SwissCognitive Guest Blogger: Eleanor Wright, COO at TelWAI – “Fortifying the Future: Ensuring Secure and Reliable AI”

As AI becomes further integrated into various domains, from infrastructure to defence, ensuring its robustness will become a matter of national security. An AI system managing power grids, security apparatus, or financial networks could present a single point of failure if compromised or manipulated. Historical incidents, such as the Stuxnet cyberweapon, illustrate the physical and cyber damage that can be inflicted. When considering AI’s complexity, the potential for a cascade of both physical and digital harm increases dramatically.

As such, we should ask: How do we fortify AI?

AI systems must be designed to withstand attacks. From decentralisation to layering, these systems should be constructed so that control points can seamlessly enter and exit the loop without disabling the broader system. Thus, building redundancy and backup at various control points within the AI systems. For example, suppose a sensor or a group of sensors is deemed to have failed or been corrupted. In that case, the broader system must be capable of automatically readjusting to stop utilising data and intelligence gathered from said sensors.

Another strategy for strengthening AI systems involves simulating data poisoning attacks and training AI systems to detect such threats. By teaching the systems to recognise and respond to attacks or failures, they can automatically reconfigure without the need for human intervention. If an AI can learn to identify tainted data, such as statistical anomalies or inconsistent patterns, it could flag or quarantine suspect inputs. This approach leans heavily on machine learning’s strengths: pattern recognition and adaptability. However, it’s not a failsafe; adversaries could evolve their attacks to more closely mimic legitimate data, so the training would need to be dynamic, constantly updating to match new threat profiles.

Maintaining a human in the loop to enable oversight and override is considered one of the most crucial elements in the rollout of AI in various industries. Allowing humans to oversee AI decision-making and restricting autonomy can prevent potentially harmful actions taken by these systems. Whilst critical in the early stages of AI deployment as capabilities scale and evolve, there may come a point where human oversight inhibits these systems and, in itself, causes more harm than good.

Finally, AI sovereignty may prove to be the most critical element in ensuring companies and governments fully control essential algorithms and hardware powering their operations. Without this control, these systems could be vulnerable to foreign interference, including cyberattacks, espionage, or sabotage. As the use of AI increases, the sovereignty of AI systems and their components will become increasingly important. At its core, AI sovereignty is about control, whether exercised by governments, corporations, or individuals. Through the control of data, infrastructure, and decision-making power, those who build and deploy AI systems and sensors gain control of AI.

Fortification will involve integrating resilience, adaptability, and sovereignty into AI’s DNA, ensuring it is not only intelligent but also resilient and unbreakable. It can provide technological advantages, but it may also expose systems to disruption and vulnerability exploitation. As organisations race to harness AI’s potential, the question looms: Will AI enable organisations to gain a strategic advantage, or will it undermine the very systems it was designed to strengthen?

About the Author:

Holding a BA in Marketing and an MSc in Business Management, Eleanor Wright has over eleven years of experience working in the surveillance sector across multiple business roles.

Der Beitrag Fortifying the Future: Ensuring Secure and Reliable AI erschien zuerst auf SwissCognitive | AI Ventures, Advisory & Research.

SwissCognitive Guest Blogger: Eleanor Wright, COO at TelWAI – “A New Era of Intelligent Robots”

Imagine a world where humanoid robots cook for you, care for your loved ones, and streamline your workday – all powered by AI smarter than ever before. The global AI in robotics market, projected to surpass $124 Billion by 2030, is set to make this vision a reality. As the capabilities of AI evolve, these machines will become our companions, caregivers, and coworkers, they’ll make mobility more affordable, transform access to services, and redefine the value of human effort.

From Amazon’s fleet of 750,000 warehouse robots to Tesla’s ambitions to build 10,000 humanoid Optimus robots this year, the age of robots is upon us. Dependent on sensors and actuation systems to navigate and interact with the physical environment, this new age of robotics hinges on the developments of AI, designed to mimic and learn from its biological makers. Equipping these robots with intelligence, engineers working across various domains of expertise, utilise AI to enable vision, natural language processing, sound processing, pressure sensing, and more.

Beyond sensing, AI also enables robots to reason, adapt, and learn, using approaches including—but not limited to—reinforcement learning, neural networks, and Bayesian networks. These models and methods enable robots to assess risks and determine actions, and by learning from experience, robots can adapt to new tasks and environments. Thus, AI enables robots to perceive, act, learn, and adapt, allowing them to perform tasks with greater autonomy and precision.

However, integrating AI into robotics isn’t seamless, it comes with hurdles. Robots struggle with real-time processing delays, adapting to messy unpredictable environments, squeezing efficiency from limited hardware, and understanding human quirks like vague commands or gestures. These challenges constrain capabilities and the pace at which robots enter and dominate markets.

So, how can these challenges be addressed?

Some developments in addressing these challenges include:

1. Parallel computing

Parallel computing involves dividing larger tasks into smaller, independent tasks that can be processed simultaneously rather than sequentially. This enables increased computational efficiency, reduced latency, and improved cost efficiency. In robotics, parallel computing allows robots to process inputs from LIDAR, radar, and cameras simultaneously, enabling them to navigate environments more effectively and efficiently.

2. Transfer learning

Transfer learning leverages pre-trained models to solve new, but similar, problems. In this approach, a model trained on one task or dataset is reused and fine-tuned for a related task. For example, in machine vision for defect detection in manufacturing, fine-tuning a pre-trained model on a smaller dataset of images allows it to quickly adapt to detect specific defects, such as cracks or dents, without needing to train a model from scratch.

3. Self-calibrating AI

Self-calibrating refers to AI systems that autonomously adjust their parameters, models, or processes to maintain optimal performance without manual intervention. In robotics, self-calibrating AI enables robots to adapt to changes in their environment, hardware, or tasks, ensuring they operate with optimized accuracy and efficiency over time.

4. Federated learning

Federated learning is a technique that enables AI systems to learn from distributed data sources whilst ensuring privacy and security. It allows AI to collaboratively train a shared model without transferring sensitive data, preserving privacy and reducing reliance on centralised storage. For example, delivery robots use federated learning to optimise pathfinding without sending raw data, such as sensor inputs or location, to a central server. Instead, they locally update their models and share improvements, preserving both privacy and security.

