MIT Researchers Bringing Robots to Reality with GenAI

MIT

MIT researchers are improving the capabilities of Humanoid robots through a technique called policy composition (PoCo), which integrates generative AI models with traditional learning methods.

This innovation aims to transition robots from single-use systems to general-purpose machines, making them adept at performing multiple tool usage tasks. By combining data from various datasets, PoCo enhances task execution efficiency by 20%, allowing robots to switch between different tools and tasks seamlessly. This development signifies a major leap toward creating versatile and intelligent robotic systems.

Lirui Wang, the lead author of the study, explains that the method allows for combining the precision of real-world data with the generality of simulation data, thus optimizing the robot’s performance accross diverse scenarios. “Every single robotic warehouse is generating terabytes of data, but it only belongs to that specific robot installation working on those packages. It is not ideal if you want to use all of these data to train a general machine,” Wang says.

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Nigerian Startup

Nigeria has taken a bold step in artificial intelligence by launching its first government-backed multilingual large language model (LLM), developed in partnership with the AI startup Awarri.

Led by Nigeria’s technology minister, Bosun Tijani, this project aims to boost the representation of Nigerian languages in global AI systems. Awarri, founded by Silas Adekunle and Eniola Edun, is tasked with building this LLM to support five low-resource languages. Despite some skepticism, Awarri has secured support from partners like Data.org. This collaboration highlights the potential of local companies in advancing Nigeria's AI infrastructure.

Earlier this year, Awarri launched a data annotation lab and the LangEasy platform to crowdsource data. The first AI model version will use 24,000 hours of audio, with future versions needing up to 500,000 hours. Despite challenges, experts see significant potential for Nigeria's AI landscape.

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Apple

Apple’s annual developer conference brought an interesting news about AI integration in iOS 18. However, beyond the AI buzz, Apple introduced numerous smaller features in iOS 18 that promise to significantly enhance user experience. The iOS 18 is packed with features that aim to make everyday tasks more efficient and enjoyable.

With the new iOS Apple Maps users can browse thousands of hikes across U.S national parks, create custom walking routes, access them offline, save favorite hikes and routes, add personal notes, and organize locations in the new Places Library.

Smart Home Features are enhanced with hands-free unlock, Guest access for smart home controls, and improved energy usage insights.

Accessibility Features such as eye tracking for navigation, music haptics for tactile music experience and vocal shortcuts with custom sounds are introduced.

It also introduced Emergency SOS live Video, a live video sharing feature with emergency dispatchers for faster and more effective help.

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^{Golden Nuggets}

Today's productivity hack is to try using an automation tool like Zapier. This tool helps streamline your workflow by automating repetitive tasks across different apps, such as saving email attachments to cloud storage or posting updates on social media.

How to Use Zapier:

• Find tasks you frequently perform that involve multiple apps.

• Create "Zaps," which are automated workflows connecting your apps. For example, you can automatically save email attachments to Google Drive.

• Tailor the Zaps to your needs by setting triggers and actions. For instance, when you receive an email with a specific label, Zapier can copy it to your project management tool.

• By incorporating Zapier into your workflow, you can save time, reduce manual effort, and enhance your overall productivity.

^{Tools to try}

• Fotor: AI-powered photo editor that can transform images into cartoons, oil paintings, and sketches.

• NightCafe: AI art generator that creates unique artworks based on text descriptions using machine learning models.

• Outpainter: Tool for expanding any image created on Artbreeder.

• Wombo Dream: AI art app that generates stunning visuals from simple text prompts in various artistic styles.

• Starry AI: An AI art generator that creates unique, high-resolution images based on text prompts, with a focus on stunning cosmic and fantasy themes.

^{Seasoned Insights}

• AI in casino games. Read more

• Bill Gates Goes Nuclear: Powering U.S. Homes and AI with His Latest Project. Read more

• AI candidate 'Steve' runs for UK parliament. Read more

• Trump informed Logan Paul that he employed AI to "skillfully" rewrite a speech! Read more

• The photographer goes head-to-head with machines in an AI competition – and comes out on top. Read more

^{Remote Vacancies in Tech}

• ML Engineer at Desia, UK

• Artificial Intelligence Engineer at Bondex, UK

• ML Engineer (Generative AI Specialist) at Aimpoint Digital, UK

• AI Developer at CGI, UK

• Data Scientist at Kipi.bi, US

• Data Analyst (Entry Level) at Engtal, US