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AI-driven robotics set for growth with Google’s latest models

Google has introduced two new AI models designed specifically for robotics, building on its Gemini 2.0 technology. The launch aims to support the rapidly advancing robotics industry, which is increasingly benefiting from AI improvements.

The first model, Gemini Robotics, enables robots to generate physical actions as outputs, while the second, Gemini Robotics-ER, enhances spatial awareness and reasoning abilities for developers.

The move follows a significant AI breakthrough by robotics startup Figure AI, which recently ended its collaboration with OpenAI.

Google has tested its Gemini Robotics model on its bi-arm robotics platform, ALOHA 2, and believes the technology can be adapted for complex applications, such as Apptronik’s Apollo robot.

Investment in robotics is accelerating, with Apptronik securing $350 million in funding last month, including backing from Google.

Google’s AI models are designed for various types of robots, from humanoid machines to industrial units used in factories and warehouses.

Industry experts believe AI-focused robotics models will help startups reduce costs and bring products to market faster. Google has a long history in robotics, having acquired Boston Dynamics in 2013 before selling it to SoftBank four years later.

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AI demand drives record power sector deals

The US power industry is experiencing a surge in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as record demand for electricity, particularly from AI-driven data centres, fuels heightened interest in power generation assets.

Industry experts predict 2025 will be a bumper year for such deals, with assets in high demand due to massive projections for future consumption. Notable transactions, such as Constellation Energy’s $16.4 billion acquisition of Calpine, highlight the sector’s boom in early 2025.

Private equity firms, pension funds, and other institutional investors are rapidly deploying capital into the power sector, with over $330 billion in capital waiting to be invested in infrastructure.

Many of these firms are targeting not only operational companies but also firms that manufacture energy equipment, positioning themselves to profit from the ongoing expansion of the power grid to meet AI-related demand.

While the US M&A frenzy contrasts with a broader slowdown in the market, the momentum in the power sector is expected to continue.

Challenges such as material shortages and regulatory uncertainties, particularly surrounding tariffs on essential materials, may impact future projects.

However, the increasing value of power infrastructure makes these challenges more manageable for investors keen to tap into the growing market.

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Google enhances Gemini AI with smarter personalisation

Google has announced an update to its Gemini AI assistant, enhancing personalisation to better anticipate user needs and deliver responses that feel more like those of a personal assistant.

The feature, initially available on desktop before rolling out to mobile, allows Gemini to offer tailored recommendations, such as travel ideas, based on search history and, in the future, data from apps like Photos and YouTube.

Users can opt in to the new personalisation features, sharing details like dietary preferences or past conversations to refine responses further.

Google assures that users must explicitly grant permission for Gemini to access search history and other services, and they can disconnect at any time.

However, this level of contextual awareness could give Google an advantage over competitors like ChatGPT by leveraging its vast ecosystem of user data.

The update signals a shift in how users interact with AI, bringing it closer to traditional search while raising questions for publishers and SEO professionals.

As Gemini increasingly provides direct, personalised answers, it may reduce the need for users to visit external websites. While currently experimental, the potential for Google to push broader adoption of AI-driven personalisation could reshape digital content discovery and search behaviour in the future.

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Zhipu AI raises 500 million yuan amid rising competition

Chinese startup Zhipu AI has secured 500 million yuan (£54.8 million) in funding from the state-owned Huafa Group, following a separate 1 billion yuan capital raise earlier this month.

Huafa Group, a government-backed conglomerate based in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, announced its investment as Chinese cities compete to support AI firms, a sector seen as critical in Beijing’s technological rivalry with the US.

The funding comes amid increasing competition in China’s AI industry, particularly with Hangzhou-backed DeepSeek, whose large language models have gained attention for their cost-effectiveness and performance against Western alternatives.

Zhipu AI, established in 2019 and recognised as one of China’s ‘AI tigers,’ has received investments from major tech firms including Tencent, Meituan, and Xiaomi. The startup was valued at 20 billion yuan (£2.2 billion) in a funding round last July, according to business registration platform Qichacha.

With the new funding, Zhipu AI aims to enhance technological innovation and further develop its GLM foundation model.

However, the company faces challenges on the international stage, having been added to the US Commerce Department’s export control list in January, restricting its access to American components.

Despite these hurdles, China continues to bolster its AI sector as it seeks to establish a leading position in global artificial intelligence development.

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Mark Cuban: AI is a tool, not the answer

Mark Cuban, the tech entrepreneur and investor, spoke at the SXSW conference, where he highlighted the importance of AI for small businesses. He stressed that while AI can be a valuable tool, it should never be seen as the ultimate answer to business success. Cuban explained that AI can help entrepreneurs by making it easier to start and grow businesses, answering questions, and aiding in tasks like research, emails, and sales calls. However, he cautioned against over-relying on AI.

Cuban encouraged entrepreneurs to spend time learning about AI, pointing out how much easier it is to start a business today compared to the past, thanks to the availability of AI tools and internet access. He acknowledged that AI can make mistakes and isn’t perfect, but noted that human experts can also be wrong. In creative fields, Cuban argued that while AI can help with certain tasks like video creation, it’s not a substitute for human creativity, especially when it comes to things like writing scripts or generating quality art.

The tech mogul highlighted that AI should amplify human skills, not replace them. He warned that those who neglect to use AI might find themselves at a disadvantage, as competitors who utilise AI will have the edge.