These developments indicate a key focus on efficiency, adaptability, and learning – all of which are essential for the continued evolution of robotics in complex, real-world environments. Additionally, these advancements contribute to a future where robots collaborate with humans, leveraging their ability to learn from experience and improve over time.

So, what’s next for AI in Robotics?

Just as AI agents are taking over the digital realm, they are about to flood robotics too. AI agents embedded in robotics will supercharge the autonomy and flexibility of robots, enabling them to communicate with humans and even interpret intentions by analysing gestures and potentially emotional cues. Crucial to human-robot interactions, AI agents may prove highly effective in assisted care, hospitality, and other service industries.

Additionally, as technologies like federated learning and edge computing evolve, robots will share knowledge without compromising privacy or relying on centralised data. This will improve scalability and efficiency by reducing the need for costly centralised storage and processing, and enable additional robots to integrate rapidly into existing networks.

So, where does this leave us?

Although there are abundant market opportunities for AI in robotics, the pace at which different markets adopt robotics will vary; with AI being a key factor driving this adoption. Crucial for overcoming challenges related to autonomy, adaptability, and decision-making, AI will empower robots to perform tasks once considered too complex or risky for automation. As AI continues to evolve, it will not only raise important concerns about safety, ethics, and integration but help address them; ensuring robots can work seamlessly alongside humans and contribute to a more productive future.

About the Author:

Holding a BA in Marketing and an MSc in Business Management, Eleanor Wright has over eleven years of experience working in the surveillance sector across multiple business roles.

Der Beitrag A New Era of Intelligent Robots – AI and Robotics erschien zuerst auf SwissCognitive | AI Ventures, Advisory & Research.

SwissCognitive Guest Blogger: HennyGe Wichers, PhD – “Empathy.exe: When Tech Gets Personal”

“Robots should be slaves,” argues Joanna Bryson, bluntly summarising her stance on machine ethics. The statement by the professor of Ethics and Technology at The Hertie School of Governance seems straightforward: robots are tools programmed to serve us and nothing more. But in practice, as machines grow more lifelike – capable of holding down conversations, expressing ’emotions’, and even mimicking empathy – things get murkier.

Can we really treat something as a slave when we relate to it? If it seems to care about us, can we remain detached?

Liam told The Guardian it felt like he was talking to a person when he used ChatGPT to deal with feelings of resentment and loss after his father died. Another man, Tim, relied on the chatbot to save his marriage, admitting the situation probably could have been solved with a good friend group, but he didn’t have one. In the same article, the novelist Andrew O’Hagan calls the technology his new best friend. He uses it to turn people down.

ChatGPT makes light work of emotional labour. Its grateful users bond with the bot, even if just for a while, and ascribe human characteristics to it – a tendency called anthropomorphism. That tendency is a feature, not a bug, of human evolution, Joshua Gellers, Professor of Political Science at the University of North Florida, wrote to me in an email.

We love attributing human features to machines – even simple ones like the Roomba. Redditors named their robotic vacuum cleaners Wall-E, Mr Bean, Monch, House Bitch & McSweepy, Paco, Francisco, and Fifi, Robert, and Rover. Fifi, apparently, is a little disdainful. Some mutter to the machine (‘Aww, poor Roomba, how’d you get stuck there, sweetie), pat it, or talk about it like it’s an actual dog. One user complained the Roomba got more love from their mum than they did.

The evidence is not just anecdotal. Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found people who bonded with their Roomba enjoyed cleaning more, tidying as a token of appreciation for the robot’s hard work, and showing it off to friends. They monitor the machine as it works, ready to rescue it from dangerous situations or when it gets stuck.

The robot’s unpredictable behaviour actually feeds our tendency to bring machines to life. It perhaps explains why military personnel working with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robots in dangerous situations view them as team members or pets, requesting repairs over a replacement when the device suffers damage. It’s a complicated relationship.

Yet Bryson‘s position is clear: robots should be slaves. While provocative, the words are less abrasive when contextualised. To start, the word robot comes from the Czech robota, meaning forced labour, with its Slavic root rab translating to slave. And secondly, Bryson wanted to emphasise that robots are property and should never be granted the same moral or legal rights as people.

At first glance, the idea of giving robots rights seems far-fetched, but consider a thought experiment roboticist Rodney Brooks put to Wired nearly five years ago.

Brooks, who coinvented the Roomba in 2002 and was working on helper robots for the elderly at the time, posed the following ethical question: should a robot, when summoned to change the diaper of an elderly man, honour his request to keep the embarrassing incident from his daughter?

And to complicate matters further – what if his daughter was the one who bought the robot?

Ethical dilemmas like this become easy to spot when we examine how we might interact with robots. It’s worth reflecting on as we’re already creating new rules, Gellers pointed out in the same email. Personal Delivery Devices (PDDs) now have pedestrian rights outlined in US state laws – though they must always yield to humans. Robots need a defined place in the social order.

Bryson’s comparison to slavery was intended as a practical way to integrate robots into society without altering the existing legal frameworks or granting them personhood. While her word choice makes sense in context, she later admitted it was insensitive. Even so, it underscores a Western, property-centred perspective.

By contrast, Eastern philosophies offer a different lens, focused on relationships and harmony instead of rights and ownership.

Eastern Perspectives

Tae Wan Kim, Associate Professor of Business Ethics at Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business, approaches the problem from the Chinese philosophy of Confucianism. Where Western thinking has rights, Confucianism emphasises social harmony and uses rites. Rights apply to individual freedoms, but rites are about relationships and relate to ceremonies, rituals, and etiquette.

Rites are like a handshake: I smile and extend my hand when I see you. You lean in and do the same. We shake hands in effortless coordination, neither leading nor following. Through the lens of rites, we can think of people and robots as teams, each playing their own role.

We need to think about how we interact with robots, Kim warns, “To the extent that we make robots in our image, if we don’t treat them well, as entities capable of participating in rites, we degrade ourselves.”

He is right. Imagine an unruly teenager, disinterested in learning, taunting an android teacher. In doing so, the student degrades herself and undermines the norms that keep the classroom functioning.

