The Artificial Intelligence Podcast

IBM's watsonx.governance toolkit helps IT leaders ensure the safety and integrity of AI models by providing audit trails, real-time monitoring, and platform flexibility. The toolkit enables customers to create a repository for logging details throughout a model's lifecycle, including the rationale behind model choices and stakeholder involvement. It focuses on three core areas: compliance, risk management, and model lifecycle management, and comes with a best practices workflow to ensure stakeholders submit necessary information. The toolkit is designed to be used across any platform or framework, and can help enterprises comply with regulations such as the EU AI Act.

Scientists at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory are making significant progress in using artificial intelligence to enhance fusion research, aiming to generate clean and reliable energy from plasma. Machine learning is being used to analyze data, learn from new knowledge, and adapt, which could improve control over fusion reactions, vessel design, heating methods, and reaction stability. Researchers have achieved results such as avoiding magnetic perturbations and deploying machine learning code on two tokamaks, demonstrating its versatility and potential.

California is partnering with five companies to develop and test generative artificial intelligence tools, which can create content like text and photos in response to prompts. This technology could revolutionize state government agencies, making them more efficient and effective in serving the public. Potential applications include reducing customer call wait times and providing information on health and social service benefits in languages other than English. The state will conduct a six-month trial to assess the tools' effectiveness and risks before considering wider deployment, with experts emphasizing the need for safeguards and oversight to mitigate potential risks like job loss and misinformation.

Companies like ZeroEyes are capitalizing on the growing market for school security technology, particularly surveillance cameras with AI systems that can detect people carrying guns. Kansas is considering $5 million in grants for schools to install such systems, but the funding is contingent upon the governor's approval and specific criteria, including patented AI software. ZeroEyes, founded by military veterans, is the only company that currently meets these requirements, but critics argue the legislation favors them and may divert funds from other essential school safety measures.

Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd envisions a future where AI-powered "dating concierges" act as stand-ins for individuals in online dating, potentially revolutionizing the dating landscape. Herd proposes that AI assistants could empower women to bypass awkward conversations and profile sifting, facilitating connections. While some see the benefits of AI-driven dating, others are concerned about increased isolation and disconnection. Herd emphasizes the goal of using AI to teach people how to date effectively and foster healthier relationships.

The US military is pushing to stay ahead of China in developing artificial intelligence for weapon systems. A recent demo showcased an AI-piloted fighter jet engaging in a dogfight with a human-piloted jet, highlighting significant advancements. The military is investing heavily in AI research, with projects including an AI-powered navigation system and training AI to fly fighter jets. Safety is a top concern, with officials controlling data and ensuring responsible use. The focus on AI is driven by the need to stay ahead of potential adversaries, with China also investing heavily in AI research.

TikTok has announced it will automatically label content generated by Artificial Intelligence when uploaded from certain platforms, increasing transparency and helping users distinguish between fact and fiction. The platform is adopting Content Credentials technology, an open standard allowing users to trace the origin of media, including who made it and any edits. This move aims to reduce misinformation and increase trust in online content, with the labels becoming more widespread in the coming weeks.

The music industry is preparing for a surge in AI-generated music in 2024, led by startups Suno and Udio. Udio, co-founded by former Google DeepMind employees, has raised $10 million in funding and created a buzz with over 600,000 users testing it out in two weeks. The platform's users are creating an astonishing 864,000 tracks daily, raising concerns about royalty distribution and copyright infringement. Despite legal battles, the industry is exploring collaborative approaches, such as Universal Music Group's partnership with YouTube to develop generative AI music tools.

Apple is revamping Siri to incorporate generative artificial intelligence, making it more conversational and versatile, after realizing its limitations compared to competitors like Open AI's Chat GPT. The company is prioritizing AI development, planning to showcase its work at its annual developers conference on June 10. The update is part of a broader effort to integrate AI across Apple's business, including increasing iPhone memory and discussing licensing AI models from other companies.

The San Francisco Bay Area has solidified its position as the global leader in artificial intelligence technology and funding, capturing over 50% of global venture funding for AI-related startups last year. The region's cluster of talent and concentration of Big Tech companies, research, and venture capital have driven this growth, with companies like Open AI, Anthropic, and Inflection AI raising over 1 billion dollars each. The Bay Area's commercial real estate market is also booming as AI startups seek office space, making it the epicenter for AI innovation and growth.

