Category Archives: Artificial Intelligence

Partnership accelerates innovation by removing the complexities of bringing artificial intelligence (AI) to a diversity of devices at the edge, enabling smarter buildings that evolve and adapt through Johnson Controls OpenBlue technology

Johnson Controls to leverage Pelions connected device platform for IoT device management services that simplify monitoring, maintaining, and improving the health, security, and performance of edge devices and workloads.

SAN JOSE, Calif.(BUSINESS WIRE)Today, Pelion, the Connected IoT Device service provider, and subsidiary of Arm, jointly announced a partnership with Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings. This partnership will accelerate innovation in connectivity, security and intelligence at the edge for Johnson Controls OpenBlue technology.

This partnership combines Johnson Controls deep domain expertise in healthy buildings with Pelions device and edge management capabilities to usher in an era of truly smart, updateable facilities at cloud scale. said Mike Ellis, chief customer and digital officer for Johnson Controls. OpenBlues AI capabilities at the edge will consolidate diverse points of intelligence distributed across various floors, sites or even continents into insights and actions, creating an updateable building that can self-heal and evolve over its lifespan.

This innovation mirrors the automotive sector, where software, multiple sensors and AI-trained models have transformed the industry by enabling autonomous driving and software updates that blend data to continually improve vehicle capabilities and experience. Johnson Controls is applying the concept to the built environment. They will leverage Pelions flexible device management capabilities to unite diverse device types and application layers to feed AI models that respond to dynamic workloads.

Johnson Controls has the strategic foresight to rely on a partner to streamline the complexity of IoT device management security and secure firmware updates over the air, said Hima Mukkamala, CEO of Pelion. Pelions connected device platform will standardize the onboarding process for all systems, including the edge and endpoint devices that run on them, plus offer world-class public key infrastructure for secure and simple integration with third-parties.

This secure, open and flexible approach to device management will allow OpenBlue to run any device and hardware configuration, from hardware gateways to constrained temperature sensors.

In order to provide sustainable, low cost and low power intelligent processing at the edge, the partnership will utilize proven energy-efficient processors from Pelions parent company, Arm, which are a key part of Johnson Controls distributed hardware deployment.

For more on the partnership, Pelion CEO Hima Mukkamala has shared his thoughts in a blog post on the Johnson Controls website.

About Johnson Controls:

At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. With a history of more than 135 years of innovation, Johnson Controls delivers the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through its comprehensive digital offering, OpenBlue. With a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the worlds largest portfolio of building technology, software and service solutions with some of the most trusted names in the industry. For more information, visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.

http://www.johnsoncontrols.com

About Pelion:

Pelion was originally founded as an incubation unit within Arm, the worlds leading designer of key technologies at the heart of computing. Now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arm, Pelion is forging its own path in the IoT revolution, building on a solid foundation of device expertise and a 500-enterprise strong customer base. With a unique combination of global IoT connectivity and device management from a single vendor, Pelion breaks down barriers to IoT adoption for anyone looking to revolutionize their industry.

http://www.pelion.com

About Arm:

Arm technology is at the heart of a computing and data revolution that is transforming the way people live and businesses operate. Our energy-efficient processor designs and software platforms have enabled advanced computing in more than 180 billion chips and our technologies securely power products from the sensor to the smartphone and the supercomputer. Together with 1,000+ technology partners we are at the forefront of designing, securing and managing all areas of AI-enhanced connected compute from the chip to the cloud.

http://www.arm.com

Contacts

Johnson Controls Contacts:Investors:Antonella Franzen

Direct: 609.720.4665

Email: antonella.franzen@jci.com

Ryan Edelman

Direct: 609.720.4545

Email: ryan.edelman@jci.com

Media:Chaz Bickers

Direct: 224.307.0655

Email: charles.norman.bickers@jci.com

Michael Isaac

Direct: +41.52.6330374

Email: michael.isaac@jci.com

Pelion Analyst And Media Contacts:PelionPress@archetype.co

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Johnson Controls and Pelion Partner on Artificial Intelligence / Internet of Things (AIoT) For Smart, Healthy, and Sustainable Buildings -...

How to Steer Your Organization Toward Being More Data-Driven

Many businesses looking to build data programs may lack the operational management needed to implement a data-driven vision, and their technology leaders may be left wondering how to make it happen.

