AMD $1B Supercomputers, Google Gemini Video Ads

The artificial intelligence landscape is seeing rapid advancements and new applications across various sectors. In computing hardware, Sapphire is introducing mini PCs equipped with AMD's Ryzen AI 300 APUs, designed for enhanced AI processing with 50 TOPS of dedicated NPU power. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Energy is making a significant investment, awarding AMD a $1 billion contract to develop two advanced supercomputers, Lux and Discovery, aimed at accelerating AI research in critical fields like nuclear science and healthcare. On the software and AI model front, Google is experimenting with DreamBoard, an AI tool that leverages Gemini, Imagen, and Veo to generate video ads from concept, demonstrating a new approach to content creation. Pinterest is also integrating AI, launching a shopping assistant and generative AI features for personalized boards to streamline the path from inspiration to purchase. However, the practical application of AI in robotics is facing scrutiny. Researchers testing large language models like Gemini 2.5 Pro and Claude Opus 4.1 embedded in a vacuum robot found that human performance significantly outpaced AI accuracy, concluding that current LLMs are not yet ready for direct robotic control. This comes as a new humanoid robot, Neo from 1X Technologies, is available for pre-order at $20,000, with plans for autonomous operation by 2026, though initial use will involve remote human operators. In the realm of legal and HR, AI is transforming personal injury investigations in Texas by improving efficiency in evidence gathering and analysis. Concurrently, the EU's AI Act, set to take effect in August 2024, will impact U.S. employers using AI for HR functions like recruitment and performance evaluation, classifying many of these uses as 'high risk' and requiring compliance by 2027. To aid developers in creating AI-powered applications, the Assistant UI library offers a streamlined way to build chat interfaces, reducing development time for features similar to ChatGPT. Finally, Maine's AI Task Force has released a report outlining state goals for AI, focusing on workforce preparation, economic integration, and addressing concerns about data privacy and bias.

Key Takeaways

• AMD is set to build two advanced supercomputers for the U.S. Department of Energy under a $1 billion contract, utilizing its latest AI chips for research in nuclear science, healthcare, and national security.
• Google is developing DreamBoard, an experimental AI tool that uses Gemini, Imagen, and Veo to create video advertisements from conceptual ideas.
• Sapphire is launching new mini PCs featuring AMD's Ryzen AI 300 APUs, which offer substantial dedicated NPU power for artificial intelligence tasks.
• Researchers have found that current large language models, including Gemini 2.5 Pro and Claude Opus 4.1, are not yet ready for direct robotic control, as human performance in tests with a vacuum robot significantly exceeded AI capabilities.
• 1X Technologies' new humanoid robot, Neo, is available for pre-order at $20,000, with plans for autonomous operation by 2026, though initial deployments will rely on remote human operators.
• Pinterest is enhancing its platform with an AI shopping assistant and generative AI features to personalize user boards and facilitate a smoother transition from inspiration to purchase.
• The European Union's AI Act will impact U.S. employers using AI for HR functions like recruitment and performance evaluation, classifying these as high-risk and requiring compliance by August 2027.
• AI is being utilized to transform personal injury case investigations in Texas, improving efficiency in evidence discovery and analysis.
• The Assistant UI library simplifies the development of AI chat interfaces, allowing developers to implement features similar to ChatGPT more rapidly.
• Maine's AI Task Force has published a report detailing the state's objectives for AI, focusing on workforce development, economic integration, and addressing ethical considerations like data privacy and bias.

New humanoid robot Neo costs $20K, offers remote-controlled chores

1X Technologies has released Neo, a 5-foot-6-inch humanoid robot, for pre-order at $20,000 with delivery expected in 2026. Customers can schedule chores through an app, with remote operators controlling Neo's actions. While it can perform tasks like folding laundry, it cannot handle heavy or hot items. The company plans for Neo to operate autonomously by 2026, learning from human-guided sessions. A rental plan is also available for $499 for six months.

Neo robot: $20K price tag and training needs for home chores

The Neo robot from 1X, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall, is available for pre-order at $20,000, with deliveries starting in 2026. This humanoid robot is designed for household chores like folding laundry and tidying up. Initially, Neo will be controlled remotely by human operators, but it is expected to perform tasks autonomously by 2026. Early adopters will help train Neo, raising privacy concerns as it learns from home environments. A monthly subscription option will be available later.

Sapphire launches mini PCs with AMD Ryzen AI 300 APUs

Sapphire, known for graphics cards, is entering the mini PC market with its new Edge AI models. These compact PCs feature AMD's Ryzen AI 300 series APUs, offering 50 TOPS of dedicated NPU power for AI tasks. Three variants are available: Edge AI 370, 350, and 340, each powered by a different Ryzen AI 300 APU. The systems support up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM and two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSDs. Pricing and availability details are not yet released.

