• WWW.ARTOFVFX.COM
    Red One: VFX Breakdown by RISE
    Breakdown & ShowreelsRed One: VFX Breakdown by RISEBy Vincent Frei - 04/02/2025 The Berlin and Stuttgart teams at RISE have crafted a variety of visual effects for Red One, from enhancing fight sequences to creating Krampus environment. Their work also included creatures like trolls, Hellhounds, and even a CG chicken!WANT TO KNOW MORE?RISE: Dedicated page about Red One on RISE website. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025
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  • U.S. Pavilion organizers announce 52 finalists for 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia
    Organizers of the U.S. Pavilion have announced the 52 finalists who will participate in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Each project responds to the brief co-commissioners Peter MacKeith, Susan Chin, and Rod Bigelow shared which asked for works that center the American porch, in all of its cultural, political, and social dimensions. The jurors were Austen Barron Bailly, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary; Julie Bargmann, D.I.R.T. studio; Marlon Blackwell, Marlon Blackwell Architects; Stephen Burks, Stephen Burks Man Made; Josephine Minutillo, Architectural Record; Justin Garrett Moore, Mellon Foundation; and Jack Murphy,The Architects Newspaper.I was most impressed by the range and diversity of the different interpretations ofPORCH and its role as a public place of gathering, community, and civic purpose, Blackwell shared in a statement. The submissions ranged in scale from two people to 200 people and everything in between. As a jury, we sought to reflect this range in the quality and different scales of work through the selections we made from around the country. The process was organized by the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas, in partnership with DesignConnects and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Below are the 52 finalists:Architecture for Public BenefitAtelier MeyatelierjonesAuburn Universitys Rural Studiobrg3s architectsBrightmoor Maker SpaceBrooks + ScarpaChibbernoonieCLB ArchitectsColes House ProjectCU DenverCunningham | Quill ArchitectsDanielle HatchDavid Baker Architectsde Leon & Primmer Architecture WorkshopDetroit Collaborative Design Center, University of Detroit MercyDUSTEl DoradoEskew+Dumez+RippleEYRC ArchitectsFigureFred Carl Jr. Small Town Center at Mississippi State UniversityFriends Of Residential Treasures: Los AngelesGulf Coast Community Design StudioJerome Haferd StudioJohnson FainJones StudioKatherine Hogan ArchitectsLake|FlatoLetter JMark Cavagnero AssociatesMarpillero Pollak ArchitectsMatthew Mazzottamodus studioOffice of: OfficeOlson KundigPei Cobb Freed/Moody Nolan/Hood Design StudioPeoples Architecture Office and Plugin HouseRDG Planning & DesignRichard Kennedy ArchitectsRoss Barney ArchitectsSmith Gee StudioSO ILSomewhere StudioStudio CadenaStudio GangStudio James Carpenter / JCDA Inc.The Miller Hull PartnershipVJAAWeiss/ManfrediWXY StudioYoung + Wales ArchitectsJustin Garrett Moore, program director of Mellon Foundations Humanities in Place program, said, the 2025 U.S. Pavilion will showcase the power of architecture to shape and reflect our American communities, ecologies, cultures, and stories. The selected participants offer creative and generous solutions to the challenges for how we make and share space, engage in civic life, and build and maintain more equitable and beautiful places for all. Austen Barron Bailly, Crystal Bridges Museums chief curator, added, the collaborative jury process affirmed the power of the American porch as a design concept that resonates with all types of communities and fosters positive connections.Moving forward, each finalist will receive a stipend to help develop their submissions into exhibition-ready designs.In mid-March, an open call for unbuilt and speculative proposals from U.S. architecture students will be shared, in partnership with the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture.PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity opens on May 10, 2025, in Venice, Italy.