Clingerman offered this advice: Look to see whats happening within your industry verticals and competition. Where are others taking advantage of data?

He cited Uber as a prime example of a small startup that was able to harness the data collected out of the application it built. Upon discovering that many customers were using Uber as transportation to and from restaurants, the data the company collected enabled it to create a whole new line of business with Uber Eats.

The vision and cultural aspects of an organization are what allow a business to take this data and use it to realize the promise of AI.

Clingerman mentioned several examples of how AI has recently been harnessed to benefit society. In the transportation sector, autonomous cars have helped to enable safer transportation. In agriculture, sensors placed on farm equipment have been used to maximize crop yields. AI has been used to power smart cities, ensuring safer, more secure cities and more reliable public transportation.

However, with all the data organizations are contending with, Clingerman said its absolutely critical for organizations to consider ethics when deciding how to harness and use that data.

How do we use this data only for good? How do we ensure that its safe and secure? How do we anonymize the information as much as possible? he asked. All of our decisions are focused on how organizations leverage technology to drive human progress forward. Its not about the technology. What are we doing to better our society?

WATCH THE WEBCAST: Unlock the Insider-exclusive video to learn more about the intersection of technology and social responsibility.

Kristin Malek, director of business diversity at CDW, also joined the session to speak about the ways in which procurement and supply chain management can provide opportunities for businesses looking to prioritize positive societal and economic impacts in their decision-making.

She quoted a January 2020 Deloitte study, which notes that The term ethical technology refers to an overarching set of values that is not limited to or focused on any one technology, instead addressing the organizations approach to its use of technologies as a whole and the ways in which they are deployed to drive business strategy and operations. Companies should consider proactively evaluating how they can use technology in ways that are aligned with their fundamental purpose and core values.

There is a real-time demand in our country and beyond for equity in the workplace, in the workforce and in our new digital supply chain, Malek added.

She emphasized that in 2021, business diversity and supply chain diversity arent just nice to have. Its not charity, its not sprinkling kindness throughout. It is an absolute revenue enabler.

Were all looking for a promise of progress, she said. Business diversity is about realizing that progress through decision-making that factors in social responsibility and supply chain choices that employ impactful sourcing and intentional procurement, because instead of tracking dollars spent, we need to be tracking the lives that were enriching.

So, whats on the table? Whats the business case? she asked, noting the many competing strategies all organizations are focused on right now. Its meaningful job creation, its revenue enablement, its greater market share and its done with sustainable and ethical procurement.

FollowBizTechs full coverage of the CDW Tech Talk serieshere. Insiders can register for the event serieshere.

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CDW Tech Talk: Finding the Humanity in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data - BizTech Magazine

"This is the fifth year CB Insights has recognized the most promising private artificial intelligence companies with the AI 100, and this is one of the most global groups we've ever seen. This year's cohort spans 18 industries, and is working on everything from climate risk to accelerating drug R&D," said CB Insights CEO Anand Sanwal. "Last year's AI 100 companies had a remarkable run after being named to the list, with more than 50% going on to raise additional financing (totaling $5.2B), including 16 $100 million+ mega-rounds. Many also went on to exit via M&A, SPAC or IPO. As industry after industry adopts AI, we expect this year's class will see similar levels of interest from investors, acquirers and customers."

"Leaks and water damage are significant problems in construction sites, real estate and industry and contribute every year to major costs for repair and remediation, insurance and lost productivity," said Alon Geva, CEO of WINT. "Wasted water also contributes to the global shortage of this critical resource. With WINT's transformative technology, waste can be prevented and leaks can be stopped at the source to help prevent widespread damage before it occurs."

Through an evidence-based approach, the CB Insights research team selected the AI 100 from a pool of over 6,000 companies based on several factors including patent activity, investor quality, news sentiment analysis, proprietary Mosaic scores, market potential, partnerships, competitive landscape, team strength, and tech novelty. The Mosaic Score, based on CB Insights' algorithm, measures the overall health and growth potential of private companies to help predict a company's momentum.

WINT's systems deploy artificial intelligence, machine learning and signal processing technology to conduct real-time water-flow analysis and identify leaks at their source.By preventing damage from burst pipes and undetected leaks, owners and contractors can avoid costs associated with remediation, repair and increased insurance premiums. Moreover, WINT's advanced solution protects facilities from construction to the project's operational stage. WINT protects facilities from water damage while cutting its ongoing water consumption and waste by 20%-25% to reduce operational expenses and environmental impact.

