Albanese has committed to ensuring that authors and musicians retain the autonomy to decide how their creations are utilized in AI training processes. He emphasized that it would constitute "theft" if artists were stripped of this control and not compensated for the application of their works.

AI-generated songs prohibited from Australia's music charts.

A dimly lit, moody record store interior at night: a clerk’s hand stretches bright red “BANNED” tape across a row of vinyl albums boldly stamped “AI,” while stacks of regular records loom behind. A small Australian flag sticker adorns the wooden shelf edge, casting soft, warm shadows across the scene.

Songs created by AI banned from Australia's music charts - BBC

- Albanese pledged that creatives can control how their work is used in AI training.  
- He emphasized that losing control over creative work would be considered "theft."  
- Compensation for the use of creative works in AI is a key priority.  

Albanese pledged that writers and musicians would be able to choose if and how their work was used in the training of AI, saying it would be "theft" if creatives lost that control and were not paid for its use.

Songs created by AI banned from Australia's music charts

Taiwanese prosecutors have indicted nine individuals, including staff from Nvidia and Super Micro Computer, for their suspected roles in the unlawful exportation of artificial intelligence servers to China.

According to a statement issued on Monday by officials in Keelung, eight of the accused—one from Nvidia’s Taiwan unit and two from Supermicro’s Taiwan branch—face charges of breach of trust and document forgery related to the illicit shipment of advanced AI servers. Prosecutors detailed that 50 of these servers were transshipped through Indonesia, eight were sent via Japan, while the remainder went directly to China. Additionally, a separate shipment of 56 servers was intercepted at Taiwan's border.

Among the accused, three face charges of embezzlement. As the leading global producer of sophisticated chips utilized in AI, Taiwan plays a critical role in the semiconductor landscape.

The United States has imposed restrictions on the export of advanced silicon chips, notably those designed by Nvidia, to China, amid concerns regarding their application in artificial intelligence technologies. However, Taiwanese law does not currently classify these actions as criminal, prompting calls from lawmakers and experts to amend existing regulations, as authorities must rely on alternative laws to prosecute offenders.

In response, Nvidia emphasized that its employees are motivated to ensure compliance with relevant laws while affirming their commitment to assist Taiwanese authorities in resolving the allegations swiftly. Meanwhile, Supermicro noted that their cooperation with local authorities was instrumental in leading to the arrests of the indicted individuals, including two former employees of their Taiwanese subsidiary. The company asserts that it is not the target of this investigation and has not been implicated in any misconduct.

Prosecutors have indicated they are seeking prison sentences of up to five years for seven defendants, whom they allege acted with the intent of pursuing substantial profits through collusion in the illegal export of servers. They argued that such actions not only elevate corporate compliance costs but also significantly tarnish Taiwan’s international reputation. For the remaining two defendants who have admitted guilt and cooperated with the investigation, prosecutors are advocating for more lenient sentences.

In recent years, Taiwan has implemented stricter export controls aimed at preventing advanced technology from reaching China, which maintains a claim over the island, despite opposition from Taiwan’s government.

Nvidia and Supermicro staff face charges for exporting AI servers to China.

A moonlit shipping yard at a border checkpoint, two shadowy figures in work jackets loading heavy metal crates stamped with large Nvidia and Supermicro logos onto a flatbed truck. A Chinese flag flutters on a nearby pole behind a chain-link fence. High-contrast floodlights cast deep shadows across the asphalt, evoking an ominous, illicit operation.

Nvidia, Supermicro employees charged over export of AI servers to China - Al Jazeera

- Nine individuals, including Nvidia and Supermicro employees, indicted for illegal AI server exports.  
- Prosecutors allege breach of trust and document forgery in connection with the exports.  
- Taiwan tightens export controls to prevent advanced technology from reaching China amidst protests.

Share Nvidia, Supermicro employees charged over export of AI servers to China on social media

Taiwanese authorities have indicted nine people, including employees of Nvidia and Super Micro Computer, over their alleged involvement in the illegal export of artificial intelligence servers to China.