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  • WWW.FOXNEWS.COM
    Cybercriminals' sneaky game plan to take advantage of Super Bowl fans
    close 'CyberGuy': The FBI's new warning about AI-driven scams that are after your cash Kurt Knutsson discusses some tips to keep you safe. Super Bowl LIX is set to take place this Sunday at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans and is expected to draw a record-breaking audience of 116.8 million viewers. While this massive event generates excitement, it also attracts cybercriminals looking to exploit unsuspecting fans. Here are four common ways hackers target football fans leading up to the big game. An American flag on the football field (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Scam tactic #1: Mobile phishing and payment app scamsCybercriminals will try to exploit the Super Bowl's reliance on digital ticketing and mobile apps. Fans may receive text messages or social media alerts that appear to be from official payment apps, urging them to "confirm" their information for last-minute ticket upgrades or exclusive merchandise deals. These phishing attempts could lead to fake websites designed to steal banking details.Scam tactic #2: Pay-to-play scamsScammers create fake "exclusive raffles" or contests, claiming fans have a chance to win VIP tickets or unique experiences if they pay a small entry fee. These scams often rely on urgency and the fear of missing out. The Better Business Bureau has warned about fraudulent sports betting apps encouraging users to place "guaranteed bets on upcoming games." Referee holding official NFL football (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Scam tactic #3: Unauthorized ticket resellersScoring last-minute Super Bowl tickets can feel like a victory until you find out they are fake. Sketchy ticket resellers flood search results and social media with deals that seem too good to be true. Online ticket fraud is becoming increasingly common. While some tickets may be legitimate, many are not, with fans spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars for nothing.Scammers often utilize automation and artificial intelligence to identify and target potential victims based on the language used in their posts. For instance, scammers search for popular buzzwords and hashtags that people use when looking to buy tickets, such as #SuperBowl, #SuperBowlTickets or #LookingForTickets. They then respond to these posts with messages that contain links to other platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram or Cash App, where they attempt to finalize fraudulent deals. Super Bowl hashtags on social media (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Scam tactic #4: Social media scamsIf a social media ad is offering free NFL tickets or merchandise, there is a catch. These scams appear everywhere, promising fans exclusive giveaways if they cover a small shipping fee or provide personal details. The posts look official, sometimes even using fake endorsements from players or teams, making them easy to fall for.Scammers also use cross-platform operations to evade detection and bans by social media platforms. They will identify and initiate communications with you on one social media platform before requesting you switch to another. This is likely an attempt to prevent one social media platform from gaining full insight into fraudulent activity and banning accounts.The moment you enter your information or payment details, you have handed cybercriminals access to your bank account. And those free tickets or jerseys never arrive. Scammers rely on the excitement of game day to push people into acting without thinking. The truth is simple. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.Scam tactic #5: Offering massive discountsFinally, scammers may offer massive discounts for Super Bowl tickets to entice you to buy quickly. They may state they just want to sell the tickets "last minute" to justify large, attractive discounts, such as 50% off or more. They may also claim to have a personal or professional reason for not being able to attend the event, such as a family emergency or a work conflict. Scammers often use these excuses to pressure victims into making hasty decisions and transferring money without verifying the tickets. Illustration of a hacker at work (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Safeguarding your Super Bowl experience from cyber threatsWhile scammers will try to prey on Super Bowl fans, you are not completely helpless. Dave Lewis, Global Advisory CISO at1Password, shared some tips on staying safe leading up to the games. These are not complicated strategies, just simple cybersecurity practices that are easy to follow.1) Buy tickets from trusted sources:Only purchase from official sites/apps and other reputable channels. Double-check URLs to avoid lookalike sites (which are designed to mimic legitimate event pages). Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Eventbrite and Nextdoor are also hot spots for scams, so be cautious of sellers "requiring a deposit" through peer-to-peer financial apps like Cash App, Venmo or Zelle.2) Watch out for event-related phishing attacks: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Cybercriminals often time their phishing attacks around large events like the Super Bowl, offering fake discount tickets, VIP experiences, free food vouchers, etc. Always verify offers through the events official website or app and never agree to anything over the phone. Double-check the senders email address and hover over links before clicking to ensure they lead to legitimate event sites.The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.3) Keep your phone software and apps updated:Regularly update your devices operating system (i.e., iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, others). "While constant notifications can be an annoyance at the moment, these updates are essential for keeping your devices secure," Lewis said. If youre not sure how to get started,check out this extensive guide on how to update all your devices.4) Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA):Create complex passwords for all your accounts, especially those related to ticket purchases or event information. Use apassword manager to generate and store these securely. Enable2FA wherever possible, particularly for email and payment accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. For the Super Bowl, this is especially crucial for any official NFL or ticketing apps you might be using.5) Be wary of QR codes:While convenient, QR codes can be exploited by hackers for malicious purposes. Only scan QR codes from trusted sources, such as the official event organizer. If unsure, check for signs of tampering, like stickers placed over legitimate codes or poor print quality. When in doubt, dont scan it. As a precaution, always keep your antivirus software running to prevent malware infections from scanning a scam QR code.If you dont have antivirus software, check out my top recommendations here.6) Beware of scammers using social engineering techniques: For example, they may encourage you to transfer money immediately as they allegedly have other prospective buyers. They may also use emotional appeals, such as sympathy, guilt or urgency, to manipulate you into making a decision. Scammers often use these tactics to pressure victims into paying before verifying the tickets.7) Be wary of individuals showing receipts or proof of purchase: This is not a guarantee that an individual is in possession of a ticket, and it can be easily faked.Scammers can use fake receipts to convince victims that they bought the tickets from legitimate sources, such as Ticketmaster, StubHub or SeatGeek.8) Exercise caution when interacting with individuals asking for you to "name your price" or are selling below ticket value: This may be a sign that they are trying to lure you into a scam with a too-good-to-be-true offer. Scammers often use this strategy to attract victims who are looking for cheap or affordable tickets.9)Be cautious when interacting with people claiming to sell tickets on behalf of a friend or family member: This may provide an excuse for scammers using compromised bank accounts with the account holder's name different from the social media account being used. Scammers often use this pretext to explain the discrepancy between the names on the accounts.10)Review the accounts recent history: Some scammers may claim to be selling tickets to multiple high-profile events, such as sports games, music concerts and conferences at one time. This may indicate that they are running a large-scale scam operation and are not genuine sellers. Scammers often post multiple ads for different events on the same or different platforms, using the same or similar images and descriptions.11) Exercise caution and validate ownership: Do this even when purchasing items from friends or friends of friends on social media. A family member or friends account can be compromised and used by a scammer. Friends of the victim can vouch for the account user as a legitimate seller, not realizing the account had been hacked.Kurts key takeawayScammers are always looking for new ways to take advantage of football fans, especially during major events like the Super Bowl. Whether it is fake ticket sales, phishing scams or bogus giveaways, the risks are real. You can easily avoid becoming a victim of these types of attacks by staying vigilant and being cautious of emails and links that ask for personal information.Do you think the NFL or other major sports leagues are doing enough to protect fans from these scams? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
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  • WWW.COMPUTERWEEKLY.COM
    IT supplier helps address overwhelming volumes of data from space
