Stepping into 2025: AI, Innovation, and a World in Motion

As we step into the New Year, it's a time for reflection and anticipation. Just as the turning of the year brings a fresh perspective, so do the rapid advancements in technology and the shifts in our global landscape. In this edition, we'll explore some of the most compelling stories from the past year, highlighting breakthroughs, journeys, and critical issues that are shaping our world. From AI's transformative power to the ingenious solutions being developed to tackle global challenges, there's much to consider as we move forward into 2025.

?In Today’s Newsletter

1. The Heat is On: How wearable tech is turning body heat into electricity
2. AI Takes the Wheel: Examining how artificial intelligence is improving safety and efficiency in vehicles
3. Fighting Food Waste with AI: A startup's innovative approach to bakery waste
4. Powering the Future: AI's growing demands on the US power grid

The Heat is On: Wearable Tech Harnessing Body Heat

Imagine a world where your own body heat could power your wearable devices. This isn't a far-off dream, as researchers at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have developed an ultra-thin, flexible film capable of generating electricity from body heat1. This breakthrough could not only eliminate the need for batteries in wearable tech but also cool electronic chips, making devices like smartphones and computers run more efficiently. The researchers used tiny crystals called "nanobinders" that form a consistent layer of bismuth telluride sheets, boosting efficiency and flexibility. This cost-effective technology could have a major impact on the sustainability and convenience of our personal electronics.

Key Takeaways:

1. Flexible films can generate electricity from body heat.
2. This technology could power wearable devices and cool electronic chips.
3. The development uses cost-effective materials and methods, making it highly scalable.

AI Takes the Wheel: Enhancing Vehicle Safety with Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is not only impacting our virtual worlds, it's also transforming real-world vehicles. AI is being integrated into Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems to enhance safety and adaptability. By analysing real-time data from sensors, AI algorithms optimise steering input, maintain stability, and prevent accidents. These AI systems can also predict maintenance needs by monitoring the performance of key components, reducing downtime and repair costs. For instance, AI-enhanced EPS can adjust angle, torque, and steering based on road conditions, preventing oversteer or understeer. Additionally, collaborations are happening to develop advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that use AI to determine the most energy-efficient driving styles.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI-driven EPS systems enhance vehicle safety and stability.
2. AI enables predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and costs.
3. Collaborations are focusing on AI-powered ADAS for energy efficiency.

Fighting Food Waste with AI: A Startup's Innovative Approach

The challenge of food waste is enormous. In the Netherlands alone, approximately 700,000 loaves of bread are discarded daily. Enter COMPUTD, an AI consultancy and technology company using AI to combat this issue. By analysing historical sales data, COMPUTD's system provides accurate forecasting for bakeries, optimising production and reducing surplus inventory. This AI-driven approach not only contributes to sustainability goals but also enhances business operations by streamlining workflows and reducing manual errors. This highlights how AI is moving beyond complex tech applications and is also solving everyday problems using smart solutions.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI can significantly reduce food waste by optimising production planning in bakeries.
2. Real-time tracking and streamlined workflows ensure optimal stock levels.
3. This demonstrates the potential of AI to address sustainability challenges.

Powering the Future: The Growing Demands of AI

As AI continues to grow, so does its demand for computing power which relies on data centres. A recent report suggests that the proliferation of AI data centres is causing "bad harmonics," or power distortions, in the US power grid. These distortions can not only damage appliances but also increase the vulnerability to fires and even lead to brownouts or blackouts. This indicates that there is a growing need to adapt existing infrastructure to handle the volatile energy demands of AI systems. This serves as a cautionary reminder that technological advancement must be accompanied by considerations of existing infrastructure and sustainability.

?Key Takeaways:

1. AI data centres are putting strain on the US power grid.
2. These data centres are leading to power distortions that are affecting homes nearby.
3. There is an urgent need to address the energy demands of AI for grid management.

?Fast Facts

• Nvidia's Acquisition: Nvidia has completed its acquisition of AI startup Run:ai for a reported $700 million and will open-source its GPU orchestration software.
• AI and IT Jobs: Emerging technologies like AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data science are projected to create one million jobs by 2030 in India alone.
• Telangana Housing Program: The Telangana government is scouting for a cloud-based AI solution to track the progress of its Indiramma Illu housing program.

Did You Know?

Which company surpassed both Microsoft and Apple to become the world’s most valuable in terms of market capitalisation during 2024?

(Answer: Nvidia)

?As we journey further into the age of AI and technological innovation, it's crucial to stay informed and engaged. We invite you to share your thoughts on these stories and any other topics you'd like us to cover in future newsletters. Your feedback is invaluable to us.

If you're not already a subscriber, be sure to sign up to stay connected with the latest developments in tech, startups, and global impact stories.