US military using AI to find air strike targets in the Middle East
Artificial intelligence is quickly being integrated into various aspects of life, from navigation apps to word processing programs. Now, its application has extended to U.S. military strategies.
According to Bloomberg, the U.S. military used AI to identify targets for air strikes in the Middle East in early February, marking a significant use of technology in combat.
The air strikes, which targeted facilities in Iraq and Syria with the help of AI, were part of a larger operation against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other Iranian-backed militias. Over 85 strikes were reported in a single day.
The technology, developed under Project Maven — a collaboration between Google and the Pentagon — employs machine learning algorithms to enhance intelligence gathering from drones and satellite imagery. This tech has been tested over the past year to identify potential targets in the Middle East.
Schuyler Moore, the chief technology officer at U.S. Central Command, emphasized the importance of scenario-specific data in the effectiveness of AI systems. Moore highlighted that soldiers consistently review and verify AI-recommended targets, ensuring decisions are made with precision.
The use of computer vision algorithms has significantly improved the identification of enemy locations and assets, demonstrating the efficiency and strategic advantage AI provides in military operations.
Moore also noted that the shift towards software-centric warfighting necessitates a reevaluation of policy, indicating that the integration of AI in military operations is still in its early stages.
As the U.S. military faces challenges in meeting recruiting numbers, the increased use of AI could play a crucial role in filling this gap. Additionally, the development of advanced weapons systems is increasingly incorporating AI, pointing to a future where artificial intelligence potentially becomes a cornerstone of military strategy.
Wendy’s clarifies dynamic pricing system after online backlash
Wendy’s will not raise prices at peak times, according to the company. The announcement comes after the chain said CEO Kirk Tanner’s comments were “misconstrued” during the week of Feb. 25 by several “media reports,” according to Reuters.
Wendy’s said the dynamic pricing system will still be implemented but only to provide discounts to customers during slower parts of the day.
The fast-food chain responded to reports that it would hike prices during busy times.
“We have no plans to do that,” Wendy’s said in a statement to Reuters, adding that it “would not raise prices when our customers are visiting us most.”
The company said the move to add digital menu boards to certain stores would allow it to offer discounts more easily. Wendy’s claims Tanner’s comments were “misconstrued” in media reports, “as an intent to raise prices when demand is the highest.”
The initial information on Wendy’s dynamic pricing structure never mentioned only lowering prices, and enhanced media coverage caused online backlash.
Reuters reported that Wendy’s is currently concerned about weaker demand hurting sales. According to Placer.ai data, visits to stores have declined over the past three months.
The campaign employee and motive behind fake robocall impersonating Biden
The individual responsible for the Biden robocall scam, which circulated prior to the New Hampshire primary election, has come forward in an exclusive interview with NBC News. The man discussed his motive behind the AI-generated robocall.
Steve Kramer claims to have pulled the stunt in order to bring attention to the dangers of AI ahead of the 2024 election. Kramer compared himself to American Revolutionary heroes in the interview.
United States officials believe the robocall incident marks the first attempt to interfere with an election process by using artificial intelligence.
The robocall impersonating President Joe Biden was sent to 20,000 voters in January before the New Hampshire primary.
The call told voters to “save their vote for November” in an attempt to deter primary voters from showing up to the polls. In the beginning of the investigation, authorities didn’t know who made the call. However, Kramer has recently claimed responsibility for the operation.
Kramer, a long-time election campaign employee, was working for Rep. Dean Phillips, the Democratic challenger to Biden in New Hampshire’s primary. Kramer paid a magician $150 to create a Biden voice message, according to Venmo transactions and text messages shared with NBC News.
Before deploying Biden’s fake call, Kramer first commissioned a fake call that impersonated Sen. Lindsey Graham as a test.
Authorities in New Hampshire are investigating the robocall for potentially violating state laws against voter suppression. Kramer said he received a subpoena from the Federal Communications Commission and welcomes the House of Representatives to call on him to publicly testify.
“This is a way for me to make a difference, and I have,” Kramer told NBC News in part. “I’m not afraid to testify, I know why I did everything. If I had come out right away, it takes away from the goal of the call. Even individuals acting alone can quickly and easily use AI for misleading and disruptive purposes.”
Several news outlets previously reported Life Co., a Texas telemarketing company, was linked to delivering the fake call. Kramer said the company had no knowledge of the content of the call prior to its delivery and he’d use the company again, except it is now done with his business.