Quick facts on the 2021 AI 100:

About CB InsightsCB Insights builds software that enables the world's best companies to discover, understand and make technology decisions with confidence. By marrying data, expert insights and work management tools, clients manage their end-to-end technology making process on CB Insights. To learn more, please visit http://www.cbinsights.com.

About WINTWINT is passionate about helping the world conserve one of its most precious resources, and the company is dedicated to helping businesses prevent the hazards, costs and waste associated with water leaks. Utilizing the power of artificial intelligence, the convenience of high-speed cellular data connections and smart shut-off valves, Water Intelligence units provide an all-in-one solution for commercial facilities and construction projects looking to eliminate the fear of water-leak disasters and ongoing water waste. For more information, please visit http://www.wint.ai.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Heather RipleyRipley PR(865) 977-1973[emailprotected]

CB Insights[emailprotected]

SOURCE WINT

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WINT Named to the 2021 CB Insights AI 100 List of Most Innovative Artificial Intelligence Startups - PRNewswire

Until recently, artificial intelligence sounded like something out of science fiction. But the technology of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly common, from self-driving cars to e-commerce algorithms that seem to know what you want to buy before you do. Throughout the economy and many aspects of daily life, artificial intelligence has become the transformative technology of our time.

On April 21, 2021, Sanjay Patnaik, director of the Center on Regulation and Markets (CRM) at Brookings will sit down with John R. Allen, president of the Brookings Institution, and Darrell M. West, vice president and director of Governance Studies at Brookings, for a fireside chat on their book, Turning Point: Policymaking in the Era of Artificial Intelligence. Drawing on findings and recommendations from Turning Point, they will explore the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence and discuss a policy blueprint for how to gain the benefits of artificial intelligence while reducing its potential disadvantages. This event will be part of CRMs Reimagining Modern-day Markets and Regulations series, which focuses on analyzing rapidly changing modern-day markets and on how to regulate them most effectively.

Viewers can submit questions for speakers by emailing events@brookings.edu or via Twitter using #AIGovernance.

Turning Point: Policymaking in the Era of Artificial Intelligence is available to order in print and e-book on the Brookings Press page.

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Policymaking and artificial intelligence: A conversation with John R. Allen and Darrell M. West - Brookings Institution

Westport, CT, April 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Global leaders, including Amazon, Bayer, and GE Healthcare, joined the AAIH to date to collaborate on developing novel solutions to improve the quality of care and reduce failure rates

The Company recently launched a new AI program with the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education

BioSig Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: BSGM) (BioSig or the Company), a medical technology company commercializing an innovative signal processing platform designed to improve signal fidelity and uncover the full range of ECG and intra-cardiac signals, today announced that it had been invited by, and accepted, an invitation to join the Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (AAIH), following BioSigs major patent awards for its AI-based platform that the Company recently won from the U.S. Patent Office.

The AAIH is the global advocacy organization for the advancement and use of artificial intelligence in healthcare to improve patients lives and create more efficient, sustainable, and accessible healthcare systems. The AAIH and its member companies and organizations are dedicated to developing novel interventions and product solutions to reduce failure rates and costs while improving quality across the entire healthcare spectrum from biomedical discovery, clinical research, medical diagnostics and devices, and precision medicine. The initiative, which spans out of the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, was formally launched in 2019 with 22 founders, including Amazon WS (NASDAQ: AMZN), Bayer (XETR: BAYN), GE Healthcare (NYSE: GE), GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK), and the University of Pittsburg.

Artificial intelligence excels at analyzing and uncovering patterns in vast volumes of clinical data a fundamental building block in improving patient care. BioSig is a company that is committed to providing superior technological solutions based on precise signal information. We believe that a joint effort between various healthcare community representatives is a much-needed step towards solving common challenges and accelerating the adoption of AI-powered solutions. We are excited to join the Alliance and collaborate with its members on our shared goals for improving the standards of patient care, commented Kenneth L. Londoner, Chairman and CEO of BioSig Technologies, Inc.

