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Read time: 7 min

Today’s Slate

• EA shows off AI game creation tools

• Louis Rosenberg explores the idea of Collective Superintelligence

• Meta Connect 2024 is later today - what to expect according to the Verge

• HTC launches their latest Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest competitor

• Waymo shows off their path to 100k rides a week

• Chipotle is testing out their avocado-bots

• More tech news

Artificial Intelligence

At a glance:

• EA introduced "Imagination to Creation," an AI-powered system allowing users to create video games with no coding or design skills.

• Users can modify settings, characters, and mechanics in real-time, and the changes appear instantaneously.

• Backlash arose from game developers and artists concerned about job displacement and the blandness of the demo.

Our vision:

While "Imagination to Creation" may lower barriers to entry in game creation, it could also disrupt creative professions. Personalization in gaming is exciting, but balancing innovation with preserving creative careers remains essential. It will be interesting to see how this technology is embedded into EA employees’ workflows and if it results in future layoffs.

At a glance:

• Louis Rosenberg discusses the concept of "Peak Human," where AI surpasses human reasoning abilities.

• OpenAI's latest model, "o1," scores an IQ of 95 on a custom test, outperforming 37% of adults.

• Rosenberg highlights the potential of AI surpassing human cognitive abilities, warning that this could happen soon.

• He introduces "Collective Superintelligence" as a method to amplify human intelligence using AI.

Our vision:

As AI systems approach Peak Human reasoning abilities, Rosenberg's vision of collective intelligence offers a way for humanity to stay competitive (and employed). Collaboration and AI-enhanced teamwork might be key to maintaining our edge as AI is more capable than us in most if not all areas in the next few decades.

Interesting Video-to-Video AI Example:

Spatial Computing

At a glance:

• Meta Connect 2024 is expected to feature updates on new hardware, such as a cheaper Quest 3S VR headset, and possibly the next iteration of Ray-Ban smart glasses.

• AI advancements are anticipated, including Meta’s Llama large language model integration across apps like WhatsApp.

• There may be a sneak peek of the rumored AR glasses, codenamed "Orion."

Our vision:

Meta is positioning itself to challenge Apple and other tech giants by continuing to push AR/VR innovation forward. The potential release of affordable hardware and integrated AI features signals Meta's strategic move to dominate immersive technologies. The following article about Meta extending their partnership for Ray-Ban smart glasses speaks to their dedication to be a leader in the space.

At a glance:

• HTC announced the Vive Focus Vision, an upgraded VR headset with color passthrough, eye tracking, and DisplayPort PC VR compatibility via an adapter.

• The headset builds on the Vive Focus 3 with a $1,000 price tag, targeting both consumers and PC VR users.

• New features include motorized IPD adjustment and battery hotswap for uninterrupted use.

Our vision:

With the Vive Focus Vision, HTC is further solidifying their device lineup to compete with Meta’s Quest line and Apple’s Vision Pro, setting the stage for an intense battle in the VR market. This enhances the future of spatial computing by offering more affordable and practical options for consumers. The key here will be the app ecosystem and which platform wins the hearts and minds of developers and the wallets of users.

Transportation

At a glance:

• Waymo is now providing 100,000 automated rides weekly in cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, with plans to expand into new regions.

• Backed by Alphabet, Waymo aims to scale beyond ride-hailing by licensing its tech for trucking and consumer vehicles.

• The challenges include balancing expansion with safety, as competitors like Cruise have faced accidents that halted operations.

Our vision:

Waymo's rapid growth sets the stage for a future where self-driving technology becomes mainstream, competing with giants like Tesla and Cruise in transforming urban transportation.

Watch a Tesla drive itself to find it’s human with Smart Summon

At a glance:

• Tesla presented updates on its Semi electric trucks at the IAA event in Germany, revealing the trucks' capability to travel up to 800 km on a single charge.

• Tesla’s Semi fleet has driven over 7.5 million kilometers globally and demonstrated cost-effective performance compared to diesel trucks.

• Tesla showcased its Megawatt Charging System, which enables fast charging for long-haul operations, reducing downtime.

Our vision:

Tesla's Semi trucks, with lower operating costs and longer ranges, are pushing electric transportation forward, directly challenging diesel trucks globally. This innovation sets the stage for further adoption in Europe and beyond, competing with diesel for cost efficiency and sustainability.

Robotics

At a glance:

• Pudu Robotics has introduced the PUDU D7, a semi-humanoid robot designed for diverse applications, featuring advanced mobility and dexterity.

• The PUDU D7 has a robotic torso, two arms, and a wheeled base, capable of performing tasks like elevator operation and item sorting.

• It can operate for over eight hours, has a 360-degree movement capability, and is powered by a 1 kWh battery.

• Pudu Robotics plans to commercialize it by 2025.

Our vision:

The PUDU D7 is a C3PO body with R2D2 legs from Star Wars. Another example of the mobile yet unconventional semi-humanoid robot like Reachy. It was also reported that Apple is potentially working on a robotic arm project for in-home use. With the following article about Chipotle’s new robot in mind, these next few years will be a fertile testing ground for the deployment of new robotics use cases. The 2030s will be where the rubber meets the road.

At a glance:

• Chipotle is testing a robot called Autocado that peels, cores, and seeds avocados for guacamole preparation in 26 seconds.

• Another system, Augmented Makeline, automates bowl and salad assembly, which accounts for 65% of Chipotle’s digital orders.

• Both technologies are being piloted in California stores to improve efficiency.

Our vision:

Chipotle's investment in robotics to streamline food preparation shows how automation is creeping into the restaurant industry. As companies like Vebu and Hyphen drive these innovations, we expect further integration of robotics into fast food, making human employees focus more on customer experience.

Tencent joints the fray with their latest iteration of The Five

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