Just like an eagle, this autonomous glider can fly on thermal currents
Using a type of artificial intelligence which learns based on trial and error, researchers have demonstrated how gliders can glide autonomously on thermal currents, much like an eagle does. Here's how they managed it and why this could have big implications for next-generation drones.
Teaching machines to see illusions may help computer vision get smarter
Researchers are teaching computers to see optical illusions. The reason? To hopefully create smarter, more brain-like artificial vision recognition algorithms that will prove more robust in the real world. The results could help everything from robots to self-driving cars.
An A.I. is designing retro video games — and they’re surprisingly good
Researchers from Georgia Tech have demonstrated how A.I. can be used to create brand-new video games after being shown hours of classic 8-bit gaming action for inspiration. The best part? The games are good. Check them out in all their retro-inspired glory.
Machine learning? Neural networks? Here’s your guide to the many flavors of A.I.
Don't know your machine learning from your evolutionary algorithms? Our handy A.I. buzzword guide is here to help.
Current tech for detecting hate speech is woefully inadequate, researchers find
Researchers from Finland’s Aalto University have analyzed various anti-hate speech systems, including tools built by Google’s Counter Abuse team. Their findings demonstrate that the technology is woefully inadequate in a lot of ways -- including just how easy it is to fool.
A brain scan could help reveal if a person is a suicide risk
Could a brain scan reveal a person's risk of suicide? Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh have been awarded a $3.8 million grant to use brain imaging and machine learning technology to help clinicians detect and treat suicidal patients.
Programmer trains artificial intelligence to draw faces from text descriptions
Programmer Animesh Karnewar wanted to know how characters described in books would appear in reality, so he turned to artificial intelligence to see if it could properly render these fictional people. He used machine learning to train the A.I. using 400 random images and their text descriptions.
How A.I. can defeat malware that doesn’t even exist yet
Ditching signatures, Cylance Smart Antivirus is now available for consumers and it only offers AI protection. That machine learning algorithm though, is all you need, according to Cylance's senior VP, Christopher Bray. Can an AI really protect us from malware of today and tomorrow with no help at all?
Judgmental A.I. mirror rates how trustworthy you are based on your looks
Would you be freaked out if a facial recognition mirror started making judgments about your age, gender, race, attractiveness, and even trustworthiness? Get ready to meet the Biometric Mirror, a project created by researchers to show the dangers of biased artificial intelligence.
From picking to pollinating, agribots are pushing farming into the future
Agricultural scientists are turning to emerging technologies, such as robotics and AI, to help deal with the challenges associated with modern-day farming. Here are some of the tech being harvested today.
Man vs. machine: An A.I. algorithm attempts to break a world speed record
A new machine learning algorithm created at Switzerland’s EPFL is being used to design what its creators hope is the world's fastest bicycle. The A.I.-designed vehicle will be put to the test later this year when it attempts the World Human-Powered Speed Challenge in Nevada.
Microsoft patent paves way for a touch- and smudge-free tablet future
While touchscreens are great for navigating on smartphones and tablets, your greasy fingers leave annoying prints on the surface, blurring the view. Microsoft aims to change that by implementing a design that relies on touch-free input. This design appears in a granted patent published on July 10.
Microsoft wants artificial intelligence to catch cheaters on Xbox Live
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published a patent application from Microsoft that describes a method of cheat detection for games on a platform level using machine learning. The idea is to bring cheat detection outside the game given platforms can't detect cheats within the game itself.
This algorithm turns World Cup games into 3D augmented reality
Researchers from the University of Washington created a way to get you closer to your favorite sports action: An algorithm which can turn 2D live-action televised soccer into a 3D augmented reality re-creation. Here's how it works, and how they've demonstrated it so far.
MIT trained an A.I. using morbid Reddit captions, and it became a psychopath
Named after Psycho’s Norman Bates, MIT's new Norman project is billed as the world’s first psychopath A.I. Shown randomly generated inkblot tests, it offers disturbing interpretations like 'man gets pulled into dough machine.' And they've got a good reason for doing it.
Meet the man fighting plastic pollution with a fleet of A.I.-powered camera drones
Every year, up to 13 million metric tons of waste plastics wind up in the world's oceans. The Plastic Tide is a nonprofit which is using machine learning and drone technology to help. Best of all? They're calling on you to help -- and all they want is a bit of your time.
