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I Test Robot Vacuums for a Living: The Best One I’ve Used is Nearly Half Off

Emerson Blake
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I Test Robot Vacuums for a Living: The Best One I’ve Used is Nearly Half Off

ZDNET’s Key Takeaways

  • The Dreame X40 Ultra is typically $1,900, but it’s 42% off right now on Amazon, available for $1,000.
  • The X40 Ultra is a high-performing robot with excellent mapping capabilities and strong 12,000Pa suction. It performs exceedingly well on carpet and hard floors, with great object avoidance and high customization.
  • Although it can recognize and show snapshots of obstacles, it sometimes gets tangled in cords and loses one or both mop pads. I also found some connectivity issues with the app.

Our Pick for the Best Robot Vacuum and Mop Combination

Our pick for the best robot vacuum and mop combination, the Dreame X40 Ultra, is now discounted by $900 off its original price, on sale for $1,000.

Unboxing and Setup

Unboxing the Dreame X40 Ultra was a joy, mainly because the robot looks nicer than most eyesores. The base station features a grooved front and gold accents, while the robot looks sleek and simplistic. Setup was quite a breeze — you download the Dreamehome app and follow the instructions to add it to your Wi-Fi network and set up your preferences. I found some issues with the app connecting to the Dreame X40 Ultra, making me wait a few minutes or force-quit the Dreamehome app to relaunch it.

Features and Performance

The robot features market-leading suction power at 12,000Pa, making it excellent for carpeted homes or homes with pets. It’s efficient and fast, easily cleaning across my floors and navigating obstacles while staying true to its map.

Object Avoidance and Customization

One of my two favorite features of the Dreame X40 Ultra robot is its object avoidance. This is one of two robots in my home that doesn’t require me to pick up every object from the floor before running it. This means I can send it out to clean on a schedule or when I’m away from home and rely on it to consistently deliver a clean home without getting stuck on a kid’s sock under the coffee table.

My second favorite thing about this robot is that it has magnetic mop pads that not only lift to avoid getting carpets wet but can also be set up in the app to leave the mop pads at the base, vacuum the carpets first, and then vacuum everything else. Then, it returns to the base to reattach its mop pads and mop the entire house, avoiding the already clean carpets.

Limitations and Drawbacks

Unfortunately, the X40 Ultra’s mop pads lift to about 10.9 mm, which is not quite enough to keep my living room’s medium pile carpet dry. This means I have to set that rug as a no-go zone for robot vacuum and mop combinations like the Yeedi M12 PRO+, which lifts its mop pads to 9 mm. The X40 Ultra’s ability to detach its mop pads at the base station and clean carpets first is a game-changer. The app also lets you enable intensive carpet cleaning, where the robot slows down and cleans carpets twice by cross-walking.

Conclusion

The Dreame X40 Ultra is the smartest robot vacuum and mop I’ve ever tested. It’s the perfect combination of performance, customization, and object avoidance. While it’s not perfect, I found the issues with the app and occasional tangles with cords to be minor drawbacks. At $1,000, it’s a steal, making it a great investment for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient cleaning solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Dreame X40 Ultra worth the price?
A: Yes, considering its performance, customization options, and object avoidance features, the Dreame X40 Ultra is worth the price.

Q: What are the limitations of the Dreame X40 Ultra?
A: The X40 Ultra’s mop pads lift to about 10.9 mm, which may not be enough to keep some carpets dry. It also sometimes gets tangled in cords and loses one or both mop pads.

Q: Is the Dreame X40 Ultra easy to set up?
A: Yes, the setup process is straightforward, but some users may experience connectivity issues with the app.

Q: Can I customize the Dreame X40 Ultra’s cleaning schedule?
A: Yes, the Dreamehome app allows you to schedule cleanings and customize the robot’s cleaning path.

Best Apple Watch Deals

Avery Winslow
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Best Apple Watch Deals

The Best Apple Watch Series 10 Deals

The latest update in the Apple Watch series has introduced new features and design, but with more options comes more confusion. Here’s a breakdown of the best Apple Watch Series 10 deals.

