Meta's president and vice chairman, Dina Powell McCormick, recently urged AI companies and governments to unite on core values, emphasizing that artificial intelligence represents a profound transformation for humanity requiring careful human judgment. This call for collaboration comes as AI rapidly moves from cloud-based systems to physical devices, a shift discussed by experts like Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon and Meta's McCormick at Axios House in Davos. Amon noted that physical AI devices, such as smart glasses, already exceed 10 million units and could soon reach 100 million, signaling vast economic opportunities but also a demand for massive computing power and new data centers.
The expansion of AI places immense pressure on infrastructure, particularly the utilities sector, which experts predict will be the biggest beneficiary of AI growth in the next five years. U.S. electricity demand is expected to climb by 25% from 2023 levels next year, with AI power demand potentially increasing tenfold by 2030. This makes power generation and transmission critical limiting factors for AI's advancement, suggesting utility stocks, currently valued lower than semiconductor companies like Nvidia, could become high-growth investments.
In enterprise adoption, Retool's new AI Agents product, led by Karim El Sewedy, helps large companies integrate AI into daily operations with built-in security and management controls. Major firms like Databricks and Amazon Web Services are already utilizing this product. Concurrently, Citi launched its AI Champions and Accelerators program in early 2024, with 4,000 employees volunteering to teach colleagues about AI. However, executives from EY and KPMG, including EY's Raj Sharma and KPMG US CEO Tim Walsh, express significant concerns about AI security risks, particularly AI agents accessing data without clear identity and the future threat of quantum computing.
AI's influence extends to human interaction and education, with chatbots like premium ChatGPT demonstrating an ability to teach people more effective listening skills by offering non-judgmental attention. Howard University has introduced new three-credit, in-person AI courses for all junior and senior undergraduates, focusing on tools, ethics, and understanding AI. On a geopolitical front, Ukraine plans to share battlefield data with allied countries to train AI systems, while tech leaders from Google and Anthropic discuss AI developments in China, and Palantir addresses AI's impact on jobs.
Key Takeaways
- Meta's Dina Powell McCormick advocates for AI companies and governments to collaborate on core values for safe and productive AI development.
- AI is shifting from cloud to physical devices, with Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon noting smart glasses already exceed 10 million units and could reach 100 million.
- The utilities sector faces immense growth, with U.S. electricity demand projected to increase by 25% next year and AI power demand possibly tenfold by 2030, making power generation a limiting factor for AI.
- Retool launched its AI Agents product, which includes built-in security and management, and is being adopted by major companies like Databricks and Amazon Web Services.
- Citi initiated an internal AI Champions and Accelerators program in early 2024, engaging 4,000 employees to teach colleagues about AI and demystify the technology.
- EY and KPMG executives express significant concerns about AI security risks, including AI agents accessing data without clear identity and the future threat of quantum computing.
- Howard University introduced new three-credit, in-person AI courses for all junior and senior undergraduates, focusing on tools, ethics, and understanding AI.
- AI chatbots, such as premium ChatGPT, demonstrate an ability to teach humans better listening skills by offering non-judgmental attention and acknowledging emotions.
- Ukraine plans to provide battlefield data from its conflict with Russia to allied countries to help train and strengthen their artificial intelligence systems.
- Google and Anthropic are involved in discussions concerning AI development in China, while Palantir addresses AI's impact on job markets.
Meta's Dina Powell McCormick urges AI rivals to unite for humanity
Dina Powell McCormick, Meta's new president and vice chairman, spoke at Axios House Davos. She called for AI companies and governments to work together on "core values" to make AI safe and productive. McCormick believes AI is a "transformation for humanity" and needs careful human judgment to guide it. She also pointed out that this new technology will require many new jobs, like 500,000 electricians.
AI moves to physical devices creating new opportunities
Experts at Axios House in Davos discussed how artificial intelligence is moving from the cloud to physical devices. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, Gecko Robotics CEO Jake Loosararian, and Meta's Dina Powell McCormick spoke about this important shift. They believe this change will create many economic opportunities worldwide, making industries more efficient. Amon mentioned that physical AI devices like smart glasses already exceed 10 million units and could soon reach 100 million. However, this growth will require massive computing power and new data centers, which need careful planning with local communities.
Ukraine shares war data for AI training with allies
Ukraine announced it will provide battlefield data from its war with Russia to allied countries. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that this data will help train artificial intelligence systems. Ukraine has a large amount of detailed combat information, which will be valuable for this purpose. This move aims to strengthen AI development among its allies.
Utilities sector poised for huge AI growth
The utilities sector is predicted to be the biggest winner from the artificial intelligence revolution in the next five years. Experts say that while AI needs chips and data centers, the real challenge is providing enough electricity. U.S. electricity demand is expected to grow by 25% from 2023 levels next year, with AI power demand possibly increasing tenfold by 2030. This shift means that power generation and transmission are becoming the main limiting factors for AI growth. Utility stocks, which are currently valued lower than semiconductor companies like Nvidia, could become high-growth investments as they are essential for AI infrastructure.
AI chatbots teach humans how to listen better
AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, can teach people how to listen more effectively. One user, Anna, found the premium ChatGPT helpful for self-reflection and non-judgmental listening, especially after a breakup. Studies show that people often rate AI responses as more understanding and caring than human responses, even when they know it is an AI. This suggests that AI's ability to offer uninterrupted attention and acknowledge emotions can improve human communication. While AI chatbots are not sentient, their programmed patience and focus offer valuable lessons for improving our own listening skills.
Howard University introduces new AI courses for all students
Howard University launched new artificial intelligence courses for junior and senior undergraduate students from all majors. These three-credit, in-person courses include "Intro to AI Tools and Technologies," "Ethical and Responsible AI," and "Seminar in Understanding Artificial Intelligence." Dr. Talitha Washington, a key figure in the program, stressed the importance of preparing students to be leaders in responsible AI. Howard also created an AI Advisory Council to guide the university's use and teaching of AI. However, some students, like Isaiah Celestin, have criticized the university for using AI in its social media posts, questioning its commitment to student creatives.
Citi builds 4,000-person internal AI team
Citi has developed a large internal artificial intelligence workforce with its AI Champions and Accelerators program, which began in early 2024. About 4,000 employees have volunteered to join, dedicating several hours each week to teach their colleagues about AI. Carey Ryan, a program leader, and Josh Goldsmith, an AI champion, emphasize that this peer-to-peer approach helps "demystify AI" for many. The program provides training, demos, and new tools, allowing employees to earn "AI badges" and offer important feedback to the bank.
Egyptian leader launches Retool's new AI Agents product
Karim El Sewedy, an Egyptian product leader, successfully led the six-month launch of Retool's new AI Agents product in Silicon Valley. This product helps large companies move artificial intelligence from testing phases into their daily operations. It includes built-in security and management controls, addressing a common problem where AI projects stall. Major companies like Boston Consulting Group, Databricks, and Amazon Web Services are already using AI Agents. El Sewedy has been with Retool for over three years, helping the company grow significantly, and now focuses on growth for Retool's Assist product.
Tech leaders discuss China AI and job impact
This article provides a summary of important statements and remarks from the technology sector. It includes discussions from Google and Anthropic regarding artificial intelligence in China. Additionally, it features insights from Palantir about the impact of AI on jobs. This roundup helps understand current trends and concerns among tech leaders.
EY and KPMG leaders worry about AI security risks
Executives from EY and KPMG at the World Economic Forum in Davos are very concerned about artificial intelligence security risks. Raj Sharma, EY's global managing partner, pointed out the danger of AI agents that can access data without a clear identity, stressing the need for strong industrial-level security. Tim Walsh, CEO of KPMG US, also highlighted cyber risks from AI, including the future threat of quantum computing breaking all encryption. These security worries are causing some companies to delay their AI plans and keep data on-premises longer to ensure safety.
Sources
- Exclusive: Meta's Dina Powell McCormick calls for AI rivals to center "humanity"
- Axios House: AI's evolution beyond the cloud is a boon, experts say
- Ukraine to provide battlefield data to allies for AI training
- 5 Years from Now, This Sector Will Be the Biggest Winner From the AI Revolution
- They hear, but do they care? What AI can teach us about listening better
- Howard Launches New AI Courses for Students
- Citi has quietly built a 4,000-person internal AI workforce
- Egyptian Operator Leads AI Product Launch at Silicon Valley's Retool
- Tech Voices: Google, Anthropic on China AI; Palantir on AI jobs impact
- AI security risks worry EY and KPMG execs
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