Wednesday, July 16, 2025
July 16, 2025By
At the Energy and Innovation Summit at Carnegie Mellon University, major U.S. companies, including Google, Blackstone, Meta Platforms, and CoreWeave, announced substantial investments totaling approximately $90 billion in AI and energy infrastructure in Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. These initiatives aim to bolster the U.S. position in the global AI race. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/some-big-us-investments-being-made-ai-energy-2025-07-15/?utm_source=openai))
July 15, 2025By
Zimmer Biomet has acquired Monogram Technologies for approximately $177 million, aiming to strengthen its presence in the surgical robotics market. Monogram specializes in semi- and fully autonomous surgical technologies, including a knee replacement system approved by the FDA in March 2025. The acquisition is expected to close later in 2025 and is anticipated to be earnings-neutral until 2027, becoming accretive in 2028 as Zimmer integrates Monogram’s technologies. [Source](https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/zimmer-acquire-monogram-technologies-177-million-boosting-robotics-portfolio-2025-07-14/)
July 15, 2025By
The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded contracts worth up to $200 million each to AI companies including OpenAI, Google's Alphabet, Anthropic, and Elon Musk's xAI. These contracts aim to enhance the DoD's use of advanced AI capabilities and develop agentic AI workflows to address national security challenges. This initiative reflects a broader push by U.S. government agencies to expand AI adoption, supported by a White House order promoting AI and regulatory rollbacks by President Donald Trump. xAI also launched 'Grok for Government,' offering its latest AI models to federal and security sectors. OpenAI previously received a $200 million contract for developing frontier AI for warfighting and enterprise applications. These moves signify a growing integration between top AI firms and U.S. government functions, amid concerns about ensuring fair competition in federal AI contracting, raised notably by Senator Elizabeth Warren.
July 14, 2025By
Siemens CEO Roland Busch and SAP CEO Christian Klein have called on the European Union to revise its AI regulations, arguing that the current AI Act and Data Act hinder innovation and technological progress. They advocate for data regulation reforms to better utilize Europe's data resources. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/technology/siemens-sap-call-eu-revise-its-ai-regulations-faz-2025-07-13/?utm_source=openai))
July 13, 2025By
Local news stations are increasingly adopting advanced robotic camera systems to deliver dynamic visual storytelling, inspired by cinematic techniques from top-tier productions. These systems enable continuous, engaging camera movements that capture varied angles and create dramatic effects, enhancing viewer engagement and competitiveness. ([tvtechnology.com](https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/sponsored-robotic-deployments-are-transforming-local-news?utm_source=openai))
July 13, 2025By
A coalition of media organizations, including the European Broadcasting Union and the World Association of News Publishers, has called on AI developers to collaborate in combating misinformation and protecting fact-based journalism. The initiative outlines five core principles for ethical AI use in news, emphasizing the need for prior authorization to use news content in AI models and ensuring transparency in attribution. This move comes amid rising tensions between traditional media and AI developers over copyright concerns. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/61fb43f20d945753a8c86881aa631d65?utm_source=openai))
July 12, 2025By
Google has entered into a $2.4 billion licensing agreement with AI code generation startup Windsurf, acquiring key executives and researchers to bolster its AI coding initiatives under the Gemini project. This strategic move follows unsuccessful acquisition talks between Windsurf and OpenAI, which had considered a $3 billion acquisition. The deal allows Google to utilize Windsurf's technology without taking an equity stake, while Windsurf's investors receive liquidity and retain ownership. The majority of Windsurf's 250 employees will remain with the company, which plans to focus on enterprise innovation. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/google-hires-windsurf-ceo-researchers-advance-ai-ambitions-2025-07-11/?utm_source=openai))
July 11, 2025By
RealSense, a computer vision technology firm, has officially spun out from Intel and secured $50 million in early-stage funding to expand in the robotics sector. The company specializes in 3D vision cameras that enable machines to perceive depth and interact with their environment. Backed by Intel Capital, the MediaTek Innovation Fund, and other strategic investors, RealSense plans to use the funds to scale manufacturing, boost global operations, and invest in AI software and next-generation depth camera development. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/realsense-spins-out-intel-secures-50-million-drive-ai-vision-robotics-2025-07-11/?utm_source=openai))
July 11, 2025By
The European Union has finalized its Code of Practice for general-purpose AI, aiming to regulate models like OpenAI's GPT-4 and Google's Gemini. The code mandates technical safeguards against reproducing copyrighted content and requires independent risk assessments. Despite these measures, industry groups, including Airbus and BNP Paribas, have called for a two-year delay, citing potential hindrances to EU competitiveness. The code awaits formal approval from the European Commission and member states. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/32a3c83d-64ed-4c83-a5d3-a6cd89b087ba?utm_source=openai))