Picking the Right Apple Watch

Generally, you want to buy the newest watch you can afford, so it continues to receive software updates from Apple. The latest update, watchOS 11, launched in September on the Apple Watch Series 6 and newer, leaving those still using an older Series 4 or Series 5 behind.

That being said, picking up a watch from the latest (or a recent) generation ensures you’re getting a smartwatch with an updated design, robust features, and plenty of sensors.

The Best Apple Watch Series 10 Deals

The rugged Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes in one size: 49mm. It offers the brightest display of any wearable in Apple’s lineup, along with better battery life and improved performance. It sports Apple’s last-gen S9 SiP, too, allowing you to take advantage of Apple’s handy double tap feature.

Read More

The latest Apple Watch Ultra launched at $799 in September with GPS and LTE support, much like the original model. The ultra-capable smartwatch has the most features, sensors, and ruggedness of any Apple Watch model available thus far, along with a display that’s 50 percent brighter than the first Ultra. The 49mm smartwatch also packs Apple’s S9 SiP and second-gen ultra wideband chips, just like the Apple Watch Series 9, while maintaining long-lasting battery life, precise GPS tracking, and a bevy of diving-friendly sensors.

Recent Deals

In recent months, we saw the Apple Watch Ultra 2 dip to as low as $642 ($157 off) in select configurations. Right now, it’s only on sale at Amazon with a Trail Loop starting at $734.89 (about $64 off), or with an Alpine Loop or an Ocean Band starting at $741.89 (about $57 off). You can also pick it up at Best Buy and Target starting at around $799, which is the standard retail price.

Read our Apple Watch Ultra 2 review.

A Note on the More Premium Models

While all of the Apple Watch models and colorways covered here are encased in aluminum (except the Ultra 2, which has a titanium build), Apple does make a more premium range built out of stainless steel and titanium. These offerings are functionally and aesthetically similar to their aluminum counterparts, with slightly refined colors and finishings — polished for the stainless steel and brushed for the titanium. However, they start at much steeper prices of $699 and above. They, too, can often be found on sale, but they’re never discounted as low as the standard base models, so we don’t include them here.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the best Apple Watch for me?
    Choose the newest watch you can afford, so it continues to receive software updates from Apple.
  2. What are the main differences between the Apple Watch Ultra and the other models?
    The Ultra has a brighter display, better battery life, and improved performance, as well as a 49mm size and diving-friendly sensors.
  3. Can I find deals on the more premium Apple Watch models?
    Yes, but they’re never discounted as low as the standard base models, so we don’t include them here.
  4. What is the standard retail price of the Apple Watch Ultra?
    $799 with GPS and LTE support.
  5. Where can I buy the Apple Watch Ultra?
    Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.

AI Firms Become Energy Providers

Avery Winslow
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AI Firms Become Energy Providers

The Quest for Sustainable Power in the Age of AI

The Rise of AI-Intensive Data Centers

As the world’s top tech giants continue to invest in building the most advanced artificial intelligence products, their data centers are straining the global energy grid. According to Karen Weise, a technology correspondent for The New York Times, these AI-specific data centers require significant amounts of electricity to operate, making them more power-intensive than traditional data centers.

The Energy Conundrum

The exponential growth of AI has led to an unprecedented demand for computing power and storage. This has resulted in a surge in energy consumption, with data centers alone accounting for around 1.8% of global electricity consumption. The increasing energy needs of these data centers pose a significant challenge, as the grid struggles to keep up with the demand.

The Need for Sustainable Energy Solutions

To address this issue, tech companies are investing in new ways to bring more electricity to the grid. This includes the development of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, as well as innovative energy storage solutions. For instance, Microsoft has partnered with a company to build a massive, 200-megawatt solar farm to power its data centers.

