software testing by providing generative models that allow for the creation of specific scenarios and edge cases to test applications efficiently while maintaining privacy and compliance with regulations. [MIT]

 

4th March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

JPMorgan’s AI Tool Aims for $1.5B in Value by 2023

 

JPMorgan has successfully reduced manual labor for corporate clients by up to 90% through its AI-powered cashflow management tool, Cash Flow Intelligence, with plans to potentially charge for the service. The bank aims to generate $1.5 billion in business value from AI by 2023, highlighting the importance of human-AI collaboration in enhancing productivity and cutting costs in corporate finance operations. [Benzinga]

Claude 3 AI launched with more powerful capabilities

Claude 3 introduces a new generation of AI models, including Opus, Sonnet, and Haiku, which excel in cognitive tasks and offer varying levels of intelligence, speed, and cost. Opus, the most advanced model, demonstrates near-human levels of comprehension and fluency, leading the way in general intelligence and vision capabilities, while also showing improvements in accuracy, reduced refusals, and responsible design to mitigate risks and biases. [Anthropic]

Further thinking – The performance stats are impressive, especially when compared to GPT4, Gemini, etc (see below). Anthropic continues to drive Claude forward in many ways, with many potential applications. This drive for better capabilities is helping push the frontiers of AI, by providing healthy competition and wider choices for users.

Claude3

Image: comparison of Claude3 with other providers. Copyright – Anthropic

 

Cohere helping fuel interest in GenAI now worth $2.2billion

Cohere, an AI startup co-founded by ex-Google AI scientists, has achieved a $2.2 billion valuation, focusing on generative AI technology for larger business applications, setting them apart in the competitive AI market. Their successful fundraising has sparked a surge in investments in the generative AI sector, indicating growing confidence in the feasibility and future profitability of such technologies, potentially leading to groundbreaking changes and innovative applications in the future. [DevX]

 

Sage AI copilot introduced to assist small, medium businesses

Sage has introduced Sage Copilot, an AI-powered productivity assistant aimed at helping SMBs (Small and Medium Businesses) manage HR, payroll, and accounting processes by handling administrative tasks and providing insightful recommendations. The AI tool, set to integrate with other apps like Microsoft Office, is designed to enhance operational efficiency and offer proactive options for improving cash flow, with a focus on building trust and supporting businesses’ goals. [Techrader]

 

GenAI adoption requires overcoming challenges

Generative AI is predicted to disrupt industries significantly in the next five years, with a majority of respondents viewing it as a competitive opportunity and aiming to increase adoption in 2024. However, challenges such as IT deficiencies, risks, budgets, and cultural factors may hinder successful implementation, even among companies with prior experience in deploying generative AI. New report by Telstra and MIT. [Telstra/MIT]

 

AI could unlock the future of clean energy

Scientists are using artificial intelligence to address challenges in achieving nuclear fusion energy, with recent advancements showing the potential to forecast and prevent instabilities in the process using AI controllers. This development marks a significant step forward in the quest for clean, sustainable energy sources and demonstrates the potential for AI to enhance the efficiency and reliability of fusion energy technologies. [CNN]

 

Chinese government offering access to powerful AI computation

China is providing AI computing vouchers to its underpowered start-ups to help them access cloud services and train their products, as big tech companies in the country prioritise using Nvidia’s latest AI processors due to US restrictions. The vouchers aim to level the playing field for AI start-ups facing rising data centre costs and limited chip supplies, with at least 17 city governments in China offering subsidies to support these companies. [FT – Paywall]

 

3rd March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

Raspberry AI raises $4.5M for GenAI fashion platform

Raspberry AI, led by CEO Cheryl Liu, has secured $4.5M in funding from various backers to expand its Generative AI fashion product development platform, which helps designers increase revenue and speed-to-market by creating designs based on consumer demand in minutes. The company aims to use the funds to grow its operations and development efforts in the fashion industry. [Finsmes]

 

US treasury recovered $375 million in fraud with AI in 2023

The US Treasury Department has implemented AI-powered fraud detection methods to combat the increasing instances of fraud, recovering $375 million in fiscal 2023 alone. This move mirrors the private sector’s use of AI to swiftly identify suspicious transactions and prevent fraudulent activities, showcasing the effectiveness of AI in enhancing fraud detection capabilities and aiding law enforcement in making arrests. [CNN]

 

Huawei emerges as potential rival to Nvidia amid AI chip race

Huawei’s AI chip capabilities are being closely monitored Nvidia identifies the Chinese telecommunications giant as a potential rival in the AI chip market, with Huawei’s Ascend 910B chip emerging as a competitor to Nvidia’s A100 data-center GPUs. Despite US sanctions limiting Huawei’s semiconductor development, the company has been quietly strengthening its chip business by partnering with domestic suppliers and focusing on AI chip production, potentially challenging Nvidia’s dominance in the AI sector. [Yahoo Finance]

