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Intelligence for the New World Economy

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Intelligence for the New World Economy
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J.D. Capelouto

J.D. Capelouto

Tech Reporter

Email J.D.@jdcapelouto

J.D. Capelouto is a tech reporter at Semafor with a focus on AI, robotics, and China. He was previously the lead writer of Semafor’s Flagship Asia Morning Edition newsletter and a breaking news reporter. Before that, he covered local news and politics for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reporting on Atlanta City Hall. He’s an Atlanta native and a graduate of Boston University.

Robots get better at handling unpredictability

Google DeepMind unveiled a new model this week that gives humanoid robots finer control over how they interact with objects around them, including completing complicated tasks like tying a trash bag.
A Gemini robotics humanoid.
Courtesy of DeepMind

Chinese AI companies aim to serve businesses

Chinese tech players like ByteDance, Alibaba, and Tencent are looking to pivot toward the more lucrative enterprise market to increase revenues.
The ByteDance logo is seen at the company’s office in Shanghai, China July 4, 2023. Aly Song/Reuters.

Americans worry robots will take jobs, but not theirs

A new poll offers an early snapshot of Americans’ attitudes toward robots in various corners of everyday life.
A security robot patrols a sidewalk in Downtown Los Angeles
Daniel Cole/Reuters

US looks to allies to prepare for 6G

No one knows exactly what 6G will look like, but the US appears eager to avoid the pitfalls of the 5G era.
People walk past a 6G logo.
Bruna Casas/Reuters

FCC ban on new Chinese robots poses challenges for US firms

American robot makers may have to move quickly to onshore their supply chains, as many still rely on Chinese components or do some assembly overseas.
An ensemble of humanoid robots produced by Linkerbot.
Maxim Shemetov/Reuters

US bans import of new Chinese robots

American robot makers have been lobbying Washington for months to take action to counter the spread of popular Chinese bots.
A man shakes the hand of a Chinese G1 humanoid robot.
Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

Chinese open-weight models reignite AI safety debate

Some fear that Silicon Valley will get hooked on cheap Chinese AI that’s accused of ripping off American labs.

BYD gears up to enter humanoid robot race

The EV giant hinted it could unveil the product in early August.

Token diplomacy: How China is shaping the world’s AI future

Beijing is waging a campaign to set global standards.

Russia’s war narrative falters

Russia is suffering from “narrative collapse” in its war against Ukraine, a journalist said, as Kyiv turns the tide in the conflict — on the front lines and in American right-wing media.

Iran and Ukraine wars merge in the Caspian Sea

The Ukraine and Iran wars collided over the weekend, as Kyiv attacked an Iranian commercial ship in the Caspian Sea.

Tech leaders back open-source AI

A wave of US tech executives, led by Nvidia’s CEO, rushed to back the development of open-source AI models as divides in the industry widen.

Suspect in Berlin Pride attack killed after manhunt

The deadly attack on a Pride celebration in Berlin inflamed Europe’s fraught debate over migration and extremism.

US moves to regulate hidden car handles

US regulators on Thursday said they plan to develop rules to address the safety risks linked to the hidden electric car door handles popularized by Tesla.

Chinese whizzes win global math prize

Chinese nationals were awarded the prestigious Fields Medal for the first time, in the latest sign of the country’s growing academic prowess.

US tech firms debate curbs on Chinese AI

For some execs, the rise of open-source AI from China marks a “dystopian hellscape,” while others are complimenting the “excellent” models.

Trump pegs Saudi nuclear deal to Israel talks

The US president’s stipulation threatens to stymie the newly signed agreement, which allows Saudi Arabia to build nuclear power plants with US technology.

Ukraine appears to change tactics in Russia attacks

Kyiv is letting up on its strikes on Russian oil refineries — easing Moscow’s fuel crunch and pushing gas prices back down — and is instead hitting ships.