Innovative Energy Solutions

Companies are also exploring alternative energy sources, such as geothermal and hydroelectric power. Google, for example, has invested in a geothermal project in California, which uses heated water from the Earth’s core to generate electricity. Meanwhile, Facebook has partnered with a startup to develop a new type of energy storage system that uses compressed air to store excess energy generated by wind turbines.

Conclusion

As the demand for AI continues to grow, it is crucial that tech companies prioritize sustainable energy solutions to power their data centers. The need for innovative energy solutions is more pressing than ever, as the world’s reliance on technology continues to increase. By investing in renewable energy sources and innovative storage solutions, we can ensure a more sustainable future for the tech industry and the environment.

FAQs

Q: How much energy do data centers consume?
A: Data centers account for around 1.8% of global electricity consumption.

Q: What are some examples of innovative energy solutions being used in data centers?
A: Examples include solar power, wind power, geothermal power, and innovative energy storage solutions such as compressed air storage.

Q: Which tech companies are investing in sustainable energy solutions?
A: Companies like Microsoft, Google, and Facebook are investing in renewable energy sources and innovative energy storage solutions to power their data centers.

Q: Why is sustainable energy important for the tech industry?
A: The tech industry’s reliance on energy-intensive data centers poses a significant environmental challenge, making it crucial to prioritize sustainable energy solutions to ensure a more environmentally friendly future.

Intelligent Healthcare Assistants: Empowering Stakeholders with Personalized Support and Data-Driven Insights

Jordan Waverly
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Intelligent Healthcare Assistants: Empowering Stakeholders with Personalized Support and Data-Driven Insights

Large Language Models in Healthcare: Unlocking the Power of LLM Function Calling

Large language models (LLMs) have revolutionized the field of natural language processing, enabling machines to understand and generate human-like text with remarkable accuracy. However, despite their impressive language capabilities, LLMs are inherently limited by the data they were trained on. Their knowledge is static and confined to the information they were trained on, which becomes problematic when dealing with dynamic and constantly evolving domains like healthcare.

The Challenges of LLMs in Healthcare

The healthcare industry is a complex, ever-changing landscape with a vast and rapidly growing body of knowledge. Medical research, clinical practices, and treatment guidelines are constantly being updated, rendering even the most advanced LLMs quickly outdated. Additionally, patient data, including electronic health records (EHRs), diagnostic reports, and medical histories, are highly personalized and unique to each individual. Relying solely on an LLM’s pre-trained knowledge is insufficient for providing accurate and personalized healthcare recommendations.

The Need for LLM Function Calling

Overcoming these challenges is crucial for using the full potential of LLMs in the healthcare domain. Patients, healthcare providers, and researchers require intelligent agents that can provide up-to-date, personalized, and context-aware support, drawing from the latest medical knowledge and individual patient data.

LLM Function Calling: A Solution

Enter LLM function calling, a powerful capability that addresses these challenges by allowing LLMs to interact with external functions or APIs, enabling them to access and use additional data sources or computational capabilities beyond their pre-trained knowledge. By combining the language understanding and generation abilities of LLMs with external data sources and services, LLM function calling opens up a world of possibilities for intelligent healthcare agents.

Benefits of LLM Function Calling

LLM function calling offers several advantages for enterprise applications, including enhanced decision-making, improved efficiency, personalized experiences, and scalability. By combining the language understanding capabilities of LLMs with external data sources and computational resources, enterprises can make more informed and data-driven decisions, automate and streamline various tasks, provide tailored recommendations and experiences for individual users or customers, and handle large volumes of data and process multiple requests concurrently.

Use Cases for LLM Function Calling in Healthcare

Potential use cases for LLM function calling in the healthcare domain include patient triage, medical question answering, and personalized treatment recommendations. LLM-powered agents can assist in triaging patients by analyzing their symptoms, medical history, and risk factors, and providing initial assessments or recommendations for seeking appropriate care. Patients and healthcare providers can receive accurate and up-to-date answers to medical questions by using LLMs’ ability to understand natural language queries and access relevant medical knowledge from various data sources. Additionally, by integrating with electronic health records (EHRs) and clinical decision support systems, LLM function calling can provide personalized treatment recommendations tailored to individual patients’ medical histories, conditions, and preferences.

