google, amazon and microsoft Updates

AI is rapidly evolving, bringing both opportunities and challenges across various sectors. The U.S. National Science Foundation is investing $100 million in AI research, distributed across institutions like Cornell University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and University of California, Davis. UC Davis also received $5 million from the NSF to manage the Artificial Intelligence Institutes Virtual Organization (AIVO), further supported by $1.75 million from Google.org for AI education. UT Austin is receiving additional funding to enhance AI model accuracy for science and medicine, while Brown University is launching a $20 million institute (ARIA) to develop trustworthy AI for mental health. In the business world, big banks are cautiously adopting AI, allowing startups to take the lead in riskier experiments. A Deloitte study indicates that finance and accounting professionals anticipate widespread AI adoption within five years, but trust remains a key concern. Meanwhile, Amazon-backed Skild AI has unveiled Skild Brain, an AI model designed to enhance robot capabilities. However, AI's impact on employment is a growing concern, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) cutting over 12,000 jobs due to AI and automation. Microsoft also released a study highlighting the potential job displacement, causing concern among its employees. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has also voiced concerns about AI's potential negative impacts on law enforcement and job security. Anthropic is also facing a trial for allegedly using pirated books to train its AI models. Andhra Pradesh is seeking a partnership with AI Singapore to enhance AI training and research, while employers are now facing the challenge of distinguishing between real candidates and AI bots during the hiring process.

Key Takeaways

• The NSF is investing $100 million in AI research across multiple universities, including Cornell, UT Austin, and UC Davis.
• UC Davis received $5 million from the NSF to lead AIVO, with Google.org contributing $1.75 million for AI education.
• Brown University is establishing a $20 million research institute, ARIA, focused on trustworthy AI for mental health applications.
• Big banks are cautiously adopting AI, allowing startups to experiment with higher-risk applications.
• A Deloitte study suggests finance and accounting workers expect widespread AI adoption within five years, but trust is a major concern.
• Amazon-backed Skild AI has launched Skild Brain, an AI model designed to improve robot functionality.
• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is cutting over 12,000 jobs due to AI and automation.
• Microsoft released a study showing AI's potential impact on jobs, causing concern among its employees.
• Anthropic is facing a trial for allegedly using pirated books to train its AI models.
• Andhra Pradesh is seeking a partnership with AI Singapore to boost AI training and research in the state.

UT Austin gets more funding for AI research to boost science and jobs

The University of Texas at Austin will receive more funding from the National Science Foundation for its AI research. The money will help improve AI models and lead to new advancements in medicine and technology. The funding will also support new students and help develop a skilled AI workforce. UT Austin's IFML Director says they are committed to open-source development so everyone can use their new AI models and algorithms.

NSF invests $100 million to boost US leadership in AI research

The U.S. National Science Foundation is investing $100 million in National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes. The investment aims to speed up innovation, prepare workers for AI, and strengthen America's global competitiveness. The institutes will focus on areas like mental health, materials discovery, education, and drug development. Cornell University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and University of California, Davis will lead the projects.

UC Davis awarded $5 million to lead national AI hub

The National Science Foundation awarded UC Davis $5 million to run the Artificial Intelligence Institutes Virtual Organization (AIVO). AIVO is a community hub for AI institutes created by the government. The hub will connect AI researchers, government officials, and the public to encourage teamwork. AIVO also received $1.75 million from Google.org to support AI education programs.

Brown University gets $20M to study trustworthy AI for mental health

Brown University is starting a $20 million research institute called ARIA to study how to make AI more trustworthy. ARIA will focus on creating AI systems that understand people's needs and give helpful feedback. The goal is to use AI in mental health care, but experts worry about risks like misdiagnoses and privacy issues. Researchers will work with mental health professionals and the public to develop safe and helpful AI technology.

UT Austin expands AI research for accuracy in science and medicine

The University of Texas at Austin will continue to receive funding for its artificial intelligence research. The research aims to improve the accuracy and reliability of AI models. This will lead to new drug development and better clinical diagnoses. The funding will help address challenges in training AI models and adapting them to different fields.

Big banks are slow to adopt AI letting startups take risks

Big banks are being careful with AI, letting smaller startups try riskier ideas first. Standard Chartered's Craig Corte says it's okay for big banks to be "good followers" because mistakes can hurt their reputation. Ant International's Tianyi Zhang warns about AI risks like making things up and deepfakes. BNP Paribas Wealth Management's Vivien Jong notes younger clients trust AI for investing, while older clients are more cautious.

