That is immediately’s version of The Obtain, our weekday publication that gives a each day dose of what is going on on on this planet of know-how.
China’s electrical car giants are betting huge on humanoid robots
Because the electric-vehicle conflict in China calms down, leaving just a few established gamers to dominate the sphere, Chinese language EV giants are increasing into humanoid robotics.
The shift is pushed by monetary necessity, but additionally by the benefits these firms command within the new sector: sturdy present provide chains and years of expertise constructing cutting-edge tech. The Chinese language authorities is beginning to promote and subsidize the transition, too.
It’s changing into clear that China is now dedicated to changing into a worldwide chief in robotics and automation, simply because it did with EVs. Learn the complete story.
—Caiwei Chen
A girl made her AI voice clone say “arse.” Then she bought banned.
—Jessica Hamzelou
Over the previous couple of weeks, I’ve been chatting with folks whose voices have been recreated with AI. Each Joyce Esser, who lives within the UK, and Jules Rodriguez, who lives in Miami, Florida, have types of motor neuron illness—a category of progressive issues that outcome within the gradual lack of the power to maneuver and management muscle mass, and ultimately even converse.
Now, because of an AI software constructed by ElevenLabs, they will “converse” of their previous voices by typing sentences into gadgets, deciding on letters by hand or eye gaze. It’s been an incredible expertise for each of them. However talking by means of a tool has limitations. It’s sluggish, and it doesn’t sound fully pure. And, surprisingly, customers may be restricted in what they’re allowed to say. Learn the complete story.
This story is from The Checkup, our weekly publication all about well being and biotech. Join to obtain it in your inbox each Thursday.
MIT Expertise Assessment Narrated: Why AI may eat quantum computing’s lunch
Speedy advances in making use of synthetic intelligence to physics and chemistry have some folks questioning whether or not we are going to even want quantum computer systems in any respect. Might we, in truth, use AI to resolve a considerable chunk of probably the most attention-grabbing issues in science earlier than large-scale quantum computer systems develop into a actuality?
That is our newest story to be became a MIT Expertise Assessment Narrated podcast, which we’re publishing every week on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Simply navigate to MIT Expertise Assessment Narrated on both platform, and comply with us to get all our new content material because it’s launched.
The must-reads
I’ve combed the web to seek out you immediately’s most enjoyable/vital/scary/fascinating tales about know-how.
1 The US Senate confirmed Robert F Kennedy JR as well being secretary
What occurs now? (The Atlantic $)
+ Right here’s how scientists are reacting. (Scientific American $)
+ All of the proof means that fowl flu is spreading undetected within the US. (Ars Technica)
2 We’re making an attempt to get AI to run earlier than it might probably stroll
AI brokers aren’t actually prepared but. However the logic of competitors means they’re being unleashed anyway. (Vox $)
+ Lots of people will attempt utilizing AI brokers for the primary time this yr. (IEEE Spectrum)
+ Anthropic’s chief scientist on 4 methods brokers will likely be even higher in 2025. (MIT Expertise Assessment)
3 TikTok is again on Apple and Google app shops within the US
After a virtually month-long standoff since a legislation banning the app took impact. (NPR)
4 Anthropic is on the point of launch a brand new AI mannequin
It’s utilizing a distinct method to others, combining the power to cause and execute less complicated duties in a single go. (The Info $)
+ Why OpenAI’s reasoning mannequin is such a giant deal. (MIT Expertise Assessment)
5 The DOGE web site has been defaced
As a result of, relatively than utilizing authorities servers, it pulls from an insecure database that anybody can edit. (The Verge)
+ The DOGE workforce is heading to NASA subsequent. (Enterprise Insider $)
+ DOGE staffers may want a crash course in COBOL. (Quick Firm)
6 It’s solely a matter of time till there’s a Starlink disaster
Scientists warn we’re not doing sufficient to mitigate collisions or environmental points. (CNET)
+ Bolivians are illegally smuggling in Starlink. (Remainder of World)
+ How Antarctica’s historical past of isolation is ending—because of Starlink. (MIT Expertise Assessment)
7 Apple is mysteriously teasing a brand new product
We’ll discover out what it’s subsequent Wednesday. (Engadget)
8 You possibly can not evaluation the Gulf of America on Google Maps
Apparently Google can’t deal with even a tiny little bit of criticism. (BBC)
9 How a pc that ‘drunk dials’ movies is exposing YouTube’s secrets and techniques
It’s 20 years previous, and utilized by over a 3rd of the world, however we all know remarkably little about it. (BBC Future)
10 Generate some AI music on your lover this Valentine’s Day 🎵😘
No expertise wanted. (The Dialog $)
Quote of the day
“I would like you to shush your mouth.”
—One among many bonkers issues Elon Musk’s 4-year-old baby named X Æ A-Xii appears to have stated to President Trump throughout their look within the Oval Workplace this week, Gizmodo experiences.
The massive story
Welcome to Chula Vista, the place police drones reply to 911 calls
DON BARTLETTI/LOS ANGELES TIMES VIA GETTY IMAGES
February 2023
Within the skies above Chula Vista, California, the place the police division runs a drone program, it’s not unusual to see an unmanned aerial car darting throughout the sky.
Chula Vista is one among a dozen departments within the US that function what are known as drone-as-first-responder packages, the place drones are dispatched by pilots, who’re listening to reside 911 calls, and infrequently arrive first on the scenes of accidents, emergencies, and crimes, cameras in tow.
However many argue that police forces’ adoption of drones is occurring too rapidly, with out a well-informed public debate round privateness rules, techniques, and limits. There’s additionally little proof that drone policing reduces crime. Learn the complete story.
—Patrick Sisson