Solution Overview

LLM function calling typically involves integrating an LLM model with an external API or function that provides access to additional data sources or computational capabilities. The LLM model acts as an interface, processing natural language inputs and generating responses based on its pre-trained knowledge and the information obtained from the external functions or APIs. The architecture typically consists of the LLM model, a function or API integration layer, and external data sources and services.

Future Trends and Developments

Future advancements in LLM function calling for healthcare might include more advanced natural language processing capabilities, such as improved context understanding, multi-turn conversational abilities, and better handling of ambiguity and nuances in medical language. Additionally, the integration of LLM models with other AI technologies, such as computer vision and speech recognition, could enable multimodal interactions and analysis of various medical data formats.

Conclusion

LLM function calling has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry by enabling intelligent agents that can understand natural language, access and integrate various data sources, and provide personalized recommendations and insights. By combining the language understanding capabilities of LLMs with external data sources and computational resources, healthcare organizations can enhance decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and deliver superior patient experiences. However, addressing data privacy and security concerns is crucial for the successful adoption of this technology in the healthcare domain.

About the Authors

Laks Sundararajan is a seasoned Enterprise Architect helping companies reset, transform, and modernize their IT, digital, cloud, data, and insight strategies. A proven leader with significant expertise around Generative AI, Digital, Cloud, and Data/Analytics Transformation, Laks is a Sr. Solutions Architect with Healthcare and Life Sciences (HCLS).

Subha Venugopal is a Senior Solutions Architect at AWS with over 15 years of experience in the technology and healthcare sectors. Specializing in digital transformation, platform modernization, and AI/ML, she leads AWS Healthcare and Life Sciences initiatives. Subha is dedicated to enabling equitable healthcare access and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of professionals.

Tech Leaders Sound Alarm Over DOGE’s AI Firings Impact on American Talent Pipeline

Emerson Blake
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Tech Leaders Sound Alarm Over DOGE’s AI Firings Impact on American Talent Pipeline

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Cuts AI Researchers, Raising Concerns about American AI Talent Pipeline

Firings at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

On March 3, the long-rumored cuts to staff at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) finally took place. Multiple sources reported that 73 probationary employees were fired, many of whom worked on the CHIPS for America initiative, which aims to ramp up chip development in the US.

Firings at National Science Foundation (NSF)

The firings follow related cuts at the National Science Foundation (NSF), where 170 employees working on AI-related projects were let go. However, Axios reported that NSF has reinstated 84 of those staffers.

Open Letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick

Last week, advocates and tech leaders responded to the firings with an open letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. The letter pointed out that NIST’s focus on AI was initiated during Trump’s first term and urged the administration to consider the consequences of DOGE’s rapid cuts.

"We emphasize that NIST’s work represents a high-value investment that directly contributes to US economic growth, competitiveness, and technological leadership. We caution that downsizing NIST or eliminating these initiatives will have ramifications for the ability of the American AI industry to continue to lead globally," the letter states.

Tech Industry Concerns about the American AI Talent Pipeline

The letter’s cosigners, which include the Software & Information Industry Association, Americans for Responsible Innovation, the Center for AI Policy, Internet Infrastructure Coalition, and TechNet, among others, also offer their expertise to fill the Trump administration’s AI policy vacuum.

Safeguards and AI Safety Concerns

The letter’s emphasis on "safeguards" is notable, given the Trump administration’s deprioritization of AI safety and responsibility. On Friday, Wired reported that NIST had issued new guidelines for scientists partnering with the US AI Safety Institute, which now lack mentions of "AI safety," "responsible AI," and "AI fairness."

Conclusion

The recent firings at NIST and NSF have raised concerns about the American AI talent pipeline. The tech industry is increasingly nervous about the impact of DOGE’s cuts on the future of AI development in the US. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to prioritize AI safety, responsibility, and innovation to maintain the US’ position as a leader in the global AI landscape.

