Category: Artificial intelligence

  • SenseRobot Launches AI Chess Robot with 2,900 ELO for Kids

    SenseRobot Launches AI Chess Robot with 2,900 ELO for Kids

    SenseRobot has introduced the SenseRobot Chess, an innovative AI robotic chess coach designed to assist children in improving their chess strategies. This robot offers a wide range of difficulty levels, spanning from 200 to 2,900 ELO, making it suitable for both novices and seasoned players. In its first match, it successfully outplayed Hou Yifan, the world’s top active female grandmaster, who has a standard ELO of 2,633.

    Advanced Features

    The SenseRobot Chess features automatic player log-in through facial recognition, enabling it to remember player settings. It is equipped with a camera that recognizes chess pieces in 3D and has a unique three-fingered claw for moving them. This robotic coach is capable of managing over 145 endgame scenarios and offers 2,000 training exercises, along with the ability to reset pieces for new games. This design minimizes the hassle of moving pieces around when practicing solo. Additionally, it is built to be pinch-free, ensuring safety for younger users, unlike the Russian Konstantin Kosteniuk chess robot, which has been known to injure fingers.

    Learning and Playing

    While playing, the robotic coach gives verbal feedback and advice on moves, aiding children in their chess learning process as it plays against them. It includes a collection of a hundred games played by chess masters to assist children in cultivating advanced strategies and tactics. Furthermore, the robot supports remote chess gaming through Lichess, allowing players to connect globally. All games played can be recorded and shared for later review.

    The SenseRobot Chess can be purchased on JD.com for an MSRP of 4,799 yuan (~$680). Individuals who are unable to import it from China might consider alternative options, like an AI-powered talking chess board available on Amazon. For those curious about the evolution of chess computers, there are resources discussing the first computer that defeated a grandmaster, which can be found in a book on Amazon.

    SenseRobot, SenseRobot press release

    SenseRobot Logo (PRNewsfoto/SenseRobot)

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  • Should Nvidia Be Concerned About Huawei’s Rising AI Chips?

    Should Nvidia Be Concerned About Huawei’s Rising AI Chips?

    Huawei is currently testing its new AI chip, the Ascend 910C, with potential clients in China. This chip is designed to serve as a robust alternative to Nvidia’s top-tier GPUs, particularly following US restrictions that have limited Nvidia’s sales in China. Samples of the Ascend 910C have been provided to major server companies in China for testing and hardware setup.

    Upgraded Technology

    The Ascend 910C is an enhanced version of Huawei’s Ascend 910B chip, which has already been utilized in various sectors within China as a substitute for Nvidia’s A100 chip, particularly in AI training applications.

    Consequences of US Sanctions on Nvidia

    Since August 2022, US sanctions have barred Nvidia from selling its A100 and H100 GPUs to China. In response, Nvidia created modified versions, including the A800 and H800; however, these too faced additional export restrictions in 2023. Despite these challenges, Nvidia continues to be a significant player in China’s AI market, introducing new products such as the H20, L20, and L2 GPUs. The H20 chip is anticipated to generate substantial revenue in China, with expected sales reaching US$12 billion in 2024, despite previous low demand.expected sales reaching US$12 billion

    Huawei’s Expanding Role in China

    The US sanctions imposed on Nvidia have opened doors for Huawei to enhance its AI infrastructure and computing capabilities in China. Eric Xu Zhijun, Huawei’s rotating chairman, highlighted that the company has established two computing divisions over the past five years to bolster the domestic AI sector. This strategic move has positioned Huawei as a formidable competitor in the AI chip industry.

    While Huawei’s AI chips, including the Ascend 910C, show significant promise, the company does encounter challenges. Huawei generally packages its AI chips with additional services, such as network and storage solutions, which might dissuade some potential clients. Moreover, many of Huawei’s AI chips currently in use are still the older 910B models.

    As the competition between Huawei and Nvidia escalates, Huawei’s ongoing advancements in AI technology may enable it to become a pivotal player in China’s AI chip market, especially as it strives for greater self-sufficiency in semiconductor manufacturing.

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  • Aescape Expands AI Massage Robots to Miami Locations

    Aescape Expands AI Massage Robots to Miami Locations

    Aescape has broadened the deployment of its AI massage therapist robots to the Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Miami. This innovative robot offers tailored body massages without needing a human therapist or operator. This expansion follows the robot’s introduction earlier this year in Equinox clubs located in New York.