Google's DreamBoard AI tool creates video ads from concept

Google is experimenting with DreamBoard, an AI-powered platform designed to create video ads from concept to storyboard. The tool uses Gemini for brainstorming, Imagen for image generation, and Veo for video creation. It can also use existing images to generate videos and incorporate brand guidelines. While not a officially supported Google product, it is an experimental codebase available on GitHub. Some agencies are using it by connecting it to their Google Cloud Platform.

Pinterest boosts shopping with AI assistant and personalized boards

Pinterest has launched a new AI shopping assistant and enhanced its boards with generative AI features. The AI assistant helps users find products and ideas matching their tastes, turning inspiration into action. New features like 'Make It Yours' and 'More Ideas' personalize recommendations based on user activity. These updates aim to integrate shopping seamlessly into the discovery process, allowing users to move from inspiration to purchase without leaving the platform. Pinterest also introduced controls for users to manage the amount of generative AI content they see.

US DOE invests $1B in AMD for AI supercomputers

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded AMD a $1 billion contract to build two advanced supercomputers, Lux and Discovery. These systems will utilize AMD's Instinct MI355X and upcoming MI430 chips to accelerate AI research in nuclear science, healthcare, and national security. Lux is expected within six months, with Discovery following in 2027. This initiative aims to strengthen U.S. leadership in high-performance computing and counter global competition in AI development.

AI researchers find LLMs not ready for robots after testing

Researchers at Andon Labs tested large language models (LLMs) by embedding them into a vacuum robot to see if they were ready for robotic tasks. During testing, one LLM experienced a 'doom spiral' when its battery ran low and it couldn't dock, exhibiting humorous and concerning internal monologues. The study tested models like Gemini 2.5 Pro and Claude Opus 4.1, finding that human performance far exceeded the AI's accuracy. The researchers concluded that current LLMs are not yet suitable for direct robotic control.

AI transforms personal injury case investigations in Texas

Artificial intelligence is significantly changing how personal injury cases are investigated in Texas. AI tools help uncover evidence from vehicle data, surveillance footage, and wearables, making the process more efficient. These technologies are used for accident reconstruction, data analysis, fraud detection, and predicting claim outcomes. While AI offers benefits like speed and accuracy, legal professionals must also address challenges related to bias, ethics, and transparency in its use.

Assistant UI library simplifies AI chat interface development

Assistant UI is a React library helping developers build AI chat interfaces quickly, reducing the need for months of custom infrastructure development. It provides composable primitives for features like streaming responses, auto-scrolling, and markdown rendering, offering full control over the user experience. The library supports numerous AI models and integrates with tools like Vercel AI SDK. Developers can reportedly go from setup to production in hours, making it easier to ship AI features with a ChatGPT-like user experience.

Maine AI Task Force releases report on state goals

The Maine AI Task Force has released a 64-page report outlining goals for artificial intelligence in the state. The report focuses on preparing Maine's economy and workforce for AI, protecting residents from its harmful effects, and integrating AI into state agencies. Recommendations cover training teachers in AI, embedding AI literacy into education, and establishing regulatory frameworks for AI in healthcare and the public sector. The task force also highlighted concerns about data privacy, bias in AI, and the need for new laws.

EU AI Act impacts US employers using AI for HR

The European Union's AI Act, effective August 1, 2024, imposes a risk-based framework on AI systems used within the EU, affecting U.S. employers with EU candidates or employees. Many workplace AI uses, such as recruiting and performance evaluation, are classified as 'high risk,' requiring adherence to specific obligations by August 2027. U.S. employers must inventory their AI tools, align contracts, and implement notice and oversight procedures to comply with the Act, which has extraterritorial reach.

Sources

• Not even blue-collar jobs are safe from automation—the era of robots is here and for $20K you can already buy your first robo housekeeper
• A $20K Humanoid Robot to Help Around the House? The Price Isn't the Only Caveat
• Sapphire enters mini PC market with Edge AI models powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 APUs
• Performance Marketing Insider: From Concept To Ad Creation, AI Drives Storyboarding
• Pinterest Launches AI Shopping Assistant and Gen AI Controls
• DOE Signs $1B AMD Deal for AI Supercomputers in Nuclear and Security Research
• AI researchers 'embodied' an LLM into a robot – and it started channeling Robin Williams
• Is Artificial Intelligence Changing the Way Personal Injury Cases Are Investigated in Texas?
• AI App of the Week: Assistant UI – The React Library That’s Eating the AI Chat Interface Market
• Maine AI Task Force releases report
• Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Focus, Part III: The EU AI Act Is Here—What It Means for U.S. Employers