FAQs

Q: What is the DOGE’s role in AI research and development?
A: DOGE is responsible for overseeing government initiatives related to AI research and development.

Q: Why are there concerns about the American AI talent pipeline?
A: The recent firings at NIST and NSF have raised concerns about the impact on the American AI talent pipeline and the industry’s ability to continue leading globally.

Q: What is the significance of the open letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick?
A: The letter emphasizes the importance of NIST’s work in AI and urges the administration to consider the consequences of DOGE’s rapid cuts.

Q: What is the current state of AI safety and responsibility in the US?
A: The Trump administration has deprioritized AI safety and responsibility, with a focus on reducing "ideological bias" in AI systems, rather than addressing concerns about safety, fairness, and privacy.

Leveraging AI for Business Growth

Avery Winslow
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Leveraging AI for Business Growth

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Business Growth

Optimizing Workflows and Enhancing Customer Experiences

At the latest TechEx Global event, we spoke to Ricky Bartlett, UK Lead for Artificial Intelligence and Automation at CBRE GWE, to discuss how AI is transforming business operations at one of the world’s largest real estate firms. From optimizing workflows to enhancing customer experiences, Ricky shares the real-world applications of AI and how it’s driving efficiency and innovation.

Overcoming Scepticism

When implementing AI, many organizations face skepticism about its potential impact. "There’s a perception that AI is going to replace people," says Ricky. "But the reality is that AI is here to augment and enhance what humans do, not replace them. It’s about amplifying the capabilities of our experts and freeing them up to focus on higher-value tasks."

Real-World Applications of AI

At CBRE, AI is being used to streamline processes, improve data analysis, and enhance customer experiences. For example, AI-powered chatbots are being used to handle routine inquiries, freeing up customer service representatives to focus on more complex issues. Additionally, AI-powered predictive analytics is being used to identify potential issues before they become major problems, reducing the need for costly repairs and minimizing downtime.

The Future of AI at CBRE

Looking ahead, Ricky sees AI playing an increasingly important role in CBRE’s operations. "We’re already seeing AI being used to analyze large datasets and identify patterns and trends that would be impossible for humans to detect on their own," he explains. "In the future, we’ll see AI being used to drive even more complex decisions, such as predicting market trends and identifying opportunities for growth."

Conclusion

The adoption of AI is no longer a question of whether, but when. As organizations like CBRE continue to leverage AI to drive efficiency and innovation, it’s clear that the benefits will be felt across industries and around the world. Whether you’re a large corporation or a small business, the power of AI is within your grasp.

FAQs

Q: How does AI differ from other technologies?
A: AI is unique in its ability to learn and adapt to new data, making it an ideal solution for complex, dynamic problems.

Q: How do you overcome skepticism about AI?
A: By demonstrating the benefits of AI, such as improved efficiency and accuracy, and by providing training and support for employees.

Q: What are some potential negative consequences of AI?
A: While AI has the potential to displace jobs, it also has the potential to create new ones. The key is to ensure that workers are equipped to adapt to the changing landscape.

Q: Is AI limited to large corporations?
A: No, AI is accessible to businesses of all sizes. Smaller businesses can start by leveraging cloud-based AI solutions and scaling up as needed.

Is AI Already Here?

Parker Lennox
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Is AI Already Here?

The Power of AI: Learning and Experimenting

The Ethical Dilemma: Understanding AI’s Impact

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept – it’s embedded in our daily lives, shaping industries, influencing decision-making, and redefining what’s possible. But the big question remains: Are we truly aware of its impact? AI is not just a tool; it’s a force that is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Whether we acknowledge it or not, AI is already here, and it’s changing our world in ways we may not fully understand.

