ai Archives | Page 82 of 390 | Digital Watch Observatory

Global fertilizer expo partners with University of Florida AI research hub

Teachers across Colorado are exploring how AI can be utilised as an instructional assistant to support classroom instruction and student learning.

Some educators are experimenting with generative AI tools that help with tasks like lesson planning, summarising material and creating examples, while also educating students on responsible use of AI.

The broader trend mirrors state and district efforts to develop AI strategies for education. Reports indicate that many districts are establishing steering committees and policies to guide the safe and effective use of classrooms. In contrast, others limit student access due to privacy concerns, underscoring the need for training and clear guidelines.

Teachers have noted both benefits, such as time savings and personalised support, and challenges, including ethical questions about plagiarism and student independence, highlighting a period of experimentation and adjustment as AI becomes part of mainstream education.

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Teen victim turns deepfake experience into education

A US teenager targeted by explicit deepfake images has helped create a new training course. The programme aims to support students, parents and school staff facing online abuse.

The course explains how AI tools are used to create sexualised fake images. It also outlines legal rights, reporting steps and available victim support resources.

Research shows deepfake abuse is spreading among teenagers, despite stronger laws. One in eight US teens know someone targeted by non-consensual fake images.

Developers say education remains critical as AI tools become easier to access. Schools are encouraged to adopt training to protect students and prevent harm.

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Google expands AI shopping through Gemini

Google is expanding shopping features inside its Gemini chatbot through partnerships with Walmart and other retailers. Users will be able to browse and buy products without leaving the chat interface.

An instant checkout function allows purchases through linked accounts and selected payment providers. Walmart customers can receive personalised recommendations based on previous shopping activity.

The move was announced at the latest National Retail Federation convention in New York. Tech groups are racing to turn AI assistants into end-to-end retail tools.

Google said the service will launch first in the US before international expansion. Payments initially rely on Google-linked cards, with PayPal support planned.

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Digital twins gain momentum through AI

AI is accelerating the creation of digital twins by reducing the time and labour required to build complex models. Consulting firm McKinsey says specialised virtual replicas can take six months or more to develop, but generative AI tools can now automate much of the coding process.

McKinsey analysts say AI can structure inputs and synthesise outputs for these simulations, while the models provide safe testing environments for AI systems. Together, the technologies can reduce costs, shorten development cycles, and accelerate deployment.

Quantum Elements, a startup backed by QNDL Participations and the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, is applying this approach to quantum computing. Its Constellation platform combines AI agents, natural language tools, and simulation software.

The company says quantum systems are hard to model because qubits behave differently across hardware types such as superconducting circuits, trapped ions, and photonics. These variations affect stability, error rates, and performance.

By using digital twins, developers can test algorithms, simulate noise, and evaluate error correction without building physical hardware. Quantum Elements says this can cut testing time from months to minutes.

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Indonesia and Malaysia restrict access to Grok AI over content safeguards

Malaysia and Indonesia have restricted access to Grok, the AI chatbot available through the X platform, following concerns about its image generation capabilities.

Authorities said the tool had been used to create manipulated images depicting real individuals in sexually explicit contexts.

Regulatory bodies in Malaysia and Indonesia stated that the decision was based on the absence of sufficient safeguards to prevent misuse.

Requests for additional risk mitigation measures were communicated to the platform operator, with access expected to remain limited until further protections are introduced.

The move has drawn attention from regulators in other regions, where online safety frameworks allow intervention when digital services fail to address harmful content. Discussions have focused on platform responsibility, content moderation standards, and compliance with existing legal obligations.

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OpenAI and SoftBank back a $1 billion AI data centre energy partnership

SoftBank Group and OpenAI announced a strategic partnership with SB Energy, involving a combined investment of $1 billion to support the development of large-scale AI data centres and energy infrastructure in the US.

The agreement forms part of the broader Stargate initiative, which aims to expand domestic AI computing capacity.

As part of the arrangement, OpenAI signed a lease for a 1.2 gigawatt data centre project in Milam County, Texas, with SB Energy selected to develop and operate the facility.

