Enhanced Robots as Tools for Assisting Agricultural Engineering Students’ Development [Scholarly Article - Electronics, 2022]

Title:

Agricultural Engineering Students’ Development 

 

Authors:

Dimitrios Loukatos, Maria Kondoyanni, Ioannis-Vasileios Kyrtopoulos & Konstantinos G. Arvanitis

 

Published:

Electronics, 1 March 2022

https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/11/5/755

 

Abstract:

Inevitably, the rapid growth of the electronics industry and the wide availability of tailored programming tools and support are accelerating the digital transformation of the agricultural sector. The latter transformation seems to foster the hopes for tackling the depletion and degradation of natural resources and increasing productivity in order to cover the needs of Earth’s continuously growing population. Consequently, people getting involved with modern agriculture, from farmers to students, should become familiar with and be able to use and improve the innovative systems making the scene. At this point, the contribution of the STEM educational practices in demystifying new areas, especially in primary and secondary education, is remarkable and thus welcome, but things become quite uncertain when trying to discover efficient practices for higher education, and students of agricultural engineering are not an exception. Indeed, university students are not all newcomers to STEM and ask for real-world experiences that better prepare them for their professional careers. Trying to bridge the gap, this work highlights good practices during the various implementation stages of electric robotic ground vehicles that can serve realistic agricultural tasks. Several innovative parts, such as credit card-sized systems, AI-capable modules, smartphones, GPS, solar panels, and network transceivers are properly combined with electromechanical components and recycled materials to deliver technically and educationally meaningful results.

Neural networks overtake humans in Gran Turismo racing game [Nature, February 2022]

Title:   

Neural networks overtake humans in Gran Turismo racing game  

 

Author: 

J. Christian Gerdes  

 

Published:    

Nature, 9 February 2022 

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-00304-2  

 

From the article: 

Driving a racing car requires a tremendous amount of skill. Now, artificial intelligence has challenged the idea that this skill is exclusive to humans — and it might even change the way automated vehicles are designed.

 

The Converging Technology Revolution and Human Capital: Potential and Implications for South Asia [World Bank Group, September 2021]

Title:

The Converging Technology Revolution and Human Capital: Potential and Implications for South Asia 

 

Authors:

Bashir, Sajitha; Dahlman, Carl J.; Kanehira, Naoto; Tilmes, Klaus

 

Published:

World Bank Group, 8 September 2021

https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/36156

 

Description:

South Asia is heavily impacted by the devastating loss of lives and human capital from the COVID-19 pandemic and the converging technology revolution sweeping the globe. The Converging Technology Revolution and Human Capital: Potential and Implications for South Asia looks at how the region could capitalize on these technologies to accelerate its development of human capital and promote adaptability and resilience to future shocks. The convergence of technological breakthroughs spanning biotechnology, nanotechnology, information technology, and cognitive science is driven by artificial intelligence, data flows, computing power, and connectivity. These breakthroughs can improve service delivery, productivity, and innovation, but they can also exacerbate inequalities and eliminate people’s agency and empowerment. This report analyzes these trends in the region, offering a comprehensive agenda to exploit the opportunities offered by converging technologies while minimizing the risks to vulnerable populations. It proposes strategies for building public sector capacity and promoting data and technology governance frameworks in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. 

 

Scientists show how AI may spot unseen signs of heart failure [Medical Xpress, October 2021]

Title: 

Scientists show how AI may spot unseen signs of heart failure 

 

By:

The Mount Sinai Hospital

 

Published:

Medical Xpress, 19 October 2021

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-10-scientists-ai-unseen-heart-failure.html

 

From the article:

Researchers at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai developed an electrocardiogram-reading algorithm that can detect subtle signs of heart failure. 

 

A special artificial intelligence (AI)-based computer algorithm created by Mount Sinai researchers was able to learn how to identify subtle changes in electrocardiograms (also known as ECGs or EKGs) to predict whether a patient was experiencing heart failure.

 

Also see

 

Akhil Vaid et al, Using Deep-Learning Algorithms to Simultaneously Identify Right and Left Ventricular Dysfunction From the Electrocardiogram, JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging (2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2021.08.004

 

University of Zürich, Switzerland - AI allows drones to fly at high speeds in unknown environments [Slash Gear, October 2021]

Title:

AI allows drones to fly at high speeds in unknown environments 

 

Author:

Shane McGlaun

 

Published:

Slash Gear, 8 October 2021

https://www.slashgear.com/ai-allows-drones-to-fly-at-high-speeds-in-unknown-environments-08694419/

 

From the article:

Researchers at the University of Zürich developed a new AI technique that allows drones to fly autonomously at high speeds through complicated and unknown environments. The drones were able to accomplish their high-speed flights using only onboard sensing and computation. Researchers believe their approach could allow drones to be more useful during an emergency or on construction sites.