The Power of AI: Learning and Experimenting

AI has incredible potential. If you take just a little time to understand the fundamentals of Machine Learning (ML), AI agents, and the principles that drive them, you’ll not only be able to use AI effectively but also push the boundaries of what’s possible. AI is no longer reserved for large corporations or research institutions – anyone with curiosity and persistence can explore it.

The Ethical Dilemma: Understanding AI’s Impact

Here’s the issue: We’re being pushed to use AI-driven applications and tools that even their creators don’t fully understand. This should raise concerns, not only from a technological standpoint but also from an ethical one. Think about social media – years ago, we embraced it without fully grasping its long-term impact. Today, we’re witnessing the devastating effects it has had on mental health, especially among children and teenagers.

The Digital Divide: Who Gets Left Behind?

One of the most pressing concerns with AI is its accessibility – or lack thereof. While some of us are exploring and leveraging AI tools, a significant portion of the world doesn’t even have reliable internet access. This creates an even larger societal divide, where those with access to AI gain a significant advantage, while others are left further behind.

The Risks: When AI Becomes Autonomous

Unlike traditional tools like Excel, AI is not just another software application – it has the potential to become fully autonomous. In the near future, AI systems could make decisions independently, performing tasks that might seem unnatural or even unethical to us. This raises an important question: Who is responsible when AI systems make decisions that lead to harm?

How Can We Approach AI Responsibly?

So, how can we navigate the AI revolution thoughtfully? Here are a few steps we can all take:

  1. Educate Yourself – Learn about the AI tools you use. Understanding how they work gives you the power to use them effectively and responsibly.
  2. Question the Impact – Don’t just adopt AI for convenience. Think critically about how it affects you, your community, and the broader world.
  3. Advocate for Ethics in AI – Push for ethical discussions and transparency in AI development. Companies should be open about the limitations and risks of their models.
  4. Consider Accessibility – Support initiatives that bring AI to underprivileged communities and ensure that technology benefits everyone, not just a select few.
  5. Stay Informed and Involved – The AI landscape is evolving rapidly. Engage in discussions, share knowledge, and contribute to responsible AI development.

Join the Conversation

AI is here, and it’s shaping our world. But how we navigate its evolution is up to us. We can either be passive users or active participants in ensuring AI is developed and used ethically.

FAQs

Q: What is the potential impact of AI on society?
A: AI has the potential to revolutionize industries, improve decision-making, and redefine what’s possible. However, it also poses risks, such as job displacement, bias, and autonomy.

Q: What are the benefits of AI?
A: AI can improve efficiency, accuracy, and speed in various industries, such as healthcare, finance, and education. It can also enable personalized experiences and improve customer service.

Q: What are the risks of AI?
A: AI can perpetuate bias, lead to job displacement, and create new forms of surveillance. It can also be used to manipulate public opinion and spread misinformation.

Q: How can we ensure AI is developed and used responsibly?
A: We can educate ourselves, question the impact, advocate for ethics in AI development, consider accessibility, and stay informed and involved.

Robots are getting smarter — and that’s a good thing

Parker Lennox
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Robots are getting smarter — and that’s a good thing

The Exponential Power of Scientific Innovation

Unlocking the Potential of Artificial Intelligence

The exponential power of scientific innovation has been on show in recent days. In a series of demonstration videos, Google DeepMind unveiled that it had trained a robot to fold an origami fox, organize a desk, and slam dunk a small basketball through a hoop. Last month, Microsoft showed off a robot conducting basic kitchen tasks. Both companies are capitalizing on advances in artificial intelligence.

Harnessing the Technology

By using the reasoning capabilities of large language models, they have developed robotics software that raise the ability of automatons to adapt to complex environments. Harnessing the technology will take time, but for economies facing shrinking workforces, and rising social and industrial demands, the opportunities are tantalizing. Tech groups, start-ups, and investors have been clamoring to build an AI “brain” that can independently operate robots for applications in healthcare, manufacturing, and even household chores.