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BioSig recently launched a strategic collaboration with the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research to develop a next-generation AI- and machine learning-powered software for the PURE EP System. The Companys platform technology provides signal information during the cardiac ablations for the treatments of arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats, a condition that affects over 33 million people worldwide[1]. Under the terms of the newly launched AI initiative, the Company aims to develop novel technological solutions to improve existing therapies by combining the PURE EP's electrophysiological signals and other data sources.

The Company has also announced major strategic collaborations with other subject-matter experts to further the AI and machine learning applications of the PURE EP System in their collaboration for AI technical advisory services with Harvard- and MIT-trained computer scientist and physicist, Dr. Wissner-Gross, of Reified. In 2020, the Company co-authored an abstract with Reified, titled Computational Reconstruction of Electrocardiogram Lead Placement, that presented a new method for analyzing electrocardiograms that may ultimately help to improve the automated classification of patient conditions.

This is an exciting time for artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in healthcare, and we look forward to contributing to next-generation technological solutions in the space, responded Dr. Wissner-Gross.

The global market for AI in healthcare is expected to grow from $4.9 billion in 2020 to $45.2 billion by 2026 at an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 44.9%. According to Accenture, key clinical health AI applications, when combined, can potentially create $150 billion in annual savings for the United States healthcare economy by 2026.

About AAIHThe AAIH is a coalition of technology developers, pharmaceutical companies, and research organizations who have expressed the common goal of realizing the potential for AI and machine learning in healthcare to significantly improve quality of care, but who also recognize the need to address substantial industry challenges. By convening stakeholders to present a unified voice, we are working to establish responsible, ethical, and reasonable standards for the development and implementation of AI in healthcare. As an organization, the AAIH brings together industry, academia, research institutions, government NGOs, key opinion leaders, and other international stakeholders to develop appropriate regulatory principles. By engaging with a wide array of participants across the healthcare spectrum, the AAIH works to actualize the promise of artificial intelligence in medicine thereby improving patients lives and creating more efficient, sustainable, and accessible healthcare systems. Learn more on http://www.theaaih.org.

About BioSig TechnologiesBioSig Technologies is a medical technology company commercializing a proprietary biomedical signal processing platform designed to improve signal fidelity and uncover the full range of ECG and intra-cardiac signals (www.biosig.com).The Companys first product, PURE EP System is a computerized system intended for acquiring, digitizing, amplifying, filtering, measuring and calculating, displaying, recording and storing of electrocardiographic and intracardiac signals for patients undergoing electrophysiology (EP) procedures in an EP laboratory.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements may be preceded by the words intends, may, will, plans, expects, anticipates, projects, predicts, estimates, aims, believes, hopes, potential or similar words. Forward- looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with (i) the geographic, social and economic impact of COVID-19 on our ability to conduct our business and raise capital in the future when needed, (ii) our inability to manufacture our products and product candidates on a commercial scale on our own, or in collaboration with third parties; (iii) difficulties in obtaining financing on commercially reasonable terms; (iv) changes in the size and nature of our competition; (v) loss of one or more key executives or scientists; and (vi) difficulties in securing regulatory approval to market our products and product candidates. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

1 Top 10 Things You should Know About Heart Rhythm; Scripps Health

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BioSig Invited to Join Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (AAIH) - Yahoo Finance

Five federal banking regulatory agencies are gathering information and comments on financial institutions use of artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning. On March 29, the Federal Reserve Board, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued a request for information (RFI) seeking information on the following topics:

The RFI notes that financial institutions have been and are exploring AI-based applications for a variety of purposes. For example, financial institutions use chatbots and virtual assistants to mimic live employees and automate routine customer interactions. AI also can inform credit decisions by analyzing traditional data (i.e., data typically found in a consumers credit files) and alternative data. Financial institutions may use cybersecurity applications to detect threats and malicious activity, to conduct real-time investigations of potential attacks, and to block ransomware and other attacks.

Not surprisingly, regulators are paying close attention to the presence of AI in the financial services industry, as the industrys use of AI shows no signs of slowing down. In October 2020, Mastercard introduced an AI-powered suite of tools that allows banks to assess cyber risk and prevent potential breaches. In February of this year, Google Cloud and European-based BBVA announced a strategic partnership that includes an agreement to collaborate in the development of new AI and machine learning models to prevent cyberattacks. Jumio, a California-based Junio provider of AI-powered identify verification and know your customer solutions, closed a $150 million round of funding just last month. A few days later, California-based Feedzia raised $200 million for its AI-based ID verification and anti-money laundering platform.