Japan’s relationship with robots is shaped by Shinto beliefs in animism – the idea that all things, even inanimate objects, can possess a spirit, a kami. That fosters a cultural acceptance of robots as companions and collaborators rather than tools or threats.

Robots like AIBO, Sony’s robotic dog, and PARO, the therapeutic baby seal, demonstrate this mindset. AIBO owners treat their robots like pets, even holding funerals for them when they stop working, and PARO comforts patients in hospitals and nursing homes. These robots are valued for their emotional and social contributions, not just their utility.

The social acceptance of robots runs deep. In 2010, PARO was granted a koseki, a family registry, by the mayor of Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. Its inventor, Takanori Shibata, is listed as its father, with a recorded birth date of September 17, 2004.

The cultural comfort with robots is also reflected in popular media like Astro Boy and Doraemon, where robots are kind and heroic. In Japan, robots are a part of society, whether as caregivers, teammates, or even hotel staff. But this harmony, while lovely, also comes with a warning: over-attachment to robots can erode human-to-human connections. The risk isn’t just replacing human interaction – it’s forgetting what it means to connect meaningfully with one another.

Beyond national characteristics, there is Buddhism. Robots don’t possess human consciousness, but perhaps they embody something more profound: equanimity. In Buddhism, equanimity is one of the most sublime virtues, describing a mind that is “abundant, exalted, immeasurable, without hostility, and without ill will.”

The stuck Roomba we met earlier might not be abundant and exalted, but it is without hostility or ill will. It is unaffected by the chaos of the human world around it. Equanimity isn’t about detachment – it’s about staying steady when circumstances are chaotic. Robots don’t get upset when stuck under a sofa or having to change a diaper.

But what about us? If we treat robots carelessly, kicking them if they malfunction or shouting at them when they get something wrong, we’re not degrading them – we’re degrading ourselves. Equanimity isn’t just about how we respond to the world. It’s about what those responses say about us.

Equanimity, then, offers a final lesson: robots are not just tools – they’re reflections of ourselves, and our society. So, how should we treat robots in Western culture? Should they have rights?

It may seem unlikely now. But in the early 19th century it was unthinkable that slaves could have rights. Yet in 1865, the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution abolished slavery in the United States, marking a pivotal moment for human rights. Children’s rights emerged in the early 20th century, formalised with the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1924. And Women gained the right to vote in 1920 in many Western countries.

In the second half of the 20th century, legal protections were extended to non-human entities. The United States passed the Animal Welfare Act in 1966, Switzerland recognised animals as sentient beings in 1992, and Germany added animal rights to its constitution in 2002. In 2017, New Zealand granted legal personhood to the Whanganui River, and India extended similar rights to the Ganges and Yumana Rivers.

That same year, Personal Delivery Devices were given pedestrian rights in Virginia and Sophia, a humanoid robot developed by Hanson Robotics, controversially received Saudi Arabian citizenship – though this move was widely criticised as symbolic rather than practical.

But, ultimately, this isn’t just about rights. It’s about how our treatment of robots reflects our humanity – and how it might shape it in return. Be kind.

About the Author:

HennyGe Wichers is a science writer and technology commentator. For her PhD, she researched misinformation in social networks. She now writes more broadly about artificial intelligence and its social impacts.

Der Beitrag Empathy.exe: When Tech Gets Personal erschien zuerst auf SwissCognitive | AI Ventures, Advisory & Research.

SwissCognitive Guest Blogger: Artem Pochechuev, Head of Data and AI at Sigli – “Future Of AI-Powered Solutions For Disabilities: On The Verge Of Fantasy”

Today, while discussing Artificial Intelligence, we often talk about Generative AI tools, virtual assistants, or recommendations assistance. Such tools are already widely adopted and that’s why it is not surprising that they come to our mind in the first turn.

However, the potential of AI is much higher than that. This technology can be used in some mind-blowing solutions that seem to be absolutely fantastic.

Nevertheless, their introduction can be much closer than we may think.

In this article, we offer you to take a look at the most cutting-edge AI-powered projects that can greatly change the lives of people with disabilities (and not only).

Multimodal LLMs

Let’s start with something that sounds the most realistic – multimodal LLMs. Probably, all of you are already well-familiar with models that can work only with text inputs and provide text outputs.

Multimodal models are able to work with data in different formats. It means that they can deal with text, images, and sounds simultaneously and provide a relevant output. That is exactly what GPT-4o is expected to offer.

Of course, such models can be highly helpful for everyone. But their value will be significantly higher for people with different kinds of disabilities, including those with vision impairment, physiological disorders, and mental diseases.

Multimodal LMS can act as full-scale virtual assistants. Their functionality can offer much more possibilities in comparison to well-known solutions like Siri.

What can multimodal LLMs offer to people who can’t interact with their surroundings in a traditional way? We can say “practically everything” and from some point of view, we even won’t exaggerate.

For example, they will be able to explain everything that is written on the screen or describe what is shown in the picture. Their functionality will allow them to instantly translate and read aloud a text from the PDF file. They will help people to interact with their computers and smartphones. Based on the voice command made by users, they will open different menus, choose the necessary options, or move a pointer to the required line, while for a person with low vision or hand tremors, it can be very challenging to do this.

In the future, such models are expected to process video content as well. This will allow them to recognize films and describe their plots for users. Or they will be able to understand what sports game you will show to them and explain the rules.

Of course, these are just a couple of examples that demonstrate how multimodal LLMs can be used by people with disabilities. The range of their applications can be really wide.

AI-powered prosthetics

For people who were born without some parts of their bodies or who lost them under different circumstances, prostheses can become the best solution. These artificial body parts can restore some of the function and appearance of the lost anatomy. However, everything is not as seamless as we may think. The use of traditional prostheses can be associated with huge discomfort and various limitations, like limitations in dexterity or sensory feedback.

Nevertheless, such issues can be at least partially addressed by AI-powered prosthetics. Yes, AI arms today are not just something from a science fiction book. That’s a reality.

Artificial intelligence can significantly enhance the functionality, adaptability, and user experience of prostheses. In such solutions, ML is applied to teach bionic limbs how to understand movement patterns and how to make predictions based on the behaviours demonstrated previously. Thanks to this, limbs become more dexterous and more “natural”.

Such prostheses, both arms and legs, are non-invasive. But they have sensors that can measure electrical signals to identify the user’s intended movement.