    CGI continues to build on its 12-year relationship with the European Space Agency (ESA), which is helping improve scientific access to data about Earth sent from space.As part of a Serco-led consortium, delivering ESAs Advanced Data Access and Processing Services for Collaborative Earth Observation Ground Segment (Ascend) project, CGI will provide engineering and cyber security services.But its work on the Multi-Mission Algorithm and Analysis Platform (MAAP) within Ascend, which provides scientists with access to NASA and ESA Earth biomass data, is just part of CGIs work in the space industry.Supporting ESA, which is partly funded by the UK Space Agency, accounts for about half of CGIs Earth observation work, and involves processing satellite imagery. Its 400 UK-based staff, who are focused on the space sector, also support satellite communications companies from their operations in Leatherhead and Bristol.Jaime Reed, vice-president of consulting services, space data platforms and applications at CGI, told Computer Weekly the suppliers work with ESA is predominantly environmental monitoring, such as processing meteorological data. It is involved in controlling satellites, receiving and processing data from them, and providing the software onboard.Reed has a background in physics, with a doctorate in atmospheric physics that looked at how the atmosphere works and how it is measured.He then worked as an engineer developing cryogenic coolers for satellites, before moving to Airbus, where he worked on satellites. My background was in the space industry, designing and building satellites, and working on the data that comes from them, said Reed.He now applies his knowledge to CGIs satellite and data processing work. Most weather forecasts are highly dependent on data taken by satellites, which was what I was working on, said Reed.Reed said while CGI is a big IT company doing all the things a normal IT company does, it has specific expertise in the space industry.Other CGI customers using space data include the Met Office, but most are relatively small organisations, he added.Read more about IT in spaceThe European Space Agency collects data from millions of miles away. It must get storage right when theres no chance of a U-turn to take more photos or re-record data.European and UK space agencies are partnering with mobile operators and universities to develop the connectivity needed for connected and autonomous vehicles.Cloud and database service provider teams with leading satellite constellation to enable high-speed connectivity.Just over half of CGIs space business is in satellite communications, and many of the big satellite companies are customers.We write the software that controls the satellites and we provide the managed IT services around that. Its all datacentres really. The control segment of the satellite is generally all computer programs that are doing orbit predictions, moving data around, receiving files from the satellites and processing those files.Everything comes into datacentres and is processed and sent to scientists.The first big deal between ESA and CGI was in 2012, with CGI maintaining the software that processes the data for its environmental monitoring satellite and research satellites.Reed said the volume of data being received and processed has massively increased since then because there are a lot more satellites being built by ESA and they are more complicated, turning in more data.It is this dramatic increase in data that has led to CGIs latest project with ESA, working on the Ascend programme, which Reed said is a starting point to look at new ways of providing data to scientists.The amount of data is becoming overwhelming and it is challenging to make the data available to users, said Reed. It used to be a case that researchers could just go to an FTP site, download some of the data and work on it at their workstation, but now youre talking a terabyte for just one file.Everything is now moving to the cloud, using scalable, cloud-based environments.A key aspect of the work today is enabling a collaborative virtual research environment, where rather than researchers downloading files, they take their expertise to where the data is. They dont have to transfer terabytes of files themselves. They bring their algorithms and then they can share their environments within that research environment with other researchers, said Reed.Collaboration is essential in the Earth observation field, with initiatives within ESA programmes shared with NASA, for example. We can bring the UK-based and Europe-based researchers to collaborate globally with cutting-edge scientists around the world, he said.
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  • WWW.ZDNET.COM
    A February surprise: The latest Android update quietly delivers fixes and features you'll want
    Android is set to receive yet another update, and it looks like it's going to be one of the smaller updates in recent history. That doesn't mean you should avoid it.
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  • WWW.ZDNET.COM
    Google Gemini's lock screen update is a game-changer for my phone
    Gemini is becoming much more useful -- by allowing you to open it without unlocking your phone. And it can do a whole lot more.