July 10, 2025By
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has unveiled a 10-year strategy to incorporate robotics into the National Health Service (NHS). The plan aims to make robot-assisted surgeries standard for procedures like ENT, urology, and orthopaedics, targeting one in eight operations by 2035. Hospitals not adopting this technology may face financial penalties. The strategy also includes robotic support in NHS pharmacies and data entry through robotic process automation. However, concerns about capital investment and data privacy remain. A new workforce plan tailored to emerging technologies is expected in the autumn. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/2760c043-5b9c-4cb6-b55e-73ef8eed60e5?utm_source=openai))
July 10, 2025By
OpenAI is set to launch an AI-driven web browser that offers a conversational interface, potentially disrupting existing browsers like Google Chrome. This innovation aims to streamline tasks such as bookings and form completions through AI, raising concerns among publishers about declining web traffic. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/technology/ai-intelligencer-what-matters-ai-this-week-2025-07-10/?utm_source=openai))
July 9, 2025By
An article in *The Atlantic* explores the deepening divide within the AI community between enthusiastic proponents and harsh skeptics. Figures like Roy Lee, founder of Cluely, view generative AI as a transformative force, while critics like Emily Bender and Gary Marcus question AI's actual capabilities, citing consistent failures in reasoning and logic tasks. The debate underscores broader concerns about inequality, automation's societal impacts, and the commercialization of AI research. [Read more](https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/07/ai-radicalization-civil-war/683460/?utm_source=apple_news)
July 8, 2025By
In Beijing, university teams showcased AI-driven humanoid robots in a fully autonomous 3-on-3 soccer tournament, surpassing the excitement generated by China's national men's team. The event highlighted advancements in AI technologies such as visual recognition and autonomous decision-making. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/d49a4308930f49537b17f463afef5043?utm_source=openai))
July 8, 2025By
Ruoming Pang, Apple's top executive overseeing its artificial intelligence foundation models team, is departing to join Meta Platforms. Pang will become part of Meta's new superintelligence team, highlighting the ongoing competition among tech giants to secure elite AI talent. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/apples-top-ai-executive-ruoming-pang-leaves-meta-bloomberg-news-reports-2025-07-07/?utm_source=openai))
July 6, 2025By
The U.S. Senate voted 99-1 to remove a proposed 10-year ban on state regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) from a major Republican bill. The proposal aimed to centralize AI oversight at the federal level but faced bipartisan opposition from governors, attorneys general, and AI safety advocates. Critics argued that the moratorium would have given AI companies unchecked freedom and stripped states of the ability to address emerging harms. The Senate's decision preserves states' rights to regulate AI technologies. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/20beeeb6967057be5fe64678f72f6ab0?utm_source=openai))
July 5, 2025By
Independent publishers have filed an antitrust complaint with the European Commission against Google's AI Overviews, alleging that AI-generated summaries divert traffic and revenue from their content. Google defends the feature, claiming it drives significant daily clicks and content discovery opportunities. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority is also reviewing the complaint, highlighting concerns over AI's impact on news media and content rights. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/googles-ai-overviews-hit-by-eu-antitrust-complaint-independent-publishers-2025-07-04/?utm_source=openai))
July 4, 2025By
In Beijing, university teams competed in China's first fully autonomous 3-on-3 robot soccer tournament, showcasing advanced AI technologies. The event highlighted China's growing investment in AI-powered humanoid robots, using sports as a testing ground for real-world applications. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/d49a4308930f49537b17f463afef5043?utm_source=openai))
July 4, 2025By
Ilya Sutskever has taken over as CEO of Safe Superintelligence (SSI) following Daniel Gross's departure to lead Meta's AI products division. Despite Meta's acquisition attempts, SSI remains independent, focusing on developing safe, superintelligent AI. The company secured $1 billion in funding last year to pursue this vision. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/sutskever-lead-safe-superintelligence-after-meta-poaches-ceo-gross-ai-talent-war-2025-07-03/?utm_source=openai))
July 3, 2025By
In Beijing, AI-driven humanoid robot soccer teams have captivated audiences, outshining China's national men's soccer team. The recent 3-on-3 robot soccer tournament showcased advanced AI technologies, including visual recognition and autonomous decision-making. Tsinghua University's THU Robotics emerged as the champion, defeating China Agricultural University's Mountain Sea team 5-3. This event highlights China's growing investment in AI-powered humanoid robots, using sports as a testing ground for real-world applications. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/d49a4308930f49537b17f463afef5043?utm_source=openai))