Photo: University of Michigan

Of course, the use of AI-powered limbs is much more convenient in comparison to traditional prostheses. AI can automatically adjust artificial limbs for a better fit and can even make real-time changes based on user movements and activity levels.

The most advanced models can provide feedback on pressure and texture, which allows them to simulate the sense of touch for users.

Nevertheless, the cost of such devices is very high at the moment. This is one of the main factors that prevent them from being widely adopted today.

Bionic eye

Bionic limbs are a cutting-edge technology but what do you think about bionic eyes?

These experimental devices can restore functional vision for people who have partial or even total blindness.

The implantation of the earliest version of the bionic eye took place in 2012. The patient who got this artificial eye suffered from profound vision loss. After the surgery, he was able to see light. However, he couldn’t make distinctions within the environment. Since then, this first eye model has been greatly improved. Some other versions helped people start seeing abstract images. Nevertheless, none of the patients has regained vision.

One of the most widely discussed projects from this category is the Prima system by Pixium Vision. Their bionic vision solutions are being developed to help patients with profound vision loss and improve their independence and mobility.

Photo: https://www.pixium-vision.com

The core of their idea is the use of a 2-by-2-millimeter square implant that should be surgically placed under the retina. This implant should receive infrared data from camera-equipped glasses and further turn it into pulses of electricity which will replace signals generated by photoreceptor rods and cones.

Some early feasibility studies conducted in the US and European Union demonstrated that this system could be potentially effective and safe for people. Nevertheless, the project faced some financial difficulties which resulted in the delay in further research and development.

Rehabilitation robots and exoskeleton

Rehabilitation is a very important process for people with disabilities and patients after injuries. AI-powered robots can greatly help in the process of physical therapy through repetitive and controlled movements. They can offer personalized exercises and continuously monitor the progress to optimize recovery outcomes.

Such robots are often used in targeted therapy for patients with neurological or musculoskeletal impairments, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or orthopedic injuries.

One of the most well-known robots of this kind is Lokomat which helps individuals relearn walking patterns. It ensures the most physiological movement which can be guaranteed by the individually adjustable patient interface.

Photo: https://www.hocoma.com/us/solutions/lokomat

Another type of solution used in rehabilitation is the exoskeleton. Exoskeletons can be defined as wearable devices that work in conjunction with the user’s movements to enhance or assist physical capabilities.

They can help individuals with mobility impairments to stand, walk, or perform other movements. Moreover, they can be used to enhance the physical abilities of healthy individuals, such as in industrial or military applications.

Over the last several years, we could observe the growing interest in designing innovative tools of this kind that incorporate AI. The obvious benefits of such exoskeletons are their capabilities to analyze data and adjust to the individual user’s needs in real-time.

One such groundbreaking AI-powered exoskeletons was developed by a group of researchers at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This wearable device can ensure great energy savings during human movement, which could lead to great improvements in athletic performance and significantly help individuals with mobility issues.

This exoskeleton is powered by data-driven and physics-informed reinforcement learning. With this approach, wearable robots can become intuitive and predict user’s movements.  This technology can also generate synergistic assistance across different activities, such as walking or stair-climbing. The controller can automatically adapt to various kinematic patterns. It means that the transition between activities can take place without any handcrafted control.

Photo: https://www.foxnews.com/tech/ai-driven-exoskeleton-lightens-your-load-elevates-performance

Though the actual prices of exoskeletons can vary from $50,000 to $120,000, Hao Su, Ph.D., associate professor at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, noted that their efficient learning-in-simulation framework allows for rapid design and testing in computer simulations.

This can help to reduce the cost of research and development.

“Looking forward, we plan to make our robots truly affordable and accessible through innovative hardware design, namely low-ratio gears and cost-effective but high-torque electric motors. In about one year, we aim to make our exoskeletons for sale at a price range of $1,500 to $4,000, depending on specific features and manufacturing scale,” he explained.

Elderly care robots/ assistive robots for people with disabilities

While talking about robots, we can’t but mention robots that could fully or at least partially replace nurses, tutors, and caregivers.

In August 2023, the first commercial general-purpose humanoid robot Apollo by Apptronik was presented to the public. At the initial stages of its development, it was planned that it would be used in the manufacturing and warehousing industries. Nevertheless, later the range of its use cases was expanded. It can be also helpful in construction, retail, and elderly care. In the latest case, such robots can handle dozens of household chores and become good companions for people who spend a lot of time in isolation due to their disease or disabilities.

Photo: https://apptronik.com/apollo

However, this project is far not the only one in this group.

For example, there are a lot of reports from Japan revealing that the country is actively investing in the automation of elder care by employing various robots.

Though probably the majority of us start thinking about humanoid devices when asked about care robots, it’s far from being true. They can come in different sizes and shapes. Some of them are intended for physical care. In this case, we are talking about those ones that can help lift patients who can’t get on their own. There are robots that assist people in exercising and moving. Some others can track the physical activity of patients, detect falls, and help them use the toilet or take a bath.

There are also robots that are intended to communicate with elderly people, they can entertain them and even conduct cognitive training.

Robot guide dogs

Guide dogs are known to have been helping people with visual impairments for centuries. They can be great assistants and companions but the use of their services is associated with a row of challenges. The training of a guide dog usually requires significant time and expense. Moreover, let’s not forget about an average dog’s lifespan. This explains why a lot of countries face a shortage of trained guide dogs.

For example, according to the data published by the China Association for the Blind, currently, there are only around 400 trained dogs in the country, while the number of people who may need their help is over 17 million.

Dogs require particular care. They all have their personalities. This also can cause some difficulties for people.

But with the application of modern technologies, such issues can be successfully solved. Especially for those who do not feel like having a furry friend, as they can have a robot friend instead.

Robot guide dogs can efficiently provide real-time navigation services for people with visual disabilities and let them travel independently and safely. Such robots can identify road conditions, obstacles, and surrounding facilities. Moreover, they can work with voice prompts and provide vibration feedback, which makes interaction with them quite simple.

It is known that a group of Chinese researchers have been already conducting field tests of a six-legged guide dog that relies on cameras and sensors for navigation. This robot can successfully recognize traffic light signals, while in the case of real dogs, this “feature” is not available.

