Whale Selfies, AI Architects and Power Plans

Hi all. Welcome to the latest article of Planet AI. This time we look at facial technology, some dodgy climate claims and designing climate friendly houses.

Call me ISHMaiL: Facial recognition technology may be facing a hit from the AI Act but a version used on whale tails is proving to be invaluable, and providing worrying results. Using photos of whales uploaded by "citizen scientists" to a open-source space, researchers have determined a drop of 20% in North Pacific Ocean humpback whale populations over the past decade, with climate change the chief culprit. [Popular Science]

I'm seeing double here, 4 EVs!: The market for digital twins is set to explode to €126.5bn by 2030. Digital twins can be used to experiment new component designs, perform predictive analysis by offering insights into how components interact and perform together or model specific segments or entire manufacturing processes, providing highly detailed virtual representations. While utilities are finding use cases for digital twins, the automotive industry holds more than 15% of the market share, with significant demand in the electric vehicle (EV) segment. A leading global EV manufacturer uses digital twins of components for real-time monitoring, predicting problems before they happen. This approach boosts the lifespan, safety, and performance of their electric vehicles. [EY Tech Trends]

AI, the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems: The rise of Gen-AI is set to lead to an increase in "dodgy claims" of environmental issues and green misinformation. The UK Advertising Standard's Authority is set to fight AI fire with AI fire by utilising it's own AI to scan 10mn adverts for wrongdoing in 2024, compared to just 3mn last year. It will check that phrases like “recyclable”, “compostable” and “carbon neutral” come with sufficient context and caveats attached. The ASA has recently taken a strong stance against misleading green advertising by major polluters, including Shell, Equinor, and Lufthansa. This week alone, the agency banned emissions claims made by carmakers BMW and MG, as well as pollution-related claims from London's transport authorities. [FT]

Energy Plan Power-Up: Researchers have developed a new tool to help countries create better energy plans. This tool, called a causality model, helps identify the key factors contributing to energy security (a reliable and affordable energy supply) and how those factors influence each other. Researchers used methods like text mining to analyse energy-related information and found five major areas and 22 specific factors important for strong energy plans. The study highlights the importance of strong energy control systems, international cooperation, and advanced technology. In practice, successful plans should focus on turning waste into energy and making sure the energy supply can withstand disruptions. While all continents care about energy security, each faces unique challenges; for example, Europe focuses on distributed energy while Africa is interested in new technologies. [Energy Strategy Reviews]

The AI Architect: A Texas start-up uses an AI Architect with a giant 3d printer to design and build climate-friendly dream homes. ICON has already 3D printed a 100 house neighbourhood and can now print two storey houses with foundations and a roof by layering low carbon concrete and using an AI architect to generate the floor plans and designs for your dream home. It is estimated the AI Architect will shave $100k off the costs of construction documents and permits. [Bloomberg]

Bye Bye Blackouts: AI is emerging as a key player in preventing blackouts and optimizing the power grid amidst rising energy demands and increased renewable energy reliance. Companies like WattTime and Electricity Maps use AI to forecast electricity supply and demand, optimising battery storage cycles and helping consumers use electricity strategically. AI also protects infrastructure: Buzz Solutions leverages AI for image analysis to identify equipment damage, manage vegetation encroachment, and prevent animal-related disruptions. As energy grids prioritise reliability and sustainability, AI solutions will become increasingly essential for utilities seeking to maintain a stable power supply and deliver a seamless consumer experience. [BBC]

Sustaining AI: AI is increasingly getting more press about it's thirst for energy. Microsoft's Chief Sustainability Officer outlines a plan focused on making AI development more sustainable, addressing data center optimisation, low-carbon materials, and energy-efficient AI models. AI could play a key role in optimising data center energy and water use, as well as streamlining cloud services for improved efficiency. Microsoft invests in developing low-carbon alternatives like green steel and sustainable concrete, where AI-powered tools could assist in material development and supply chain optimisation. They emphasized the development of smaller, more efficient AI models, demonstrating a commitment to AI-powered sustainability without sacrificing performance. [SustainabilityMag]

The Digital Grid: Blueprint for the Future of Power Distribution: GE Vernova's General Manager of Grid Software highlights the increasing importance of software solutions for modernizing the energy grid. AI is becoming essential within these software systems to handle the complex, multi-directional energy flows caused by rising renewable sources and increasing electrification. AI will be used to dynamically balance grid loads, optimize infrastructure, and extract insights from combined IT and OT data. GE Vernova envisions AI progressing towards an autonomous grid management role, emphasizing the parallel need to prioritize cybersecurity in this evolving energy landscape. [Insiders Guide to Energy]

Mary O'Connor : Her Journey to CIO - Insights from a true Leader: A great interview from ESB's CIO on her journey to being a tech leader. Showcases how ESB is embracing technology, data & AI in its journey to Net Zero.

Thanks, Kev

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