July 3, 2025By
Top executives from 44 major European companies, including Airbus, BNP Paribas, Carrefour, and Philips, have called on the European Commission to pause the implementation of the EU's landmark Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, scheduled to come into effect in August 2025. In an open letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the CEOs argue that the Act’s complex and overlapping regulations jeopardize Europe's competitiveness in the global AI arena, potentially stifling innovation and deterring investors. The criticism coincides with an ongoing reevaluation by EU and industry stakeholders to simplify the rules, especially the drafting of a 'code of practice' meant to guide firms in complying with the Act. Many provisions of the law are not yet in effect, but businesses fear the unclear regulations could burden smaller companies and hinder broader AI deployment. EU officials have committed to finalizing the code of practice by August and are considering regulatory simplification. Meanwhile, European AI start-ups and investors have also voiced strong concerns, describing the legislation as hasty and damaging. The European Commission maintains its commitment to ensuring AI safety and regulatory harmonization, while indicating that further changes to the digital framework remain possible. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/a825759e-aec8-4184-bc73-f604f169204c?utm_source=openai))
July 2, 2025By
ABB has introduced three new robot families—Lite+, PoWa, and IRB1200—designed for China's mid-market segment. These robots cater to sectors like electronics, food and beverage, and metals, performing tasks such as pick-and-place, basic inspection, and product polishing. The mid-market robotics segment in China is expected to grow at 8% annually over the next three years, driven by increasing automation amid labor shortages and improved AI interfaces making robots more user-friendly. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/abb-expands-robot-line-up-china-tap-mid-sized-customers-2025-07-02/?utm_source=openai))
July 2, 2025By
The U.S. Senate voted 99-1 to remove a proposed 10-year ban on state regulation of artificial intelligence from a major Republican bill. The provision aimed to centralize AI oversight at the federal level but faced bipartisan opposition from governors, attorneys general, and AI safety advocates. Critics argued that the ban would have given AI companies unchecked freedom and stripped states of the ability to address emerging harms. The Senate's decision preserves states' rights to regulate AI technologies. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/20beeeb6967057be5fe64678f72f6ab0?utm_source=openai))
July 1, 2025By
Wes Streeting, the UK's Health Secretary, has unveiled a 10-year plan to reform the National Health Service (NHS) by incorporating robotic technology. The initiative aims to increase robot-assisted surgeries from 1 in 60 to 1 in 8 operations within a decade. Hospitals failing to adopt this technology may face financial penalties. The plan also includes deploying automation in NHS pharmacies and administrative tasks, with AI-powered ambient voice technology to assist doctors in clinical documentation, potentially boosting productivity by 20%. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/2760c043-5b9c-4cb6-b55e-73ef8eed60e5?utm_source=openai))
July 1, 2025By
Microsoft has unveiled the 'Microsoft AI Diagnostic Orchestrator' (MAI-DxO), an AI-powered medical diagnostic tool that reportedly outperforms human doctors by a factor of four in diagnosing complex cases. Developed under Microsoft's AI health division, the system utilizes a coordinated panel of five AI agents and achieved an 85.5% success rate in tests against 304 intricate case studies, compared to about 20% for experienced doctors under restricted conditions. While still unreviewed and not clinic-ready, experts recognize its transformative potential. Microsoft plans to integrate the technology into its Copilot chatbot and Bing search engine, which process millions of health-related queries daily. [Source](https://www.ft.com/content/149296b9-41b6-4fba-b72c-c72502d01800)
June 30, 2025By
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced that robotic technology will be central to the government's forthcoming 10-year plan to reform the NHS. The plan aims to improve productivity and patient outcomes by mandating increased use of robot-assisted surgeries—targeting that one in eight operations will be robot-performed within a decade, up from the current one in sixty. Hospitals that do not adopt this technology risk financial penalties under an expanded 'best practice tariffs' system. Robotics will be introduced across various specialties including urology, gynaecology, and ENT. The strategy also includes deploying automation in NHS pharmacies and administrative tasks. Additionally, ambient voice technology powered by AI will be rolled out to assist doctors in clinical documentation, potentially boosting productivity by 20%. However, concerns about data privacy and non-compliant software use persist. A new workforce strategy will follow, focusing on adapting skills and deployment in line with these technological reforms. Despite excitement over innovation, health leaders caution that flat capital funding may hamper implementation, and stress the need for central investment to avoid widening disparities across NHS trusts. Streeting emphasized that these reforms are critical to preserving the NHS as a viable, publicly funded service. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/2760c043-5b9c-4cb6-b55e-73ef8eed60e5?utm_source=openai))