Alexa can now analyze random requests to use skills you didn’t know existed
Amazon just gave Alexa the ability to discover skills based on user queries. The feature lets Alexa skill developers configure their apps for skill discovery and notify Alexa's machine learning engine of the compatibility. The goal is to provide correct answers without making users search for new skills.
Ridy smart camera will alert drivers when they’re drowsy or distracted
Ridy is a forthcoming smart camera that attaches to your car dashboard or windshield. Using impressive machine learning technology, it can watch your face as you drive to notice behavior which suggests that you are tired or distracted. Here's how to get your hands on one.
Microsoft is taking autocorrect to the next level
Artificial intelligence and machine learning will eventually power Microsoft products. Kevin Gallo provided a glimpse, showing a prototype version of Microsoft Word that can find errors not discovered by the current version. The big takeaway is that the A.I. runs locally on the device, not in the cloud.
Facebook opens A.I. research labs in Seattle and Pittsburgh
Facebook has opened two new A.I. research labs in Seattle and Pittsburgh. The company has hired professors from local universities which some worry could make it harder to train new researchers. Facebook says that is working to ensure a symbiotic relationship.
How A.I. and a prehistoric creature could help predict animal behavior
In a recent study, researchers used a machine learning algorithm to identify the subtleties of Hydra behavior. With one of the simplest nervous system on Earth, Hydra give scientists a basic sample to study how neural activity relates to physical activity.
A.I. outperforms astronomers, predicts whether exoplanets will survive
At its core, the search for exoplanets is the search for habitable exoplanets and AI may now help make that hunt easier. Using machine learning algorithms, the researchers were able to calculate how well exoplanets could survive in stable orbits, outperforming scientists who made a career out of stuff like this.
We’re closer to China’s disturbing ‘Social Credit System’ than you realize
China's new Social Credit System offers a dystopian look at the future of online tracking, straight out of Nineteen Eighty-Four. But don't think that the same thing isn't happening a bit closer to home. Here's the reason why.
A new bracelet can detect if you’re being attacked, automatically call help
Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham have developed a prototype Smart Jewelry Bracelet wearable device that they hope could be used to keep people safe in the face of possible physical or sexual assault, or elderly people experiencing a fall. Here's how it works.
Bust a move! A German robot dances to communicate with honeybees
This new robot shows honeybees the best foraging locations by mimicking a dance that real bees employ in the wild.
Assistive tech is progressing faster than ever, and these 7 devices prove it
From robotic prosthetics to brainwave-reading hearing aids, assistive technology has progressed in leaps and bounds over the past decade.
Google will broadcast real-time analytical predictions during the NCAA Final Four
Using a team of data analysts and basketball enthusiasts, Google will be at the NCAA Final Four using data from the first half of the games to predict what will happen in the second half.
When diagnosis time means life or death, NVIDIA’s advanced AI can save lives
By leveraging GPUs, doctors can use machine learning and artificial intelligence to speed up disease diagnosis and create better scans of the human body.
Smart toys accurately predict whether a guide dog will make it through training
Researchers at Georgia Tech have created a smart toy which can predict which would-be guide dogs will successfully complete their training.
This A.I. literally reads your mind to re-create images of the faces you see
Neuroscientists at Canada’s University of Toronto Scarborough demonstrated A.I. technology that can read your mind by reconstructing images from brain data.
Technology has given us more time than ever … to waste on technology
Technology's big promise is that it will save us time in our daily lives. But that hasn't exactly happened. Here's why.
Infrasound microphones could predict volcano eruptions before they strike
Researchers have created low-frequency microphones that could potentially help to predict the eruption of certain volcanoes around the world.
A.I. is ready to advise us on how to best protect Earth from deadly asteroids
A new algorithm is designed to weigh up different possible solutions to the threat of a deadly asteroid heading in Earth’s direction.
Don’t be fooled by dystopian sci-fi stories: A.I. is becoming a force for good
Carnegie Mellon University is teaching a new class, titled “A.I. for Social Good.” Is 2018 the year we all start using artificial intelligence to do good in the world?