Chipmaker Nvidia’s profits surge amid growing demand for AI
Wall Street is abuzz after the U.S. tech giant Nvidia reported its fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday, Feb. 21, surpassing expectations and showing artificial intelligence is very much in demand. The company announced its profits grew to $12.3 billion in the quarter, up from $1.4 billion a year ago. Nvidia’s net income surged 769% year-over-year.
“Generative AI has moved to center stage as governments, industries and organizations everywhere look to harness its transformative capabilities,” Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said in a statement posted to the company’s website on Tuesday, Feb. 20, “GTC has become the world’s most important AI conference because the entire ecosystem is there to share knowledge and advance the state of the art.
The California company makes chips for AI systems developed by Microsoft and Meta. Nvidia currently accounts for around 70% of all AI semiconductor sales. The company said revenue for the current quarter is expected to be $24 billion, an increase of 233% from 2023.
“The market was poised to sell the news following Nvidia’s earnings, given the sky-high expectations and deteriorating macro conditions,” Investing.com analyst Thomas Monteiro said, according to a Reuters report. “However, once again, the company left no doubt that the AI boom is much more than just a stock market narrative, but rather, the most significant bet from corporations worldwide at this moment.”
Biden considers executive action to handle crisis at U.S.-Mexico border: The Morning Rundown, Feb. 22, 2024
President Biden is reportedly considering taking executive action for the migrant crisis at the southern border. And it’s the return of “panda diplomacy” as China plans to send two giant pandas to the U.S.
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Reports: Biden considering executive action to handle border crisis
President Joe Biden is considering taking executive action to get a handle on the migrant crisis at the southern border. According to multiple reports citing officials within the administration, the changes being considered are not yet finalized and would be weeks away from taking effect.
CNN reported the Justice Department is reviewing the proposed executive action to determine if it could withstand legal challenges. In January, U.S. border patrol reported more than 124,000 migrant encounters along the U.S.-Mexico border. According to federal data, apprehensions dropped 50% from December 2023 amid ongoing talks between the U.S. and Mexico.
The news of a possible executive action comes after Republicans blocked a bipartisan bill in the Senate addressing immigration reform and foreign aid. A White House spokesperson released a statement in response to these reports criticizing Republicans for rejecting the border security bill.
“No executive action, no matter how aggressive, can deliver the significant policy reforms and additional resources Congress can provide,” the spokesperson added.
Boeing replaces head of 737 Max program after midair mishap
Investigators believed bolts needed to keep the panel in place were missing when it left the Boeing factory. The FAA later limited Boeing’s production of 737 Max jets. In an email to employees, Boeing said several leadership changes were underway as the company focuses on ensuring every one of its planes meets or exceeds safety requirements.
Chipmaker Nvidia’s profits surge amid growing demand for AI
The California company makes chips for AI systems developed by Microsoft and Meta. Nvidia currently accounts for around 70% of all AI semiconductor sales. The company said revenue for the current quarter is expected to be $24 billion, an increase of 233% from 2023.
President Biden’s dog ‘bit staff 24 times in one year’
Secret Service records released recently have unveiled that President Joe Biden’s German shepherd, Commander, was involved in at least 24 biting incidents over the past year, more than what was initially reported. The disclosure, which includes 269 pages of related emails, sheds light on the severity and frequency of these incidents.
The emails document the concern among Secret Service agents, with at least 11 of these incidents necessitating medical attention. The situation has highlighted the challenges faced by security personnel in managing the First Family’s pet within the confines of the White House.
Commander, Biden's banished German shepherd, had at least 25 biting incidents in a year https://t.co/ntR2hK6jhB
Commander, a gift to Biden from his brother James in December 2021, had to be removed from the White House premises in October. The decision came after one particularly severe incident where a Secret Service agent was bitten and required medical treatment. The two-year-old German shepherd’s behavior has sparked discussions about pet management and safety protocols within the presidential residence.
China to send more pandas to US, bringing back panda diplomacy
The announcement came months after a family of pandas who had lived at the Smithsonian National Zoo since 1972 was sent back to China, and as the last remaining family of pandas living in the U.S. at the Atlanta Zoo is set to return to China next year. According to San Diego Zoo officials, if all goes to plan, the zoo could welcome the new pandas as soon as the end of summer 2024. In return, the Associated Press reports, zoos typically pay the China Wildlife Conservation Association $1 million per year.
At a meeting in San Francisco in November 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Biden reportedly talked about panda diplomacy, which has long been a part of U.S.-China relations. While those relations have been rocky, Xi said at the meeting that China would again begin to lend the U.S. pandas to strengthen relations between our “two peoples.”
