Lifeboat Foundation

Interesting perspective of the world and globalization.

It is my belief that we are heading toward a blend of Islandization and Commonization. World transformation is powered first and foremost by the mega-driver of technology, which in turn is central to both of these worlds. The most significant change in the past seven years of world history is that we have entered into a period of sustained technological progress. I fully expect in coming years further breakthroughs in areas including alternative energy, biotechnology and artificial intelligence that dramatically change our economies and our societies.

Unfortunately, I am less sure that technological change will be positive. The exploitation by violent extremists of social media is a case in point of the double-edge that new technologies can bring. This is an extremely disruptive and dislocating time for individuals, organizations and governments alike. The net gain of technology will almost certainly be positive, but there will be winners and losers, and losers will not necessarily go quietly. Nor will the winners necessarily perceive objective gain as actual gain. And some new technologies, such as the gene-editing powers of CRISPR, point to a highly uncertain future.

Continue reading “Globalization is dead: what now?” »

Amazing stuff!

Image-analyzing software has been a possibility for a while now. It’s how Google’s reverse image search works. It’s how you are able to deposit a check via ATM or even smartphone. Image creation is a newer development. Google’s Deep Dream, released last year, recreates images that are fed to it by compositing other images, shapes, and colors into a twisted version of the original. The obvious next step here is software that can create an image from a description, which WordsEye has gotten to first.

WordsEye is a new software that converts language to 3-D images. In its current beta state, WordsEye’s images are constructed from pre-existing, manipulatable 3-D models, textures, and light sources. The results are surreal, cartoon-y and a little unsettling. But don’t let this detract from such an advancement in artificial intelligence.

Continue reading “WordsEye Will Show What You Describe” »

This new material is remarkably soft, and it could revolutionize robotics and prosthetics.

Researchers from the Monash University have discovered a new sponge-like material called graphene elastomer. This revolutionary material is expected to be used for robots designed to help take care of elderly people.

The graphene-based elastomer is exteremely sensitive to pressure and vibrations. Also called G-elastomer, the material has the ability to bounce back despite the pressure given to it. It is described to be very soft and elastic compared to other substances such as rubber or foam.

Read more

UK researchers have developed nanoscale robots that can potentially replicate the traditional factory assembly line, except on a tiny, tiny scale.

Read more

Very interesting; the key to Netflix expansion into China is “AI”.

Netflix, Inc. NFLX CEO yesterday provided some updates regarding the company’s expansion into China and his vision of using artificial intelligence technologies for growth at the ongoing DLD Conference in Munich.

CEO Reed Hastings stated that “It may be soon that we have a license in China, or it may take a couple years, but we’re going to be very patient.” Netflix recently expanded to over 190 countries across the globe but it has not been able to enter China. It has been in talks with the Chinese government and other partners like Wasu Media Holding Co. to enter the online video market over there.

Continue reading “Netflix CEO Provides Update on China; AI to Play Bigger Role” »

This totally makes sense to me. Whenever, you’re monitoring any type of patterns for collective reasoning or predictive analysis such measuring what voters clap to or respond positively to as well as build out your entire campaign strategy and speeches; AI is your go to solution. So, AI is a must have tool for politicians who strategically plan to win in future elections. No more need for a campaign manager like Karl Rove, etc.

Political speeches are often written for politicians by trusted aides and confidantes. Could an AI algorithm do as well?

Read more

I usually never post articles like this one; however, it does raise a question for me. Could both defense and homeland security needs in addressing risks, and other emergencies really propel us sooner than later into singularity in order to ensure citizens their own protection. As other country militaries race to improve their own military AI & robotic capabilities. https://lnkd.in/ebMQ3Ab

If you thought Enhanced Human Operations (EHO) were an extravagant fantasy of Hollywood films and video games, then think again. Russia and China are involved in EHO, the act of modifying the brain and body in order to create “super soldiers” who will have the upper hand in battles.

Continue reading “Russia and China Have Started Enhancing Humans for Battle” »

Imagine a Quantum computer and/ or device that can perform “all possible operations” with the associated data all at once; and not just performing a series of operations. Meaning, with Quantum Entanglement processing, our AI machines could truly outperform all of us. No longer a fantasy or myth; it will be real.

Bizarre quantum bonds connect distinct moments in time, suggesting that quantum links — not space-time — constitute the fundamental structure of the universe.

Read more

This robotic tailor can put you in the perfect suit in less than 10 seconds.

Read more