Chinese AI start-up Moonshot AI launched a new reasoning AI model, k0-math, which outperformed OpenAI's models in Chinese mathematical examinations and competition-level problem sets. The model uses enhanced learning and chain-of-thought reasoning but has limitations with geometry problems and tends to overthink simple maths problems.
Qualcomm envisions future smartphones with on-device AI capable of answering questions by consulting multiple apps. This 'agentic AI' technology is expected to be more prevalent by 2025, not in next year's Android phones. The concept involves AI distilling data from apps and devices for personalised information. Similar developments include Galaxy AI, Google Gemini extensions, and Apple's Siri with personal context understanding.
The US Defence Department has tested an AI-powered autonomous robotic gun system called 'Bullfrog'. It can target and shoot down small drones using computer vision. Currently, human authorisation is required before firing, but the system is capable of fully autonomous operation. This development raises ethical concerns about autonomous weapons in warfare.
Researchers at the University of New Orleans are using machine learning to analyse autistic children's behaviour patterns. The project aims to create an AI system to interpret behaviours and advise caregivers. With £300,000 in funding, the study focuses on children aged 2-5, creating a database of behaviour patterns. The goal is to develop an app to help caregivers understand autistic children's behaviour by analysing images or videos, potentially benefiting thousands of families.
Web Summit, Europe's largest tech event, is happening in Lisbon this November. With 70,000 attendees expected, the main focus is artificial intelligence, covering regulation, sustainability, and ethics. Key speakers include executives from major tech companies and government officials. Other topics include social media in politics and the future of transportation. The event marks the return of Web Summit's previously controversial co-founder and CEO.
NeuroAI, combining neuroscience and AI, has become a key research field. It applies AI to neuroscience and vice versa, accelerating both fields. This connection traces back to early computer science. Developments like perceptrons, convolutional neural networks, and reinforcement learning showcase the symbiosis. AI has also advanced neuroscience, with artificial neural networks improving models of brain function and generating new hypotheses.
Chinese tech companies are ramping up efforts to recruit AI talent, offering competitive salaries across various AI fields. Xiaomi, a smartphone manufacturer, is streamlining its recruitment process for AI experts, including fast-tracking certain applications.
Monash University and Apollo Hospitals in India are collaborating on clinical AI research, using data from 200 million patients to train disease-detection algorithms. Separately, the Australian government has allocated A$13 million to support AI and digital technology implementation in aged care.
Fujitsu and AMD are partnering to develop energy-efficient, open-source HPC and AI platforms by 2027. Fujitsu will contribute ARM-based processor technology, including a new 288-core chip, while AMD provides GPU expertise. The collaboration aims to advance technology, commercialisation, and ecosystem expansion for AI and HPC applications.
A new play called "Data" explores the potential consequences of a partnership between a tech leader and an authoritarian US government. Set in Silicon Valley, it examines the human element behind AI algorithms.
Near Protocol plans to develop a large open-source AI model with 1.4 trillion parameters, surpassing Meta's Llama model. The project will use crowdsourced research and development, with contributors starting on a smaller model. Seven progressively larger models are planned, funded through token sales. Near Protocol aims to monetise the models, reward contributors, and decentralise AI technology to prevent single-company control.
Chinese scientists have developed an AI-powered robot lifeguard that operates autonomously 24/7. It uses AI, big data, and navigation technologies. The robot is being tested at a riverside location in China, where it will be permanently stationed.
AI model compression techniques optimise large language models for faster, cheaper predictions whilst maintaining performance. Key methods include model pruning, quantization, and knowledge distillation. These enable deployment in resource-constrained environments, reduce latency, lower costs, and improve energy efficiency, particularly for real-time AI applications and edge devices.
Waymo has introduced EMMA, a new AI research model for self-driving that combines visual and textual data processing with language model knowledge. While still in research, EMMA aims to enhance autonomous driving decision-making. Waymo recently raised $5.6 billion, valuing it at over $45 billion, and is developing new vehicles based on the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
A new AI tool developed by Mass General Brigham has identified long COVID in 22.8% of patients, much higher than previous 7% estimates. The tool analyses health records from nearly 300,000 patients, using 'precision phenotyping' to distinguish long COVID symptoms from pre-existing conditions. It improves diagnostic accuracy and addresses demographic biases. Researchers plan to release the algorithm publicly for global use, potentially advancing research on long COVID subtypes.
Nvidia's CEO envisions 'AI employees' working in various roles, including marketing and chip design. These AI agents would be specialised, rented by companies, and instructed through missions and conversations. They could boost productivity, potentially improving company performance, and collaborate with humans and other AI agents in workplace platforms.
AI is being widely adopted in healthcare to address challenges from ageing populations and limited resources. Virtual healthcare platforms use AI to support clinical decisions, improve patient outcomes, and boost efficiency. They automate routine tasks, provide real-time insights, and facilitate team communication. AI-powered virtual nursing and predictive monitoring are gaining traction. One healthcare institution reported a 40% reduction in nursing documentation time using AI. AI is also being integrated with wearables and home monitoring systems for post-discharge care.
MIT researchers developed 'LucidSim', a platform combining simulation software and AI to train robot dogs. Dogs trained this way successfully performed tasks like chasing balls and avoiding obstacles. The method, which used ChatGPT to generate training descriptions, may offer faster and more accurate robot training.
Google Cloud has unveiled Trillium, its new AI chip with 4x faster training and up to 3x higher inference throughput than its predecessor. Trillium features doubled memory and bandwidth, supports large language models, and can link up to 256 chips in a pod. It boasts 67% better energy efficiency. Google also announced upcoming preview of A3 Ultra VMs with Nvidia H200 GPUs.
Microsoft will unveil an AI-enhanced project for St. Peter's Basilica in November 2024. This collaboration with the Fabric of St. Peter is part of Microsoft's AI for Cultural Heritage programme, which has developed similar projects for other cultural sites. The unveiling will take place at the Vatican.