    How the Robot Works

    The Aescape massage robot employs two robotic arms that are strategically positioned next to and above the massage bed to provide full body massages. A camera scans the customer’s body at 1.2 million points to accurately identify the location of muscles and body tissues. To ensure privacy during the massage, customers don Aerwear body suits that resemble yoga attire. These suits also help reduce skin friction with the robotic massager.

    Features of the Massage Experience

    Instead of using hands, the massage robot utilizes Aerpoint surfaces to perform massages. Each Aerpoint is designed with seven distinct surface shapes, all heated to 95º F (35º C) for precise pressure application during the massage. Customers can choose from a range of massage programs, and additional options will be added in the future. Sessions can be personalized from 15 to 120 minutes by modifying the intensity, pressure, and specific areas of focus. Furthermore, the ambient music, lighting, and components of the massage table, including the armrest, bolster, and headrest, can be customized. All preferences are saved for easy access during subsequent visits.

    Installation Requirements and Pricing

    The Aescape setup necessitates a room measuring 8 by 10 feet, a 120V 5A power supply, and a 2MB/s Internet connection. The rental cost for the machine is noted to be $84,000 annually, with companies potentially breaking even after two appointments or approximately $230 per day. Aescape offers a ROI calculator to help estimate the accurate cost of ownership. At Kimpton, the pricing for a 15-minute session starts at $40, while a 60-minute session begins at $140. For readers who may not have access to an Aescape AI robotic massage therapist nearby, a heated chair massager pad like the one available on Amazon can be an alternative option.

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  • Open NotebookLM: Convert PDFs to Podcasts with Open Source

    Open NotebookLM: Convert PDFs to Podcasts with Open Source

    For those who are new to Google’s AI project, NotebookLM serves as a research assistant platform that allows users to upload documents. It utilizes Gemini 1.5 pro to prioritize notetaking when interacting with the information extracted from these documents. NotebookLM summarizes all uploaded documents in the user’s notebook and enables users to pose questions regarding the content. After processing the data, NotebookLM provides answers along with relevant citations from the uploaded files. One of its standout features is the capability to create podcasts based on the uploaded documents. The podcasts, generated by Gemini, feature AI-curated information and consist of audio discussions between two speakers about the topics found in the materials, with segments lasting between five and thirty minutes. However, some users might hesitate to upload their content to a proprietary large language model (LLM), which is where Open NotebookLM presents a different option.

    A User-Friendly Alternative

    Open NotebookLM offers a simple and user-friendly interface, constructed using various open-source and text-to-speech technologies to convert PDFs into podcasts. For PDF processing, it employs Llama 3.1, which has a character limit of 100,000. While it may not match Gemini’s capabilities, MeloTTS delivers reliable text-to-speech performance, allowing users to modify the AI’s tone to be either "fun" or "formal." Furthermore, Open NotebookLM is compatible with just over ten languages, including Spanish, French, and German among its selections. Users can currently experiment with the project on Chua’s Hugging Face page or compile it locally using the resources provided on the project’s GitHub repository.

    Accessing the Project

    Gabriel Chua can be found on both Hugging Face and GitHub, where users can explore the Open NotebookLM project further.

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  • Test Google’s Gemini Nano AI Model on Pixel 9 Devices Now

    Test Google’s Gemini Nano AI Model on Pixel 9 Devices Now

    Gemini Nano is a specialized and lightweight variant of the wider Gemini family of AI models. Although both models are part of the Gemini lineup, the Nano version focuses specifically on on-device AI functions. It aims to enhance the efficiency and privacy of conversations by processing data directly on the user’s device.

    Availability for Experimentation

    Google has launched Gemini Nano for testing on Android devices through its AI Edge SDK via AIcore. This on-device AI model is said to be optimized for tasks such as text generation and rephrasing. Following this announcement, developers will have the opportunity to explore AI capabilities without heavy reliance on cloud services. However, it is worth noting that access will be limited initially to Pixel 9 series devices.

    Use Cases and Features

    Gemini Nano excels particularly in text-centric AI applications like summarization, proofreading, and generating smart replies. The AI Edge SDK enables developers to adjust specific settings, including temperature, top-K sampling, and output length, to refine the model’s outputs. Top-K sampling is a technique in AI that restricts the number of potential next words to the top K most likely options, aiming to strike a balance between coherence and randomness. This method allows for the generation of relevant and less repetitive text while still providing variability in responses, all while reducing the need for powerful servers.