 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2020) - “Sensorized” skin helps soft robots find their bearings: Flexible sensors and an artificial intelligence model tell deformable robots how their bodies are positioned in a 3D environment

Title:
“Sensorized” skin helps soft robots find their bearings

Author:
Rob Matheson

Published:
MIT News, 12 February 2020

From the article:
For the first time, MIT researchers have enabled a soft robotic arm to understand its configuration in 3D space, by leveraging only motion and position data from its own “sensorized” skin.

To read this article:
http://news.mit.edu/2020/sensorized-skin-soft-robots-0213

Michael Nagenborg, researcher at University of Twente, Netherlands - Could we forgive a machine? Study explores forgiveness in the context of robotics and AI

Title:
Could we forgive a machine? Study explores forgiveness in the context of robotics and AI

Author:
Ingrid Fadelli
Publised:
TechXplore, 12 March 2020

From the article:
"Michael Nagenborg, a researcher at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, has recently carried out a study investigating what could happen if a robot or machine makes a terrible mistake that has detrimental consequences for its users. His paper, published in Springer Link's Technology, Anthropology, and Dimensions of Responsibility journal, specifically explores the question of whether humans would be able to forgive a robot if it does something wrong, from a philosophical standpoint."

To read this article:
https://techxplore.com/news/2020-03-machine-explores-context-robotics-ai.html

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Artificial intelligence yields new antibiotic: A deep-learning model identifies a powerful new drug that can kill many species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Title:
Artificial intelligence yields new antibiotic: A deep-learning model identifies a powerful new drug that can kill many species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Author:
Anne Trafton

Published:
MIT News, 2o February 2020

From the article:
"Using a machine-learning algorithm, MIT researchers have identified a powerful new antibiotic compound. In laboratory tests, the drug killed many of the world’s most problematic disease-causing bacteria, including some strains that are resistant to all known antibiotics. It also cleared infections in two different mouse models." 

To read this article:
http://news.mit.edu/2020/artificial-intelligence-identifies-new-antibiotic-0220

Panel Discussion (12 February 2020) on Artificial Intelligence in Education: Is There A Silver Lining in the Dystopian Storm Clouds?

Title of panel discussion:
Artificial Intelligence in Education: Is There A Silver Lining in the Dystopian Storm Clouds?

Speakers:
* Nantambu Kohlbatz, Information Technology/Computer Science instructor at McKinley Technology High School, Washington, D.C.  
* Natalie Milman, Professor of Educational Technology and Director of the Educational Technology Leadership Program at The George Washington University  
* Kentaro Toyama, the W.K. Kellogg Professor of Community Information at the University of Michigan School of Information & Fellow, MIT Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values

Moderator:
Cheryl Teare, Assistant to the President, Union Leadership Institute, American Federation of Teachers

Focus of panel:
From different points of view, this panel explores both the promise and the perils of artificial intelligence in education.

Published:
Albert Shanker Institute, 12 February 2020

For more information, as well as to watch an introductory video to the panel discussion & to have access to material related to the speakers' presentations:
http://www.shankerinstitute.org/event/artificial-intelligence-education

See also:
Three Reasons to be Skeptical of Artificial Intelligence in schools by Alyson Klein (Digital Education, 12 February 2020).

Article from Futurism (13 February 2020) - This Site Uses AI to Generate Fake News Articles: It's hard to mince words about how much this sucks

Title:
This Site Uses AI to Generate Fake News Articles: It's hard to mince words about how much this sucks

Author:
Dan Robitzski

Published:
Futurism, 13 February 2020

From the article:
"A new website, “NotRealNews.net,” uses artificial intelligence to populate what resembles a news site’s home page, complete with AI-written fake news stories."

To read this article:
https://futurism.com/site-ai-generate-fake-news-articles

Massachusetts Institute of Tecnology (MIT) - Artificial Intelligence Finds A Powerful New Antibiotic For The First Time (IFLScience! article)

Title:
Artificial Intelligence Finds A Powerful New Antibiotic For The First Time

Author:
Tom Hale

Published:
IFLScinece!, 21 February 2020

From the article:
"Artificial intelligence (AI) has proved to be a useful ally in the battle against antibiotic resistance. A powerful antibiotic that’s even able to kill superbugs has been discovered thanks to a machine-learning algorithm."

To read this article:
https://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/artificial-intelligence-finds-a-powerful-new-antibiotic-for-the-first-time/

Short Article - AI can automatically rewrite outdated text in Wikipedia articles (by Jon Fingas)

Title:
AI can automatically rewrite outdated text in Wikipedia articles

Author:
Jon Fingas

Published:
Engadget, 12 February 2020

From the article:
"It's good to be skeptical of Wikipedia articles for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the possibility of outdated info -- human editors can only do so much. And while there are bots that can edit Wikipedia, they're usually limited to updated canned templates or fighting vandalism. MIT might have a more useful (not to mention more elegant) solution."