A surge in artificial intelligence demand is driving a shortage of high-performance memory chips, crucial for training large language models. SK Hynix and Micron, top memory chip suppliers, have already sold out of high-bandwidth memory chips for 2024 and nearly sold out for 2025. Analysts expect the general memory supply to remain tight throughout 2024. The demand for AI chipsets has boosted firms like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, with Samsung seeing a sharp profit rebound in the first quarter of 2024.

Anthropic, an Amazon-backed company, has launched its AI chatbot Claude across Europe, following a successful rollout in the UK. Claude is now available for free on web and mobile platforms in the European Union and non-EU countries, offering fluency in multiple languages. A paid subscription service, Claude Pro, provides access to advanced AI models, while Claude Team targets businesses at 28 euros per month. Anthropic prioritizes accuracy, security, and privacy, aligning with EU concerns and regulations. The company's rapid growth and valuation have drawn attention from investors, with Amazon's investment valued at 2.75 billion dollars.

Nine new supercomputers worldwide, powered by NVIDIA's Grace Hopper Superchips, are set to accelerate scientific research and discovery in areas like climate change, exploration, and drug discovery. With a combined processing power of 200 exaflops, these energy-efficient systems will significantly boost research capabilities. The Alps, EXA1-HE, Helios, JUPITER, and Miyabi supercomputers are among those utilizing NVIDIA's technology, featuring innovative cooling systems and AI-driven architectures to drive better energy efficiency and innovation.

AI-generated spam is on the rise on social media platforms like Facebook, Threads, and LinkedIn. Users are being bombarded with AI-generated images and posts that have misleading captions and emotionally exploitative content. Surprisingly, these posts are being suggested by the platforms themselves, leading users to believe they are genuine. Georgetown and Stanford researchers found that many of these AI-generated posts are involved in scams and spam, with unclear financial motivations. Users are frustrated by the prevalence of spam and fake content, eroding trust in the digital world. To address the issue, Meta and TikTok are planning to label AI-generated content to help users differentiate between genuine and AI-generated posts.

Swedish fintech company Klarna revealed that over 87% of its workforce, including non-technical departments such as communications, marketing, and legal, are using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their daily work. Klarna's in-house AI assistant, Kiki, is utilized by 85% of employees and is credited with responding to around 2,000 queries per day. Klarna's adoption of AI has contributed to its profitability, with the company reporting its first quarterly profit in four years. The use of AI tools has also led to significant cost savings, with Klarna estimating that its AI chatbot has saved $40 million by performing the work of 700 full-time customer service jobs.

A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) computer programs can accurately detect differences in the organization of male and female brains at a cellular level. The study used machine learning to analyze thousands of MRI brain scans and identified patterns in the white matter to distinguish biological male and female brains. This understanding of brain structure could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatments for brain issues and disorders that affect men and women differently. The AI models achieved a high accuracy rate of 92% to 98% in identifying the sex of the brain scans and highlighted the importance of water movement in determining sex. Further research will explore the development of sex-related brain structure differences over time, considering environmental, hormonal, and social factors.

Senators, led by Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, are preparing to release a "road map" for regulating artificial intelligence (AI). The plan will propose allocating billions of dollars towards AI research and development, while also addressing potential risks associated with the technology. The plan, which will serve as a guideline for Senate committees, will cover various sectors including healthcare and the military. It is expected to call for tailored rules for different sectors and emphasize testing and transparency measures. The proposal is based on a recommendation to allocate 1 percent of the US gross domestic product to AI research and development.

The United States and China are scheduled to hold talks in Geneva to address the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and discuss ways to ensure its safe development and use. The discussions will cover concerns about security, China's rapid deployment of AI technologies, and the potential impact on various sectors. While the talks aim to communicate Washington's concerns and establish boundaries to protect US technology, they are not focused on technical collaboration or cooperation. The US delegation will include representatives from the White House, State Department, and Commerce Departments. US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also plans to issue recommendations on managing AI risks, which will be translated into legislation.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an essential part of our lives, with digital assistants like Alexa and Siri controlling various aspects of our homes. Experts predict that robots will be doing almost 40% of our housework by 2033. According to studies, automation is expected to decrease the time spent on housework by 46% in the next decade, with grocery shopping being the most automated task, projected to be performed by AI almost 60% of the time by 2033. However, machines are unlikely to be trusted with caring responsibilities like looking after the elderly or children. The AI market is expected to reach $184 billion by 2024 and $826 billion by 2030. AI is also involved in various online platforms, communication tools, and behind-the-scenes applications. The rise of digital voice assistants has made them indispensable for many people. While humanoid robots like Mabel may not be a reality yet, our homes are becoming increasingly "smart" with AI integration.