Odysseus, @Int_Machines’ uncrewed Moon lander, is targeted to touch down at the lunar South Pole at 5:30pm ET (2230 UTC) Feb. 22. Watch live with us as this Moon delivery brings science instruments to study the region. https://t.co/7U0WfJG56bpic.twitter.com/9JXBdD4y6K
NASA paid $118 million for the private spacecraft to deliver six experiments, including a stereo camera and radio receiver. The agency will be live-streaming the landing on its NASA TV service. Odysseus hopes to be the first private spacecraft ever to touch down on the moon and the first American moon landing since 1972.
Hivemind AI is a ‘key enabler for the US military’: Weapon of the week
Shield AI co-founder and President Brandon Tseng breaks down this episode’s weapon of the week in an interview with host Ryan Robertson. Tseng explains how an AI pilot called Hivemind is combining with a Firejet from Kratos to help advance the U.S. military’s aerial capabilities.
(This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity).
Ryan Robertson: This week we are talking about the Kratos Firejet, which is flown by Shield AI’s Hivemind autopilot. I’m going to bring in Shield AI’s President, Brandon Tseng, to talk about this. Brandon, thank you for joining us.
Brandon Tseng: Hey, thanks for having me.
Ryan Robertson: So you were telling me this is for targeting and red flag. What is that?
Brandon Tseng: Yeah, so our partnership with Kratos is really about productizing and bringing to market AI pilots. So, Shield AI, we are building the world’s best AI pilot to retake the skies. What is an AI pilot? Essentially it is self-driving technology for aviation. And why is that important? It enables aircraft operate without GPS, without communications, without a remote pilot, it enables the concept of swarming or teaming. And then — just like self driving cars can learn to drive different missions, park, do on ramp to off ramp, do freeway driving, suburban driving — you can train aircraft to do different missions as well.
We trained quad copters to clear buildings. We trained an F-16 to dogfight. We are working on suppression of enemy air defense missions, maritime domain awareness missions. And so really you can train these aircraft to learn and operate just any mission that you can define that any human pilot flies today.
Ryan Robertson: So what you’re saying is Hivemind is not limited to one type of craft, you can teach it to fly any craft?
Brandon Tseng: Yes, you can teach it to fly any craft. So, the MQM 178 Firejet — and Kratos has been a terrific partner with us — it actually represents the sixth class of aircraft that we have flown. So Hivemind has flown three quad copters, its flown our V-BAT, its flown the F-16 and the MQM 718 is the sixth aircraft. And later this year, when we fly the Valkyrie, that will be the seventh aircraft.
So Shield AI, essentially what we’re doing is taking an AI pilot and integrating it on lots and lots of different aircraft. So you can imagine a world where there are hundreds of thousands of aircraft. Up to a million aircraft flying — we don’t have enough pilots, what’s flying those? AI pilots. Hivemind will be flying those.
Ryan Robertson: How did you come up with the name Hivemind?
Brandon Tseng: Yeah, great question. Actually, it’s a science fiction reference a lot of people don’t know. I used to play “Starcraft” when I was a kid, and Hive Mind is one of the characters in the game of “Starcraft,” which is a real-time, science fiction-type strategy game. So I got the inspiration there.
Ryan Robertson: Brandon, that was great. Thank you so much for joining us today. Folks, you’re definitely gonna want to keep an eye on a Hivemind, because where this thing is going. I mean, sky’s the limit? Space is the limit? What do you think?
Brandon Tseng: I’ll just say it’s going everywhere. When I started the company in 2015, I asked myself, ‘What’s the military look like in 2035?’ Decided AI and autonomy should be commanding, maneuvering, piloting all of our different assets. And so we think about Hivemind being that key enabler for the U.S. military, and to enable the concept of intelligent affordable mass.
OpenAI teases text-to-video technology as FTC warns of dangers
A video circulated on X that showed a picturesque Tokyo from above with snowflakes falling and people bustling along the sidewalk. However, the imagery didn’t come from a photographer, drone or anywhere someone has physically been. The video was completely AI-generated by Sora, a new text-to-video model created by OpenAI.
Thursday, Feb. 15, OpenAI announced its new text-to-video model by displaying several videos the technology had created. The public is not yet able to use the technology, but OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told ABC News that he is first working with artists, policymakers, and others before releasing the new tool to the public.
Sora is not the first AI-generated imagery but some contend it is the most refined looking version of the text-to-video technology. In April, The New York Times reported on Runway AI’s version of text-to-video being released. Runway AI’s text-to-video ads featured choppy videos showing people and animals in fantastical settings.
However, Sora is hard to distinguish from real life. If a user didn’t know the images were created by artificial intelligence, they may assume they were real people or events.