Eight of those indicted, including one employee of Nvidia’s Taiwan unit and two employees of Supermicro’s Taiwan unit, were charged with breach of trust and document forgery in connection with the illegal export of high-end AI servers, prosecutors in the port city of Keelung said in a statement on Monday.

Of those servers, 50 were transshipped through Indonesia, eight were sent via Japan and the rest were exported directly to China, according to prosecutors.

An additional 56 servers were seized at Taiwan’s border, the statement said.

Three of the defendants have been charged with embezzlement.

Semiconductor powerhouse Taiwan is the world’s largest producer of advanced chips used in AI applications.

The United States restricts exports to China of the most cutting-edge silicon chips designed by industry leader Nvidia and used to power artificial intelligence systems.

But it is not a criminal offence in Taiwan, a situation lawmakers and experts say needs to change, with Taiwanese prosecutors relying on other laws to go after offenders.

Nvidia said its employees have “every incentive to work diligently with customers to ensure compliance with all applicable laws”, adding it would work with the Taiwan authorities to help them “resolve the allegations as quickly as possible”.

Supermicro said its cooperation with Taiwanese authorities led to the arrests of the indicted individuals, including two former employees of its Taiwan subsidiary.

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“The Company continues to cooperate with Taiwan authorities, is not a target of their investigation and has not been accused of any wrongdoing,” it said in a statement.

Prosecutors said they were seeking sentences of up to five years in jail for seven defendants who were “driven by the pursuit of exorbitant profits” to collude in the illegal export of the servers.

“This not only increased corporate compliance costs but also severely damaged the nation’s international image,” the prosecutors said.

They said they were seeking more lenient sentences for the other two defendants who had confessed to all charges and cooperated with the investigation.

Taiwan has tightened export controls in recent years to keep advanced technology and know-how from reaching China, which claims the island as its own territory despite the strong objections of its government.

Nvidia, Supermicro employees charged over export of AI servers to China

Australia's music charts are establishing new guidelines to address the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in music creation. In a move spurred by public outcry over a recent AI-heavy cover of Madonna's "Like a Prayer," the official charts will no longer include music that is predominantly created by AI. The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) announced this decision on Tuesday, stating that only tracks utilizing AI as a “supporting role” will remain eligible for chart placement.

Under these new regulations, any music deemed "wholly AI-generated" will be excluded from both the charts and the annual ARIA Music Awards, effective this Friday. ARIA plans to implement a labeling system introduced by various music industry entities last month to differentiate between fully AI-generated music and that which involves AI as a supplementary tool in the creative process.

This labeling system, developed by a coalition that includes the Recording Industry Association of America, categorizes works as either "AI-Generated," where AI is responsible for most or all creative elements, or "AI-Assisted," where AI contributes only minor expressive aspects. 

Representing ARIA, CEO Annabelle Herd emphasized the importance of adapting to AI's evolving role in music while ensuring that their charts do not validate art created entirely by machines that rely on the foundational work of human artists. “These adjustments reflect our commitment to keep pace with the changing landscape while celebrating the essence of human artistry in a rapidly evolving sector,” Herd remarked.

The decision by ARIA, which encompasses leading music labels like Sony Music Entertainment Australia and Universal Music Australia, follows a significant incident involving a Brisbane DJ whose AI-generated cover of "Like a Prayer" soared to popularity but faced backlash for its lack of traditional human input. DJ Josh Fawaz, who eventually acknowledged his extensive use of AI in the track, noted that it has amassed over 48.5 million streams on Spotify, currently sitting atop the ARIA Top 20 Australian Dance Singles Chart.

Fawaz has defended his use of AI as a legitimate creative tool, expressing that he views ARIA's new policies as a positive step forward. In a social media response, he recognized that perceptions of AI in music vary widely and celebrated the achievements of Australian artists on a global scale.

