scale ai unveils new tools as openai ships new models

Key Takeaways

• Flox Intelligence received $3 million in new funding to expand its AI-powered Flox Edge device, which has successfully deterred approximately 60,000 animals from dangerous areas.
• The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are heavily investing in AI to enhance national security, diversify their economies, and gain favor with the United States.
• Economists are questioning the true impact of significant AI investments on US economic growth, noting that much hardware is sourced overseas and broad productivity gains are not yet evident.
• OpenAI has hired software engineer Riley Walz to join OAI Labs, focusing on developing new interfaces and interaction methods for its AI models.
• Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei stated that many AI models, especially from China, are optimized for benchmarks rather than real-world problem-solving, emphasizing a preference for quality.
• Creighton University is integrating AI into all academic majors to equip students with essential proficiency for the job market, focusing on ethical use and understanding AI's limitations.
• An attorney was fined $1,000 for using ChatGPT to draft a legal brief containing fabricated court cases, underscoring the critical need to verify AI-generated information.
• The concept of 'taste' in AI is debated, with arguments that AI lacks the subjective 'gut instinct' and human experience necessary for true taste.
• The demand for skilled trades to build AI data centers is leading to a resurgence of interest in high school vocational programs like electrical work and plumbing.
• Regent University's leadership seminar highlighted AI as a transformational technology, urging business leaders to strategically adapt and understand value shifts to avoid the high cost of inaction.

AI helps Upstate NY company talk to animals

Flox Intelligence, based in upstate New York, uses artificial intelligence and species-specific sounds to communicate with wildlife. Their Flox Edge device guides animals away from dangerous areas like airports and train tracks without causing harm. The company, headquartered in Syracuse, has successfully deterred an estimated 60,000 animals from danger and is expanding thanks to $3 million in new funding. Their technology also protects crops by mimicking warning calls to deter pests.

AI helps Upstate NY company talk to animals

Flox Intelligence, based in upstate New York, uses artificial intelligence and species-specific sounds to communicate with wildlife. Their Flox Edge device guides animals away from dangerous areas like airports and train tracks without causing harm. The company, headquartered in Syracuse, has successfully deterred an estimated 60,000 animals from danger and is expanding thanks to $3 million in new funding. Their technology also protects crops by mimicking warning calls to deter pests.

AI helps Upstate NY company talk to animals

Flox Intelligence, based in upstate New York, uses artificial intelligence and species-specific sounds to communicate with wildlife. Their Flox Edge device guides animals away from dangerous areas like airports and train tracks without causing harm. The company, headquartered in Syracuse, has successfully deterred an estimated 60,000 animals from danger and is expanding thanks to $3 million in new funding. Their technology also protects crops by mimicking warning calls to deter pests.

Gulf states invest in AI for security and US favor

The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are making significant investments in artificial intelligence. They hope this AI focus will enhance their security and gain favor with the United States. These nations have historically relied on American military support and are now seeking to diversify their security partnerships. By becoming AI leaders, they aim to attract U.S. investment and secure backing in a volatile region. Beyond security, these investments also support economic diversification away from oil and gas.

Gulf nations bet on AI to secure US backing

Gulf states like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, hoping to gain favor and security backing from the United States. As the US builds up forces in the region, these nations see AI leadership as a way to diversify security partnerships and reduce reliance on American military support. While the effectiveness of AI as a security guarantor is untested, these countries are pushing forward with ambitious AI plans. The UAE has a dedicated Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, Saudi Arabia is partnering with U.S. tech giants, and Qatar is developing AI for its defense sector.

AI spending's impact on US economic growth questioned

Major tech companies are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, leading to claims of economic growth. However, some economists now question how much this spending truly benefits the U.S. economy. While AI investment has boosted stock markets, a significant portion of the hardware comes from overseas, offsetting domestic gains in GDP calculations. Furthermore, many companies report limited productivity increases despite widespread AI adoption. Experts are still working to measure AI's broader productivity effects and its long-term economic impact.

OpenAI hires viral stunt engineer Riley Walz

OpenAI has hired Riley Walz, a software engineer known for his online stunts and social commentary projects. Walz will join OAI Labs, a team focused on inventing and prototyping new ways for people to interact with AI. This move aims to help OpenAI develop new interfaces for its AI models, competing with other tech giants. Walz's past projects, though sometimes controversial, have demonstrated his ability to create novel web experiences. OpenAI hopes his skills will lead to the next big AI product.

The challenge of AI 'taste' and human judgment

The article explores the concept of 'taste' in artificial intelligence, questioning if AI can truly possess it. While AI can process vast amounts of data and mimic human output, it lacks the subjective 'gut instinct' and emotional understanding that defines human taste. The author argues that limitations and human experience are key ingredients for taste, which AI currently lacks. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, reconciling this difference between algorithmic decision-making and human judgment becomes increasingly important.

Regent University hosts AI leadership seminar

Regent University held its Executive Leadership Series featuring Jason Baker, Ph.D., who presented on artificial intelligence. The seminar, titled 'Riding the AI Wave: Turning Disruption Into Distinction,' guided business leaders on harnessing AI's potential. Dr. Baker emphasized that transformational technologies make scarce resources abundant and that value shifts when this happens. He urged leaders to understand where value is moving in the AI era and stressed that inaction is more costly than failed innovation. The event highlighted the rapid changes AI brings and the need for strategic leadership.

Chinese AI models focus on benchmarks not real use

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei stated that many AI models, particularly those from China, are optimized for benchmarks rather than real-world applications. He explained that training on benchmark answers leads to good test scores without necessarily improving genuine problem-solving abilities. Amodei also noted a strong preference for quality in AI adoption, comparing it to hiring top human talent where ability varies greatly. He believes that within a certain range, the smartest and most capable model is preferred, regardless of price or presentation.

Creighton University integrates AI into all majors

Creighton University is incorporating artificial intelligence into its core curriculum for all students, recognizing AI as a crucial skill for the job market. Career counselors highlight that employers increasingly expect AI proficiency, putting students without it at a disadvantage. The AI instruction is tailored to each discipline, focusing on ethical and effective use. Understanding AI's limitations, especially in fields like exercise science, is also emphasized. This curriculum aims to help students not only get hired but also remain competitive by demonstrating how they can enhance AI outputs.

Lawyer fined $1,000 for AI 'hallucinations' in legal brief

A federal judge in New Orleans fined attorney John Walker $1,000 for using ChatGPT to draft a legal brief that contained fabricated court cases. Judge Brandon Long ruled that while using AI is not misconduct, failing to verify its output is. Walker admitted he did not check the AI-generated citations, which included at least 11 made-up or misused cases. Three other lawyers named on the brief were spared punishment as they claimed they never reviewed it or knew it was AI-generated. Walker was also ordered to attend a class on generative AI for lawyers.

AI boom revives interest in high school shop classes

The decline of vocational education in American high schools over the past 30 years may be reversing due to the AI boom and a shortage of skilled trades. Building AI data centers requires extensive labor in fields like electrical work, HVAC, and plumbing. This demand, coupled with a cultural shift and economic need, is prompting a renewed focus on industrial arts programs. Historically, budget cuts, a focus on college preparation, and a stigma against trades led to the erosion of these programs. The current need for skilled workers in AI infrastructure presents an opportunity to revive these essential classes.

Sources

• Upstate New York company uses AI to communicate with animals
• Upstate New York company uses AI to communicate with animals
• Upstate New York company uses AI to communicate with animals
• Gulf states bet on AI investment to secure US backing
• Gulf states bet on AI investment to secure US backing
• Is artificial intelligence spending really helping U.S. economic growth?
• Riley Walz, the Jester of Silicon Valley, Is Joining OpenAI
• Tasty AI
• Regent University Continues Executive Leadership Series with Artificial Intelligence Presentation by Jason Baker, Ph.D.
• Chinese AI Models Are Optimized For Benchmarks Instead Of Real-World Use: Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei
• Creighton University weaves artificial intelligence into core classes across all majors
• AI ‘hallucinations’ in legal brief cost New Orleans-area lawyer $1,000 punishment
• The AI boom may mark the return of the shop class