    Performance Enhancements

    In terms of performance, Gemini Nano boasts significant improvements over its predecessor. According to the company, the model’s accuracy in tasks like paraphrasing and solving math problems has risen to 90% and 23%, respectively. Google is currently providing experimental access to developers, enabling them to incorporate these features into their applications.

    Developers interested in getting started can consult the SDK’s documentation, which offers a detailed guide on implementing Gemini Nano in mobile applications.

    Android Developers Blog via @AndroidDev on X/Twitter

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  • Huawei Chips to Power New AI Model for TikTok’s Parent Company

    Huawei Chips to Power New AI Model for TikTok’s Parent Company

    ByteDance is reportedly developing a new AI model with significant support from Huawei, which may provide the necessary hardware. The parent company of TikTok intends to utilize Huawei’s resources for training and advancing this AI initiative. Here’s what we have gathered so far.

    ByteDance Seeks Huawei’s Assistance for AI

    As per a report from Reuters, ByteDance faces challenges due to US export restrictions that hinder its ability to acquire NVIDIA chips. Initially, ByteDance’s AI project utilized NVIDIA’s H20 AI chips tailored for the Chinese market to sidestep US government restrictions. For context, the US carefully regulates which AI chips can be sold to Chinese companies to slow down the technological advancement in China.

    To navigate these obstacles, TikTok’s parent company is now looking to Huawei for assistance in training and developing its AI model. This new AI model will utilize chips from Huawei instead of NVIDIA’s offerings. This year, ByteDance has reportedly ordered 100,000 Ascend 910B chips from Huawei, but to date, it has only received about 30,000 of those units. Notably, Huawei’s Ascend 910B chips are said to outperform NVIDIA’s A100 chips in terms of GPU performance and energy efficiency.

    Challenges in Chip Supply and Future Outlook

    Despite these advantages, the development of the AI model has been hindered by chip shortages. As ByteDance tries to work around the US government’s restrictions to obtain NVIDIA chips, this development suggests a strategic move to lessen its dependence on US technology. However, it’s important to remember that this information is based on unverified reports, so it should be viewed cautiously for now. Earlier this year, ByteDance also introduced Coze, a platform akin to OpenAI, allowing users without coding expertise to create and deploy AI chatbots.

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  • PlayStation Boosts AI Use to Speed Up Game Development and Cut Costs

    PlayStation Boosts AI Use to Speed Up Game Development and Cut Costs

    In the latest Corporate Report 2024, released on September 13, 2024, Sony outlines its vision for an entertainment company that aligns with societal changes and advancements in technology. The report highlights the significant roles that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will play, particularly in the gaming industry.

    Advancements in Game Development

    Sony aims to incorporate technologies like real-time 3D processing and sensor technology into its game development processes. The objective is to accelerate production times and lower expenses while maintaining high standards of quality. An example mentioned in the report is the making of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, where speech recognition software was utilized to automatically sync subtitles with character dialogues. This innovation considerably shortens the time required for development.

    Innovative Capture Techniques

    Additionally, Sony is investing in the Volumetric Capture Studio, which is designed to collect 3D data of people and settings to create images and 3D assets. This captured data will be utilized throughout the company and may also be offered for sale externally. In partnership with Epic Games, Sony is exploring the Unreal Engine to repurpose 3D elements from music video production for use in video games.

    Ethical Considerations in AI Use

    The application of AI in game development presents significant possibilities but also raises important ethical discussions. A major concern includes the potential displacement of jobs, along with worries that AI might hinder the creative process for developers. Proponents argue that AI can help eliminate monotonous tasks, giving developers more time to concentrate on creative projects. A conversation about Sony’s increased reliance on AI has already begun on Reddit.

    Image source: PlayStation, Frank_Reppold / Pixabay

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  • Raspberry Pi and Sony Launch New AI Camera Module Together

    Raspberry Pi and Sony Launch New AI Camera Module Together

    Raspberry Pi has partnered with Sony to introduce a new AI camera designed for the Pi single-board computers. According to the company, this module includes onboard processing capabilities, which simplifies the handling of visual data for "edge AI solutions" developed with the SBCs.

