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Welcome to this week's edition of Jumble, your go-to source for the latest in AI. This issue covers AI translation and language learning and the AI artwork going under the auction hammer. It’s a packed week in AI and here’s what you need to know ⬇️

The Consequences of AI as a Translation Service 🌎

In 2019, Carlos, an Afro-Indigenous man from Brazil, fled his homeland with his sister and two nephews following the tragic murder of his son by a local gang. Upon reaching the United States, Carlos was separated from his family and placed in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Calexico, California.

Carlos, a native Portuguese speaker, faced significant communication challenges at the detention center. While he could speak Portuguese, he was unable to read or write it. In an attempt to bridge this gap, the center employed an AI-powered voice-translation tool to interpret Carlos's speech. However, the technology struggled with his regional accent and dialect, failing to accurately convey his words and needs.

As a result, Carlos endured six months in ICE detention without the ability to effectively communicate with anyone. Throughout this period, he remained unclear about the reasons for his confinement and the whereabouts of his family. The language barrier even affected his access to healthcare. This begs the question, can AI replace humans in language?

In situations like Carlos’s, where the stakes are high, the limitations of AI-powered translation become glaringly evident. While these tools can serve as a bridge between languages, they often lack the nuance and cultural understanding that only human translators or language proficiency can provide. The gap between words and their meanings, especially when considering regional dialects and unique speech patterns, is vast—and this is where AI often falls short.

AI translation works best when used under human supervision. A translator can ensure that the AI's output makes sense in context, catches any errors, and provides the necessary cultural sensitivity. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement, it’s better seen as a tool that complements human expertise.

Instead of opting for one or the other, the ideal solution is a combination of both. AI tools can assist with vocabulary and basic sentence structure, while human-led learning or translation can provide the deeper understanding needed for effective communication. Human language learning brings irreplaceable benefits—developing a connection with different cultures, fostering empathy, and ensuring accuracy in critical conversations.

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Sotheby's to Auction Groundbreaking Artwork Created by Humanoid Robot 🎨

In a historic first, Sotheby's is set to auction an artwork created by a humanoid robot named Ai-Da. The piece, titled "AI God," is a portrait of Alan Turing, the pioneering computer scientist and mathematician. This mixed-media painting, measuring 64 x 90.5 inches, is expected to fetch between $120,000 and $180,000 when it goes under the hammer on October 31, 2024.

A Technological Marvel
Ai-Da, developed by UK-based art dealer Aidan Meller, is a remarkable feat of engineering. The robot uses cameras in her eyes, AI algorithms, and a robotic arm to create art. This auction marks the first time a work from a humanoid robot of this type has been offered for sale at a major auction house.

Implications for the Art World
The inclusion of Ai-Da's work in Sotheby's "digital art day" auction highlights the growing influence of AI in the art world. Michael Bouhanna, Sotheby's Head of NFT and digital art, sees this as an opportunity to discuss the evolving possibilities of artmaking in the 21st century.

However, the auction also raises questions about the valuation of AI-generated art. Determining the market worth of such pieces may prove more challenging than valuing works by human artists.

As technology continues to advance, the art world is adapting to new forms of creative expression. The sale of "AI God" not only represents a milestone in the intersection of art and technology but also prompts a broader discussion about the role of AI in society and its potential impact on various industries.

Bests and Busts

Here's a look at this week's AI highlights and lowlights:

⭐ Best: AI to Help Doctors Spot Broken Bones on X-rays
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends the use of AI tools to assist doctors in detecting fractures on X-rays in urgent care settings in England. The technology is expected to improve fracture detection accuracy, potentially reducing missed diagnoses and follow-up appointments, while working alongside healthcare professionals to alleviate pressure on the understaffed radiology departments.

💩 Bust: Hackers Upload Thousands Of Malicious Models To AI's Biggest Online Repository
Hugging Face, the primary online repository for generative AI, has been found to host thousands of models containing hidden malicious code that can poison data and steal information. Security researchers from ProtectAI, Hiddenlayer, and Wiz have warned about these "malicious models" on Hugging Face's site, which now hosts over a million downloadable models, with some hackers even creating fake profiles to pose as reputable tech companies.

The Scoop 🍦

📱 TikTok Owner Sacks Intern for Allegedly Sabotaging AI Project
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has fired an intern for allegedly interfering with an internal AI project. The company stated that the intern "maliciously interfered" with the training of AI models used in research, leading to their dismissal in August. ByteDance refuted exaggerated claims circulating on social media about the incident's impact, emphasizing that its commercial products and large language models were unaffected. The company has informed the intern's university and relevant industry associations about the misconduct.

📰 Major Publishers Sue Perplexity AI for Scraping Without Paying
News Corporation, on behalf of The Wall Street Journal and New York Post, has filed a lawsuit against AI search engine startup Perplexity for allegedly scraping their content without compensation. The lawsuit accuses Perplexity of copyright infringement and trademark dilution, with News Corp seeking $150,000 for each proven infringement, potentially threatening the startup's financial stability.

🤖 Microsoft Introduces 'AI Employees' That Can Handle Client Queries
Microsoft is launching AI agents capable of performing various business tasks, including handling client queries and identifying sales leads. The company is offering customers the ability to create custom AI agents through Copilot Studio, while also releasing 10 pre-built bots for roles such as supply chain management and customer service. Early adopters include McKinsey, Clifford Chance, and Pets at Home. Microsoft sees these AI agents as a way to increase productivity and reduce mundane tasks.

👅 AI 'Tongue' Can 'Taste' the Difference Between Coke and Pepsi
Penn State researchers have developed an electronic "tongue" using AI that can accurately distinguish between different sodas, including Coke and Pepsi. The device, which combines graphene sensors with an AI neural network, can identify various liquid compositions with 80% overall accuracy. Beyond soda differentiation, this technology shows promise for detecting food freshness and harmful contaminants, potentially revolutionizing food safety monitoring in the supply chain.

🎓 EY Fires Staff Who Took Multiple Online Training Courses at Once
EY has terminated dozens of US employees for simultaneously attending multiple online training sessions during the company's "EY Ignite Learning Week" in May, citing ethical violations. While the accounting firm claims the action aligns with its core values of integrity and ethics, some dismissed employees argue they were unaware of any policy prohibiting concurrent course attendance and describe the firings as an overreaction to multitasking. 

🍎 Apple's AI Progress: Behind but Not Out of the Race
Despite reports suggesting Apple is two years behind in AI development, the company's unique approach and resources may still lead to success. While Siri currently lags behind competitors like Google Assistant in contextual understanding, Apple's focus on privacy and integration could prove advantageous. The company's vast resources, hardware-software integration capabilities, and privacy-first approach position it well to catch up quickly. 

🎬 Tesla Sued Over AI-Generated 'Blade Runner 2049' Images for Robotaxi Promo
Alcon Entertainment, producer of "Blade Runner 2049," has filed a lawsuit against Tesla and Elon Musk for allegedly using AI-generated images resembling scenes from the film to promote Tesla's new Robotaxi. The suit claims Tesla created these images, including one featuring a "Ryan Gosling lookalike," after being denied permission to use actual film imagery. Alcon accuses Tesla of copyright infringement and false endorsement, stating they don't want the film associated with Musk's "extreme political and social views."

Thank you for being a valued reader of Jumble! See you next week for more updates on the latest trends and developments in AI.

Stay informed, stay curious, and stay ahead with Jumble!

Zoe from Jumble