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  • WWW.FORBES.COM
    The Accelerating Pace Of Genomics Technologies For Plants And Animals
    Plant and Animal Genome Conference logo on display at the conference in San DiegoPhoto by authorThe Plant and Animal Genomics scientific conference was held in San Diego from January 10th to 15th. This was the 32nd time this meeting had been held, and this year it was attended by nearly 2,400 people from 65 countries (see table below).Attendees at the 32nd Plant and Animal Genomics Conference (Data provided by Steven Heller who has ... [+] chaired this event for more than 30 years)Table created by Author Genomics DefinedGenomics is a field of science in which the DNA of organisms is analyzed in order to understand the origins, relationships and functions of their genes. In addition to the academic aspects of this science, there are also a wide range of practical applications of genomics-related technologies ranging from medicine to industrial biotechnology to breeding and other improvements for crops and livestock. Together the investments made by these various industries have accelerated the cost-learning curves so that the expenses for key genomics technologies are now only a small fraction of what they were even a few years ago. This has opened the door to a great many real world plant and animal R&D opportunities.Dramatically Declining CostA key example of this dramatic progress concerns the technologies available for DNA sequencing. The Human Genome Project required 13 years and a budget of nearly $3Billion to document the code for the 33,000 or so genes that each human carries. Today the leading gene sequencing equipment company, Illumina, can decode DNA samples of that magnitude for around $200 in a few days. A company called Ultima has developed another sequencing machine that uses silicon wafers optimized and manufactured in volume for the semi-conductor industry in order to read up to 8 billion pieces, and then use AI to find all the connections that reveal the DNA sequences. Their price point is in the range of $100 for DNA samples at the scale of a human genome.An example of low cost genomics data: PAG conference pricing offer for running 30 whole genome ... [+] sequences of various subject genomes at the University of Minnesota Genomics Center using the Ultima Genomics UG100 systemTable by author based on handout from the eventMORE FOR YOUThe vitality of this industry was evident from the four large bulletin boards in the conference center covered with scores of job listings. There were 7 plenary sessions, more than 200 scientific presentations, multiple industry workshops, several large rooms full of posters and a very large exhibit hall with dozens of booths.Two of the four joblisting bulletin boards at the conferencePhoto by authorWhether it is through lab equipment and supplies or through the many tech service options, researchers and start-up companies can now take on genetic analysis and breeding projects that only a few years ago were only imaginable for the largest seed markets (e.g. corn and soybeans). There are state-of-the-art plant improvement projects described in a wide range of annual and perennial crops including a highly segmented and specialized crop like wheat or in specialized crops like Mangoes, Pomegranates, various cover crops, bioenergy crops, etc. Several talks concerned climate adaptation.What Is Being EnabledThe tools of modern genetics and genomics can enable three major process options for crop genetic improvement. The first is Marker Assisted Breeding (MAB) which uses traditional breeding methods that make the normal, random mix of thousands of genes on multiple chromosomes but dramatically refine that process because instead of need to grow up a huge number of the offspring to find the best combinations of genes, the most important genes can be detected even in each seed so that only the lines of greatest interest need to be taken to the next generation. This approach can make a huge difference for something like a perennial crop for which each generation can take many years, and it has already been widely used in major row crops.The tools of modern genetics are also enabling Genome Editing which is a method to allow very specific changes that might involve turning on or off a gene that is already present without adding any foreign DNA.The modern tools are also making it even easier to create Transgenic Crops in which highly useful traits can be intentionally introduced and accomplish goals that wouldnt be possible by Editing or Marker Assisted Breeding.The Regulatory Landscape Remains ComplicatedOne of the plenary sessions in PAG32 focused on the regulatory landscape which differs depending on the specifics of the genetic modification process and on the geography in which the crop might eventually be grown and/or marketed. For the United States and there is a defined and feasible pathway for all three of those major genetics approaches (MAB, Editing, Transgenics), and while that pathway may not be simple or fast, the agencies involved (USDA, EPA, FDA) encourage early stage discussions with crop developers to optimize the review process and expedite future commercialization or public release.The international landscape for the regulation of genetic modification is complex and, in some cases, unresolved at this time. For the most part a MAB approach is without significant barriers and genome editing may be fairly widely accepted, but that question remains unresolved for some very significant regions such as the EU where transgenic crops may face very significant hurdles.There is a certain irony in the fact that after 50 years of research conducted with self-elected caution and an intensive regulatory regime, a lack of international regulatory harmonization and brand protectionism will probably continue to constrain the full R&D potential that is now technically and financially feasible. Even so, advanced genomics will hopefully make a significant difference for climate adaptation and for meeting global dietary needs.