The Rise of Smart Robots

After decades of tedious progress that involved manually coding each movement a robot made, AI training is turning robots into fast learners. They can now absorb reams of text, images, and videos from the internet to develop their understanding of the physical world. The latest software developments suggest the technology is developing to the point where robots can adjust to new situations, respond to verbal instructions, and be dexterous enough to manipulate objects.

Challenges Ahead

There is still much to do before robots are common in workplaces and at home. Improving autonomous interaction with humans remains a challenge, as robots struggle to grasp the subtleties of human communication. For instance, at Tesla’s Cybercab event last year, Elon Musk’s humanoid Optimus robots were seen serving drinks but were controlled remotely by humans. Adapting to new and unpredictable environments will require the development of larger databases relating to movement. That’s before thinking about mass manufacturing, how to integrate smart robots into existing hardware, and the legal liability frameworks for dealing with any accidents.

The Promise of Robotics for Humanity

The rise of robots usually evokes fear, either with visions — embellished by the movies — of machines eventually dominating humans, or bringing widespread joblessness. But the latest developments, which allow robots to move beyond repetitive tasks on the factory floor, highlight the promise of robotics for helping humanity and supporting economic growth.

The Future of Work and Society

The world is ageing rapidly. The number of people aged 60 and older is projected to double by 2050 to 2.1bn. In the developed world, labour markets are tight as it is. In the coming decades, a smaller working-age population will need to prop up the healthcare and pension needs of more elderly people. Attracting high-skilled migrants can only go so far.

Conclusion

It’s not inconceivable that robots could play a role in caring for the aged and needy. In industry, they can operate in hazardous environments, support quality assurance, and deal with logistics, freeing humans for more complex tasks. In retail, they could provide personalized assistance. They can assist in rescue operations in disaster zones and be used in space exploration. For time-poor professionals, there’s hope too that forthcoming demonstration videos will show robots unblocking sinks, changing nappies, and doing the recycling.

FAQs

Q: What are the potential applications of smart robots?
A: Smart robots can be used in various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and household chores.

Q: What are the challenges ahead for the development of smart robots?
A: The challenges include improving autonomous interaction with humans, adapting to new and unpredictable environments, and developing larger databases relating to movement.

Q: What are the potential benefits of smart robots for society?
A: Smart robots can help support economic growth, improve healthcare, and free humans for more complex tasks.

Q: What are the potential risks associated with the development of smart robots?
A: The risks include job losses, the need for humans to adapt to new technologies, and the potential for machines to dominate humans.

Horizon Actress Worried About Gaming’s AI-Driven Future

Phil
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Horizon Actress Worried About Gaming’s AI-Driven Future

The Concerns of AI in Gaming: Aloy’s Actress Weighs In

A Jarring Revelation

Last week, a leaked video surfaced online, demonstrating new technology replacing Horizon’s protagonist Aloy with an AI chatbot. The Sony experiment was a jarring revelation for gaming fans who were staunchly against the move.

The Concerns of Game Design

AI and the future of game design is still a tumultuous topic, but sadly, we’re already seeing lazy corner-cutting AI usage permeating the gaming sphere (Activision, I’m looking at you). In the wake of continued SAG-AFTRA’s strikes, it’s concerning to see that developers are continuing to snub the human talent that brings their games to life.

Ashly Burch’s Concerns

Taking to Instagram, Ashly Burch, the official actress of Aloy, explained that the game’s developer, Guerrilla, got in touch to ensure her that the video "didn’t reflect anything that was actively in development." Despite their claims, Ashly told followers, "I feel worried about this art form. Game performance as an art form."

The Future of Game Design

"I feel worried not because the technology exists. Not even because game companies want to use it. Because of course they do. They always want to use technological advancements," she adds. "I love this industry and this art form so much and I want there to be a new generation of actors. I want there to be so many more incredible game performances," Ashly says. "I want to be able to continue, to do this job, and if we don’t win, then that future is really compromised," she concludes.