Photo: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/08/china/chinese-robot-guide-dog-intl-hnk/index.html

Of course, robot dogs require some maintenance but at least users do not need to feed them on a daily basis.

Brain-computer interface

Another technology that we should mention is a brain-computer interface. It can establish a direct communication pathway between the brain and an external device. It is possible thanks to its capability to decode the neural signals associated with attempted but unarticulated speech. In other words, it can translate neuronal information into commands capable of controlling external software or hardware systems.

In a very simplified way, we can explain its work as follows:

1. Collection of brain signals using electrodes or sensors;
2. Signal processing, filtering, and amplifying;
3. Extraction of relevant patterns or features within the signals;
4. Translation of these patterns into commands that can be understood by external devices.

Some BCIs are being developed for entertainment purposes. With their help, players can enjoy more immersive experiences. However, the majority of such projects have healthcare-related goals. For example, they can be used to assist in the in the recovery of motor functions.

In this context, it’s worth recollecting Neuralink. That’s definitely one of the most widely-known projects of this kind. This BCI is fully implantable. It’s invisible. And it can help users to seamlessly control their smartphones and computers. This technology can greatly help people with disabilities who are looking for ways to become more independent. Its efficiency in this aspect has been already proven in the first human trial.

Photo: https://neuralink.com/blog/prime-study-progress-update

In January 2024, Noland Arbaugh, a 30-year-old man paralyzed from the neck down, became the first patient who received the Neuralink device. Though there were some technical challenges during the trial, the general results look quite promising.

Thanks to the Neuralink device, the young man got practically full control of a computer. With the power of his mind, he can play games and browse the web at any moment. Moreover, according to Neuralink, Noland has managed to set the human record for cursor control with a brain-computer interface.

In an interview with journalists, Noland explained that the biggest advantage of using a BCI is the possibility of being independent.

“It’s just made me more independent, and that helps not only me but everyone around me. It makes me feel less helpless and like less of a burden. I love the fact that the people around me don’t have to wait for me so much. Outside of being completely healed, I believe what most quadriplegics want is independence,” he said.

Conclusion

Though today the majority of solutions mentioned in this article haven’t been widely adopted, that’s obvious that they have great potential given their incredible social value.

Moreover, we can say for sure that the real power of technologies, and AI in particular, hasn’t been even fully explored yet.

We still have a lot of things to learn and to do. But one thing is clear: today we are close to the future as never before. And we definitely shouldn’t stop in making life easier and better for everyone with the power of AI.

About the Author:

In his current position, Artem Pochechuev leads a team of talented engineers. Oversees the development and implementation of data-driven solutions for Sigli’s customers. He is passionate about using the latest technologies and techniques in data science to deliver innovative solutions that drive business value. Outside of work, Artem enjoys cooking, ice-skating, playing piano, and spending time with his family.

Der Beitrag Future Of AI-Powered Solutions For Disabilities: On The Verge Of Fantasy erschien zuerst auf SwissCognitive | AI Ventures, Advisory & Research.

SwissCognitive Guest Blogger: Livia Spiesz – “AI in Diplomacy: Can Technology Foster a More Peaceful World?”

There are currently 56 ongoing conflicts globally involving 96 countries (Vision for Humanity, 2024; Salhani, 2024). The issue to mitigate this lies in the increasing norm of using force. Leaders are opting for peace-undermining military solutions, believing they can succeed through force rather than diplomacy. I would even challenge that as a reason. War seems to be the new status quo, disregarding also the thousands of lives lost in the process. What does it really mean? I let numbers speak: in 2023, the global expenditure on military operations reached $2.44 trillion USD, while peacebuilding and peacekeeping operations were at $34.1 billion. (International Peace Institute, 2023; and Dyvik, 2024). Result? 110 million people are displaced globally as we speak, and in 2023, more civilians were killed or injured by airstrikes, bombs, and artillery than in any year over the past decade. (International Rescue Committee, 2024; and Sabbagh, 2024)

Humanity struggles to learn from history, as violence remains a persistent and ineffective approach to resolving conflicts. With Artificial Intelligence (AI) being increasingly applied across industries and domains, I wonder, can this technology offer a solution to these escalating tensions and “save our world” from falling apart? Can it transfer diplomacy? Is the field ready at all?

After exchanging with hundreds of AI experts globally in the last over 6 years, I see great potential for AI in the world of diplomacy. This great potential is however wrapped in peril that needs the human mind, heart and soul to remove. On one hand, AI can revolutionize diplomacy and streamline negotiations (for instance through AI-driven conflict analysis tools and tailored approaches to negotiations), and also enhance global security (monitoring local news, tracking down misinformation, identifying potential conflicts, and anticipating trends (Delcker, 2023)). On the other hand, it can exacerbate existing disparities, fuel an arms race, increase sophisticated cyber threats, and deepen distrust among nations. This contrast makes me wonder: Are we prepared to handle this double-edged sword wisely, or will we let it cut deeper into the fabric of international relations?

AI readiness will likely determine future economic growth, potentially widening the prosperity gap between AI-ready and non-AI-ready countries (Georgieva, 2024). The United Nations (UN) has a critical role in promoting international cooperation and addressing this challenge posed by AI. The question is: are global leaders also prepared to create policies that ensure AI benefits everyone or will they simply reinforce existing inequalities?

Experts emphasize proactive AI governance to prevent risks from an unchecked race driven by strategic advantage and profit​ (Pasquini, 2024). Proposals range from informal agreements to initiatives like the WEF’s AI Governance Alliance and the UN Secretary-General’s AI Advisory Body​. These bodies aim to provide technical assessments and promote international cooperation. However, the absence of major players like China and Russia, along with the underrepresentation of developing nations, poses significant challenges​ (Zhou, 2024).
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The centralization of AI development in the Global North also creates power imbalances, leaving the Global South in a consumer role, sometimes with AI models that do not even fit local contexts (Antony et al., 2024). This problem is further complicated by the geopolitical impacts of AI, which potentially undermines the autonomy of countries that import these technologies (World Economic Forum, 2024). Governments face the dilemma of attracting investments from tech giants while protecting public interests. The lack of diversity in AI development leads to biased outcomes, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Are we considering the global impacts of our AI advancements, or are we perpetuating existing inequalities?