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  • WWW.FORBES.COM
    Five Sustainability Leaders You Should Know This Black History Month
    This Black History Month, the spotlight shines on Black leaders transforming the sustainability landscape. Across industries, these innovators are redefining environmental justice, sustainable development, and equity. From business leaders to global policymakers, their groundbreaking work addresses urgent global challenges while empowering communities. Here are five changemakers making a lasting impact.Garry Cooper, CEO of RheaplyGarry Cooper/Forbes1. Garry Cooper Transforms Resource ManagementGarry Cooper, co-founder and CEO of Rheaply, revolutionizes the way organizations manage surplus materials. By connecting businesses through Rheaplys resource-sharing platform, Cooper reduces waste and builds a more efficient circular economy.Rheaplys solutions allow companies to meet their sustainability goals while cutting costs and minimizing environmental impact. Coopers vision emphasizes collaboration and innovation to combat the global waste crisis.Felita Harris, Co-founder and Executive Director of RaisefashionFelita Harris2. Felita Harris Empowers BIPOC DesignersFelita Harris, co-founder and executive director of Raisefashion, helps BIPOC-owned fashion brands thrive in a sustainable market. Harris provides strategic support, including fundraising and development, to create long-term opportunities for underrepresented designers.Her work fosters economic empowerment and sustainability in the fashion industry, championing both creative and environmental equity.Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)CommonsMORE FOR YOU3. Damilola Ogunbiyi Leads a Global Energy TransitionDamilola Ogunbiyi, CEO of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), brings clean energy solutions to underserved regions worldwide. As a UN Special Representative for Sustainable Energy, she advocates for a just energy transition that prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility.Her initiatives have connected millions of people in Africa to affordable electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Ogunbiyis work highlights the importance of equity in addressing global energy challenges.4. Brittany Sierra Inspires Sustainable FashionBrittany Sierra, founder of the Sustainable Fashion ForumBrittany SierraBrittany Sierra, founder of the Sustainable Fashion Forum, challenges conventional fashion practices by promoting sustainable consumption. Through her platform and podcast, Sierra educates brands and consumers on actionable strategies to reduce their environmental footprint.Her work bridges the gap between awareness and action, emphasizing the need for systemic change in fashion production and consumer behavior.Sandra C. Chukwudozie, founder and CEO of Salpha EnergyBella Naija5. Sandra C. Chukwudozie Powers Communities with Solar EnergySandra C. Chukwudozie, founder and CEO of Salpha Energy, provides affordable solar power solutions to underserved communities in Nigeria. Her company has connected over 1.5 million people to renewable energy, empowering families and reducing carbon emissions.Chukwudozies leadership demonstrates the potential for scalable, community-focused renewable energy solutions to drive sustainable development globally.Why These Changemakers MatterEach of these leaders exemplifies how innovation and equity drive sustainability. Their efforts address critical challenges, from waste reduction to clean energy access, inspiring action across industries. This Black History Month, their contributions underscore the vital role of diverse leadership in building a sustainable and just future. Explore their work, support their initiatives, and learn from their success stories. These changemakers prove that equitable solutions and innovative thinking can create lasting environmental and social impact.
