Today’s AI news: Google AI outperforms doctors, AI investment impacted by rise in layoffs, and more.
The tech industry is experiencing a significant increase in layoffs despite the billions of dollars being invested in AI. Google’s AI has proven to be more effective than doctors in diagnostic conversations. Executives are being careful when it comes to investing in gen AI due to societal pressures. SK telecom is aiming to achieve global AI dominance through collaborations with other tech companies. These are just a few highlights from our daily roundup.
1. The technology industry is facing an increase in layoffs
As AI investments increase, the technology industry is experiencing a wave of layoffs that will exceed 5,500 job cuts in the first two weeks of 2024. Google, Amazon, Discord, Unity Software and Duolingo are among the companies that are reducing their staff and artificial intelligence. investments are often cited as the reason. The ongoing upheaval in the workforce points to potential unrest as AI changes the business landscape in the coming years. According to a CNN business report, 262,682 technology layoffs were recorded in 2023, compared to 164,969 the previous year.
2. Google’s AI beats doctors in diagnostic conversations
Google’s experimental artificial intelligence, the Articulate Medical Intelligence Explorer (AMIE), outperforms doctors in diagnostic dialogue and shows excellent accuracy in assessing respiratory and cardiac diseases. Artificial intelligence based on Google’s extensive language model, trained for simulated patient interviews, is suitable for doctors in information acquisition and excels in empathy. Although researchers are cautious about clinical use, AMIE could potentially democratize healthcare and highlight AI’s complementary role in human interactions in medicine, not replace it, Nature reports.
3. Executives exercise caution in AI investments amid societal pressures
According to Accenture’s recent pulse survey, 72 percent of managers are cautious about creative AI investments amid societal pressures for responsible use of AI. Concerns about policy issues, accuracy, and low initial ROI are influencing the decision to slow down planned investments in gen AI for 2024. Organizational culture is key, and people-first approaches emphasize ethical AI implementation as a tool to improve existing approaches without bypassing businesses. Forbes reports.
4. SK Telecom envisions global AI dominance through technology collaboration
SK Telecom strives to enhance global AI collaboration with major technology companies and aims to be a leading global AI company. At CES 2024, the telco unveiled plans for a “Global Telco AI Alliance” with partners in Germany, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, focusing on developing AI-powered business models. The AI assistant service manager expressed confidence in presenting concrete results at MWC Barcelona next year and highlighted the synergy of AI with traditional communication capabilities, RCR Wireless reported.
5. Morgan State University Deploys AI Chatbots to Promote Student Success
Morgan State University is planning a pilot project using AI-enhanced chatbots to help lower-income and first-generation students. The initiative, funded by a $7.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, aims to improve academic experiences. Chatbots belonging to the TEACH ME program offer course-specific support in mathematics and English, focusing on improving grades and attendance. According to the CNS News report, the pilot is scheduled to be commissioned in the fall of 2024.
