Hi Synapticians!

Today, let's talk about autonomous vehicles. The latest figures released by Waymo are impressive: an 83% reduction in accidents compared to the average human drivers in the same geographical area. Of course, that’s an average — we know how that goes!

We also know that the environment — San Francisco or other American cities — is relatively simple compared to our old, complex European cities. Or at least, we can find some reassurance in that 😉 

Still, the results are impressive. We all remember Tesla’s latest algorithm (version 13.2), which tripled the number of miles driven before a critical disengagement (i.e., when the user has to take back control), going from 200 to 607 miles.

To be continued…

Top AI news

1. Waymo’s crash data proves self-driving cars are safer
Waymo has driven over 50 million miles autonomously, with significantly fewer serious crashes than human drivers. Most accidents involving Waymo were caused by human errors, such as speeding or running red lights. Data shows an 83% reduction in airbag-triggering crashes and an 81% reduction in injury-causing crashes compared to human drivers. Additionally, insurance claims against Waymo are 90% lower. Despite these impressive numbers, public perception remains skeptical due to media coverage of rare incidents. The real question is not whether self-driving cars are safe, but how much safer they are than human drivers.

2. Is artificial general intelligence closer than we think?
Major AI companies predict AGI is just around the corner, but a survey by the AAAI shows that over 75% of researchers doubt current methods will achieve it. Experts like Yann LeCun argue that scaling up LLMs won’t lead to human-level intelligence. Some believe AGI fears are exaggerated for corporate gain, while real AI risks like bias and misinformation are already here. The debate between industry optimism and scientific skepticism is ongoing.

3. How AI is reshaping the job market: risks and opportunities
AI is significantly altering the job market, with virtual agents reducing costs by up to 96%. While some predict AI could eliminate 300 million jobs, others argue it will create new opportunities, much like past technological shifts. Transparency is crucial, as some companies hesitate to disclose AI-driven job replacements. The key challenge is balancing innovation with workforce impact, ensuring AI enhances rather than disrupts employment. Open discussions are needed to navigate this transformation effectively.

Bonus. Wyncor disrupts the toy industry with a $48M valuation
Wyncor, a toystech startup launched in 2022, has revolutionized toy production by cutting development time from three years to three months through digitalization and pre-sales. In just 18 months, it reached a $48M valuation and partnered with Belgian family office Alcastar to expand into South America. Beyond licensing major brands, Wyncor is developing its own toy lines, including the popular Kwaaks! plush ducks. The company plans to enter the educational toy market by 2026. With operations in 40 countries, Wyncor is proving that even traditional industries can be disrupted through innovation and smart business models.

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AI for mental health - The AI Venger
Fei-Fei Li, born on July 3, 1976, in Beijing, China, is a Chinese-American computer scientist renowned for her significant contributions to artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the field of computer vision. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 15 and pursued her education with distinction. Li earned a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from Princeton University in 1999 and later obtained her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 2005. Throughout her illustrious career, she has received numerous accolades, including being elected to the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine in 2020, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2021. In 2023, she was named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in AI and received the Intel Lifetime Achievement Innovation Award. ​

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