While AI enthusiasts may be quick to brainstorm ideas for fun, experts warn the advancements in text-to-video AI may have the potential to be used for nefarious purposes as well.
According to NBC News, the Federal Trade Commission released proposed rules Thursday that would make it illegal to create AI impressions of real people, which includes protections for people in government and business.
“This action in the light of surging complaints around impersonation fraud, as well as public outcry about the harms caused to consumers and to impersonated individuals,” the agency wrote. “Emerging technology, including AI-generated deepfakes, threaten to turbocharge this scourge, and the FTC is committed to using all of its tool to detect, deter, and halt impersonation fraud.”
OpenAI told NBC News that it is working with experts to test Sora, so it is not used to create misinformation, hateful, or bias.
OpenAI has not disclosed what imagery and video sources are being used to train Sora and has offered little information about how it was built, according to euronews. The New York Times is reportedly suing OpenAI over its use of copyrighted works to train ChatGPT.
Hollywood writers have also expressed concerns about AI technology. According to Axios, In September, the Hollywood writers’ strike ended after an agreement was reached with studios on AI restrictions to protect writers’ products and credits. As part of the agreement, studios must also disclose if any material given to writers has been generated by AI or incorporate AI-generated material.
While some may be concerned about a potential Pandora’s Box unleashed by the power of AI, Altman did allow for some fan collaboration on Thursday. Altman used prompts by X users for the Sora model to create content based on people’s suggestions.
“A wizard wearing a pointed hat and a robe with white stars casting a spell that shoots lightning from his hand and holding an old tome in his other hand,” said one X user.
Another X user requested, “An instructional cooking session for homemade gnocchi hosted by a grandmother social media influencer set in a rustic Tuscan country kitchen with cinematic lighting.”
1 dead, 22 injured in Super Bowl parade shooting: The Morning Rundown, Feb. 15, 2024
One person is dead and more than 20 are wounded after shots are fired at a parade for the Super Bowl champions. And the lander looking to be the first U.S. spacecraft to touch down on the moon in five decades lifts off into space. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.
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1 dead, 22 injured in shooting at Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade
At least one person was killed and 22 others were injured, including at least eight children, after shots were fired following following the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade on Wednesday, Feb. 14, sending fans running for cover outside Union Station. Video shows police holding down an apparent suspect.
Police confirmed three people have been detained but have not announced their identities or said if they will face charges. Authorities are looking into reports that bystanders tackled one of the three people being detained.
Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves told reporters she was angry over what had taken place.
“The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment,” Graves said. “We had over 800 law enforcement officers, Kansas City, and other agencies at the location to keep everyone safe. Because of bad actors, which were very few, this tragedy occurred.”
Hundreds of thousands of people gathered for the parade in downtown Kansas City to cheer on the Chiefs after their victory at Super Bowl LVIII. Police said all members of the Chiefs’ organization were safe. The NFL and several players issued statements following the shooting, including Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who posted on X, “Praying for Kansas City.”
Warning of ‘serious national security threat’ prompts alerts on Russia
More details are coming to light after a cryptic message by Congressman Mike Turner, R-Ohio, who warned of a “serious national security threat.” Turner, the Republican Chair of the House Intelligence Committee, called on President Biden to declassify all information related to the threat but did not elaborate further.
Multiple news outlets, citing sources, said Turner was referring to Russia, specifically its attempts at developing a nuclear-capable weapon in space that could take down satellites. The sources added that it is not currently an active threat. Connecticut Congressman Jim Hines, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, told reporters that while the issue is serious, people should not panic.
Leaders in the Senate Intelligence Committee issued a statement saying they have the intelligence in question and have been tracking the issue. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said he had already scheduled a briefing for Thursday, Feb. 15, with congressional leaders and administration intelligence professionals to discuss the matter.
Houston-based Intuitive Machines hopes its lander, Odysseus, will be the first U.S. spacecraft to touch down on the moon in over five decades. NASA is paying the company $118 million to carry six items, including a camera to observe the dust upon landing and a radio receiver system to study charged particles on the moon’s surface.
Other items taken on the trip include insulation material from Columbia Sportswear and a sculpture from artist Jeff Koons. Odysseus is scheduled to land on the moon’s south pole on Feb. 22.
FDA approves first drug to treat severe frostbite
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first drug to treat severe frostbite in adults and reduce the risk of finger or toe amputation. The drug, Aurlumyn, injects affected areas and treats frostbite by opening blood vessels and preventing clots. It is expected to be available in the spring of 2024.
