Last Week in AI

This week features a shocking report on academic fraud, exposing manipulative tactics within research. OpenAI's new sibling company, Anthropic, secures significant funding while tackling AI safety. AI's ability to write code from plain language could change programming forever. Meanwhile, a rogue drone reportedly hunted a human target autonomously, raising alarms about military AI. The episode also humorously touches on quirky AI antics, showcasing the chaotic and fascinating world of artificial intelligence innovations.

Excitement brews over GPT-Neo, the free alternative to GPT-3, enhancing accessibility in AI. Facebook's Wav2Vec-U learns to recognize speech without labeled data, pushing boundaries in automatic speech recognition. Deepfake dubbing emerges as a game-changer in filmmaking, ensuring accurate performances across languages. Michelangelo AI engages visitors at museums, bringing art to life through conversation. Lastly, discussions on Google’s ethical AI history reveal controversies and the importance of integrity in AI development.

Join Janelle Shane, a research scientist and AI humorist known for her blog aiweirdness.com, as she dives into the quirky world of artificial intelligence. She shares hilarious tales of AI-generated pickup lines and the unpredictable nature of image recognition, highlighting how algorithms can surprise us with their mischief. Janelle also demystifies AI's real-world applications, emphasizing the importance of human collaboration in creative expression. Her unique blend of humor and science makes understanding AI both entertaining and engaging.

Explore Google's commitment to doubling its AI ethics research team amid controversies and staff exits. Discover the stunning advancements that make Grand Theft Auto V look almost photorealistic with new machine learning techniques. Delve into the Pentagon's cautious steps towards allowing AI to control weaponry, raising serious ethical questions. Finally, uncover the truth behind Tesla's self-driving claims, including admissions of exaggeration and inquiries by state officials following a serious crash.

Discover the ambitious launch of the world's largest satellite image database aimed at enhancing AI training. Learn about innovative methods to prevent AI from recognizing faces in selfies. Dive into the darker aspects of an AI-powered dungeon game and the challenges it faces with moderation. Explore the shrinking landscape of autonomous vehicles, marked by significant mergers and a shift in focus among smaller companies towards niche logistics. Tune in for insights on the evolving relationship between AI ethics and industry shifts!

The podcast dives into the evolution of academic conferences in AI, advocating for a shift to virtual formats for better networking and reduced environmental impacts. It highlights Huawei's breakthrough in creating a Chinese equivalent of GPT-3. Farming innovations take center stage with a laser-powered robot that eliminates 100,000 weeds per hour. Finally, Lyft's $550 million sale of its autonomous vehicle unit to Toyota signals a strategy shift toward enhancing ride-hailing services.

Discover how an AI-driven audio cloning startup is bringing Einstein back to life through a chatbot. Explore the transformative potential of Medical Alexas in improving health outcomes. Dive into a groundbreaking method that employs satellite imagery to pinpoint local pollution hotspots. Marvel at Cerebras' monstrous AI chip, boasting 1.4 trillion transistors, and what it means for the future of deep learning. Finally, see how Walmart is shifting from automated systems to prioritize human interactions in retail.

This week, a tragic Tesla crash raises safety alarms about autonomous driving, spotlighting the need for better oversight. Europe is pushing for stricter AI regulations, especially in sensitive sectors. Meanwhile, a staggering 2.6 million deepfakes could redefine our digital experiences and even the gaming industry. The discussion also highlights the unique challenges faced by Black women in tech, emphasizing the impact of biased AI tools and the pressing need for advocacy.

Discover how a groundbreaking dataset aims to promote fairness in AI, tackling demographic biases. Explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding data usage and the rise of no-code AI tools that empower everyone to create technology without coding skills. Feel the nostalgia as AI generates a new Nirvana song, 27 years after Kurt Cobain's passing, blending music and mental health awareness. This discussion highlights both challenges and opportunities in democratizing AI and art, shaping the future of creativity.

Cade Metz, a New York Times reporter and author of "Genius Makers," dives into the intriguing world of AI pioneers. He shares humorous anecdotes about key figures like Jeff Hinton, revealing the unexpected personalities driving innovation. The conversation also tackles Silicon Valley's competitive landscape and how companies must adapt or risk obsolescence. Metz discusses the collaborative nature of AI development while reflecting on the ethical dilemmas and biases that permeate the field, highlighting the delicate balance between corporate goals and idealism.