The tech lobbying landscape in Washington D.C. is experiencing a shift as companies and investors rally against strict safety rules on advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and instead advocate for focusing on the threat posed by China. This pro-tech, anti-China AI push has successfully won over skeptical members of Congress, thanks to influential players like IBM and Meta, as well as other companies and investors including Nvidia, AI startups, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, and libertarian billionaire Charles Koch. This lobbying battle pits those warning about the risks of AI against those highlighting its transformative potential, with implications for AI policy in the US and the global industry.

Open AI has released a new AI model called GPT-4o, which enables Chat GPT to engage in realistic voice conversations and interact across both text and images. The model allows users to speak to Chat GPT and receive real-time responses with no delay, and even interrupt it mid-sentence, making conversations feel more natural. This significant advancement brings human-like interaction to AI voice assistants, a feat previously challenging to achieve. The new model will be available for free, with paid users having greater capacity limits.

Google DeepMind and Isomorphic Labs have announced the upgraded version of their artificial intelligence technology, AlphaFold3. This new version has the potential to revolutionize the understanding of the human body and aid in the fight against diseases. AlphaFold3 can predict the three-dimensional shape of proteins, as well as forecast the behavior of other microscopic mechanisms such as DNA and RNA. By extending the capabilities of AlphaFold, Google DeepMind aims to streamline the development of new drugs and vaccines, saving valuable time in experimental work and enabling research that was previously impossible. This promising advancement holds great potential for revolutionizing the medical field and improving human health.

Metal Archives, a popular metal music website, has announced that it will ban AI-generated metal music from its listings. The decision comes in response to an increasing number of bands submitting AI-generated music to the site. Metal Archives aims to create a comprehensive database of metal music, focusing on preserving art and human expression. The site will now require evidence to prove that submitted music is not AI-generated, such as behind-the-scenes material or statements from bands or labels. While the ban aims to preserve the human element in metal music, Metal Archives acknowledges that mistakes may occur and hopes to minimize errors with user assistance. The ban may also extend to AI-generated artwork.

The Biden administration is reportedly considering imposing restrictions on China's access to advanced AI models in an effort to protect U.S. AI technology. The Department of Commerce is exploring regulating the export of proprietary or closed source AI models. This move would complement previous measures aimed at preventing the export of sophisticated AI chips to China. However, the rapidly evolving nature of the AI industry poses a challenge for regulators. The proposed restrictions have been criticized by the Chinese Embassy as "economic coercion." Concerns are raised about the potential misuse of AI models by U.S. adversaries for cyber attacks or the development of biological weapons. The regulatory proposal is still under discussion, highlighting U.S. efforts to address China's AI ambitions.

Open AI has sparked criticism by considering allowing users to create AI-generated pornography and other explicit content with its products. The company maintains that its ban on deepfakes will still apply to adult material, but is exploring the possibility of "responsibly" generating NSFW content, such as erotica and extreme gore. While Open AI clarifies that it has no intention of creating AI pornography and prioritizes the protection of children, concerns have been raised about potential exploitation and the company's ability to limit harmful material. The debate has prompted discussions about the ethical boundaries and responsibilities of companies in developing such technology.

Social media platform X has introduced a new feature called "AI Audience" that enables advertisers to define target audiences using AI. Advertisers can input a brief description of their target audience, and X's AI system will generate a pool of relevant users within seconds. While some users praised the feature as a game changer, others expressed concerns about potential biases and stereotypes. The move aligns with X owner Elon Musk's proactive approach to integrating AI into the platform. Despite some skepticism, the overall response to the new feature has been positive, with users seeing it as a smart development for advertisers.

OpenAI's Chat GPT has played a significant role in popularizing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) among consumers. Machine learning, a subfield of AI, is being applied in real-world applications, with companies like Google and Microsoft leading the way in developing AI technologies and hiring machine learning engineers. Machine learning involves using algorithms and statistical models for computers to learn from patterns in data. It has applications in various industries, including finance, healthcare, entertainment, and publishing. Machine learning engineers are highly paid professionals, with an average salary of $165,685, and the highest-paying locations are Silicon Valley, New York, and Seattle. To become a machine learning engineer, a background in computer science, mathematics, or engineering is typically required, and there are various educational resources available for learning machine learning. The demand for machine learning engineers is expected to grow as AI advances and its applications become more widespread.

New York-based startup Hungryroot is using artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce food waste and provide a more personalised food delivery experience. Customers answer questions about their preferences, allergies, health goals and cooking habits, and the AI-powered technology recommends recipes and grocery items accordingly. Customers can review and make changes to their order before delivery, and Hungryroot can minimise its own waste by recommending items based on availability. These efforts have led to an impressive 80% reduction in food waste at Hungryroot's facilities, and the company has achieved profitability by efficiently spending and building a business that customers love. Hungryroot has raised $75m in investments to support its approach.

Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model, called TRTpred, that can accurately predict tumor-killing immune cells. The AI model was trained using gene-expression profiles from 235 T cell receptors (TCRs) of patients with metastatic melanoma. The model was able to accurately identify tumor-reactive T cells with a 90% accuracy rate. The researchers further refined the selection process by applying algorithms to identify T cells with high binding strength to tumor antigens. The combination of TRTpred and the algorithmic filters, known as MixTRTpred, was validated in mice by identifying tumor-reactive T cells capable of eliminating tumors. The researchers believe this AI model has the potential to revolutionize cancer immunotherapies by offering personalized targeting of the most effective tumor-killing T cells.

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, plans to expand its generative AI offerings for ads. These tools will enable advertisers to automatically create variations of images and add text on top of them. The company stated that the tool will initially be launched in a test form without watermarks. However, the company views watermarks as an important safety feature and is working on how labeling will work for ads. Meta's move to expand its AI offerings comes as it invests billions in building and supporting its AI models. Google has also announced a similar expansion of its AI ads tools.

The Biden administration is taking steps to protect advanced AI models from being exploited by China and Russia. These models have the ability to analyze large amounts of text and images, but there are concerns that U.S. adversaries could use them for cyber attacks or to create biological weapons. One of the main threats is the creation of deepfakes and the spread of misinformation. Companies like Open AI and Microsoft have developed AI-powered tools that can be used to create convincing deepfakes and other misleading content. Another concern is the potential use of AI models to create biological weapons, and the use of AI in cyber attacks. To address these threats, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a bill to impose export controls on AI models and give the Commerce Department more authority.

The adoption of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) is increasing, but there is a shortage of the high-performance chips, specifically high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, needed to support its growth. SK Hynix, a major HBM supplier, announced that its HBM products are fully booked through 2025 due to high demand, leading to increased prices. However, other manufacturers like Samsung and Micron are increasing production to meet the demand. TSMC, the exclusive supplier of HBM technology, is also increasing capacity to alleviate shortages. Chip manufacturers like Intel and AMD are introducing new processors for AI functions, and LLM creators are developing smaller models tailored for specific tasks. Efforts are being made to meet the growing demand for AI chips and enable widespread adoption of genAI.

Google has released its new Pixel 8a smartphone, offering generative AI features at a more affordable price of $499. The phone includes Google's Gemini generative AI chatbot, along with features like Magic Editor, Circle to Search, and Best Take. The Pixel 8a has a 6.1-inch display, Tensor G3 chip, 128GB of storage, and a 64-megapixel wide-angle camera. The Magic Editor allows users to remove or manipulate objects within photos, while Circle to Search enables searching for products seen in photos. Best Take captures a series of images for group photos and allows swapping faces if someone blinked. Google aims to boost device sales with these AI capabilities and has partnered with Samsung for similar features in the Galaxy S24 phones.

A recent survey conducted by Art & Science Group reveals that nearly all high school seniors who plan to attend college are familiar with and actively using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The survey found that 19 out of 20 students are familiar with generative AI, and 69% have used these tools for schoolwork, including writing essays and completing assignments. Additionally, around 40% of students reported using AI for recreational purposes. While concerns about the consequences and ethical implications of AI persist, experts emphasize the need for a balanced approach in integrating AI into educational institutions and guiding students in responsible usage.

Red Hat, a leading provider of open-source software solutions, is expanding its generative AI capabilities to address the IT skills gap. The company plans to extend its Red Hat Lightspeed AI capabilities to its platforms, including Red Hat OpenShift and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). By incorporating gen AI functionality into its portfolio, Red Hat aims to simplify enterprise IT, allowing platform engineers and developers to be more efficient and accurate. Red Hat is joining other enterprise IT vendors in incorporating generative AI capabilities into their offerings. However, budget constraints and uncertain return on investment may hinder the adoption of these new features.

The emergence of AI chatbots has led to the implementation of AI detectors in schools to identify instances of AI-assisted completion of assignments. However, these detectors have faced criticism for producing false positives, particularly among non-native English speakers. In response, some educators are exploring the use of linguistic fingerprinting, which involves analyzing an individual's unique writing style and patterns to determine authorship. Linguistic fingerprinting has proven effective in uncovering instances of plagiarism or academic dishonesty. Critics argue that writing styles evolve over time, but proponents argue that linguistic fingerprinting can still provide reliable evidence. It is important to establish trust with students and use linguistic fingerprinting as a backup tool when suspecting AI usage. The future requires prioritizing AI literacy and reevaluating assessment strategies in education.