Experts in the field, like Oliver Bown from the University of New South Wales, highlight the imminent need for discussions surrounding the implications of AI in creative sectors. Bown cautioned that many commercial AI music platforms may be inappropriate in their use of training data, calling attention to the potential risks to artists. He advocated for responsible AI use, asserting that while it can facilitate artistic creation, there exists a troubling trend in leveraging AI for profit without ethical considerations.

Ivan Zavada, a senior lecturer at the University of Sydney, regarded these regulatory changes as essential for preserving authentic human musical creativity and performance. He pointed out the necessity for clearer legal guidelines surrounding AI's use in music, emphasizing the balance needed as AI becomes an integral component of music production in the near future. “This is an exhilarating yet concerning transition period in the realm of digital and electronic arts,” Zavada concluded.

Australia's music charts prohibit AI-generated songs following controversy over Madonna cover.

A moody, dimly lit backstage room: a large wall-mounted music chart under a single warm spotlight shows song titles, the line with “Madonna” crossed out in bold red. A hand wielding a rubber stamp slams down the word “BANNED.” The Australian flag hangs nearby, its colors muted in the shadows. A cracked vintage microphone lies on a dusty table, hinting at silenced voices.

Australia’s music charts ban AI-made songs amid backlash over Madonna cover - Al Jazeera

- Australia bans wholly AI-generated tracks from official music charts amid public backlash.  
- Tracks using AI as a "supporting role" can still enter the charts.  
- New rules aim to protect human creativity while adapting to AI's evolving role.  

Tracks that use AI in a ‘supporting role’ will still be eligible for inclusion in the official charts.

Australia’s official music charts have banned tracks mostly created by artificial intelligence (AI) following a backlash over a cover of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” that relied heavily on the burgeoning technology.

“Wholly AI-generated” music will be excluded from the charts under the changes, while tracks that use AI in a “supporting role” will still be eligible, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) said on Tuesday.

AI-generated music will also not be considered for recognition at the annual ARIA Music Awards under the new rules, which are set to take effect on Friday.

ARIA said it would rely on a labelling system introduced by music industry groups last month to distinguish AI-generated tracks from those that use AI to complement human creativity.

Under the labelling rules announced by a coalition of organisations including the Recording Industry Association of America, tracks may be labelled “AI-Generated” or “AI-Assisted” depending on the level of human involvement in the writing and recording process.

Tracks are classed as “AI-Generated” if AI was used to create the “entirety or the primary portion of the creative elements of the recording” and “AI-Assisted” if the technology was used only for “some expressive elements”.

ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd said while the music charts should evolve to reflect the legitimate use of AI, they should not recognise music generated “wholesale” by technology that relies on other artists’ work.

“These changes reflect our intent to remain dynamic and promote the human nature of artistry in what is – to say the least – a rapidly developing space,” Herd said in a statement.

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ARIA, whose members include major music labels such as Sony Music Entertainment Australia and Universal Music Australia, publishes more than two dozen weekly music charts in Australia, including the top 50 singles and top 50 albums.

The industry association’s decision comes after a Brisbane-based DJ’s chart-topping cover of Madonna’s 1989 hit Like a Prayer attracted a backlash over its use of AI-generated vocals and drums.

Josh Fawaz last month belatedly acknowledged using AI on the track after music fans and producers raised suspicions that it was not produced by a human.

The cover has racked up more than 48.5 million listens on music streaming platform Spotify and currently ranks number one on the ARIA Top 20 Australian Dance Singles Chart.

Fawaz, who has defended the use of AI as a “tool” in his music, described ARIA’s new rules as a “great move”.

“I understand that AI in music isn’t for everyone and that’s fine. Good to see Aussie artists killing it globally!!” Fawaz wrote in a social media post responding to the announcement.

Oliver Bown, an associate professor at the University of New South Wales who researches the relationship between technology and art, said the impact of AI on creative industries such as music demands urgent attention.

“Many large commercial AI music generation companies have assumed they can scrape training data without permission, and so are potentially predatory on artists,” Bown told Al Jazeera.

