BMW's robotic workforce

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Today we will discuss-

• 👩‍⚖️Australia to create advisory body to tackle AI risks

• 🧐China takes steps to standardize AI industry

• 🚌Figure's Humanoid robot to be deployed by BMW at its plant

• 😱11 amazing AI tools you might not have heard of

All this and more - Let's dive in!

👩‍🍳What’s cooking in the newsroom?

Australia to establish an advisory body to address the risks of AI

📻News - Australia has stepped into the growing arena of AI oversight, announcing the formation of an advisory body to tackle potential risks. This move brings the island nation into line with other countries wary of the powerful technology's potential pitfalls.

The government, which also intends to collaborate with industry bodies, revealed plans to introduce voluntary guidelines. These guidelines will encourage technology companies to label and watermark content generated by AI. Science and Industry Minister Ed Husic emphasized the economic growth potential of AI but acknowledged the existing trust issues surrounding the technology.

👩‍💻Status of AI regulation in Australia - While Australia boasts the world's first eSafety Commissioner, its AI regulations have lagged behind the EU and other nations. The new advisory body, with its focus on mitigating risks, signifies a shift towards tighter control.

Interestingly, the initial guidelines will be voluntary, unlike the EU's mandatory rules for tech companies. This softer approach reflects Australia's preference for collaboration over strict regulation.

In fact, Husic highlighted the importance of addressing the trust deficit associated with AI, which is impeding its broader acceptance. The government's interim response to a consultation initiated last year, which garnered over 500 responses, outlined its intent to differentiate between "low risk" AI applications like spam email filtering and "high risk" scenarios such as the creation of manipulated content or "deep fakes."

China releases draft guidelines to standardize the AI industry

👨‍🏫News - China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, on Wednesday, unveiled draft guidelines for standardizing the artificial intelligence industry.

The proposed draft outlines ambitious plans to establish over 50 national and industry-wide standards for AI by the year 2026. Simultaneously, China aims to actively contribute to the formulation of more than 20 international standards for AI within the same timeframe.

💁‍♂️Why was this decision taken? This move comes against the backdrop of intense competition, particularly with the US. OpenAI's groundbreaking chatbot ChatGPT shook the world last year, pushing China to accelerate its own AI efforts. Beijing isn't holding back, having implemented AI licensing regulations in 2023 and now establishing comprehensive industry standards.

🤔What’s the goal? The draft guidelines emphasize the importance of seizing early opportunities arising from the rapid development of the AI industry. The ministry envisions that 60% of the proposed standards will focus on serving "general key technologies and application development projects." Furthermore, the guidelines set a target of encouraging over 1,000 companies to adopt and advocate for these emerging standards.

The unveiling of these draft guidelines is a watershed moment in China's AI journey. It signals a decisive move towards a future where China aspires to not only compete but to lead the development and standardization of this transformative technology.

BMW chooses Figure's humanoid robot for deployment at South Carolina plant

🗞️News - Figure has recently announced a significant "commercial agreement" with BMW, marking the introduction of its inaugural humanoid robot to a BMW manufacturing facility in South Carolina.

🤖What do we know so far? BMW hasn't shared how many Figure 01 robots will be used or what jobs they'll do at the plant. But Figure said they'll start with five tasks, adding more one by one. Some people call these robots "general purpose," but it's important to know they usually begin doing one or a few specific tasks and then learn to do more over time.

The robot will likely start with common jobs in manufacturing, like moving boxes and placing items. These are tasks that factory owners find hard to get people to do because they're repetitive. Adcock, the CEO, mentioned that Figure plans to send out its first commercial robot in about a year.

🤡What’s special about Figure’s robot though? In contrast to some other humanoid robot designers, Figure prioritizes the creation of a dexterous, human-like hand for manipulation. This design choice aligns with the recognition that workspaces are fundamentally designed with human capabilities in mind. Adcock hints that Figure 01 will initially tackle jobs demanding high dexterity, showcasing the robot's potential versatility in various manufacturing tasks.

👩🏼‍💻What else is happening?

• NASA’s robotic, self-assembling structures could be the next phase of space construction

• Google introduces 'Circle to Search,' a new way to search from anywhere on Android using gestures

• UN chief calls for global risk management of AI, warns of 'serious unintended consequences'

• Big tech firms recklessly pursuing profits from AI, says UN head

• Stability AI releases Stable Code 3B for enhanced coding assistance

 🤔Did you know?

• AI-enabled devices are everywhere. Nearly 77% of devices today use AI technology in one form or another.

• The global AI market is booming. As per recent research, it is estimated that the market will reach 190.61 billion dollars by 2025, at a compound annual growth rate of 36.62%.

• Between 2010 and the first quarter of 2020, venture funding in AI hit a mind-blowing $61 billion. Most of this investment went to companies in the USA and China.

👩🏼‍🚒Discover mind-blowing AI tools

1. AudioNotes - A tool that simplifies voice-based note-taking, transcription, summarization, and content generation

2. Simplescraper - A Chrome extension that allows users to extract data from websites

3. Mimir - A virtual mentorship platform that offers personalized advice and lessons on spirituality, personal growth, and mindfulness

4. GPT Stylist - A GPT-powered AI tool that suggests smart color and design options based on user prompts

5. B12 - An all-in-one AI website builder that helps professional service providers create and manage their online presence

6. Tweetify - A tool that transforms long-form content, such as articles and blogs, into short and effective social media posts

7. Gestualy - A touchless gesture recognition service that captures customer satisfaction and mood through gestures

8. Oatmealhealth - A clinical service that uses AI technology to detect and evaluate high-risk Medicaid patients with cancer

9. Uberduck - An open-source voice AI community that helps users create AI-generated audio applications in minutes

10. Xinva - An AI-powered designer that transforms simple text prompts into stunning visuals

11. MagicBuddy - A Telegram bot powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT

📷AI-generated influencers

• Qai Qai is an AI family doll owned by Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian. The digital darling is rapidly gaining viral status with her witty and sassy persona. On TikTok, she has 3.7 million followers, where she dances and lip-syncs.

• Apoki hails from Seoul, South Korea. She captivates her audience with her music and performances, boasting 5 million+ followers across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Apoki's constant stream of musical collaborations with global brands, like Shake Shack and Tommy Hilfiger, define her influence.

• Wunni is an AI friend and idol from Bangkok whose name translates to "Today." She promotes positivity and embraces diversity, gaining popularity among students for her trustworthy companionship. Her Insta draws attention from notable brands like Dyson, BMW, and Yamaha.