The World This Week in AI (9th December 2024)
Rivals Take on Nvidia in the Race to Power the AI Revolution
For years, Nvidia’s chips set the gold standard for AI tasks like training and deploying machine learning models. But competitors like AMD, Amazon, and a host of start-ups are proving they can deliver alternatives that rival—and in some cases outpace—Nvidia’s performance. With billions of dollars at stake and the demand for AI-powered solutions skyrocketing, the race is on to reshape the future of AI computing.
At AMD’s Austin labs, engineers developed the MI300 chip, which has quickly become a hit, generating over $5 billion in sales within its first year. Meanwhile, Amazon’s Trainium 2 chip, designed by its Annapurna Labs team, is making waves with a fourfold performance improvement over its predecessor. These chips, optimized for “inferencing” (the phase where AI applications provide real-world outputs), are appealing to companies seeking speed and cost-efficiency.
This focus on inferencing is crucial. While training AI models on vast datasets requires immense computational power, the true value of AI lies in delivering smart, efficient responses to end users. Competitors like AMD and Amazon are leveraging this by offering chips and complete systems tailored to this critical stage. Start-ups such as SambaNova and Cerebras are also joining the fray, touting solutions that are faster and more affordable, addressing one of the biggest drawbacks of Nvidia’s high-performance chips—their price, which can soar to tens of thousands of dollars each.
Amazon is particularly bullish about its new Trainium chips, using them to power massive AI clusters for partners like Anthropic, the maker of the Claude chatbot. Meanwhile, companies like Meta are splitting their AI needs between Nvidia for training and AMD for inferencing, further diversifying the market.
Nvidia, however, isn’t standing still. Its latest Blackwell chips offer unmatched performance and efficiency for some tasks, backed by its powerful AI software ecosystem. CEO Jensen Huang remains confident, highlighting that Nvidia’s total cost of ownership often outshines competitors—even when rival chips come at a lower price.
The growing competition in AI chips signals an exciting new chapter in the tech industry. As companies like AMD, Amazon, and others continue to innovate, customers are reaping the benefits of faster, more efficient, and affordable solutions. While Nvidia remains the market leader, the rise of credible alternatives means the playing field is leveling, driving innovation and lowering costs.
Neuralink Launches Feasibility Trial to Test Brain Implant with Robotic Arm
Elon Musk's brain tech company, Neuralink, is embarking on a groundbreaking new trial that could change the future of assistive technologies for people with severe disabilities. The company has received approval for its feasibility study, which aims to test its advanced brain implant in conjunction with a robotic arm. The goal is to help patients with paralysis control devices simply by thinking. This marks a significant step in the evolution of brain-computer interfaces (BCI), with real-world applications that could transform the lives of individuals with mobility impairments.
Neuralink's new study, called PRIME, is designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of its wireless brain implant and accompanying surgical robot. The device, implanted into the brain, enables users to control external devices like robotic limbs through thought alone—a powerful tool for those with quadriplegia. The trial will focus on understanding how the implant can enable patients to carry out everyday tasks, such as moving a robotic arm or operating a computer.
This latest trial comes on the heels of earlier successes in Neuralink’s ongoing studies. The company has already begun implanting its device into patients in both the United States and Canada. In fact, it recently gained approval from Canadian health authorities to launch a similar trial with six patients, partnering with neurosurgeons across the country.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., two participants have already demonstrated impressive results, using the device to play video games, browse the internet, and even design 3D objects.
By focusing on quadriplegic patients, Neuralink hopes to showcase the transformative potential of its brain implant in restoring independence to those who have lost the ability to move. If successful, these trials could pave the way for widespread adoption of the technology, offering not just new mobility but also the ability to interact with technology in entirely new ways.
While Neuralink’s trials are still in their early stages, the promise of using a brain implant to control a robotic arm is an exciting leap forward in assistive technology. For patients with severe paralysis, this could mean gaining back abilities many thought lost forever. As Neuralink continues to refine its devices and expand its trials, the tech industry is watching closely. The success of these early trials could be a game-changer, potentially reshaping the future of neurotechnology and offering new hope to millions of people worldwide.
HUAWEI AI Teleportation: A Magical Gesture or Just a Gimmick?
HUAWEI’s new AI Teleportation feature, unveiled with the Mate 70 and Mate X6 smartphones, has captivated tech enthusiasts worldwide. Promising to transfer files with a simple hand gesture, the feature seems almost magical, enabling users to send photos from device to device without touching a screen. But is this a revolutionary technology, or just another flashy trick? Let’s dive in!
HUAWEI AI Teleportation, also called AirDrop Gesture, lets users transfer photos and screenshots by performing a simple gesture—grasping a photo and then opening the hand to "throw" it to another device. This process is demonstrated in videos, where users toss files to others, even across different rooms or floors.
Despite its impressive visuals, there’s little actual AI involved. The feature seems to work by detecting two basic gestures through the front camera: one for grabbing and one for dropping files. It likely operates on the same Wi-Fi network, which limits its range to nearby devices. Crucially, the feature currently only supports photos and screenshots—not videos or documents—and only on specific HUAWEI devices like the Mate 70, Mate X6, and MatePad Pro 13.2-inch tablet.
While HUAWEI’s AI Teleportation is certainly visually exciting and easy to use, it’s not the all-encompassing solution it might seem. Its reliance on Wi-Fi and limited file types may hinder its practical use, especially in non-HUAWEI ecosystems. However, its intuitive, long-distance transfers could inspire future innovations in file sharing across platforms.
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Hyundai and Kia Unveil Futuristic Exoskeleton for Safer Workplaces
Hyundai and Kia are stepping into the world of wearable robotics with the "X-ble Shoulder," a lightweight exoskeleton designed to reduce physical strain and boost efficiency in demanding industrial environments. Set for deployment in Korea by 2025, this innovation is poised to transform how workers handle strenuous tasks.
The X-ble Shoulder, developed by Hyundai and Kia’s Robotics Lab, weighs just 1.9 kilograms and is tailored to ease shoulder strain by up to 60%. Available in two versions—Basic for flexible tasks and Adjustable for repetitive motions—the exoskeleton provides support forces of up to 3.7 kilograms. Crafted with durable carbon composite materials, it combines strength with lightweight convenience.
This innovative tool targets industries like automotive, construction, and aerospace, where it can help prevent workplace injuries. User feedback from a pilot study of 300 workers played a pivotal role in refining the exoskeleton’s design. Hyundai and Kia plan to expand its availability internationally by 2026.
With the X-ble Shoulder, Hyundai and Kia are leading the charge in integrating robotics into the workforce. Alongside upcoming projects like the X-ble Waist and rehabilitation-focused X-ble MEX, these advancements underline their commitment to making labor-intensive industries safer and more efficient.
AiSensum’s Podcast talks about should we be scared about AI?
In episode 8, we explore the topic of "AI Gone Rogue: Should We Be Scared?" highlighting the scary news about AI development and should we be scared about AI?
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