PM Modi discusses AI tools, AI utilized in brain ultrasounds, and more: 5 things you might have overlooked today
As the world says goodbye to 2023, the field of artificial intelligence continues to see exciting advancements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged young people in India to explore AI tools, particularly those related to real-time language translation, in order to preserve and promote native languages. Additionally, a research team in South Korea has created a generative AI-powered acoustic simulation technology that could reduce the technical challenges of brain ultrasounds. These stories and more are featured in today’s AI roundup. Let’s delve deeper into the details.
PM Modi urges youth to explore AI translation tools
In the last Mann Ki Baat episode of the year, PM Modi highlighted the impact of innovative technology, especially artificial intelligence, on various sectors, according to a report by ANI. He cited the successful use of the original AI-powered Bhashini app at the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in Uttar Pradesh, which facilitated seamless translation from Hindi to Tamil. The Prime Minister expressed optimism about the large-scale introduction of such technology in areas such as the judiciary and education, and foresees significant improvements in functionality. He encouraged the younger generation to explore and improve AI tools for real-time translation, highlighting the potential for change in schools, hospitals and courts.
“The day is not far when a speech would be given in any language, but the audience would be able to listen to the same speech in their own language in real time. The same feature will be available in the future also in movies. In the theater hall, the audience would be able to listen to real-time translations with the help of artificial intelligence,” PM Modi added.
AI in brain ultrasound
A research team led by Dr. Kim Hyungmin from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology’s Bionics Research Center has developed an acoustic simulation technology based on generative artificial intelligence, reports ANI. This technology aims to predict and correct real-time distortions caused by the skull in the ultrasound focusing position during focused ultrasound treatment. Although the clinical utility of AI simulation models has not been validated in non-invasive focused ultrasound therapy techniques, application has been limited due to challenges in real-time reflection of ultrasound wave distortions caused by different skull shapes in patients.
Israel announces 9 innovation centers focused on artificial intelligence
According to a report by ANI, the Israeli government has announced a 100 million shekel ($27.6 million) initiative to promote entrepreneurship in remote areas of the country. This initiative will establish nine innovation centers nationwide, and they will focus on developing high-tech solutions for various challenges, such as food technology, renewable energy, green building technology and artificial intelligence. The goal is to promote innovation and economic development in less central areas of Israel.
“High-tech diversity from a disciplinary, geographic and demographic perspective is a key part of the Authority’s strategy to strengthen Israel’s cutting-edge technology to compete with other innovation centers in the world,” said Dror Bin, CEO of the Innovation Authority. .
The number of deepfake videos has increased fivefold since 2019, according to a report
The proliferation of artificial intelligence technology in people’s lives has led to an alarmingly deep rise in fakes in India, raising fears of their potential impact on electoral politics, especially during the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. According to the 2023 State of Deepfakes Report by US-based online security services firm Home Security Heroes, the number of deepfake videos has increased fivefold since 2019, PTI reported. In 2023, India experienced numerous disturbing cases of deepfake videos, including one involving actress Rashmika Mandanna, where her face was superimposed on that of a British-Indian social media influencer.
Artificial intelligence software to detect wildfires in Australia
PerthNow reports that researchers in Perth, particularly at Murdoch University’s Harry Butler Institute, are working on artificial intelligence to identify bushfires in their early stages and provide faster alerts to those at risk. The technology company Cisco has granted funding for the development of this software. In the initial phase of the project, data will be collected during designated burns to train artificial intelligence to visually detect the composition of different fires. Andre deSouza, director of operations at the Harry Butler Institute, mentioned that the final plans for the camera and AI model could be 18 months away.
“We hope to have the first model trained after the next prescribed fire season (April-May 2024),” he said, adding: “Once the data is collected and the AI model is trained, we will work on the design of the camera itself.”