Although the potential benefits of AI are apparent, the RFI cautions that financial institutions should implement processes for identifying and managing potential risks, especially those that could affect an institutions safety and soundness. Such risks include potential operational vulnerabilities, such as internal process or control breakdowns, cyber threats, information technology lapses, risks associated with the use of third parties, and model risk. The RFI also warns of certain consumer protection risks, such as unlawful discrimination, UDAAP and UDAP violations, and privacy concerns.

The RFIs broad inquiry into financial institutions use of AI may give rise to some trepidation by financial institutions, but they should consider using the RFI as an opportunity to educate regulators about the benefits of AI and to seek clarification on how their use of AI could raise compliance concerns when using AI in their respective businesses.

Comments are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

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Banking Regulatory Agencies Seek Information on Financial Institutions Use of Artificial Intelligence - JD Supra

Under the slogan of exchanging experiences on how the use of Artificial Intelligence can contribute to the sustainable and responsible management of forestry operations, government officials and the company Timbeter, from Estonia, met last March to analyze the use of environmental technologies.

Technicians from the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), and the National Forest Office (ONF) participated in the activity, which lasted during the third week of the previous month in the company of experts in charge of bringing this technology of Estonian origin to the country.

The work sessions took place in one of the companys operations sites, Bosques Selectos LWO SA, located in the community of San Jorge, Los Chiles, Alajuela, from where the local and international market is supplied with species such as melina and teak, among others.

Within the framework of the Implementation of Timbeters wood measurement technology for efficient forest management in Costa Rica, representatives of the European firm explained to the participants how they use the technology for:

The measurement of logs in the field, trucks, sawmill and containers. Use of digital data to keep track of wood volumes in the production chain, reports and inventory. Documentation with images for the custody of the wood. Prevention of occupational accidents and efficiency in operations.

Precisely, the project seeks to integrate Timbeter technology with the digital solutions that Costa Rica has developed, in order to monitor the forestry sector, facilitate the sustainable management of forests and combat illegal logging in the country, while strengthening and giving support for the digitalization of forest management and increase the competitiveness of the sector.

During the activity we were able to observe great enthusiasm in the use of technology on the part of the participants and how it can directly help their work, said Rafael Monge, director of the National Center for Geoenvironmental Information (CENIGA) of MINAE.

For his part, Sebastin Ugalde, manager of Forestry, Industry and Commerce at ONF and facilitator of practical activities, said that with this and other activities that are being planned, the Costa Rican forestry sector is expected to take advantage of the use of new technologies.

Technological applications bring benefits to efficient and sustainable management in the sector, offering more transparency to both buyers and producers, and to the rest of the actors in the wood supply chain, he said.

The initiative is promoted thanks to the alliance between the governments of Costa Rica and Estonia, which also seeks to transfer knowledge on issues of digitization and implementation of digital government solutions.

Representatives of academic institutions, forestry organizations, companies and independent forestry professionals participated in the activity, who had the opportunity to carry out guided practices with different functionalities of the technology, including measurement with the Tica Wood Inch formula, Metric Hoppus, among others.

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Costa Rica Advances in the Implementation of Artificial Intelligence - The Costa Rica News

Its hard enough for people to categorize or discuss art, but its even more difficult for artificial intelligence. Several research groups have recently tried to apply machine learning to large databases of artworks to sort and describe them in a meaningful way.

First, researchers from Zhejiang University of Technology in Hangzhou, China, compared different neural networks to find out how well they perform at art classification. They used images from WikiArt and other digital collections to train the neural networks to learn what images of a certain art style look like. Then they asked the different neural network models to identify the art style of other images.

This is quite a tricky task, even for humans. Some art styles are easy to recognize from the way the image is created. Learning which artworks fall under the cubism genre wasnt a problem for the neural networks. But some genres are quite similar to each other and occurred around the same time. That made it difficult for the programs to learn which is which.

Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night", seen here at an exhibit in Berlin, Germany, was one of the images ... [+] used in a study to categorize art using artificial intelligence. (Photo Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

The art classification neural networks also had trouble with tasks that humans wouldnt find very difficult at all, such as understanding the difference between cityscapes and landscapes. The difference between buildings and nature is obvious to us, but to a computer, they both look like images with similar elements of outside. It doesnt have a way of knowing that the clouds and sky in these images are not the key defining factor of these two categories.