Frostbite happens when the skin and tissue get damaged by cold temperatures and occurs in stages, with painkillers and antibiotics typically used to treat mild frostbite. Severe frostbite, which happens when the skin and underlying tissue freeze, stopping blood flow, sometimes requires amputations.
Lyft admits to typo in earnings report
One company just found out how important it is to check for typos. The rideshare company Lyft saw its stock soar over 60% following the release of its quarterly earnings report late Tuesday, Feb. 13. The report said Lyft was expecting one of its profit margins to expand by 500 basis points, meaning five percentage points. Still, in reality, it was only expected to expand by 50 basis points or 0.5%.
The company admitted to the error during a call with investors on Wednesday, Feb. 14. Its CEO told CNBC he hopes the missed extra zero doesn’t take away from Lyft delivering its best financial quarter in its history. And despite the error and correction, the company’s stock was still up on Wednesday, Feb. 14.
University of Pennsylvania to be first Ivy League offering AI program
The rise of artificial intelligence is bringing change to almost every aspect of our lives, which means companies are looking for engineers with AI skills. Now, students at one Ivy League university can earn a degree in AI, and it’s not a fake.
The University of Pennsylvania will become the first Ivy League school to offer an engineering degree in AI when the undergrad program starts in the fall of 2024. Penn said the program will allow students to unlock AI’s potential as they learn the ethics of AI, legal matters surrounding the technology, and other topics. Penn will be the first Ivy League to have an artificial intelligence program, but other U.S. colleges, including Carnegie Mellon and Purdue, also offer bachelor’s degrees in AI.
US adversaries harness OpenAI services to enhance cyberattack capabilities
When ChatGPT burst into the spotlight in 2022, people hailed it for its sophistication and versatility. However, artificial intelligence experts and government officials soon raised concerns about potential exploitation by malicious actors.
In a report Wednesday, Feb. 14, Microsoft and OpenAI found that hacker groups from China, Russia, North Korea and Iran are leveraging AI services to enhance their cyberattack capabilities.
OpenAI said it terminated every known account associated with five nation-state hacker groups. Microsoft, a significant financial backer of OpenAI, said these countries should not have access to such crucial technology.
While Microsoft and OpenAI haven’t discovered any significant attacks utilizing tools like ChatGPT, they have classified the hackers’ usage as “early-stage” research.
“These actors generally sought to use OpenAI services for querying open-source information, translating, finding coding errors, and running basic coding tasks,” OpenAI said in a report.
Currently, Microsoft tracks more than 300 hacking groups. Once identified, the company disrupts their activities, limits their access and ultimately terminates their services.
“We’re seeing this evolve across a number of ways again increasing sophistication by the actor,” Tom Burt, vice president of customer security at Microsoft said. “The use in some cases of AI-generated voicemail as the means of of conducting the fraud as well as email and the use of of cloud-based infrastructure to engage in these crimes.”
Microsoft acknowledged it can’t see every malicious actor, but the company is committed to taking every possible measure to disrupt threat actors.
The tech giant said it works with more than 15,000 partners to boost its security ecosystem, hoping to prevent the powerful tool from becoming a weapon against the U.S.
AI companions boom in popularity. Are relationships being redefined?
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is on the rise, leading to a growing trend in AI companionship. This trend is reminiscent of the 2013 movie “Her,” where a man falls in love with an AI-generated female voice.
In 2024, dozens of apps are offering similar products that are all centered on a custom-made companion. Users have the ability to customize the companions’ appearance, voice and behavior.
While some may mock the idea, others are making money off it.
Replika is the most prominent AI companion app. The company’s website reads, “Join the millions who already have met their AI soulmates.”
Replika isn’t exaggerating its user base. The app has more than 10 million downloads.
Researchers said the technology behind the trend has made major advancements in recent years, making the avatars more realistic than ever.
“You have to think about this word AI that is in this,” Liberty Vittert, a professor of data science at Washington University in St. Louis, told CNN. “It’s not a virtual girlfriend, its an AI girlfriend. So it learns from you. It learns what you like, what you don’t like, what pictures you like, pictures you don’t like.”
Another reason for the boom in AI companionship, according to Vittert, is because people are lonely. More specifically, men are lonely, and some are exploring this new avenue as a potential fix.
“I think we have to address the issue at the root of it which is where this loneliness starts,” Vittert said. “We also see psychologically that younger women have closer friends and they are not nearly as affected as young men in this sort of silent epidemic of loneliness.”
Experts have deemed AI as a threat to humanity, and some AI researchers said it could also be a risk to relationships as people know them.