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Imagine robots learning and adapting with human-like precision, performing tasks that were once confined to science fiction. This is our present reality. Major tech players like Nvidia, Google, OpenAI and Meta are advancing robotic foundation models that understand the laws of physics, learning from immense datasets to perform tasks with unparalleled precision. Let’s explore…

Today’s Summary:

• 🤖 Robots will be the next AI wave

• 💻 Intel unveils Xeon 6 and Gaudi AI chips

• 🌦️ Microsoft’s Aurora AI for weather forecasting

• 🛡️ More OpenAI researchers raise safety concerns

• 🌐 ChatGPT outage affects users globally

• 🖥️ Elon Musk to buy 30,000 Nvidia AI GPUs

• 🛠️ 1 new tool

TOP STORY

Robots get smarter: how AI is transforming robotics

The Summary: The integration of AI and robotics is starting a new era of advanced robotic capabilities. Major tech companies, including Nvidia, Google, Meta, and OpenAI, are developing robotic foundation models powered by AI that understand the laws of physics. These models enable robots to learn from vast datasets and simulations, equipping them to perform a wide range of tasks with unprecedented flexibility and adaptability.

Key details:

• Nvidia Physical AI focuses on robots that understand and interact with the physical world

• The Isaac robotics platform is improving efficiency in factories and warehouses, including those for BYD Electronics and Siemens

• Project GR00T foundation model for humanoid robots is in development

• Google DeepMind AutoRT and RT-2 model (Robotic Transformer) can follow complex instructions and operate a mobile robot arm

Why it matters: Intelligent robots are gaining momentum and will soon be capable of automating complex tasks and enhancing safety in hazardous environments. Additionally, the embodied experience of physical robots may play a key role in further advancing AI research.

AI CHIPS

Xeon 6, Gaudi, Lunar Lake: Intel's triple play for AI chip leadership

The Summary: Intel has unveiled the Xeon 6 processor and Gaudi AI accelerators to update data centers for enterprise AI workloads. The Xeon 6 promises higher performance and efficiency with two architectures, while Lunar Lake, Intel’s next line of laptop processors, features an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI tasks. Intel aims to reclaim some market share from Nvidia, AMD and Apple in the AI chip space.

Key details:

• Xeon 6 offers up to 128 Performance cores (P) for high-power tasks and up to 288 Efficient cores (E) for energy saving

• 12 memory channels and 96 lanes for high speed data transfer

• The P-core version will launch in Q2 2024, with the E-core version following in Q3 2024

• Gaudi 3 is 40% faster at training and 2x faster at processing compared to Nvidia H100

• Lunar Lake for laptops includes an NPU capable of 48 trillion operations per second (TOPS) and integrated 16GB or 32GB RAM

Why it matters: The Xeon 6, Gaudi accelerators, and Lunar Lake NPU represent Intel’s push to regain lost leadership in the crucial AI chip market for data centers and PCs. Intel is now fully investing in the latest technologies to support all AI use cases.

RESEARCH

Microsoft Aurora AI is 5000x faster than supercomputers in weather forecasting

The Summary: Microsoft researchers have developed Aurora, a new AI foundation model designed to revolutionize weather forecasting. Using a novel approach based on 3D transformers coupled with a neural simulator, Aurora generates 5-day global air pollution forecasts in under a minute, outperfoming state-of-the-art simulations on 74% of targets. It also produces 10-day high-resolution weather forecasts that surpass leading numerical models on 92% of variables.

Key details:

• 1.3B parameter 3D transformer model with Perceiver encoders/decoders

• Pretrained on diverse datasets like ERA5, climate simulations, forecasts, analysis data

• Produces operational 5-day air pollution forecasts superior to CAMS on 74% of targets

• Generates high resolution 10-day weather forecasts that outperform IFS-HRES numerical model on 92% of variables

• More accurate than leading AI model GraphCast from Google DeepMind on 94% of targets

• Successful predicted extreme events like 2023 storm Ciarán

• 5000x faster than numerical models at comparable accuracy

Why it matters: Aurora significantly improves weather prediction by using AI to learn from vast amounts of Earth data. It offers better accuracy, resolution, and speed in forecasts compared to other systems. By improving fast forecasting, especially in regions with limited data, Aurora can provide essential weather and climate information for agriculture, transportation, and energy.

QUICK NEWS

Quick news

• More OpenAI researchers criticize the company over safety

• ChatGPT, Claude, and more AI tools experienced global outages

• Elon Musk plans to purchase 300,000 Blackwell B200 Nvidia AI GPUs

TOOLS

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• DocentPro - AI Travel Guide that helps you discover the stories of your surroundings