For human art lovers, learning which style or category a piece of art falls in is a relatively straightforward and objective task. Like the neural networks, we can learn how to do that by looking at a lot of art and finding patterns. But theres something humans do that computers dont: we also form opinions about the art and can share in words how looking at it makes us feel. Computers cant do that yet - or can they?

Artificial intelligence is only as good as its training data, so to be able to teach an AI to form opinions and emotional statements about art, you need a vast collection of human-created descriptions of different artworks. Thats exactly what researchers from Stanford University, Ecole Polytechnique and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have done. They created the ArtEmis dataset which includes over 400 thousand emotional attributes and descriptions for over 80 thousand images indexed in WikiArt.

To create ArtEmis, the team asked volunteers to share their main emotion about an artwork, and to explain that in a sentence. As you would expect, peoples reactions varied widely. One person might find a painting of a field peaceful while someone else finds it slightly ominous. In fact, having both positive and negative reactions to the same painting was so common, this happened to 61% of the images in the ArtEmis database.

So what does an AI make of all those human descriptions of art? When trained on the ArtEmis dataset, different systems started creating their own captions for given artworks. Some of them were very convincing, but others missed the mark. AI-generated descriptions of Rembrandts painting The Beheading of John the Baptist included the woman looks like she is having a good time and the man in the middle looks like he is in pain. Any human would recognize these descriptions as complete nonsense (or at the very least a major understatement) considering the scene in the painting.

An AI algorithm creating descriptions of images based on replicating human emotion said of ... [+] Rembrant's "The Beheading of John the Baptist" that the woman looks like she is having a good time and the man in the middle looks like he is in pain.

About half of the computer-generated descriptions passed the Turing test, which means that AIs can indeed learn to create new (and believable) descriptions of art, but its still far from perfect. Thats not surprising, considering its already a challenge to teach an AI whether a painting is a landscape or a cityscape.

Art can be hard to classify and peoples opinions about paintings are highly subjective, which makes it even harder for artificial intelligence to understand the patterns of our classifications and descriptions. But the experiments done in these two new studies show that computers are getting better at these tasks. Humans are still better at categorising and describing art, but AI programs are learning quickly.

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Artificial Intelligence Is Learning To Categorize And Talk About Art - Forbes

Boasting that it is on track to bring over 100 "AI-powered" improvements to Google Maps, Google has announced a series of updates that have been or are set to be released in the coming year.

The first is adding Live View, a feature that uses augmented reality cues -- arrows and accompanying directions -- to help point people in the right way and avoid the "awkward moment when you're walking the opposite direction of where you want to go".

According to Google Maps product VP Dane Glasgow, Live View relies on AI technology, known as global localisation, to scan "tens of billions" of Street View images to help understand a person's orientation, as well as the precise altitude and placement of an object inside a building, such as an airport, transit station, or shopping centre, before providing directions.

"If you're catching a plane or train, Live View can help you find the nearest elevator and escalators, your gate, platform, baggage claim, check-in counters, ticket office, restrooms, ATMs and more. And if you need to pick something up from the mall, use Live View to see what floor a store is on and how to get there so you can get in and out in a snap," Glasgow explained in a post.

For now, the indoor Live View feature is available on Android and iOS in a number of shopping centres in the US across Chicago, Long Island, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle, with plans to expand it to a select number of airports, shopping centres, and transit stations in Tokyo and Zurich. More cities will also be added, Glasgow confirmed.

See also:Google Maps turns 15: A look back on where it all began

Glasgow added commuters will be able to view the current and forecast temperature and weather conditions, as well as the air quality in an area through Google Maps, made possible through data shared by Google partners such as The Weather Company, AirNow.gov, and the Central Pollution Board. To be available on Android and iOS, the weather layer will be made available globally, while the air quality layer will launch in Australia, the US, and India, with plans to see it expanded in other countries.

On the environment, Glasgow also noted that Google is building a new routing model using insights from the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Lab to help deliver more eco-friendly route options, based on factors like road incline and traffic congestion, for commuters in the US on Android and iOS. The model will be available later this year, with plans for global expansion at an unspecified later date.

Glasgow said the move is part of the company's commitment to reduce its environmental footprint.

