Skip to content

News Briefs: Top Headlines in Digital Data

Unveiling the Week's Data Highlights (March 6, 2021 - March 12, 2021) sheds light on topics such as optimizing agricultural methods through soil data analysis and automating cleaning routines in airports with AI technology.

Top Picks: The Latest Insights in Data News
Top Picks: The Latest Insights in Data News

News Briefs: Top Headlines in Digital Data

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making a significant impact across various sectors. Here's a roundup of recent AI advancements that are reshaping manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing companies are leveraging real-time data to enhance decision-making and reduce costs. BC Machining, an aluminum machining company, has seen impressive results by analysing equipment data to predict machine failures, virtually eliminating 100 percent of scrap parts, and saving $72,000 on machine maintenance annually. Similarly, SilencerCo, a firearm suppressor manufacturer, has increased machine utilization by 8 percent, improved sellable part production by 200 percent, and eliminated 11,500 hours of machine downtime.

Healthcare

Researchers at the University of Washington are pushing the boundaries of AI in healthcare. They have developed machine learning algorithms that can monitor heartbeats without physical contact using smart speakers. Moreover, they have created a model that can predict which asthma patients are more likely to have poor outcomes, explaining its predictions for around 90 percent of patients.

Transportation

In the realm of transportation, Waymo, an autonomous driving company, has released an open dataset of motion videos captured by sensors on vehicles. Covering six urban cities and containing 100,000 video clips of objects and their trajectories, this dataset is a valuable resource for AI researchers and developers worldwide.

Meanwhile, graduate students at Carnegie Mellon University are working on an AI system to optimize cleaning schedules for airport restrooms. By using data on flight arrivals, sensor data on restroom usage, soap dispenser refills, and garbage filling, the AI system aims to allocate staff efficiently. The system is set to be piloted at Pittsburgh International Airport, which has faced staffing challenges due to COVID-19.

Research & Development

On the research front, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is currently working on an AI project to develop new antibiotics against resistant bacteria such as Gonorrhea and MRSA. Using generative AI, they aim to discover novel compounds beyond known antibiotics, offering a potential solution to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

These developments underscore the transformative potential of AI in various sectors. As we move forward, it's exciting to see how these advancements will continue to shape our world.

Read also: