Google is training robots by talking to them

⚡ Today’s Highlights

• 📰 News: Google unveils an AI learning model that trains robots by talking to them

• 💰 Funding: RIVANNA, Tarragon, QuoIntelligence, FarmWorks, and ReflexAI

• 📅 Events: Ai4 is happening next week in Las Vegas

📰 Today's Top Stories

RT-2: New model translates vision and language into action

(10 min read) (Source: Google DeepMind)

TLDR: Google unveiled the Robotic Transformer (RT-2), an AI learning model that combines language models with robotics data to enable robots to better understand and execute instructions.

• RT-2's vision-language-action (VLA) model empowers robots to manipulate objects and interpret language, leading to advanced reasoning and improvisation capabilities.

• RT-2 was trained using a combination of web and robotics data, leveraging advancements in large language models like Google's Bard and incorporating robotic data, teaching the model how to recognize visual and language patterns to interpret instructions and make inferences for optimal task execution.

• The integration of AI language models in robotics represents a significant breakthrough, paving the way for more sophisticated and versatile robots in various industries, from medicine to household assistance.

• While challenges and risks exist, such as AI's confabulation or hallucination, the (current) controlled-lab environment and safety features ensure safe and controlled deployment of language-equipped robots in various real-world settings.

The Big Picture: The ability to teach robots new skills through language comprehension can revolutionize industries, enabling robots to work alongside humans in office, home, and industrial settings. While this advancement holds promise, careful consideration of risks and ethical implications remains vital as robots with AI brains gain more abilities in the real, messy, and uncontrolled world.

Microsoft warns of service disruptions if it can’t get enough A.I. chips for its data centers

(5 min read) (Source: CNBC)

TLDR: Microsoft highlights GPUs' critical role in its fast-growing cloud business, acknowledging their significance in providing AI capabilities to smaller businesses.

• The demand for GPUs has surged with the popularity of generative AI, including OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot, benefiting GPU makers like Nvidia and AMD.

• As AI applications expand, technology companies are seeking more GPUs, prompting Microsoft to explore partnerships and accelerate its deployment of custom AI processors.

The Big Picture: The increasing emphasis on GPUs for AI applications underscores the essential role of specialized hardware in powering advanced technologies. This trend reflects the growing significance of AI in various industries and the need for robust computational resources to support its development and deployment. As the AI landscape evolves, companies are looking to secure reliable access to these critical raw materials, influencing investment strategies and shaping the future of cloud computing and AI-driven services.

US lawmakers urge Biden administration to tighten AI chip export rules

(5 min read) (Source: Reuters)

TLDR: Lawmakers Gallagher and Krishnamoorthi urge the Biden administration to tighten export restrictions on AI chips to China, aiming to prevent bypassing of existing regulations and to limit access to advanced computing chips in the cloud.

The Big Picture: The export control rules implemented in October 2022 cut off China's access to top AI chips from U.S. firms like Nvidia, AMD, and Intel, but industry lobbying has prompted calls for stricter measures to safeguard U.S. technology and expertise.

DoorDash Is Working on an AI Chatbot to Speed Up Food Ordering

(2 min read) (Source: Bloomberg)

TLDR: Developer Steve Moser recently discovered that DoorDash is developing DashAI, an AI-based chatbot, to enhance food ordering and assist customers in finding food options.

• The company is testing DashAI in select markets to gather feedback and improve its capabilities. The system aims to streamline the ordering process and improve user experience.

👀 More Reading:

• More Countries, More Problems: Selling AI Products Around the World Is Still Too Hard (Andreessen Horowitz)

• Announcing the AI Stage agenda at TechCrunch Disrupt 2023 (TechCrunch)

• Travel is still big in startup budgets, AI tools still experimental (Axios)

• The Workers Behind AI Rarely See Its Rewards. This Indian Startup Wants to Fix That (TIME)

• Is the godlike AI in ‘Mission: Impossible’ realistic? I asked an expert. (The Washington Post)

• Here's How AI Can Predict Hit Songs With Frightening Accuracy (Scientific American)

💰 Funding Alerts

1. RIVANNA, a medical device company that focuses on developing healthcare imaging technologies powered by AI, secured $30.5M in funding.

• The funding was provided by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

• The funding will be used to further advance the development of Accuro® XV, an AI-powered system that integrates ultrasound-based bone and 3D soft-tissue imaging. The system offers rapid automated detection and precise volumetric assessment of skeletal fractures and soft tissue injuries without harmful radiation exposure.

• They aim to enable more accurate and faster point-of-care musculoskeletal diagnostics and reduce the need for nonessential radiography in clinical settings.

2. Terragon, one of Africa's leading MarTech companies, secured a $9M Series B. They use AI-driven data to help brands intelligently engage consumers on mobile, offering multi-channel marketing solutions.

• The round was led by Orange Ventures (Grégoire de Padirac, Partner)

• The funding will be used to strengthen their cloud-native capabilities and develop localized ML and AI for increased enterprise communication. Terragon aims to expand its Pan-African presence and further disrupt the mobile advertising and data-driven marketing landscape.

3. QuoIntelligence, an AI-powered threat intelligence service, raised a €5M Seed round led by eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS (Dirk Seewald, Partner).

• Bespoke threat intelligence tailored to organizations' needs, combining human expertise with scalable technology.

• The funding will be used to expand the team, enhance products, and increase market reach, addressing the demand for timely and reliable cybersecurity solutions.

4. FarmWorks, a Kenyan agtech that empowers farmers by providing them with access to farm inputs and creating a market for their produce, raised $4.1 million in a Pre-Series A round from Acumen Resilient Agriculture Fund, Livelihood Impact Fund, Vested World, and more.

• The funding will be used to strengthen data analytics capabilities and leverage AI to enhance production and decision-making for farmers, focusing on influencing planting and lending choices to optimize yields and market access.

5. ReflexAI, an AI-powered call center training business, raised $3.3M in Seed funding led by Footwork, joined by Emerson Collective, Altman Capital, Gaingels, and individual backers.

• The funding will be used to build the company's core operating platform, expand the team, and enhance use cases for its tech, which provides AI-powered training and quality assurance tools for call centers in industries like crisis response and healthcare.

 📅 Upcoming Events

Infinite Possibilities: Exploring the future with Generative AI (Aug 2-5, 2023 / Bengaluru, India)

• Discover the latest AI applications through engaging sessions led by global experts in AI and ML. Engage in exclusive hack sessions and workshops, designed to challenge AI and ML practitioners with real-life data science problem-solving. Gain practical insights, elevate your skills, and leave with invaluable experiences to drive innovation.

SIGGRAPH 2023 (Aug 6-10, 2023 / Los Angeles, CA, USA OR Virtual)

• Recent advancements in AI technology have led to some major breakthroughs in the computer graphics industry! This year, SIGGRAPH celebrates its 50th conference and reflects on half a century of discovery and advancement while charting a course for the bold and limitless future ahead. You’re invited to contribute your audacious ideas in computer graphics, digital art, animation, visual effects, new realities, artificial intelligence, research, and more.

Ai4 2023 (Aug 7-9, 2023 / MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV, USA)

• One of the industries leading conferences, Ai4 2023 brings together business leaders and data practitioners to facilitate the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning technology.

• Over 10+ hours of built-in networking time, 1:1 meeting scheduling, group discussions, a private networking & messaging app, and a few other fun surprises to help you connect.

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