February 2024 was filled with significant milestones and controversies highlighting both the potential and challenges of artificial intelligence technology. Here are the 10 biggest AI stories that dominated headlines last month.
1. EU Proposes New Regulations for High-Risk AI Applications
As the use of AI grows, the European Union proposed new regulations targeting high-risk AI applications like self-driving vehicles and recruitment tools. The rules aim to address concerns around safety, transparency and bias in automated systems that significantly impact lives.
2. DeepMind's AI Achieves Go Grandmaster Status
Google's DeepMind AI system defeated the world's top players to earn grandmaster status in the complex strategy game Go. This demonstrates AI's ability to excel in creative problem-solving and strategy beyond human capabilities.
3. Amazon Opens First Cashierless AI-Powered Grocery Stores
Amazon brought its cashierless "Just Walk Out" technology using AI cameras and sensors to full-sized grocery stores open to the public. Shoppers can grab items and simply walk out without checkout lines, though privacy risks remain.
4. Alibaba Unveils High-Performance AI Chip for Machine Learning
Alibaba's new AI inference chip is optimized for machine learning, processing nearly 80,000 images per second. This aims to rival Nvidia GPUs and highlights the computing hardware race fueling AI advancement.
5. AI-Written Novels Spark Controversy by Winning Literary Awards
Novels written using natural language generation AI won literary awards, reigniting debates around machine creativity versus human artistry. While impressive, many argue AI lacks real emotion and original thinking.
6. Google AI Translates Over 500 Languages in Real-Time
Google researchers used AI to build an instant speech translation system covering over 500 languages, including many under-resourced ones. This helps break language barriers and expand access to information globally.
7. AI Detects Societal Commentary Within Satirical Writings
MIT researchers developed an AI system that understands satire better by detecting deeper societal commentaries within satirical texts. This could help study the impacts of satire on culture and policy.
8. Apple Acquires AI Music Startup to Improve Recommendations
Apple purchased an AI startup using machine learning to curate music and improve recommendations in Apple Music. This showcases tech giants racing to leverage AI for personalizing entertainment.
9. AI-Generated Artwork Auctions for Over $1 Million
An AI-created portrait sold for over $1 million at a Christie's auction, making history but also raising questions about human creativity. The art world continues grappling with AI's emerging capabilities.
10. Crashes Fuel Safety Concerns For Tesla's Self-Driving Cars
Multiple crashes involving Tesla vehicles in autonomous mode renewed doubts about the safety of self-driving car tech. While AI reaction times best humans, completely reliable autonomous navigation remains elusive.
As these stories show, AI continues rapidly advancing while raising complex economic, ethical, legal and social questions. The coming years will further reveal AI's benefits as well as its risks if handled irresponsibly.
