Researchers have been working for years on tiny robots that can be injected into the bloodstream. To attack cancer, they inject blot clotting drugs into the cancer cells. The initial results look promising as nano-bot technology improves.
Basics of Robotics
Russia Fines Google $20B Trillion Trillion
Russia recently issued Google a nonsensical fine for blocking pro-Russia YouTube channels.
It brings into question, what is free speech? What is pro-Russian vs anti-Russian content and who makes that decision. Which court covers a fine from a country to a software company?
This is a developing story. Read more about it at CNN.com.
Apple Intelligence and iOS 18
AI for the Rest of Us
Apple is touting a Fall 2024 release of iOS 18 and we’re excited to see it. From their official website and features PDF we can see the main focus is making your life simpler with integrated Siri, the ability to prioritize your email and more ChatGPT-style interface. Features like AI powered emojis might also be fun to play with overall the message is it’s intelligent and customizable to you. It reminds us of the movie Her.
See also How to use Apple Intelligence with my iPhone 16.
We’ll have to see exactly how good it is, but if the pace of other models is any indication, it should be pretty smooth. Imagine Apple AI embedded in an Optimus Robot?
How does Apple Intelligence Use My Data?
Apple emphasizes user privacy in its approach to AI and machine learning, especially with Siri and other on-device intelligence features. Generally, Apple tries to minimize the data it collects and ensures that, when data is used, it’s done so in a way that protects privacy:
- On-Device Processing: Apple processes much of its data directly on your device rather than on servers, which helps keep personal information private. This includes features like image and speech recognition and the Apple Neural Engine used for various AI-related tasks.
- Data Minimization and Anonymization: When data needs to be sent to Apple servers, it often uses techniques like differential privacy to add “noise” to data so that it cannot be traced back to you individually. Siri, for instance, anonymizes requests after a certain period.
- Control Over Your Data: Apple allows users to control what data is shared. You can manage data-sharing settings in your device’s settings, including whether you want to share analytics data with Apple or allow personalized Siri suggestions.
- Explicit Consent: Apple doesn’t use user data for advertising and limits what third-party apps can access without explicit permission.
Apple’s approach is unique in the tech landscape, especially compared to companies that depend heavily on data for targeted ads and other personalized services. However, it’s worth reviewing Apple’s privacy policy and regularly checking your settings if you have specific privacy concerns.
A.I. Rising 2018
A.I. Rising (original title: Ederlezi Rising) is a 2018 Serbian science fiction film directed by Lazar Bodroža. The story is set in a dystopian future where artificial intelligence and human interaction take center stage. The plot revolves around Milutin, a cosmonaut on a mission to Alpha Centauri, who is accompanied by a highly advanced, humanoid android named Nimani.
The film explores themes of isolation, emotional attachment, and the boundaries between human and machine relationships. As the journey progresses, Milutin attempts to form an emotional and intimate bond with Nimani, while the android, designed to be obedient and cater to his needs, begins to evolve and challenge the limitations of her programming.
“A.I. Rising” raises philosophical questions about love, consent, and autonomy, blurring the lines between human emotions and artificial programming. It also delves into how humans cope with loneliness and whether a relationship with an AI can ever truly replace human interaction.
The film is notable for its visually stunning production and minimalist approach, focusing heavily on the psychological and emotional aspects of the characters, rather than on action or fast-paced storytelling. It received praise for its thought-provoking themes but also drew criticism for its slow pace.
The movie is based on the works of Zoran Nešković and blends existential science fiction with sensual, personal storytelling.
Who is Lex Fridman
Lex Fridman is a Russian-American AI researcher, MIT professor, and podcast host known for his deep dives into science, philosophy, technology, and the human experience. Born in Moscow in 1986, Fridman moved to the United States as a teenager and later earned his Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from Drexel University. His academic work focuses on machine learning, autonomous vehicles, and human-robot interaction.
At MIT, Fridman has been involved in cutting-edge research on autonomous vehicles, particularly in the field of deep learning for driver assistance systems. His work has attracted attention not just for its technical contributions but also for its ethical considerations surrounding AI and its impact on society.
Fridman is perhaps best known as the host of the Lex Fridman Podcast, where he engages in long-form, in-depth discussions with a wide range of guests, including scientists, technologists, philosophers, athletes, and public intellectuals. The podcast has become a hub for intellectually curious listeners, offering insights into topics like artificial intelligence, space exploration, human consciousness, and the future of humanity. Notable guests have included Elon Musk, Ray Dalio, and Joe Rogan, among others.