The Uncertain Future of AI in Gaming

In a time where tensions are high around AI in the gaming industry, Sony’s leaked video presents us with an uncertain future. Using AI technology to create a more immersive, personalized gaming experience has been talked about for some time, but there’s a huge difference in applying the technology to NPCs vs beloved protagonists. At the moment, it’s easy to lose faith in the games industry and anticipate an AI takeover, but the optimist in me hopes that it can strike a balance where AI innovation is merely an enhancement of human talent.

Conclusion

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to strike a balance between innovation and human talent. While AI can enhance the gaming experience, it’s crucial to remember that it’s the human touch that brings games to life. As Ashly Burch so eloquently puts it, "game performance as an art form."

FAQs

Q: What is AI in gaming?
A: AI in gaming refers to the use of artificial intelligence to create more immersive and personalized gaming experiences.

Q: Why are some gamers concerned about AI in gaming?
A: Some gamers are concerned that AI will replace human talent, leading to a loss of jobs and a homogenization of gaming experiences.

Q: What is the purpose of using AI in gaming?
A: The purpose of using AI in gaming is to create more realistic and engaging experiences for players. AI can be used to create more realistic NPC interactions, personalized gameplay, and improved storytelling.

Huawei’s Quantum Leap: Disrupting Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate Market

Taylor Marlowe
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Huawei’s Quantum Leap: Disrupting Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate Market

Transforming the Property Market in Saudi Arabia: The Rise of Quant and Huawei

A Journey to Revolutionize the Real Estate Sector

Despite being one of the richest countries in the world, Saudi Arabia remained data-poor in the real-estate sector until recently. Ahmed Bukhamseen, the founder of Quant, aimed to change this by transforming the property investment market and opening up pricing information to buyers, speculators, and investors.

The Power of Data

At the core of Quant is data – advertised and realised prices, mapping, details of proposed and ongoing construction, geo-spacial data, imagery, and more. We spoke to Ahmed at the recent MWC (Mobile World Congress) in Barcelona to discuss the company’s vision and its journey to date.

Challenges and Solutions

Quant’s main challenge was to comply with data protection regulations, which led to a change in their data hosting strategy. They chose Huawei, a Chinese tech giant, for their cloud services. Ahmed explained, "We started comparing Huawei with others. We discovered that Huawei offer cloud services late, about this time last year. We started using Huawei, and it has been a great experience so far."

Growth and Expansion

As Quant’s business model developed, so did its requirements. The company started out by supplying information drawn from Saudi municipal data registries, but has since enriched that core information with local data and high-res satellite imagery. Ahmed noted, "We were using a data centre here and the data had to go from Saudi to Europe and back. We were running AI on the edge, on images without storing them. But now we have different use cases, so we needed to store data before and after processing, after enrichment or maximisation."

The Future of Quant

The company is revising its data, further enriching it, and adding value for its clients. Ahmed highlighted, "We need to develop specific feature detection or object detection. For example, municipality data could state a company has zoning for a warehouse or extension, and we don’t know which one the owner decided on. But from space, we can build models and see the exact building plan." Quant is also turning to Huawei for its machine learning services, citing significant improvements in processing time.

Conclusion

Quant’s innovative approach to property investment is poised to revolutionize the Saudi real estate market. With its data-driven platform, the company is providing valuable insights to individuals, investors, and businesses alike. As Ahmed emphasized, "We want to see you in Saudi, and see the return on real estate! We don’t talk about 2% or 5% growth: We’re talking about multiplying investments similar to the Bitcoin market."

FAQs

Q: What is Quant’s main focus?
A: Quant’s main focus is on providing data-driven insights to the property market in Saudi Arabia, helping individuals, investors, and businesses make informed decisions.

Q: What is the significance of Huawei in Quant’s operations?
A: Huawei provides cloud services to Quant, enabling the company to store and process large amounts of data efficiently and effectively.

Q: What are the future plans for Quant?
A: Quant is revising its data, further enriching it, and adding value for its clients. The company is also exploring new markets and services, such as advising retailers on the best areas to site their stores and extending its data scope to include the rental market.

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