MIT Technology Review·tech·6 minThe Download: AI malaise and babymaking tech
AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in our lives, but its impact on society is still uncertain. It may take our jobs or crash the economy, and it is difficult to determine whether we are relying too much on it or not using it enough. This has led to a sense of malaise around AI, with many people feeling uncomfortable about its growing presence in our lives.
In other news, technology is changing the way we make babies. Advances in hormonal treatments, embryo culture, and genetic testing have improved IVF outcomes and provided more reproductive choices for would-be parents. AI and robots are now being used to further improve IVF, ushering in a new era for the technology.
Robots are also becoming more advanced, with AI enabling them to learn and adapt to their surroundings. This has led to a revolution in how machines interact with their environment, and Silicon Valley roboticists are now dreaming big about the possibilities.
There have been several other notable developments in the tech world. ICE is planning to develop its own smart glasses that can identify people in real time, while AI is distorting key economic signals and making growth look better and the job market look worse. A cyberattack has paralyzed thousands of schools and stolen millions of people's data, and the US suspects that Nvidia chips were smuggled to Alibaba via Thailand.
China's affordable AI models are also causing concern in Silicon Valley, as they are often cheaper and more adaptable than US rivals. Meanwhile, scientists have developed a new energy storage system inspired by sunburn, and younger researchers are more likely to produce disruptive science.
Finally, there are some positive stories in the tech world. The Golden Globes have introduced new AI rules, and a project in southwest Louisiana is aiming to protect vulnerable communities from climate-related disasters by elevating buildings and restoring coastal lands. Additionally, a court has protected America's largest rainforest from future logging, and a dad has turned his toddler's stories into catchy pop songs.
