ai

The role of AI in precision farming for wine production

AI is making its mark in the wine industry, with vineyards across California adopting cutting-edge technology to optimise crop production.

One notable example is Napa Valley farmer Tom Gamble, who has integrated an autonomous tractor equipped with AI sensors to map his vineyard.

These AI-powered machines gather data that allows farmers to make more informed decisions about water use, fertilizer application, and pest control, improving efficiency and sustainability.

AI’s influence extends beyond tractors. Companies like John Deere in the US have developed AI-driven technologies that help vineyard managers apply materials more precisely, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Smart irrigation systems, for example, can monitor water use and even shut off in case of leaks, making vineyards more water-efficient.

Despite concerns about the cost of adopting such technology, particularly for smaller, family-run vineyards, AI offers a way to streamline operations and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

While AI is enhancing wine production, it also aids in managing crop health and predicting yields. By analysing images and soil data, AI systems can detect early signs of disease or nutrient deficiencies, helping farmers take preventive action before issues escalate.

However, this technology allows vineyards to make smarter decisions, ultimately improving the quality and consistency of their wine production.

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UK Technology Secretary uses ChatGPT for advice on media and AI

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has been using ChatGPT to seek advice on media appearances and to define technical terms related to his role.

His records, obtained by New Scientist through freedom of information laws, reveal that he asked the AI tool for recommendations on which podcasts to feature and for explanations of terms like ‘digital inclusion’ and ‘anti-matter.’

ChatGPT suggested The Infinite Monkey Cage and The Naked Scientists due to their broad reach and scientific focus.

Kyle also inquired why small and medium-sized businesses in the UK have been slow to adopt AI. The chatbot pointed to factors such as a lack of awareness about government initiatives, funding limitations, and concerns over data protection regulations like GDPR.

While AI adoption remains a challenge, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has praised its potential, arguing that the UK government should embrace AI more to improve efficiency.

Despite Kyle’s enthusiasm for AI, he has faced criticism for allegedly prioritising the interests of Big Tech over Britain’s creative industries. Concerns have been raised over a proposed policy that could allow tech firms to train AI on copyrighted material without permission unless creators opt out.

His department defended his use of AI, stating that while he utilises the tool, it does not replace expert advice from officials.

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Meta faces lawsuit in France over copyrighted AI training data

Leading French publishers and authors have filed a lawsuit against Meta, alleging the tech giant used their copyrighted content to train its artificial intelligence systems without permission.

The National Publishing Union (SNE), the National Union of Authors and Composers (SNAC), and the Society of Men of Letters (SGDL) argue that Meta’s actions constitute significant copyright infringement and economic ‘parasitism.’ The complaint was lodged earlier this week in a Paris court.

This lawsuit is the first of its kind in France but follows a wave of similar actions in the US, where authors and visual artists are challenging the use of their works by companies like Meta to train AI models.

As the issue of AI-generated content continues to grow, these legal actions highlight the mounting concerns over how tech companies utilise vast amounts of copyrighted material without compensation or consent from creators.

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Microsoft backs renewables but acknowledges role of natural gas

Microsoft believes there is still significant room to expand wind and solar power to supply energy-hungry data centres, particularly in the Midwest wind corridor and the sunny southwest.

Bobby Hollis, Microsoft‘s Vice President of Energy, told Reuters at the CERAWeek energy conference that the company remains committed to renewables but acknowledges the challenges of intermittency in wind and solar power.

The rapid expansion of AI and cloud technology is driving record electricity demand, raising concerns about whether renewables can keep up or if gas-fired power will become a fallback.

Microsoft, which has pledged to be carbon-negative by 2030, is investing $80 billion in data centre expansion this year alone. Hollis said the company aims to maximise renewable energy but noted that natural gas may be necessary in some cases.

The central United States region, with strong and consistent winds, offers major potential for wind-powered data centres, while solar energy could expand further in the sun-rich southeast.

Microsoft has already procured more than 30 gigawatts of renewable energy worldwide and continues to push for greater renewable integration before resorting to fossil fuels.

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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.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

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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