To read this article:
https://www.engadget.com/2020/02/12/mit-ai-automatically-rewrites-outdated-wikipedia-text/

Short Article: Looking Back to See the Future of Higher Education

Title:
Looking Back to See the Future of Higher Education

Author:
Nathalie Mainland

Published:
Saleforce.org, 17 January 2020

From the article:
"With so much growth in online learning, it’s important to note that college completion still matters. Between 2010 and 2019, the labor market consists primarily of those with bachelor’s degree or above (15 million workers), according to Thomson Reuters.

Given these major shifts from the past decade, digital transformation in higher ed is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s a must-have. By innovating and connecting with students in seamless, personalized ways, institutions can deliver more impactful and relevant learning experiences."

To read this article:
https://www.salesforce.org/looking-back-to-see-the-future-of-higher-education/

Short Article - Top 10 AI Trends for 2020: The rise of artificial intelligence in the workplace to enable and sustain the digital workforce is an apparent trend for 2020

Title:
Top 10 AI Trends for 2020

Author:
Ryan M. Raiker, MBA

Published:
Toward Data Science, 3 February 2020

From the article:
"Artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks or whatever other fancy terms industry is coming out with for what is defined as the sophisticated computer technology that is becoming widely utilized to understand and improve business and customer experiences. I assume, you have heard of it before, but they way it is defined today is an area of computer science that emphasizes the creation of intelligent machines that work and react like humans." 

To read this article:
https://towardsdatascience.com/top-10-ai-trends-for-2020-d6294cfee2bd

Short Article: There's a new obstacle to landing a job after college: Getting approved by AI

Title:
There's a new obstacle to landing a job after college: Getting approved by AI

Author:
Rachel Metz

Published:
CNN Business, 15 January 2020

From the article:
"College career centers used to prepare students for job interviews by helping them learn how to dress appropriately or write a standout cover letter. These days, they're also trying to brace students for a stark new reality: They may be vetted for jobs in part by artificial intelligence."

Click here to read this article

Tufts University & University of Vermont - Not Bot, not beast: scientists create first ever living, programmable organism

Title:
Not Bot, not beast: scientists create first ever living, programmable organism

Authors:
Simon Coghlan & Kobi Leins

Published:
The Conversation, 19 January 2020

From the article:
A remarkable combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and biology has produced the world's first "living bot".

This week, a research team of roboticists and scientists published their recipe for making a new lifeform called xenobots from stem cells. The term "xeno" comes from the from cells (Xenopus laevis) used to make them.

To read this article:
https://theconversation.com/not-bot-not-beast-scientists-create-first-ever-living-programmable-organism-129980

Short Article - OK, computer: Let's bring text-generating artificial intelligence into the classroom

Title:
OK, computer: Let's bring text-generating artificial intelligence into the classroom

Author:
Grant Jun Otsuki

Published:
Phys.org, 24 January 2020

From the article:
"Artificial intelligence-based (AI) programs are quickly improving at writing convincingly on many topics, for virtually no cost. It's likely in a few years they'll be churning out C-grade worthy essays for students."

To read this article:
https://phys.org/news/2020-01-text-generating-artificial-intelligence-classroom.html

Short Article (something to take note of): The Future of Money: AI Investors, Crowdlending, and the Death of Cash

Title:
The Future of Money: AI Investors, Crowdlending, and the Death of Cash

Author:
Peter H. Diamandis, MD

Published:
SingularityHub, 16 January 2020

From the article:
"Every day, roughly 60 percent of all market trades are made by computer. When the market turns volatile, this can climb to as high as 90 percent. Robo-advisors are increasingly making this process available to the consumer, saving them time and money as a result."

To read this article:
https://singularityhub.com/2020/01/16/the-future-of-money-ai-investors-crowdlending-and-the-death-of-cash/

Short Article/Podcast: 20 Technology Metatrends that will Define the Next Decade

Title:
20 Technology Metatrends that will Define the Next Decade

Author:
Peter H. Diamandis

Published:
SingularityHub, 10 January 2020

From the article/podcast:
"In the decade ahead, waves of exponential technological advancements are stacking atop one another, eclipsing decades of breakthroughs in scale and impact.

Emerging from these waves are 20 'metatrends' likely to revolutionize entire industries (old and new), redefine tomorrow's generation of businesses and contemporary challenges, and transform our livelihoods from the bottom up."

To read this article/ To listen to the podcast:
https://singularityhub.com/2020/01/10/20-tech-metatrends-to-look-out-for-in-the-2020s/

Recorded Webinar (18 December 2019): Conversation between Ray Kurzwel and Peter Diamandis about the future ...

Webinar, 18 December 2019:
A conversation between Peter H. Diamandis & Ray Kurzweil

Description:
"Peter sits down with Ray Kurzweil, Director of Engineering at Google and Co-Founder of Singularity University, for a conversation about the future of artificial intelligence, brain-computer-interface, and Ray's technology predictions for the next decade."

To watch this webinar:
https://www.abundance360.com/ray-kurzweil-peter-diamandis-webinar-2019