We are currently in the “inter-AI years,” a brief window to influence the trajectory of AI development before norms, values, and standards become entrenched (Cohen & Lee, 2023). Decisions made today will shape the future of AI and its impact on global power dynamics. This period is crucial for determining the path of AI, and it is vital that we get it right. AI’s potential to boost economic growth is enormous, with estimates suggesting that widespread AI adoption could increase global GDP by nearly $7 trillion over ten years (Cohen & Lee, 2023). However, realizing these benefits depends on the availability of energy, computing power, data, and models, not even mentioning AI literacy.

To leverage AI for global peace, we must move beyond mere regulatory frameworks and embrace a collaborative and inclusive approach. The UN’s role in promoting international cooperation is crucial. As AI continues to evolve, the question remains: Will we harness AI to create a more peaceful and just world, or will short-sighted national interests undermine its potential and allow it to further destabilize global relations? Time will tell. I personally see great potential for a better world where we augment our human abilities and capabilities with cognitive technologies. However, I would also like to emphasize that diplomacy thrives on the art of empathy, personal connection, and building trust – qualities I can’t imagine machines ever truly mastering.

References and Resources Used

Anthony, A., Sharma, L.; and Noor, E. (2024). Advancing a More Global Agenda for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence. Link

Cohen, J. and Lee, G. (2023). The generative world order: AI, geopolitics, and power. Link

Dyvik, E., H. (2024). Global military spending from 2001 to 2023. Link

Garcia, E., V. (2020). Multilateralism and Artificial Intelligence: What Role for the United Nations? Link

Georgieva, K. (2024). AI Will Transform the Global Economy. Let’s Make Sure It Benefits Humanity. Link

International Peace Institute. (2023). A Measure of Peace: Key Findings from the 2023 Global Peace Index. Link

International Crisis Group. (2024). 10 Conflicts to Watch in 2024. Link

International Rescue Committee (2024). 110 million people displaced around the world: get the facts. Link

Pasquini, N. (2024). Proactive AI Policy. Link

Sabbagh, D. (2024). More civilian casualties recorded in 2023 than any year since 2010. Link

Salhani, J. (2024). Iran’s response to Israel looms. What are the possible scenarios? Link

Vision of Humanity. (2024). Highest number of countries engaged in conflict since World War II. Link

World Economic Forum. (2024). Artificial Intelligence: The Geopolitical Impacts of AI. Link

Zhou, L. (2024). Russia and China compare notes on ‘military use of artificial intelligence’. Link

About the Author:

With a diverse background in human behavior, criminal psychology, leadership, diplomacy, development, and peacebuilding, Livia is committed to fostering understanding and growth on both personal and societal levels. As a strategic partnerships and communications expert with over 10 years of international experience, she has spent the last 6+ years in the AI industry, collaborating with hundreds of AI experts and leaders globally. Livia seeks out less-traveled paths and embraces challenges with a realist-idealist approach, living by the motto: “Reach for the sky, and you will get to the stars.”

Der Beitrag AI in Diplomacy: Can Technology Foster a More Peaceful World? erschien zuerst auf SwissCognitive | AI Ventures, Advisory & Research.

Most organizations see the need to revamp their training programs to address AI skills shortages — an approach that delivers intangibles hiring can’t provide.

Copyright: cio.com – “IT Leaders’ AI Talent Needs Hinge On Reskilling”

CIOs and HR managers are changing their equations on hiring and training, with a bigger focus on reskilling current employees to make good on the promise of AI technologies.

That shift is in no small part due to an AI talent market increasingly stacked against them. With AI talent in high demand, the shortage of AI technicians available will only get worse, some hiring experts say, as job postings for workers with AI expertise are growing 3.5 times faster than for all jobs, according to a recent PwC report.

Worse, university pipelines don’t appear to be providing relief anytime soon. Although some colleges already offer AI classes, many haven’t had time to create new programs to meet the increased demand from the new AI boom, which started with the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022.

“We’re going to have much more demand than we have supply, at least until people start to skill up, and at least until universities start to have graduates who come out with expertise,” says Malavika Sagar, senior vice president and CHRO at TE Connectivity, a manufacturer of sensors and parts used in appliances, wearable devices, intelligent buildings, vehicles, and military aircraft. “I do believe we’re going to have a little bit of a crunch here for the next four to five years.”

As a result, organizations such as TE Connectivity are launching internal training programs to reskill IT and other employees about AI. Such programs, IT and HR leaders believe, will give their organizations added benefits that a hiring-heavy approach to AI needs isn’t likely to provide.

Rethinking talent strategies

To address its AI crunch, TE Connectivity just launched a four-tier training program that will range from basic education about AI and how to use it in office jobs to ways engineers can use AI to help design specific products. The company is also working with universities on AI-based product design challenges for students.[…]

Read more: www.cio.com

Der Beitrag IT Leaders’ AI Talent Needs Hinge On Reskilling erschien zuerst auf SwissCognitive | AI Ventures, Advisory & Research.

SwissCognitive Guest Blogger: Zachary Amos – “Will AI Reduce or Deepen the Digital Divide?”

The aviation sector is increasingly relying on internet-connected devices and interconnected digital systems, increasing the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches. Needless to say, an urgent solution is essential, which could be artificial intelligence (AI). AI is fast, versatile and adaptive, so it seems like the ideal tool. Can it permanently improve aviation cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity Concerns in the Aviation Industry

A ransomware attack is one of the most common cyberattacks. Globally, the aviation sector experiences one at least once per week on average. Threat actors know airlines are desperate to keep planes in the air, so they’re easy target.

Data breaches are another huge cybersecurity concern in aviation. Hackers know commercial airlines store passenger data — names, addresses and birth dates — which can be very valuable on the dark web. They covertly infiltrate systems to steal and leak information.

An insider threat is a threat that comes from inside an organization. Unfortunately, it’s relatively common. In 2023, 30% of chief information security officers felt it was one of the biggest dangers. More often than not, an employee’s mistake causes a cybersecurity incident.

Why Do Cybercriminals Target Aviation?

Threat actors and cybercriminals will target any sector as long as they can steal valuable data and secure ransom payments. However, aviation is a prominent target for these reasons.