Banks cautious on AI adoption startups lead high-risk experiments

Large banks are cautiously adopting AI, allowing startups to experiment with high-risk applications. Experts highlight risks like AI errors and fake content. Younger investors trust AI for speed, while older clients prefer human guidance. Startups face challenges working with big banks due to complex contracts. AI offers small businesses advanced tools for payments and risk management.

AI job cuts in India could hurt middle class dreams

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will cut over 12,000 jobs due to AI and changing business needs. Experts say this shows a skills gap in India's software industry. Many IT workers lack AI skills, and companies are hiring more AI specialists. This could hurt India's economy, as fewer IT jobs may reduce demand for housing and other goods. Some worry that AI could eliminate many white-collar jobs, impacting the middle class.

Trust is key to using AI in finance new study says

A Deloitte study shows most finance and accounting workers think AI will be common in their field within five years. They believe AI will boost efficiency and improve data analysis. However, few companies currently use AI agents for these tasks. The biggest challenge is building trust in AI and finding skilled workers to manage it. Most people want AI to make decisions only within set rules, with humans making the final judgments.

Amazon-backed Skild AI reveals AI model for robots

Skild AI, supported by Amazon and SoftBank, has created a new AI model called Skild Brain for robots. This model helps robots think, move, and react more like humans. Skild Brain can be used in different types of robots, from factory machines to humanoids. The AI model is trained using simulations and videos of human actions. The company says its model includes safety features to prevent robots from using too much force.

Andhra Pradesh seeks AI partnership with Singapore for training

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu wants to partner with AI Singapore to boost AI research and training in the state. He wants to create AI training programs and student exchanges to prepare young people for AI jobs. The partnership would focus on using AI in healthcare, farming, education, and government services. Naidu also invited SIA Engineering to help develop airport maintenance and repair services in Andhra Pradesh.

Anthropic faces trial for using pirated books to train AI

Anthropic, an AI company, is facing a lawsuit for allegedly using pirated books to train its AI models. Court documents show Anthropic downloaded millions of copyrighted books from illegal websites. A judge ruled that using legally obtained books for AI training is fair use. However, Anthropic will face a separate trial for using pirated books, which could result in billions of dollars in damages.

DeSantis warns AI could cause problems for police and jobs

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis believes AI will create "major issues" for law enforcement. He thinks AI could be used to scam and harm people. DeSantis also worries AI will replace many jobs, especially entry-level white-collar positions. He suggests AI could negatively affect the human experience by reducing critical thinking.

How to make sure you hire a real person not an AI robot

It's becoming harder to tell the difference between real people and AI online. Employers should check candidates carefully to avoid hiring bots or falling for scams. Video meetings can help confirm a candidate's identity. Employers should also verify credentials and conduct thorough background checks. Training recruiters to spot fake candidates is also important.

Microsoft stock dips after study shows AI's job impact

Microsoft released a study showing which jobs are most likely to be affected by AI. Jobs involving communication, like writing and translating, are expected to see the most impact. Jobs requiring physical labor, like dredging rivers, are less likely to be affected. Microsoft employees are worried about job cuts, even as the company makes big profits and invests in AI.

Sources

• UT Expands Research on AI to Support Breakthroughs in Science, Technology and the Workforce
• NSF announces $100 million investment in National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes awards to secure American leadership in AI
• National Science Foundation Awards UC Davis $5 Million for Artificial Intelligence Hub
• Can AI be trustworthy? A new $20m institute at Brown aims to find out.
• UT Expands Research on AI Accuracy and Reliability to Support Breakthroughs in Science, Technology and the Workforce
• Big banks can ‘afford to be a little behind the curve’ on AI, and let smaller startups make riskier bets
• Big Banks Cautious on AI Adoption as Startups Lead High-Risk Experiments
• TCS: India's AI-driven tech firings could derail middle class dreams
• Trust Emerges as Main Barrier to Agentic AI Adoption in Finance and Accounting, Despite Optimism Around the Tech
• Amazon-backed Skild AI unveils general-purpose AI model for multi-purpose robots
• A.P. CM Chandrababu Naidu proposes training and innovation partnership with ‘AI Singapore’
• Anthropic faces trial over pirated AI training books
• Ron DeSantis predicts 'major, major issues' for police from Artificial Intelligence
• Real Versus Robot: How to Make Sure You’ve Hired a Human
• “An AI Chatbot…Can’t Dredge a River”: Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Inches Down on New AI Study