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  • WWW.TECHSPOT.COM
    Amazon's robot-driven warehouses could cut fulfillment costs by $10 billion a year
    In brief: Amazon has spent years investing in robots that work in its fulfillment centers around the world. Developing and deploying these machines costs millions of dollars, but a new report claims they could save the tech giant up to $10 billion a year by 2030. Amazon's use of robots in its fulfillment centers and warehouses goes back more than a decade, but it really started ramping up the numbers in recent times, increasing from 350,000 robots in 2021 to more than 750,000 by June 2023.The robots perform virtually every task a human is able to do, from picking/packing and sorting items to transporting goods, inventory management, and storage, all of which make up about 60% of fulfillment costs.As noted in a Morgan Stanley report, Amazon has developed six new significant warehouse robots in the past three years, covering almost every stage of the fulfillment process.One of those robots is Digit. This bipedal, 5-foot 9-inch, 143-pound robot from Agility Robotics can walk forward, backward, and sideways, squat and bend, and move, grasp, and handle items using its arm/hand-like clasps.Digit, a potential Terminator precursor?In September, Amazon opened a new fulfillment center in Shreveport, Louisiana, that was the first to include all of the company's latest robots. Morgan Stanley writes that it expects to see a 25% reduction in fulfillment costs at the site during peak periods. // Related StoriesAccording to the analyst's report, if Amazon manages to fufil 30% of orders in the US through robotic fulfillment centers by 2030, it will save $4.5 billion to $9 billion annually. Should that figure reach 40%, the total savings could exceed $10 billion per year.Creating these futuristic locations isn't cheap. Amazon's traditional fulfillment centers cost around $200 million to develop, while the next-gen versions cost around $450 million. Even retrofitting current centers into high-tech robot-filled ones costs around $100 million. But if Morgan Stanley's predictions are accurate, the long-term savings make the spending worthwhile.There's little mention in the report of the impact these robots will have on human jobs. Both Amazon and the machines' maker have tried to quell fears by insisting the robots are there to enhance, not replace, jobs a statement often rolled out by companies adopting generative AI tools.
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  • WWW.TECHSPOT.COM
    OpenAI debuts "Deep Research" model to tackle multi-step research AI tasks
    Cutting corners: OpenAI has launched a new ChatGPT tool called Deep Research, which uses reasoning to synthesize large amounts of information, complete multi-step research tasks, and produce detailed reports. The announcement comes amid growing competition from the likes of China's DeepSeek, which recently stunned the global AI community by launching a free chatbot app based on its R1 model. Deep research can reportedly carry out tasks on users' behalf to create a comprehensive report by synthesizing data from online sources, just like a research analyst. It is powered by a version of OpenAI's upcoming o3 model that can search, interpret, and analyze massive amounts of text, images, and PDFs available online.According to OpenAI, deep research takes just "tens of minutes" to accomplish tasks that would otherwise take humans many hours. The company hopes the tool will represent a significant step toward its broader goal of developing artificial general intelligence (AGI), which some experts believe could eventually produce novel scientific research.The new tool, which will be available as a button within the ChatGPT app, is designed for professionals in knowledge-based sectors such as science, engineering, finance, and policy fields that require precise and reliable research. It can also assist general users by providing "hyper-personalized" recommendations for purchases like cars, appliances, and furniture tasks that traditionally require extensive manual research.To use the tool, users must select Deep Research in the ChatGPT message composer and enter their query. OpenAI claims the tool can deliver accurate insights on a variety of topics, from streaming platform analysis to personalized reports on the best commuter bikes.In most cases, Deep Research will take between five and 30 minutes to complete complex, time-intensive web research. Users will receive a notification once the research is finished and a report is ready. OpenAI is also working to integrate embedded images, data visualizations, and other analytical outputs into reports for better clarity and context. // Related StoriesThis announcement comes just a week after OpenAI debuted another AI agent called Operator, designed for e-commerce users. According to the company, Operator can book flight tickets, make restaurant reservations, and even shop online using a photo of a shopping list. Operator is currently available only to ChatGPT Pro users in the U.S., but OpenAI has confirmed that it plans to roll it out to more users in the future.The AI company also recently unveiled o3-mini, its latest cost-efficient reasoning model, aimed at shifting some attention away from DeepSeek's momentum. o3-mini is now available in ChatGPT and via API, offering a specialized model for STEM fields (science, math, and coding), while maintaining a low operational cost.
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