Breakthroughs in AI are fueling hopes that more data and smarter models can provide a shortcut to self-driving vehicles. Waymo, after more than 15 years and 200 million driverless miles, says there is none. Why it matters: The answer could determine whether the AV race is a long, expensive slog that rewards Waymo's head start — or a new track that lets newer rivals hit the road faster. Driving the news: Srikanth Thirumalai, Waymo's vice president of onboard software, said in an exclusive interview with Axios that it takes more than just better AI to safely deploy AVs at scale. - Waymo's goal from the start, he said, has been "demonstrably safe AI." But a growing reliance from competitors on single "end-to-end" AI systems introduces…
AI startups are raising billions of dollars to develop "brains" for robots that could work everywhere from oil rigs to construction sites. Why it matters: Blue-collar workers may have as much to fear from AI job disruption as do white-collar workers. The big picture: The basic idea is that these software "brains" would understand physics and other real-world conditions — helping the robots adapt to changing environments. - Some of these AI-powered robots may be humanoids, others may not — form is less important than functionality. - If a robot has the physical capability to do a task, it could have the flexible knowledge. Plumbing, electrical, welding, roofing, fixing cars, making meals — there really isn't much of a limit. Think…
AI:Investors are pouring billions into AI startups to develop sophisticated "brains" for robots capable of performing physical labor in industries ranging from construction and plumbing to oil rigs and logistics. Companies like Skild AI and Waabi are leading this charge, with some startups raising over a billion dollars to create autonomous systems that could eventually handle any task or environment. While optimists claim new technologies will create different types of work, the rapid transition toward physical AI—including humanoid forms designed for "dirty, dull, or dangerous" jobs—threatens to displace blue-collar workers just as digital automation has impacted white-collar sectors. This movement towards a post-human workforce…Open