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Synapsia signs major contract for AI-powered urban solutions in Abu Dhabi

Italy’s Synapsia has signed a $2.5 billion agreement with UAE’s Bold Technologies to provide AI-powered city management solutions for Abu Dhabi.

The partnership aims to enhance urban infrastructure, transportation, and emergency response through AI. Payments will be made in five instalments over 18 months, subject to project milestones.

The initiative, described as a ‘cognitive city project,’ will use AI to improve efficiency by integrating real-time data across various sectors.

As part of the deal, the companies will establish a new entity, My Aion Inc., which is expected to launch an initial public offering on the Abu Dhabi stock exchange between 2027 and 2029.

Italy has been strengthening economic ties with Gulf nations under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with the UAE pledging to invest $40 billion in Italy.

The agreement also highlights the UAE’s ambition to position itself as a leader in AI, competing with regional players such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

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Salesforce strengthens AI presence in Singapore with major funding

Salesforce has announced a $1 billion investment in Singapore over the next five years to drive the adoption of its AI agent development platform, Agentforce.

The initiative aims to address labour shortages and enhance productivity by integrating autonomous AI agents into the workforce.

The investment follows similar moves by the company, including a $500 million commitment in Saudi Arabia and Argentina to expand AI and cloud services.

Singapore has been a key market for Salesforce, with its AI Research hub established in the country in 2019. The company’s local clients include Singapore Airlines, Grab, and FairPrice Group.

As part of the expansion, Salesforce has signed an agreement with Singapore Airlines to integrate Agentforce and other AI-driven solutions into its customer service operations.

The company continues to focus on AI innovation while restructuring its workforce, aligning itself with other tech giants investing in Southeast Asia’s digital future.

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OpenAI launches responses API for AI agent development

OpenAI has unveiled new tools to help developers and businesses build AI agents, which are automated systems that can independently perform tasks. These tools are part of OpenAI’s new Responses API, allowing enterprises to create custom AI agents that can search the web, navigate websites, and scan company files, similar to OpenAI’s existing Operator product. The company plans to phase out its older Assistants API by 2026, replacing it with the new capabilities.

The Responses API provides developers with access to powerful AI models, such as GPT-4o search and GPT-4o mini search, which are designed for high factual accuracy. OpenAI claims these models can offer more reliable answers than previous versions, with GPT-4o search achieving a 90% accuracy rate. Additionally, the platform includes a file search feature to help companies quickly retrieve information from their databases. The CUA model, which automates tasks like data entry, is also available, allowing developers to automate workflows with more precision.

Despite its promise, OpenAI acknowledges that there are still challenges to address, such as AI hallucinations and occasional errors in task automation. However, the company continues to improve its models, and the introduction of the Agents SDK gives developers the tools they need to build, debug, and optimise AI agents. OpenAI’s goal is to move beyond demos and create impactful tools that will shape the future of AI in enterprise applications.

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AI will enhance, not replace, programmers, says IBM CEO

At the SXSW conference, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna addressed two key topics: global trade and the role of artificial intelligence in programming. Krishna expressed his belief that global trade remains vital for economic growth, citing the historical correlation between increased trade and GDP growth.

He also argued that embracing international talent through policies supporting immigration would benefit the US, allowing it to remain competitive in the global market.

Turning to AI, Krishna disagreed with predictions that AI would soon take over coding entirely. Instead, he believes AI will increase programmer productivity by assisting with simpler tasks, allowing developers to focus on more complex problems.

He argued that AI could boost the output of existing teams, helping companies gain market share by enabling faster production and more efficient workflows.

While AI may revolutionise some aspects of work, Krishna maintained that it won’t replace human workers entirely. Drawing a parallel with the initial fears surrounding calculators and Photoshop, he described AI as a tool that enhances rather than replaces human expertise.

His comments come amid growing discussions about the future role of AI in various industries, including programming. Krishna also acknowledged the ongoing challenges in AI, such as intellectual property concerns and the need for energy-efficient models.

Krishna further stated that while AI would become cheaper and more accessible, it would not be the key to groundbreaking scientific discoveries. Instead, he emphasised the potential of quantum computing to accelerate innovation, with IBM’s ongoing investments in the technology.

His remarks highlighted both the promise and the limitations of AI, positioning it as an important tool in advancing industries but not a solution to all challenges.

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Elea introduces AI-powered solution for pathology labs

Elea, a Hamburg-based startup, is harnessing the power of AI to tackle inefficiencies in healthcare, starting with pathology labs.

The company’s AI operating system replaces outdated systems, offering a voice-powered solution that automates tasks such as report transcription and data handling.

Elea’s tool promises to significantly reduce the time it takes for labs to generate reports, with initial results showing a reduction from weeks to just a few days.

The AI system is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing lab processes, acting as an all-in-one solution that coordinates tasks traditionally managed by separate systems.

Elea’s cloud-based platform uses speech-to-text and text-to-structure technologies to automate everything from report writing to handling laboratory equipment, streamlining operations and reducing human error.

Founded in 2024, Elea has already secured a partnership with a major German hospital group, and it plans to expand internationally, particularly into the US The company recently raised €4 million in seed funding to support its growth.

Elea is betting on a gradual scaling strategy, aiming to improve productivity in pathology labs before potentially expanding its AI tools to other areas of healthcare, such as radiology.

Despite potential challenges, including accuracy concerns and data privacy, Elea is confident in its ability to revolutionise lab work.

By focusing on operational workflows, the German company hopes to improve both the speed and reliability of healthcare services, offering a glimpse into the future of AI in the medical field.

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