January 15, 2023

agriculture

New AI-powered farming robot covers 50 acres of crops per day

Freethink, 01/15/23. Meropy’s agricultural robot, SentiV, inspects crops autonomously from above and below. It is lightweight and uses rimless spoked wheels to navigate fields. SentiV can cover about 50 acres per day and uses two cameras and AI algorithms to identify threats and monitor growth. The robot is modular and adjustable to inspect different crops. Data from SentiV could offset upfront costs by helping farmers use fertilizers and pesticides more efficiently. READ MORE

implementation

How to Realize AI’s Full Potential in Your Business

Acceleration Econonmy, 01/15/23. AI is core to many processes, and long-term investment in AI and automation is vital for business success. Conversational AI improves brand encounters, and companies are integrating AI into work and personal apps. Prioritizing AI and automation is challenging due to workload. Encouraging education, emphasizing AI’s role in cybersecurity, and recognizing investment is required will enable companies to keep pace. Investing in digital transformation, a “human plus AI” approach, and training will enable companies to optimize AI and stay competitive. READ MORE

china

‘Smart deterrence’: China to enhance AI-warfare against US over Taiwan

INTERESTING ENGINEERING, 01/15/23. A Chinese expert on Taiwan affairs recommends using more AI technology to deter US interference over Taiwan. The expert suggests that the PLA should conduct blockade exercises around Taiwan and normalize military drills that cross the Taiwan Strait’s median line. The use of AI in military strategy is controversial, but China’s PLA has been using it to simulate war games and identify underwater vehicles. Beijing does not rule out using force to annex Taiwan, but the US and most other nations oppose any attempt to annex the island through force. READ MORE

creative

This man used AI to write and illustrate a children’s book in one weekend. He wasn’t prepared for the backlash.

BUSINESS INSIDER INDIA, 01/15/23. Ammaar Reshi, a San Francisco-based product-design manager, used AI tools to write and illustrate a children’s book, “Alice and Sparkle,” in one weekend. Reshi self-published the book on Amazon’s digital bookstore, but faced criticism from some artists who accused AI art generators of stealing their work. The project was a creative one for Reshi and achieved its goal of being a gift for the children of his friends. Despite criticism of the book’s quality, Reshi is interested in trying other AI projects, such as using ChatGPT for writing. READ MORE

korea

South Jeolla to expand provision of AI companion robots for its elderly population

The Korea Herald, 01/15/23. South Jeolla Province in South Korea has expanded the distribution of an AI companion robot called Hyodol to help manage emotions, life, and safety of seniors living alone. The robot comes in three types, an AI stuffed doll, a Hyodol smart notebook, and a convergence of the two, equipped with chatbot services and the ability to detect emotions and movement of users. The efforts of the province are crucial to address the challenges of an increasing elderly population and single households in South Korea. The use of such robots could help promote better mental and physical health for seniors living alone. READ MORE