"Soon, Google Maps will default to the route with the lowest carbon footprint when it has approximately the same ETA as the fastest route. In cases where the eco-friendly route could significantly increase your ETA, we'll let you compare the relative CO2 impact between routes so you can choose," he said.

In further efforts to meet its sustainability commitment, the tech giant also plans to introduce in "coming months" an updated version of Maps where commuters will have a view of all routes and transportation modes available to their destination, without toggling between tabs, while also automatically prioritising a user's preferred transport mode or modes that are popular in their city.

"For example, if you bike a lot, we'll automatically show you more biking routes. And if you live in a city like New York, London, Tokyo, or Buenos Aires where taking the subway is popular, we'll rank that mode higher," Glasgow said.

Also, within Maps, Google said it is teaming up with US supermarket Fred Meyer to pilot in select stores in Portland, Oregon a feature that has been designed to make contactless grocery pickup easier, including notifying commuters what time to leave to pick up their groceries, share the arrival time with the store, and allow customers to "check-in" on the Google Maps app so their grocery orders can be brought out to their car on arrival.

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Google Maps using artificial intelligence to help point people in the right direction - ZDNet

The robots are coming. If there is one thing we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, its that when humans are sent home, machines keep working.

This doesnt mean that robots will take over the world. It does, however, mean that our technical landscape is changing.

Human history has a long and favorable track record of technological advancements, particularly when it comes to ideas that seem ludicrous at the time (Wright brothers, anyone?). The printing press, assembly line and personal computer have all helped move civilization forward by leaps and bounds over the last few centuries.

Imagine being one of the first people to replace glasses with contact lenses by putting them directly on their eyes, no less. Henry Ford replaced horses with the automobile as our main mode of transportation. The process of pasteurization changed the way we eat. Examples like these are endless, because throughout human history, there has been innovation and change.

Even as recently as the 1980s, there was no internet in peoples homes. The very means by which you are reading this article did not exist. Online school did not exist, at least not in the way we take college classes online now.

And while each technological advancement may have its detractors, its hard to argue with the benefits of technology as a whole. After all, thinking big got us to the moon, and gave us television, 3-D printing and a host of incredible advances in modern medicine.

So, are you wondering whats next? The future of technology lies squarely with machine learning and with artificial intelligence, known as AI.

Artificial intelligence is part of the field of data science. People who work in data science are skilled in developing mathematical algorithms to answer complex questions. When, for example, a company like Netflix wants to predict what movies a customer might want to watch next, a data scientist will create an algorithm based on that customers viewing history. Then, they will use that algorithm to offer a list of suggestions.

Machine learning is a branch of data science which involves using data science programs that can adapt based on experience, said Ben Tasker, technical program facilitator of data science and data analytics at Southern New Hampshire University. Take a weather predictor, for example. The more weather inputs there are, the better the prediction for what will come next.

While machine learning is useful, its important to note that there is no artificial intelligence involved in its functions. Machine learning involves rote mathematical or mechanical processes only.

Artificial intelligence then advances data science and machine learning even further.

Whereas machine learning can make predictions, artificial intelligence can make adjustments to its computations. In other words, AI can adjust a program to execute tasks smartly, Tasker said. For example, a fully autonomous, self-driving car is an example of something that would use full artificial intelligence.

These days, the idea of such a self-driving car is no longer science fiction. As the fields of science and engineering continue to advance, artificial intelligence is becoming a lot less artificial and a lot more intelligent, Tasker said.

Because so much about the field of data science in general and AI in particular is new, there are many opportunities to make your own niche, especially now that many companies have started to invest in the idea of artificial intelligence, Tasker said. This creates a wealth of career opportunities for those who thrive on charting their own path. The future of AI is great.

Careers for computer information and research scientists are predicted to grow 15% between now and 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That is much faster than the national average for career growth. The median pay is a healthy $122,840 per year, BLS reported.

Some other top career options for machine learning and artificial intelligence include:

So, will robots replace humans moving forward? For some jobs or tasks, quite possibly. For all jobs or tasks? Not likely.

Of course, robots are already in the workplace, Tasker said. They are not intelligent, but they perform basic tasks. Car manufacturers use robots on assembly lines already and have for years.

Whether a company actively uses artificial intelligence or not, all industries will be impacted by it, whether intentionally or unintentionally, Tasker said. I do think that some industries will have a higher barrier of entry, so to speak, such as medicine, he said. Patients still prefer a human touch for things like receiving a diagnosis or test results.