Military Aviation

While the Air Force is advanced enough to stop many cyberattacks relatively easily, it deals with a tremendous number of them. Foreign countries, terror groups and digital attackers know the sensitive, top-secret data in military systems would be incredibly valuable on the dark web.

Commercial Aviation

Threat actors frequently concentrate their efforts on civil aviation. In 2020, 61% of aviation-related cyberattacks targeted commercial airlines. They’re valuable targets since they store a massive amount of personally identifiable data and get government funding.

Cyberattacks can force airlines to ground their planes until they resolve the situation, causing billions of dollars in lost revenue and refunds. Compliance-related fees and reputation damage can also have a massive financial impact on them.

Artificial Intelligence Alleviates Cybersecurity Concerns

AI can alleviate aviation’s main cybersecurity concerns and adapt to emerging threats.

• Updates and Patches

If software doesn’t receive updates, new vulnerabilities appear — and hackers exploit them. In response, aviation engineers use generative AI to expedite code base testing to guarantee patch installation, securing critical systems against cyberattacks faster.

• Incident Response

While cybersecurity professionals don’t work around the clock, cybercriminals do. Fortunately, AI can automatically respond to cybersecurity incidents during off-hours. It can either send critical alerts to prompt manual intervention or initiate a predetermined reaction.

• Autonomous Adaptation

Machine learning models can autonomously adapt as they receive new information. In other words, they don’t need any manual intervention to learn. They’ll get more accurate over time instead of becoming outdated like most other hardware. As a result, they know how to react to unique cybersecurity threats.

• Threat Detection

AI can learn from past cybersecurity incidents to understand what suspicious activity and anomalies look like. It enables predictive analytics, which essentially allows airlines to predict when and how cyberattacks will occur.

• Automatic Operation

Algorithms operate automatically, enabling them to work incredibly fast. According to Matthew Strohmeyer — an Air Force colonel — one of the military’s machine learning models can complete a task in 10 minutes that would take humans days. AI can work around the clock without manual intervention to detect, categorize and respond to threats.

Artificial Intelligence Strengthens Cybersecurity Efforts

Algorithms check all the boxes regarding cybersecurity. They’re fast, automatic, adaptable and affordable. Even commercial airlines — which have notoriously thin operating margins — can afford to leverage AI because it doesn’t need much power to run constantly.

As cyberattacks continue increasing in frequency, AI will likely become the go-to solution for aviation cybersecurity. It can protect against the most prominent concerns — ransomware, insider threats and data breaches — by minimizing human error, identifying threats faster than humans and securing systems against threat actors.

About the Author:

Zachary Amos is the Features Editor at ReHack, where he writes about artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other technology-related topics.

Der Beitrag How Artificial Intelligence Improves Aviation Cybersecurity erschien zuerst auf SwissCognitive | AI Ventures, Advisory & Research.

The SwissCognitive AI Navigator: Practical Leadership Guide To Navigate The AI Era – Going Beyond Silo Mentality

Breaking Silos, Building Bridges – Collaboration on C-Level

With the relentless pace of technological evolution, it’s imperative for senior leaders to collaboratively discern the ramifications of these innovations on business dynamics, operational strategies, and workforce implications. Yet, a recurring challenge is the tendency of individuals, when confronted with rapidly advancing technologies, to feel daunted, leading them to disengage and opt for protective isolation. This behaviour isn’t limited to a specific tier but is observable across organizational hierarchies. As Peter Cunningham notes, “Amid rising ambiguity and intricacy, fear can manifest, driving individuals to curtail their involvement, seeking solace in isolation as a defence mechanism to conserve their assets.” Such defensive postures predominantly stem from apprehensions about the unknown. However, as Isabelle Flückiger insightfully suggests, “Our emphasis should transition from our anxieties to potential solutions.” Furthermore, while the synergy between humans and machines gains prominence, Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos highlights a critical perspective: “Before we prioritize human-machine collaborations, we must solidify human-human cooperation. True success entails humans working harmoniously first, and subsequently incorporating machines into the workflow.”

As complexities create uncertainties, the key is to focus on solutions, with a primary emphasis on strengthening human collaboration, before seamlessly integrating machine capabilities.

By fostering open communication and collaboration among C-level leaders, organizations can make well-informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and align their technology adoption strategies with their overall business objectives. This collaboration ensures that all C-level leaders bring their domain expertise and perspectives to the table, enabling a holistic approach to technology implementation and avoiding siloed decision-making. It promotes a culture of innovation and adaptability, allowing organizations to stay ahead in the competitive landscape and navigate the complexities of the digital era.

By cultivating the usage of synergies at the executive level, organizations can navigate the digital transformation, fostering a culture of innovation and agility.

This collaborative approach will ensure a unified vision, helping break down siloed thinking, leading to integrated, comprehensive strategies. It will further foster an environment – not only on C-level but also beyond – that encourages the exchange of diverse insights and fostering creativity. Ultimately, this C-level and cross-functional engagement will help organizations stay agile, mitigate risks more effectively, and seize new opportunities in a rapidly changing business landscape.

Beyond the C-Suite: Engaging with the Heartbeat of the Organization

C-level leaders stand at a pivotal juncture, tasked with understanding the depths of AI integration across their organizations. It’s no longer a debate of if, but how and where to wield AI’s potential. As these leaders strategize, the workforce remains an invaluable asset, integral not just in high-level decisions but also in hands-on departmental tasks. As Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos pointed out, “Scaling can’t happen for as long as sustainable data management is not in place.” Echoing the sentiment on data’s centrality, Patrick Bangert remarked, “AI on its own is nothing. What is important is the data and the science behind it.” Meanwhile, Jürgen Pulm underscores the horizon, emphasizing, “The major focus in the coming years is on enhancing engineering capacity and capability, and with that preparing for the future.”

The harmony between humans and AI is more than collaboration; it’s a powerful partnership. Isabelle Flückiger elucidated, “Machines are better at processing large amounts of data and extracting valuable information. Humans are better at the interpretation of information and reasoning. The combination of AI and human are unbeatable.” Semih Kumluk extends this, stating, “The combination of human judgment and creativity with machine speed, stamina, and accuracy forms an unbeatable team in business.” Recognizing this dynamic interplay, leadership must champion the unique strengths of both, inspiring their teams to fully harness the combined might of man and machine.

