Can AI replace human judges? Plus: The silent decline of local news, and more top insights

During the week, the Daily Rundown brings you the day’s trending professional news. On the weekend, we try to keep you current on the big ideas that can help you see what’s coming. Read on and join the conversation.

The rise of the AI judge: Estonia’s Ministry of Justice has begun to develop a “robot judge” that will be able to handle small claims disputes involving less than about $8,000. Estonian robo-judges, which will likely be in session later this year, will examine documents uploaded by both sides of a dispute and deliver decisions that can be appealed to a human. The goal? To free up human judges and lawyers to focus on more nuanced cases. At the same time, efforts to introduce AI into legal systems in the U.S. and elsewhere have faced criticism over claims of algorithm bias, Wired reports. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Welcome to the Asian Century: By 2020, Asia’s economies will be larger, by purchasing power parity, than the rest of the world combined, The Financial Times reports. Asia is poised to regain its seat atop the world economy — a position it has held for much of human history — for the first time since the 19th century, as China and India power ahead, alongside rapidly growing economies like Vietnam and Indonesia. What’s behind the surge? Increased global trade and investment, healthy savings rates and strong macroeconomic policies, according to the IMF. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Local news’ disappearing act: A recent Pew survey has found that a majority of Americans have no idea that their local newspapers are in peril, with seven in 10 respondents believing that they're doing “very or somewhat well financially." The Atlantic points out that beliefs around local news don't tend to square with reality, as the local outlets' revenue has cratered, and at least 1,800 local newspapers have shuttered or merged since 2004. Pew also found that despite the optimism among respondents, only 14% of Americans pay for local news. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Robot body surrogates could give movement to the disabled: Researchers at Georgia Tech and Emory University have developed a robotic prototype that allows those with severe motor impairments to perform routine manual tasks by making simple head or eye movements and a few clicks. The two-armed bot comes with a graphical user interface and cameras in its head, allowing users to see what the robot sees as its moves around on wheels. Such technology could help those with disabilities feed themselves and manipulate items like a hair brush, a water bottle or a personal shaver. ? Here’s what people are saying.

To reduce emissions, toilet train cows: Dutch inventor Henk Hanskamp has developed a cow toilet that aims to prevent the production of environmentally damaging ammonia, which has been tied to atmospheric pollution and algae blooms. Keeping bovine urine separate from manure is key, as that mixture produces ammonia. The cow toilet is placed behind the heifer in question, with a feeding trough in front. As the cow feeds, a robotic arm stimulates a nerve by the udders, helping the cow take care of business. Eventually, cows don’t need the stimulus as they learn the ropes. ? Here’s what people are saying.

One last idea:  Achieving work-life balance can feel like an insurmountable task, one where we are constantly trying to reach equilibrium amid changing circumstances. That’s why author and politician Stacey Abrams argues that we should play “work-life Jenga” instead.

“Work-Life Jenga gives us permission to pick our pieces and arrange our lives to suit the desires of our hearts, not the dictates of those around us. The expectation is not one of balance; it’s one of strategy and of making the best of each move, one block at a time.”

Want to get ahead at work? Looking for advice from the pros? Share your burning career questions in the comments with #YouAsked and we’ll get experts to weigh in.

— Scott Olster