    First AI Camera Module

    This marks the first official AI-powered camera module that Raspberry Pi has launched for its compact computers. The module is equipped with the Sony IMX500 Intelligent Vision Sensor, which boasts a resolution of 12.3 MP and is complemented by the RP2040 microcontroller.

    Advanced Processing Features

    Thanks to the IMX500’s neural network accelerator, there is no requirement for a GPU to manage visual data processing. In terms of recording capabilities, the AI camera module can capture video at 4056×3040 pixels at 10 frames per second (FPS) or at 2028×1520 pixels at 40 FPS.

    Easy Integration and Pricing

    The module also offers manual focus and has a field of view of 76 degrees. Its dimensions are 25x24x11.9 mm, making it easy to integrate into Raspberry Pi projects, as it matches the size of the Camera Module 3 released last year.

    In terms of cost, the AI camera module is priced at $70, which is somewhat higher than the Camera Module 3. Nonetheless, the onboard AI processing could justify this cost for applications that require it. It is compatible with all Raspberry Pi SBCs, including the Pi 5 starter kit available on Amazon.

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  • California Extends Time for AI Freedom and Innovation

    California Extends Time for AI Freedom and Innovation

    Last month, California’s state legislature passed the SB 1047: Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act. However, it did not clear its final hurdle as Governor Gavin Newsom opted to veto this contentious legislation. The bill aimed to establish safeguards for AI models that incurred costs exceeding $100 million and utilized computational power of at least 10^26 FLOPS. While the bill faced opposition from notable figures such as Meta’s chief AI scientist Yann LeCun, along with executives from Google and OpenAI, it received support from Elon Musk.

    Newsom’s Decision on AI Regulation

    Even though Governor Newsom signed 17 bills concerning GenAI technology in the past month, he decided to halt SB 1047 in its current form. Discussing the future of AI regulation in California, he remarked that

    "We have a responsibility to protect Californians from potentially catastrophic risks of GenAI deployment. We will thoughtfully — and swiftly — work toward a solution that is adaptable to this fast-moving technology and harnesses its potential to advance the public good."

    He acknowledged that while SB 1047 is "well-intentioned," it overlooks critical factors such as the environment in which an AI solution is implemented, the handling of sensitive data, and the nature of decision-making involved. He emphasized that the bill primarily targets the fundamentals of AI systems and concluded that this approach may not effectively shield the public from the potential dangers posed by the technology.

    Reactions and Future Prospects

    In August, Nancy Pelosi described the California AI bill as "well-intentioned but ill-informed" and was among the first to commend Newsom for his decision to terminate the initiative.

    Although a new similar bill is expected to emerge, it will be crafted in collaboration with experts like Fei-Fei Li, Jennifer Tour Chayes, and Tino Cuellar. For those interested in understanding this field better, “Introduction to Generative AI” by Numa Dhamani and Maggie Engler is available on Amazon for $36.99 in Kindle format (currently at a 26% discount), or in paperback for $44.77 (with a 10% discount).

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  • AI Discovers Twice as Many Nazca Lines in Just 6 Months

    AI Discovers Twice as Many Nazca Lines in Just 6 Months

    Nazca glyphs are large ground drawings representing people, animals, or geometric forms, likely created by the Nazca civilization for religious and ceremonial reasons. These glyphs are located in the Nazca Desert in southern Peru, which runs along the Pacific coast.

    New Discoveries

    Until recently, only 430 glyphs had been documented. Researchers invested years in fieldwork and the analysis of aerial images to uncover these designs. A study published on September 23, 2024, in PNAS by Masato Saki, Akihisa Sakurai, Siyuan Lu, and Marcus Freitag reveals that the known number of Nazca lines nearly doubled in just six months, thanks to the application of artificial intelligence.

    Methodology

    The research employed a neural network that was trained using natural imagery, specifically designed to identify the relief-like Nazca glyphs. Due to the limited training examples available, the existing geoglyphs were divided into smaller sections to enlarge the training dataset. A grid-based classification model was then used to create a comprehensive probability map with a resolution of 5 meters, making it possible to spot even the most difficult-to-find geoglyphs. The study concludes that:

    The AI-enhanced approach is far more scalable, as demonstrated by the identification of 303 new figurative relief-type geoglyphs, almost doubling the known count of these designs.

    Future Implications

    The remarkable success of utilizing AI for identifying Nazca lines hints at the potential capabilities of artificial intelligence in archaeological studies and other scientific disciplines in the future.

    Image source: monikawl999 / Pixabay

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