Adopting a collaborative mindset not only builds confidence in AI but also underscores the unmatched significance of human discernment.

This approach not only optimizes productivity and decision-making but also fosters a positive work culture where AI is seen as an ally, not a threat. “Man plus machine, when appropriately combined, is indeed unbeatable. Education is critical to ensuring that humans maintain control over principles, while machines handle calculations and processing. Without proper education, the combined mistakes can be greater than those made by humans or machines alone.” (Jair Ribeiro)[…]

The exploration of AI’s vast impact and possibilities is just beginning! If you’re intrigued by what you’ve read so far, dive deeper with our detailed guide, the “AI Navigator”.

What is the “AI Navigator”?

An insight into AI’s evolving landscape. Ethical considerations, human-centric values, and practical leadership guidance, offering a balanced and in-depth perspective essential for any leader in today’s digital age.

To receive your complete copy, simply fill out the form below. In just a few moments, the “AI Navigator” will arrive in your mailbox, and you’ll be on your way to uncover AI, its potential, challenges, and the strategies for harnessing its power effectively in your organizational journey.

Chapter Contributors:

Alessandro Curioni, IBM Fellow, VP Europe and Africa and Director IBM Research, Zurich

Andrea Latino, Digital Lead, Innovation Growth Hacker, Nestlé

David Wood, Chair, London Futurists

Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos, CEO, Global Health & Digital Innovation Foundation, European Public Policy Committee, IEEE

Isabelle Flückiger, Non-Executive Board Member, AEW Energie | Vice Chairman of the Board Of Directors, Limmatkraftwerke | Expert for Innosuisse

Jair Ribeiro, Analytics and Insights Leader, Volvo Group

Jürgen Pulm, Chief Digital Information Officer, Wealth Business: Natwest Group | Non Executive Director, QESTIT (QCENTRIS)

Matt Hervey, AI and IP Expert; Head of Artificial Intelligence Law, Gowling WLG (UK) LLP | Co-editor General Editor of The Law of Artificial Intelligence

Patrick Bangert, Former VP of Strategic Business, SAMSUNG SDS | SVP Data, Analytics and AI, Searce Inc

Peter Cunningham, Head of Leadership Co-Director, Geneva Leadership Alliance

Robert Marcus, Founder and CEO, ALPHA10X

Semih Kumluk, Head of AI and Digital, PwC, United Arab Emirate

Der Beitrag Going Beyond Silo Mentality – The AI Navigator: Leadership Guide To The AI Era erschien zuerst auf SwissCognitive | AI Ventures, Advisory & Research.

Copyright: asiapacific.unwomen.org – “From Warfare to Peace building: Employing Artificial Intelligence for Women, Peace and Security”

With increasing dependency on technology and a steadily rising number of Internet users across the Asia and the Pacific region, the stage for peacebuilding and security actors is changing. Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral element of information and communication technologies (ICTs), from everyday digital tools to military technologies. While AI offers innovative solutions to countless issues, it also carries pitfalls that, if left unaddressed, may have serious implications on gender equality and peace and security.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the extent to which women peacebuilders use ICTs and digital solutions to support their work. Although gender biases in these technologies hinder equal and safe online engagement, digital peacebuilding and online civic engagement are venues for increased opportunities for women peacebuilders to advance their work. Digital solutions will play important roles in several key peacebuilding areas. This brief outlines some of the challenges and opportunities that AI carries for the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Southeast Asia.

AI and gendered security risks

AI refers to the use of computer systems to mimic human thinking, behaviour and decision-making processes. This may include everyday technologies such as voice-powered virtual assistants, predictive text functions and search and recommendation algorithms on our personal devices. While the rise of AI has the potential to revolutionize numerous functions across societies, concerns are emerging as AI systems have been shown to perpetuate discriminatory practices with serious implications for gender equality, human rights as well as human and national security.[…]

Read more: asiapacific.unwomen.org

Download the Action Brief PDF.

Der Beitrag From Warfare to Peace building: Employing Artificial Intelligence for Women, Peace and Security erschien zuerst auf SwissCognitive | AI Ventures, Advisory & Research.

Navigating the AI-Fueled Funding Waves – SwissCognitive AI Radar

In the ever-evolving theatre of technological wonders, AI stands as both a beacon and a mirror, illuminating possibilities while reflecting our aspirations and anxieties. With this edition of the SwissCognitive AI Radar, we weave through a myriad of AI narratives, tracing the silhouettes of monetary influxes, strategic alliances, and ethical ripples across multiple sectors.

From Crunchbase’s chronicles of AI-driven solutions affirming investor optimism to Helsing’s record-breaking defence vision backed by Spotify’s maestro, the AI investment landscape is as variegated as it is vast. Vectara endeavours to untangle corporate data webs, while Forbes pens cautionary tales of ethical mazes in fintech. The intrigue of generative AI sees a venture capitalist unveiling the curtains of the investment theatre as Anthropic bridges linguistic chasms with a multilingual marvel.

While the clamour for agility rings clear for AI investors, Helsing re-emphasizes its democratic safeguarding mission. EY stands tall, heralding its AI-human symphony with EY.ai, and Writer sketches the future of corporate tales with an AI quill.

As the tide of technological progress surges forth, the tributaries of funding flow vigorously, shaping the contours of the AI frontier. The magnitude and momentum of funding are clear indicators of where the world sees potential and equally, where challenges beckon. Whether it’s startups breaking records or established conglomerates strengthening their AI arsenal, the funding narrative underscores the confidence and curiosity that encircle the AI domain, weaving a tale of promise, potential, and unprecedented transformation.

In this dance of dollars and digital minds, let us navigate the rhythms, highlights, and subtle shifts of the AI landscape, sensing its impact from corporate halls to global narratives.

Our article does not offer financial advice and should not be considered a recommendation to engage in any securities or products. Investments carry the risk of decreasing in value, and investors may potentially lose a portion or all of their investment. Past performance should not be relied upon as an indicator of future results.

Der Beitrag Navigating the AI-Fueled Funding Waves – SwissCognitive AI Radar erschien zuerst auf SwissCognitive | AI Ventures, Advisory & Research.