UNESCO: AI-driven neurotechnology ‘on steroids’ needs regulation

https://www.ft.com/content/48afd321-5323-449c-aacf-7562f38b2799

UNESCO is calling for global regulation of neurotechnology, which it says is advancing rapidly and threatens human rights. The increased investment in AI-based programs that can read people’s minds and store neural data has raised concerns about its use. UNESCO will develop a “universal ethical framework” for neurotechnology, which connects computers with the brain and increasingly uses artificial intelligence to analyse neural activity. The market for neurotech devices is projected to exceed $24BN by 2027.

WaPo: The FTC is investigating whether ChatGPT harms consumers

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/07/13/ftc-openai-chatgpt-sam-altman-lina-khan/

The FTC is investigating OpenAI's ChatGPT to determine if it engaged in unfair or deceptive practices that resulted in reputational harm to consumers. The FTC has demanded OpenAI provide records related to complaints about false, misleading, disparaging, or harmful statements made by its products about people, as well as records related to a security incident that occurred in March. The investigation comes as the FTC warns that existing consumer protection laws apply to AI and new regulations are being considered.

gm #nostr #coffeechain 🌞

UK Space Agency pumps £20 million into drone development

https://telecoms.com/522658/uk-space-agency-pumps-20-million-into-drone-development/

The UK Space Agency has announced a £20m funding pot for drone projects, which will be available for companies working on aerial connectivity, such as drones delivering medical supplies and providing dedicated connectivity for emergency services. The funding is part of the European Space Agency's Advanced Research in Telecommunications Services programme, and applications can be filed under three categories: drones, high-altitude platform stations and high-altitude long endurance. The funding follows £50m in ARTES funding announced in January, which was available for firms developing new satellite constellations, the ground systems needed to access them, or whole end-to-end systems.

Thinking beyond audio: Augmenting headphones for everyday digital interactions

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/thinking-beyond-audio-augmenting-headphones-for-everyday-digital-interactions/

Microsoft Research explores the potential of sensor-enhanced headphones to expand the capabilities of human-computer interaction. By incorporating sensors such as microphones, proximity sensors, motion sensors, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and LiDARs, headphone designers can explore new avenues of input and interaction, allowing for a wide range of applications beyond traditional audio control. These include context-aware privacy controls, directed speech interaction, and socially recognizable gestures for audio-visual control, among others.

US to decide on GM request to deploy self-driving cars

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/us-decide-whether-ok-gm-self-driving-car-deployment-plan-2023-07-12/

US regulators will soon decide on GM Cruise's petition to deploy up to 2,500 self-driving vehicles annually without human controls. The petition filed in February 2022 seeks government approval to deploy vehicles annually without steering wheels, mirrors, turn signals or windshield wipers. The National Highway Traffic Safety acting Administrator Ann Carlson said the agency "will issue a decision" in the coming weeks. Congress has been debating for years whether to pass legislation on self-driving cars, and a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee is planning a hearing later this month.

Chipotle tests robot that can prepare avocados to make guacamole faster

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/12/chipotle-tests-robot-to-prepare-avocados-for-guacamole.html

Chipotle has developed a robot, called Autocado, that can cut, core, and peel avocados for its guacamole, potentially cutting the prep time in half. The robot was developed in partnership with California-based robotics startup Vebu Labs, and Chipotle's venture arm, Cultivate Next, is investing in Vebu. The broader restaurant industry is experimenting with robotics and automation as it faces a shrinking workforce and rising wages. The Autocado is expected to be tested in Chipotle restaurants later this year and could help save millions of dollars on avocados annually, as well as cut labor costs and food waste.

Good morning! #coffeechain Eager to work on the Futurology #nostr community some more today.

😂