Joi Ito, director of the Media Lab, writes for Wired about the uses of AI in the criminal justice system, and why we should use such technologies to examine causes of systemic injustice. “We’re using algorithms as crystal balls to make predictions on behalf of society,” writes Ito, “when we should be using them as a mirror to examine ourselves and our social systems more critically.”
CSAIL researchers have developed a system that uses LIDAR and GPS to allow self-driving cars to navigate rural roads without detailed maps, writes Tracey Lindeman of Motherboard. Autonomous ride-hailing or car-sharing is important in rural communities because “the carless in these areas have few transportation options; many small communities don’t even have public buses,” notes Lindeman.
Eric Mack writes for Forbes about a new system from MIT researchers that uses GPS in conjunction with LIDAR and IMU sensors to power self-driving vehicle navigation. Graduate student Teddy Ort says the system “shows the potential of self-driving cars being able to actually handle roads beyond the small number that tech companies have mapped.”
Writing for The Verge, Angela Chen highlights advances in AI that are allowing researchers to discover and understand new materials at a rapid pace. Chen cites a study co-authored by Assistant Prof. Elsa Olivetti, who “developed a machine-learning system that scans academic papers to figure out which ones include instructions for making certain materials.”
Spyce, a robotic kitchen created by four alumni, will open in Boston’s Downtown Crossing this May. The group “built their first prototype in [an MIT] fraternity basement in 2015; now they have patent-pending technology and backing from acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud,” writes Jenna Pelletier of Boston Magazine.
Prof. Max Tegmark speaks to Jane Wakefield of BBC World Service about the importance of having conversations that focus on how AI will dictate the future. “What will happen, if the ultimate goal of AI actually succeeds?" Tegmark asks. "AI and other powerful technology isn’t evil, nor is it good. It is a tool that can amplify our ability to do whatever we want.”
After several years of experimentation, graduate student Arnav Kapur developed AlterEgo, a device to interpret subvocalization that can be used to control digital applications. Describing the implications as “exciting,” Katharine Schwab at Co.Design writes, “The technology would enable a new way of thinking about how we interact with computers, one that doesn’t require a screen but that still preserves the privacy of our thoughts.”
AlterEgo, a device developed by Media Lab graduate student Arnav Kapur, “can transcribe words that wearers verbalise internally but do not say out loud, using electrodes attached to the skin,” writes Samuel Gibbs of The Guardian. “Kapur and team are currently working on collecting data to improve recognition and widen the number of words AlterEgo can detect.”
Researchers at the Media Lab have developed a device, known as “AlterEgo,” which allows an individual to discreetly query the internet and control devices by using a headset “where a handful of electrodes pick up the miniscule electrical signals generated by the subtle internal muscle motions that occur when you silently talk to yourself,” writes Rob Verger for Popular Science.
A new headset developed by graduate student Arnav Kapur reads the small muscle movements in the face that occur when the wearer thinks about speaking, and then uses “artificial intelligence algorithms to decipher their meaning,” writes Chelsea Whyte for New Scientist. Known as AlterEgo, the device “is directly linked to a program that can query Google and then speak the answers.”
Sarah Toy of The Wall Street Journal writes that CSAIL researchers have developed a soft robotic fish that can capture images and video of aquatic life. “The key here is that the robot is very quiet as it moves in the water and the undulating motion of the tail does not create too much water disturbance,” says Prof. Daniela Rus.
SoFi, or “soft robot fish”, was developed by researchers in CSAIL to better observe marine life without disturbance. “…it's specially designed to look realistic and move super-quietly through the waves,” writes BBC News, whose brief also features a video of the fish in action.
CSAIL researchers have developed a soft robotic fish that can unobtrusively observe marine wildlife, writes NPR’s Colin Dwyer. Known as SoFi, the robot is “more likely to get close to aquatic life acting naturally,” explains Dwyer, “which could mean its camera has a better chance at snapping some candid shots to pass on to marine biologists.”
MIT Media Lab spin out Affectiva has launched AI software that tracks drivers' emotions, energy, and distraction levels, writes Sasha Lekach of Mashable. The system uses “face and head tracking with near-infrared and RGB cameras” to measure facial expressions and emotions and listen for sounds, explains Lekach.
CSAIL researchers have developed a soft robotic fish, known as SoFi, that can “capture high-resolution photos and video with a camera built into its nose,” writes Will Dunham for Reuters. “The robot can be used as a marine biology instrument and also to measure pollution in coastal waters, to create maps, to do inspection, to monitor and track,” said Prof. Daniela Rus.