Are we all becoming cyborgs?
It sounds far-fetched, but our reliance on technology and its endless cycle of innovation is making "science fiction" non-fiction. One of our stories this week is Apple's announcement that it's new AirPods can serve as a medical grade hearing aids, which is huge. An affordable, mass market consumer item helping us out where our natural bodies fall short.
Then you throw AI into the mix and its integration into nearly everything we do so it can be our thinking partner or personal assistant. And to think, 100 years ago only 40% of US households had an indoor toilet. #progress
During the latest Cupertino lovefest, Apple announced that the AirPods Pro 2 are stepping up their game by adding a clinical-grade hearing aid feature, aiming to assist over a billion people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Approved by the FDA, this feature promises to enhance sound clarity and use machine learning for real-time adjustments.?
Priced at $249, these AirPods could be a cost-effective alternative to traditional hearing aids, though they’re not suited for severe hearing loss. The new feature will be available this fall via a software update in over 100 countries.
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Once made fun of for being to slow and stuck in their ways, Walmart has ventured into 3D concrete printing with an 8,000-square-foot expansion at its Athens, Tennessee Supercenter. The company enlisted Alquist 3D to test this tech, which promises faster and cheaper construction but faced some hiccups due to Tennessee’s heat and humidity. The project experienced delays and cost overruns, but Walmart remains optimistic and is planning more expansions using this technology.
Although 3D printing in construction is still maturing and may not always be the quickest or cheapest option, it’s a promising tool in the evolving world of real estate development. Walmart's ongoing investments indicate a future where robotics and traditional methods might work hand-in-hand.
It's a modern version of "chicken or the egg," but in this case it's "do you make AI to put into a robot body, or make a robot body for your AI?" Google’s latest project aims to give artificial intelligence a physical form, transforming it from a digital brain into a robotic body. The initiative focuses on equipping AI with the ability to perform tasks in the real world, from simple chores to complex maneuvers.
By integrating advanced robotics with cutting-edge AI, Google envisions machines that can better interact with their environment. This move could revolutionize industries by bringing intelligent automation to a new level. Essentially, it’s like giving your smartphone legs and arms—though hopefully with fewer dropped calls.