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Intelligence for the New World Economy

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Intelligence for the New World Economy
Semafor World Economy
Rachyl Jones

Rachyl Jones

Tech Reporter

Email Rachyl@RachylJones

Singapore startup builds AI-powered, self-running chemistry lab

The self-driving lab consists of AI software and robots that design experiments, run them, and gather data, with limited human intervention.
Researchers from ChemLex.Courtesy of ChemLex

China’s AI threat becomes bipartisan issue

“This is an issue that threatens our freedom if we allow China to overtake us on AI development,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said at a Semafor event Tuesday.
Josh Shapiro at a Semafor event.Kris Tripplaar/Semafor

Startups bet on encrypted AI to win over privacy-wary users

One startup, NEAR AI, recently launched a platform hosting popular open-weight frameworks that encrypts all prompts and responses.
A technician works at an Amazon Web Services AI data center in New Carlisle.Noah Berger for AWS/File Photo/Reuters

Waymo opens up about safety tech as autonomous cars face scrutiny

In a blog post, Waymo reveals some details of its secret sauce to safety by describing its model architecture, including how it uses both fast- and slow-thinking AI to predict behaviors.
Waymo cars lined up.Peter DaSilva/Reuters

AI devices aim to detect deadly cow disease that costs industry $1B a year

The project, developed by US universities, is an ambitious example of how AI, wearables, and robotics could be applied to improve essential industries like farming.
A cow nuzzles its calf in a field near the village of Lukyanovka, Ukraine.Ilya Naymushin/Reuters

Cohere on ‘the right side’ of the AI bubble, CEO says

There is a right and a wrong side of the AI bubble, and Cohere is on “the right side” of it, CEO Aidan Gomez told reporters.
Cohere CEO Aidan Gomez.Cohere CEO Aidan Gomez. Brendan McDermid/Reuters.

Estée Lauder enters AI beauty race with fragrance chatbot

Developed by Google Cloud, the bot prompts customers with questions about the kind of fragrance they are looking for, then provides recommendations.

Anthropic’s Dario Amodei on relationship-repair tour in DC

The Anthropic CEO discussed AI policy, export controls, and the importance of winning the AI race in Washington this week.

Apple reportedly refuses to install India’s state-owned app

The requirement by India to install a cyber safety app on devices has been the subject of outcry that the government could access users’ data.

Gemini is most ‘empathetic’ AI model, test shows

AI journaling app Rosebud tested 25 models across mental health-related scenarios.

Deloitte faces new scrutiny over suspected AI-generated mistakes

A Canadian province asked Deloitte to review a $1.6 million report it created for the Department of Health and Community Services, which contains inaccurate citations.

Now hiring: Neuroscientists for AI

Companies like Meta are finding neuroscience research closely aligns with how large language models and AI function, opening up doors for neuroscientists.

OpenAI launches shopping assistant

The offering scours websites to recommend top products. It builds on OpenAI’s efforts to become a primary shopping destination, rivaling Amazon and Google.

UK college students raise concerns over AI-generated coursework

Students at the University of Staffordshire confronted the university over materials containing presentation slides that appeared to be written by AI.

Major music studios strike licensing deals with AI firms

Music is one of many industries turning to licensing agreements to settle long, embattled copyright disputes with AI companies.

All the hottest tech needs to be so, so cold

Startup Interlune has signed $500 million in contracts to supply helium-3 gas to help keep AI and quantum computing devices running cold. Their next helium search is in space.

MBS’ visit heralds in tech deals

AWS, Nvidia, and xAI are among the US companies that announced deals with Saudi government-backed HUMAIN.

AI race cars are catching up to human drivers

Only 1.6 seconds separated the best laps of the human racer and the autonomous vehicle.