No “Mr. Fusion” in the near future. Perhaps not even a giant tokamak. Here’s a tale of ongoing Big Science travail, Big Science going bust. A schedule that just keeps slipping into the future. • Scientific American > “World’s Largest Fusion Project Is in Big Trouble, New Documents Reveal” by Charles Seife (June 15, 2023)… Continue reading Fusion dreams – big science tokamak travail
Category: General
Non-specific posts
AI chatbot reality check – the bottom line?
Generative AI chatbots might be cool to many. But the heat (greenhouse gas emissions) and cost may deflate hype as a reality check for the botton line. Generative AI data center server infrastructure plus operating costs will challenge the business models and profitability of emergent services incorporating this tech [1]. • Washington Post > “AI… Continue reading AI chatbot reality check – the bottom line?
Lords of AI – Tech giants and an International Agency
UPDATE May 17, 2023: Proper funding for a new federal AI agency is needed to match the tech industry’s speed and power. The name for the prospective agency and a map of its possible functions are yet to be determined. But does having one agency regulate all AI make sense? – vs. adding AI oversight… Continue reading Lords of AI – Tech giants and an International Agency
AI tech and society’s slippery slope
Steven Levy commented this week on those heralding a “worst-case scenario” for AI – “how artificial intelligence might wipe out humanity.” At a gathering in New York City organized by the Center for Humane Technology (CHT) [1], a “doom-time presentation” evoked an apocalyptic tone: We were told that this gathering was historic, one we would… Continue reading AI tech and society’s slippery slope
ChatGPT – an illusion of understanding?
[Update: February 8, 2023 – see comments as well] Following the company’s investment in OpenAI, Microsft has released OpenAI-infused new versions of Bing and Edge. • LA Times > “Microsoft unveils Bing and Edge with OpenAI technology” by Dina Bass (Feb 8, 2023) – Tech giant upgraded its search engine and browser in hopes of… Continue reading ChatGPT – an illusion of understanding?