As artificial technology continues to develop, humans will need to have an ethical debate about what robots can and cannot do, but yes, we will see more robots, said Tasker.

And as use of robots grows, without a doubt, ethics is going to play a much larger role as AI grows, said Tasker, or at least it should.

Careers in machine learning and artificial intelligence are still being defined, which creates generous opportunities to innovate and carve your own career path. If you like math, computer programming, coding, and technology in general, a career in data science, machine learning, or AI is definitely one to consider.

Having a strong foundation in math and STEM can help prepare you for a career in AI. Knowledge of psychology will be particularly helpful, too.

Also important: a large threshold for change. Data science [and AI with it] changes every year, Tasker said, so the people working in data science will need to change with it. You will always be learning new technologies, algorithms, and coding languages.

The more math, programming, and experience with cloud computing that you can get under your belt, the better.

And, as more and more adoption of artificial intelligence technologies occur, we will begin to see an ethical debate emerge about what AI should and should not be doing, Tasker said. That makes courses in ethics critical, because "as the field of AI grows, more ethical considerations will need to be applied."

Keep in mind that while a bachelors degreeis a great foundation on which to build a career in artificial intelligence, an advanced degree is likely necessary to advance to the highest levels in the field.

Most jobs in the field of artificial intelligence require a graduate degree, such as a master of science or even doctorate, so be ready to continually learn, said Tasker.

While no career is truly future-proof given the ever-changing technology landscape, there are some ways you can be best prepared to weather the change. By grounding yourself with a strong science, math, and engineering background and then being ready to drive change, you may enjoy a long and prosperous career in the field of artificial intelligence.

Of course, while having a strong academic background is important, being good at math and programming is not enough. To really thrive in this career-field, you also need good, old-fashioned grit. In fact, curiosity, grit, and being humble are key traits toward having a successful, long-term career in data science, and especially in artificial intelligence, said Tasker. These are traits that you cannot necessarily learn in the classroom, but are helpful to being successful in this field long-term.

We have actually been using AI for some time, and not just in factories and on assembly lines, or to design futuristic cars.

Have you ever filled out a job application and included key words so that the artificial job screening tool doesnt filter you out of contention? Thats artificial intelligence.

Some artificial intelligence programs can even scan how a resume is drafted to see personality traits of an applicant, said Tasker. Other programs use facial recognition, which scans your facial expressions in an interview to create personality profiles of applicants.

Likewise, if you have ever used a website and a chat bot popped up, saying How can I help you today? that is also artificial intelligence. If youve ever thought you were chatting with a real, live human only to be informed that youre chatting with a bot, you already know just how realistic artificial intelligence tools already are in the business and retail world.

Chat bots and virtual assistants are being routinely used to respond to easy emails, schedule appointments, and even take meeting notes for users, Tasker said. While at times, being on the receiving end of using a bot can be frustrating, many businesses use them because they can perform repetitive tasks that have some known outcomes, such as which department your query needs to be routed to when you contact customer service for a company.

There are limitations currently, though. While chat bots can accomplish a surprisingly large number of tasks, they cannot operate your Tesla, for example, said Tasker.

With high return-on-investment to using chat bots and interview bots, the use of artificial intelligence in commerce is not likely to go away anytime soon. If anything, the use of AI will continue to grow in new and innovative ways.

With an increased use in artificial intelligence comes an increase in the conversation about how it should be implemented. This is where a background in psychologycould be helpful for people working in this field. "Psychology is important because it teaches a student how the human brain works, which is complicated," said Tasker. "To really learn to program AI, learning how the brain works at some basic level would help as well."

Just because a chat-bot can attend a meeting for an employee, does that mean that we should also make a bot that can perform medical exams? Where is the line? What about facilitating a classroom and teaching our children? Tasker asked. "What about fully autonomous truck driving?"

Is there a line between what we need versus what we can do? And where does focusing on the bottom line financially begin to cost us when it comes to our humanity?

These are big questions for which there are no easy answers. Yet by studying data science, math and STEM, and by embracing the change inherent in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence, you just might be the next Wilbur or Orville Wright.

Marie Morganelli, PhD, is a freelance content writer and editor.

Link:

The Future of AI: Careers in Machine Learning - Southern New Hampshire University