AI Miss Universe, Artificial Brain, AI Plug & Charge Ecosystem

The AI World Today

• AI Revolutionizes EV Charging

• Artificial Brain Powers Robot

• OpenAI, Thrive Democratize Healthcare

• Odyssey Launches AI Filmmaking

• China Leads Generative AI Adoption

• TSMC Reaches AI Milestone

• Japan, US AI Chip Partnership

• Egyptian Startup’s AI Ambitions

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• Good Reads

First US-Based AI Plug & Charge Ecosystem for EV

Emobi and Autocrypt have launched the first US-based Plug & Charge ecosystem, revolutionizing EV charging with AI. This partnership, formed in June 2023, combines Autocrypt’s automotive cybersecurity with Emobi’s e-mobility expertise. The system uses ISO 15118 standards and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) enhanced by AI to improve security and data consistency. EV drivers can charge their vehicles simply by plugging in, with secure payment processing. This ecosystem, supported by the U.S. DOE and Argonne National Laboratory, aims to contribute to the National Charging Experience (ChargeX) Consortium. This collaboration ensures convenience, precision, and security in EV charging, setting a new industry benchmark.

Chinese Scientists Develop AI Robot Brain

Chinese scientists have achieved a significant breakthrough in AI by developing a robot powered by an artificial brain created from human stem cells. This brain-on-chip technology, reported by the South China Morning Post, allows the robot to perform tasks such as avoiding obstacles and grasping objects using a neural interface chip. Researchers at Tianjin University describe it as the world's first open-source brain-on-chip intelligent complex information interaction system, potentially leading to brain-like computing advancements. Brain organoids, used in this technology, are tiny brain-like tissues made from special cells found in embryos. This innovation could usher in a new era of hybrid human-robot intelligence, merging brain activity with external computing power.

Thrive AI Health Aims for Healthcare Transformation

OpenAI Startup Fund and Thrive Global have formed a new company, Thrive AI Health, aimed at democratizing access to expert-level health coaching through AI. This initiative addresses chronic diseases and health inequities by focusing on personalized, AI-driven behavior changes in sleep, food, fitness, stress management, and connection. DeCarlos Love, formerly of Google, will lead as CEO, integrating Thrive Global's behavior change methodologies with advanced AI technology. The Alice L. Walton Foundation also invests in the startup, emphasizing health equity and the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. Thrive AI Health aims to enhance health outcomes and revolutionize healthcare through innovative, AI-powered solutions.

New AI Startup Poised to Transform Hollywood

Two veterans from the self-driving car industry have launched Odyssey, a San Francisco-based startup focused on AI software for filmmaking. Odyssey emerged from stealth mode with $9 million in seed funding led by GV (Google Ventures), along with DCVC, Air Street Capital, and numerous angel investors. Competing with OpenAI, Runway, Kuaishou, and Metaphysic, Odyssey's software transforms text descriptions into high-quality cinematic videos, similar to OpenAI’s Sora and Runway’s Gen 3. Sora, which has limited release, has already impacted Hollywood, prompting producer Tyler Perry to reconsider a significant studio expansion. Odyssey aims to revolutionize film production by blending AI and filmmaking, potentially setting a new standard for the industry.

China Tops Global Generative AI and CAM Usage

China is leading the world in adopting generative AI, according to a survey by SAS and Coleman Parkes Research. The survey of 1,600 decision-makers in various industries found that 83% of Chinese respondents use generative AI, compared to 65% in the U.S. and a global average of 54%. The rapid adoption of AI in China follows the release of OpenAI's ChatGPT in November 2022, spurring numerous Chinese companies to develop their versions. China also leads in generative AI patents, with over 38,000 filed from 2014 to 2023. Continuous automated monitoring (CAM) is another area where China excels, despite concerns over privacy and accountability. This progress aligns with China’s broader strategy to become a global leader in AI and surveillance technologies.

TSMC Surpasses Trillion-Dollar Mark with AI

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) briefly surpassed a market capitalization of US$1 trillion after Morgan Stanley boosted its price target ahead of TSMC’s earnings report. TSMC ADRs surged 4.8% in New York, increasing their share price by over 80% this year. The Taiwanese chipmaker, which surpassed Berkshire Hathaway to become the world’s eighth most valuable company, benefits from being the sole supplier of crucial chips for Apple Inc. and Nvidia Corp. Rising AI-related demand has led multiple brokerages, including Nomura and Mizuho Securities, to express optimism for TSMC’s second-quarter results. Analysts expect TSMC to report 36% revenue growth from a year earlier, driven by strong AI accelerator demand and potential price hikes in 2025.

US-Japan Consortium Formed for AI Chip Technology

Leading Japanese chip material maker Resonac Holdings Corp. announced the formation of a consortium, US-JOINT, with nine other Japanese and U.S. firms to develop advanced semiconductor technologies for generative AI. Based in Silicon Valley, US-JOINT will focus on back-end packaging technologies and is set to be fully operational next year. Resonac highlighted the need for innovative approaches to advanced packaging for next-gen semiconductors used in AI and autonomous driving. The consortium includes Japanese firms such as Towa Corp. and Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., and U.S. companies like Azimuth Industrial Co. and KLA Corp. This collaboration aims to advance semiconductor technology and address technical challenges, emphasizing the importance of U.S.-Japan cooperation in global tech development.

Egyptian DXwand Elevates Middle East AI Tech

Egyptian AI startup DXwand, founded by Ahmed Mahmoud in 2018, is revolutionizing businesses in the MENA region with its advanced conversational AI technology. With offices in Egypt, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, DXwand automates customer service across various industries, including education, finance, healthcare, and government. Initially starting with chatbots for SMEs, the startup now offers advanced Arabic and English voice and text automation. Recently, DXwand raised $4 million in Series A funding to further expand its operations and enhance AI capabilities. Mahmoud aims to inspire regional youth to innovate in deep tech, highlighting the importance of high-quality data in AI training to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Moroccan AI Miss Universe

Kenza Layli, a hijab-wearing AI activist from Morocco, has made history by being crowned the world’s first Miss AI. Competing against over 1,500 other digital contenders, Layli emerged victorious, winning a $20,000 prize. Created by the Fanvue World AI Creator Awards (WAICAs), this unique pageant celebrates AI models and their creators. Layli, who has over 194,000 Instagram followers, uses her platform to promote Moroccan culture, women's empowerment, and environmental protection. The competition's judges praised her for her facial consistency, high-quality details, and impactful personality. Layli’s creator, Meriam Bessa from Casablanca, is thrilled with this win for Morocco, highlighting AI's potential for positive change and innovation.

Heads Up

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Save the Date

July 10-12: 2024 USENIX Annual Technical Conference

July 10: Banking on The Future: The Next Era of Fintech

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