Amazon has launched Bedrock Studio, a new tool within its generative AI platform, to simplify the development of generative AI apps. It allows organisations to experiment with generative AI models, collaborate on them, and build generative AI-powered apps. Bedrock Studio offers a rapid prototyping environment for generative AI and enables developers to evaluate, analyse, fine-tune, and share generative AI models from various partners. The tool is automatically deployed using necessary Amazon Web Services resources and integrates well with other AWS tools. Amazon's move reflects the growing interest and investment in generative AI, which has the potential to transform various industries.

AI-generated deepfake images are becoming increasingly difficult to spot as AI technology advances. While there are some signs to look out for, such as a smooth, polished appearance in fake photos and inconsistencies in lighting and shadows, it is important to note that these signs can sometimes be eliminated through creative prompting. Examining mouth movements and teeth in videos can also provide clues to detect doctored content. AI tools are being developed to combat deepfakes, but many are not readily accessible to the public due to concerns about giving bad actors an advantage. Critical thinking remains essential in identifying deepfakes, as AI continues to improve and make detection more challenging.

Apple has introduced its latest iPad Pro, which features a new chip designed for AI computing, signaling the company's push to encourage app makers to create AI-related software. The iPad Pro comes with upgraded displays and starts at $1,000 for an 11-inch model and $1,300 for a 13-inch model. The M4 chip includes a larger "neural engine" that can handle tasks such as generating text or images. Apple's rivals, such as Microsoft and Alphabet, have embraced AI and seen success, while Apple has struggled with weak iPhone demand. The new AI-focused chip in the iPad Pro aims to help Apple catch up and gain market share in this field.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and social media can provide more accurate assessments of depression and anxiety in American communities than traditional surveys, according to a study led by researchers from Stony Brook University, Stanford University, and the University of Pennsylvania. The study analyzed nearly one billion tweets from over two million users in 1,418 US counties and found that AI-generated measurements were more reliable at tracking changes in mental health rates on a weekly level and for smaller regions. The researchers recommended incorporating language-based assessments alongside traditional survey data to obtain a more accurate and timely understanding of community mental health.

Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has expressed concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) at the company's annual shareholder meeting. Buffett likened AI to the genie that came out of the bottle with nuclear weapons, saying he sees both enormous potential for good and harm with AI. He warned of the increasing prevalence of deepfake scams and revealed that his own image and voice have been replicated by an AI-backed tool. Despite his concerns, Berkshire Hathaway is using AI to increase employee efficiency. Other prominent figures, including JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, have also expressed concerns about the risks associated with AI.

A recent survey conducted by Canva reveals that 35% of K-12 teachers in the U.S. experience burnout on a daily or most days basis. This burnout is leading to thoughts of career changes, with 57% of teachers considering quitting or switching schools and 64% considering leaving the teaching profession altogether. To address these challenges, AI tools are emerging as a potential solution. The survey found that 42% of teachers have already used AI in the classroom, primarily to refine learning materials. Teachers who have used AI overwhelmingly find it helpful in addressing burnout and improving work efficiency. Even teachers who haven't used AI express optimism about its potential to reduce burnout. Overall, AI has the potential to support educators in providing quality education while maintaining their well-being.

Less than half of AI projects make it into production, with the main obstacle being the difficulty in estimating their value, according to a survey by Gartner. The study found that it takes an average of eight months to go from AI prototype to production, and only 48% of projects succeed in reaching this stage. Among the respondents, 29% reported using GenAI as their most deployed AI solution. The survey also identified 9% of organizations as being AI-mature, with a focus on foundational capabilities such as scalable AI operating models, AI engineering, upskilling, and risk management. These capabilities were seen as vital for successful AI implementation.

Generative AI, capable of creating images and videos, has sparked a debate about accessibility. Illustrator Henrik Tamm believes that these tools should only be accessible to talented individuals with artistic skill. However, there is another perspective where professionals can embrace AI and use it to their advantage. Writers, in particular, can benefit from AI tools like Chat GPT to enhance their productivity. By investing time in learning about generative AI, professionals can collaborate with AI tools to produce more and better texts, transforming them into different formats. Although competition for readers' attention is intense, embracing AI and adapting to the changing landscape can open up new creative possibilities. Overall, professionals who excel at utilizing AI tools will benefit the most in this AI era.