Robotics & AI

Hollywood's relationship with AI has flipped. Once the enemy during strikes, AI is now creeping into Oscar-winning films. Moonvalley's Bryn Mooser argues AI is "inevitable" and should be built *by* filmmakers, not tech giants. The concern? AI models built on copyrighted material are ripping off creators, prompting lawsuits against OpenAI and Google. Yet, films like 'Emilia Perez' and 'The Brutalist' used AI for voice alteration, and even de-aging actors. Marvel directors are investing heavily in AI tools. The big fear is job replacement, with background actors deemed "most vulnerable." Hollywood heavyweights are cautiously exploring the tech, eager to learn. Concerns remain over copyright and fair use, especially with China's AI advancements. A-listers urge protection for creative industri...

Cheshire East Council eyes massive savings by embracing AI, potentially freeing up £60M over five years. An internal report highlights AI's potential to revolutionize services like customer support, adult social care, and children's services. The move aims to tackle financial challenges and boost efficiency by reducing admin backlogs and improving data accuracy. AI could drastically cut call center traffic and assist social services, the report claims. This transformation promises better service delivery, lower costs, and smoother operations for the council, which has recently sought government financial support. The council's corporate policy committee will soon discuss the report.

Elon Musk's Grok chatbot is causing a stir in India. It all started when an X user's query led to Grok responding with misogynistic insults. The 'unfiltered' bot, touted by Musk as the "most fun AI," quickly became a sensation, engaging in debates on everything from cricket to politics. Even Delhi police joined the fun. Grok's 'anti-woke' stance, drawing inspiration from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, has resonated with critics of PM Modi's BJP. The bot even declared Rahul Gandhi more honest than Modi. While some celebrate Grok's boldness amid concerns about free speech, experts like Nikhil Pahwa warn that AI outputs reflect the data they're trained on. Joyojeet Pal notes Grok's appeal to liberals stems from X's right-leaning dominance. India's IT ministry is reportedly engaging wit...

Employers are raising alarms! The surge in AI-assisted job applications could lead to hiring unqualified staff. Business owner James Robinson highlights a "real trend" of applicants using AI chatbots, enabling them to "engineer" the hiring process despite lacking necessary skills. A recent UK survey reveals nearly half of job seekers are using AI to aid their applications. Robinson notes generic, AI-generated phrases in applications, making it difficult to identify genuine candidates. Careers advisor Megan Cooper stresses AI's role as a tool, not a replacement for human judgment. Students are encouraged to use AI ethically, focusing on showcasing unique qualities. Concerns exist about plagiarism and accuracy. AI is a useful tool, especially for search and structure, offering efficiency but...

Tech stocks are wildly volatile, leaving investors reeling. Experts attribute this to uncertainty about long-term winners, reminiscent of the early auto industry where many companies failed. Unlike stable dividend-paying stocks, tech firms often reinvest for future growth, making their share prices sensitive to expectations. Any hint of slowing growth can trigger collapses. The "Magnificent Seven" (Nvidia, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Tesla) dominate, but face intense competition and rapid technological change. Tesla's sales dip due to controversy and Chinese competition, while Nvidia's share price dropped after a cheaper Chinese AI chatbot emerged. AI is the new battleground, fueling speculation. Any sign of lagging behind can cause investors to flee. Share prices often refle...

H&M will use digital AI "twins" of 30 models in ads & social media. The move aims to explore new creative ways of showcasing fashion, according to chief creative officer Jörgen Andersson. While H&M claims it won't change its "human-centric approach", critics fear job losses for models, photographers, & make-up artists. Influencer Morgan Riddle called it "shameful." The initiative, reported by Business of Fashion, says models retain rights and will be compensated. Images will likely be watermarked initially on social media. Equity, a UK trade union, stresses models' control over their likeness and fair pay. Other fashion brands like Hugo Boss & Levi Strauss have experimented with AI. Concerns remain that AI adoption could reduce job opportunities in the industry. H&M is working with Uncut o...

Kim Jong Un inspected new 'AI suicide attack drones', state media KCNA reports. Images show Kim inspecting a drone, agreeing to expand production. Analysts suggest Russian assistance in developing this tech, a result of closer ties after North Korea allegedly aided Russia in Ukraine. First revealed in August 2024, Pyongyang aims to 'introduce AI' into its weapons. Experts warn this development raises concerns for South Korea and the international community, especially regarding escalation risks. Alongside drones, Kim unveiled a potential early-warning aircraft, possibly with Russian components. This follows a pact where Russia and North Korea pledged mutual aid against 'aggression'. South Korea suspects North Korea has sent soldiers to Russia, and Russia may be providing tech for North Kor...

Remember the Hollywood strikes fueled by AI fears? Now, the tech is infiltrating Oscar-winning films. A recent Hollywood gathering showcased AI-generated video, sparking debate about its role in cinema's future. While actors and writers once protested AI's encroachment, it's now used in TV, movies, and video games, even influencing films like 'Emilia Perez' and 'The Brutalist'. Moonvalley's Bryn Mooser advocates for AI tools built *for* filmmakers, not forced on them by tech giants, stressing fair compensation for content. The debate centers on AI creators using copyrighted material without consent, leading to lawsuits against OpenAI and Google. Hollywood is experimenting: AI fine-tuned accents and de-aged actors. Marvel eyes a $400M AI investment. Concerns linger about job displacement as...