What sets Fridman apart is his ability to blend technical expertise with philosophical inquiry. He often explores not just how technology works, but its broader implications for human life, ethics, and the future. His calm demeanor and genuine curiosity have earned him a loyal following, with millions tuning in to hear him unpack complex topics.
In addition to his podcast and research, Fridman is active on social media, where he shares his thoughts on AI, philosophy, and personal growth. His presence in the tech community, combined with his philosophical approach to the big questions of life, has made him one of the most influential voices in the discussion around AI and the future of humanity.
Fridman’s career reflects a unique blend of technical mastery and philosophical exploration, making him a thought leader in both academic and public spheres. Whether through his podcast, his research, or his writings, Fridman continues to inspire curiosity about the intersection of technology and the human experience.
Who is Caleb Eastman
Caleb Eastman is the CEO and co-founder of WinterWinds Robotics, a Colorado-based company specializing in advanced robotics and AI solutions. With a background in industrial automation, Eastman has become a prominent figure in leveraging technology to address challenges in harsh environments, such as wildfire mitigation and space exploration. His company, WinterWinds Robotics, has developed cutting-edge autonomous platforms like Earthling, which are designed to assist firefighters in combating wildfires by providing support such as water, lighting, and trench digging.
Before founding WinterWinds in 2018, Eastman had a diverse career, including roles in product management at Silicon Valley startups. He has also been an advisor to both Fortune 500 companies and smaller tech firms, using his expertise in systems engineering and product development to drive innovation. As an inventor, he has worked on projects for NASA and other significant institutions, helping to shape the future of robotics for space exploration.
Eastman’s mission at WinterWinds goes beyond commercial success. He is passionate about using robotics to improve public safety and infrastructure, with a focus on creating life-saving technologies for real-world applications. He is also an advocate for STEM education and inclusivity in technology, regularly engaging with diverse audiences and supporting underrepresented communities in tech.
Under his leadership, WinterWinds Robotics continues to push the boundaries of what robots can do, particularly in environments that are too dangerous or challenging for humans.
Who is Jalali Hartman?
Jalali Hartman is an entrepreneur, engineer, and global advocate for accessible robotics and artificial intelligence.
He founded ROBAUTO, a company originally founded in Boulder, Colorado, which focused early on during the A.I. revolution on creating robotics solutions to assist people, especially in healthcare contexts.
A notable achievement is the development of robots designed to help individuals with autism improve communication and social skills. These robots, such as the BiBli robot, are tailored based on feedback from autistic users, their families, and caregivers, and are designed to be both affordable and customizable to the needs of the individual.
TedX “Think Like a Robot” Jalali Hartman (Autism Research) (youtube.com)
Today, Robauto.ai is one the leading A.I. and robotics education and news platforms and Jalali is currently involved with leveraging A.I. for organizational growth for a variety of organizations. He is the recipient of the 2014 Global IP Champion Award and has been nominated for a medal of honor for his work with autism and robotics.
Hartman’s broader mission with ROBAUTO is to make AI and robotics more accessible to the public, hence the trademark slogan “Robots for the people”.
He has been involved in tech since the late 1990s, working on a range of projects, from eCommerce algorithms to social media technology. In addition to his work at ROBAUTO, he has co-founded other companies, including Yovia, one of the first social media influencer networks and Marketplace Manager, and early multi-channel ecommerce platform that won eBay’s Innovation Award and grew to 4,000+ customers.
Hartman is an accomplished outdoor adventurer and has claimed first-routes on multiple open water swim crossings in North and Central America as well as establishing new climbing and alpine skiing routes throughout the Rocky Mountains.
Optimus Robots are Impressive
The Robotaxi event had an interesting side-effect. The Cybercab and Cybervan had mixed reviews, with Uber, Lyft and Waymo actually getting a boost post event.
We’ll have to wait to see how that race for autonomous taxis plays out.
What was pretty impressive, however, were the Optimus robots mingling amongst the crowds. Even serving gifts and interfacing with the guests with no apparent issues.
Were these remote controlled? Or are humanoids here? Suddenly, we’re not so bored with humanoids.
Microsoft Outlook is Down
Microsoft Outlook is currently experiencing an issue preventing some customers from accessing their Exchange Online mailbox through Outlook on the web. Microsoft is investigating the issue, which is currently affecting the North American region, and possibly users in South America. If you’re having problems accessing Outlook.com, you can see the status of Microsoft Office Online Services at the Service Health portal through your admin.
How to Watch Tesla’s We, Robot Robotaxi Unveiling
Tesla is set to unveil it’s new robot taxi (self-driving Tesla) on X.
It’s rumored that this new vehicle will be designed to be completely driverless.
Thursday, October 10
7PM PT