 

2nd March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

Latest AI news by Matt Wolfe

Video summary:

  • March 2023 marked a significant point in AI development – with groundbreaking announcements that captivated the AI community. The narrative continues into March 2024, anticipating another surge in AI advancements.
  • LTX Studio emerges as a notable AI generation platform – introducing a comprehensive solution for creating AI-generated videos from a single prompt, featuring scenes, shots, characters, lighting, and sound effects, showcasing rapid progress in AI video generation technology.
    Sora’s advancements in AI video generation impress with new features, including the ability for users to prompt and create videos, demonstrating significant interest and anticipation from the AI community and beyond.
  • P Labs updates enhance video generation capabilities – adding lip-syncing features to videos, allowing text-to-speech or uploaded audio files to be matched with character speech, and indicating improvements in AI’s understanding and generation of human-like expressions.
    Runway’s platform receives updates, introducing a new UI and features like motion brush and auto-detect areas for animation, signalling advancements in user interface and functionality for more intuitive video editing.
  • Alibaba Group’s research introduces “Emote Portrait Alive” – a technology capable of generating expressive portrait videos that match audio emotions, showcasing AI’s growing ability to interpret and express complex human emotions.
  • Google DeepMind’s Genie project explores AI-generated platformer games – demonstrating the potential for AI to create new gaming experiences based on samples or drawings, reflecting AI’s expanding influence in game development.
  • Microsoft’s Co-Pilot for Finance represents a suite of AI tools integrated into Microsoft 365 – aimed at enhancing financial analysis and management through natural language prompts, highlighting AI’s role in simplifying complex business processes.
  • Collaborations and investments by tech giants like Microsoft in various AI ventures (OpenAI, Meta, Hugging Face, and Mistol AI) – underline the strategic importance of AI technologies and the competitive edge they offer.
  • Concerns and discussions around AI’s impact on employment and society gain attention – with examples like Lenovo’s transparent laptop display fostering debate on AI’s practical applications versus its novelty, reflecting on the broader implications and future directions of AI advancements.
 

AI surpasses humans in divergent thinking

AI, specifically ChatGPT-4, surpasses humans in tests measuring divergent thinking, a key aspect of creative potential, by providing more original and elaborate answers across various tasks. The study conducted by the University of Arkansas highlights the AI’s superior performance in generating unique solutions compared to human participants, raising questions about the evolving role of AI in enhancing creativity and its potential impact on human creativity in the future. [Science Daily]

 

AI could pass every test in 5 years

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang predicts that artificial general intelligence (AGI) could pass every test within five years, as the firm reaches a $2 trillion milestone. Huang’s statement reflects optimism about AI advancements but also acknowledges the ongoing debate among scientists on how to define and achieve AGI. [New York Post]

 

1st March 2024 – News articles and further thinking

 

Dell share price soars due to AI server technology

Dell’s shares surged by 15% after surpassing earnings expectations, attributing the success to the increasing demand for AI servers. The company reported strong revenue and net income growth, particularly in its Infrastructure Solutions Group thanks to AI-optimized servers, while also raising its annual dividend and expressing confidence in future growth prospects despite cautious customer spending due to the macroeconomic environment. [CNBC]

 

AI-powered job management platform secures £1M

An AI-powered job management platform, RoleMapper, has received a £1m equity investment from the South West Investment Fund to support job creation and business growth in Exeter. The investment, part of a £2.1m funding round, will help RoleMapper leverage its AI technology to disrupt how organizations manage jobs, skills, inclusivity, and compliance, with a focus on automating and transforming job designs and descriptions. [Insider]

 

Early days for AI in architecture

The RIBA AI Report 2024 indicates that AI adoption in architecture is still in its early stages, with 41% of practices using AI to some extent but mostly sporadically. Architects recognise the potential benefits of AI in improving efficiency, accuracy, sustainability, and innovation, but also express concerns about job losses and fee reductions. The report emphasises that while AI is currently used for early design visualisations and generative design, its integration into later project stages like specifications and project management is limited, and more guidance and debate are needed on AI’s role in architecture. [RIBA]

 

AI robot firm secures $675 million funding from Microsoft, Nvidia and OpenAI

Robotics startup Figure has raised $675 million in funding from investors including Microsoft, Nvidia, and OpenAI, with plans to develop generative AI for its humanoid robots. The company will use the funding to develop large language models for robotics, ramp up manufacturing, and move to Microsoft Azure for AI infrastructure and training, aiming to explore the capabilities of humanoid robots powered by multimodal AI models.. [Reuters]

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