The partners stated that the project is designed to support the rising demand for AI computing while minimising water usage and enhancing local energy supply.

SB Energy also secured an additional $800 million in redeemable preferred equity from Ares, strengthening its financial position for further expansion.

The companies stated that the collaboration is expected to generate construction employment, long-term operational roles and investment in grid modernisation, while establishing a scalable model for future AI-focused data centre developments.

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Meta backs US nuclear projects for AI growth

A series of agreements has been announced by Meta to support nuclear energy projects in the US, aiming to secure up to 6.6 gigawatts of clean and reliable electricity for data centres and AI infrastructure by 2035. The company said the move supports grid stability while reinforcing domestic energy capacity.

The agreements include support for existing nuclear facilities operated by Vistra in Ohio and Pennsylvania, as well as commitments to advanced reactor developers TerraPower and Oklo.

Meta stated that the arrangements are intended to extend the operational life of current plants while accelerating the deployment of next-generation nuclear technologies.

According to Meta, the projects are expected to generate thousands of construction roles and hundreds of long-term operational jobs, while contributing to the firm’s power to regional electricity grids.

The company added that energy costs associated with its data centres are fully covered through corporate agreements, instead of being passed on to US consumers.

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AI helps solve alpine rescue mystery

AI-powered image analysis helped Italian rescuers locate a missing mountaineer in the Alps. Traditional searches had failed across vast, remote terrain despite days of effort.

Drones captured thousands of images which AI software scanned for unusual colours and shapes. A small red object, later confirmed as a helmet, guided teams to the site.

The climber’s body was found in a steep gully on Monviso, in Italy, after AI narrowed search zones. Manual checks and human judgement remained essential to confirm findings.

Rescue experts say AI can cut search times dramatically but cannot replace human oversight. Terrain complexity, weather, and ethical concerns still limit wider deployment.

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Robotics industry sets out key trends for 2026

The global market for industrial robot installations has reached a record value of $16.7bn in 2025. The International Federation of Robotics expects further growth through technological change and labour pressures.

AI-driven autonomy is becoming central to robotics development, enabling machines to learn tasks and operate independently. Agentic AI combines analytical and generative models to improve decision-making in complex environments.

Robots are also becoming more versatile as IT and operational systems converge across factories and logistics. Humanoid robots are moving beyond prototypes, with reliability and efficiency now critical for industrial adoption.

Safety, cybersecurity and workforce acceptance remain key challenges for the sector. Industry leaders see robots as allies addressing labour shortages while governments expand skills and retraining programmes.

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New York launches 2026 with new AI proposals

New York is beginning 2026 with a renewed push to shape how AI is used, focusing on consumer protection while continuing to attract major tech investment. The move follows the recent signing of the RAISE Act, a landmark law aimed at enhancing safety standards for advanced AI models, and signals that state leaders intend to remain active in AI governance this year.

Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a new package of proposals, primarily aimed to protecting children online. The measures would expand age verification requirements, set safer default settings on social media platforms for minors, limit certain AI chatbot features for children, and give parents greater control over their children’s financial transactions. The proposals, part of Hochul’s annual ‘State of the State’ agenda, must still pass the state legislature before becoming law.

At the same time, New York is positioning itself as a welcoming environment for AI and semiconductor development. Hochul recently announced a $33 million research and development expansion in Manhattan by London-based AI company ElevenLabs.

In addition, Micron is expected to begin construction later this month on a massive semiconductor facility in White Plains, part of a broader $100 billion investment plan that underscores the state’s ambitions in advanced technology and manufacturing.

Beyond child safety and economic development, state officials are also focusing to how algorithms impact everyday costs. Attorney General Letitia James is investigating Instacart over allegations that its pricing systems charge different customers different prices for the same products.

The probe follows the implementation of New York’s Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act, which took effect late last year, requiring companies to be more transparent about the use of automated pricing tools.

The attorney general’s office is also examining broader accountability issues tied to AI systems, including reports involving the misuse of generative AI. Together, these actions underscore New York’s commitment to addressing voter concerns regarding affordability, safety, and transparency, while also harnessing the economic potential of rapidly evolving AI technologies.

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