“I believe people can do great artistic work using AI respectfully, but there is also a predatory phenomenon whereby you can just go fishing for plays and profits,” he added.

“Many organisations have developed rules about AI use and an increasing number see the need to ban full-AI works. I think this is the right thing to do.”

Ivan Zavada, a senior lecturer in composition and music technology at the University of Sydney, said the changes have been widely viewed as a “necessary step” to protect “genuine human musical creativity and performance”.

“More work needs to be done on the legal and intellectual property fronts to enable more trust and clarity in these tools,” Zavada told Al Jazeera.

“AI will be an essential part of standard music production in the very near future. We are living a very exciting yet concerning transition period in the digital and electronic arts.”

Australia’s music charts ban AI-made songs amid backlash over Madonna cover

In Pepper Pike, Ohio, Superintendent Lynn Campbell reassured parents in the Orange City School District that the rollout of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools will be implemented thoughtfully and at a measured pace. During a recent meeting of the Orange Board of Education on August 24, Campbell clarified popular misconceptions, stating, “We are not just opening up AI.” He emphasized that at the elementary level, particularly K-5, AI will be introduced in a way that supports teachers in curating their lessons, rather than being an overwhelming presence in the classroom. The deeper integration of AI into high school assignments will come later, as students will have more opportunities to utilize guidance and structure provided through these technologies.

The discussion about AI took place during a review of professional development initiatives for staff that occurred from August 17 to 18, right before students in grades 1-12 returned to school on August 20. Heather Miller, the new director of curriculum and instruction, highlighted the use of the AI platform MagicSchool, which is designed specifically for K-12 education to enhance lesson planning, grading, and classroom interactions. During the same professional development session, staff received insights from Kelly Fishman, the regional director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), on discrimination definitions and bias, marking the first of three training sessions for the year.

Looking ahead, Campbell mentioned that the upcoming session in November will delve into the implications of AI and social media as potential drivers of bias and prejudice, and how educators can proactively address these issues in their teaching. “AI brings with it a lot of greatness and a lot of concerns at the same time,” he reflected, expressing enthusiasm for developing staff proficiency with the MagicSchool platform.

Additionally, during these professional development days, staff were introduced to the Marzano framework for High Reliability Schools by Melanie Lewis Magee. The school board recently approved a contract with Marzano to further enhance professional development for educators and administrators.

On a separate note, resident Liz Gillmore voiced her concerns during the board meeting regarding how the district processes eligibility decisions related to a federal law protecting students with disabilities, specifically referencing Section 504. This law is designed to ensure that students with disabilities are not discriminated against and have access to the same educational opportunities as their non-disabled peers. Gillmore emphasized that good academic performance does not necessarily indicate that a student is unaffected by a disability and insisted that students should not be required to struggle before receiving necessary support. 

Gillmore urged the board to foster trust by promoting an environment where parents feel heard and respected, even when disagreements arise. She stressed the importance of open communication and constructive dialogues between families and the school, especially concerning accommodation requests.

In other developments, board President Beth Wilson-Fish announced the recent passing of Anita Tenney, a former teacher in the district who contributed significantly to the community and education. Tenney, a Pepper Pike resident, passed away on August 20 at the age of 76 and was remembered for establishing a successful early Spanish program at Moreland Hills Elementary School.

Lastly, the board approved a one-year contract for Julianne Cochran as an intervention specialist at Moreland Hills Elementary, effective August 17, and accepted the resignation of part-time bus driver Sabeen Chromjak-Harris, effective August 7.

Superintendent: Orange Schools taking initial steps into the realm of AI

A warm sunlit school corridor bathed in natural light, with orange-accented banners reading “Orange Schools” hanging overhead. In the center, a small, friendly robot taking its very first baby steps on polished tile, its mechanical hand outstretched for balance. At the edge of the frame, a lone superintendent silhouette in business attire holds a clipboard, watching proudly as the robot approaches a door labeled “AI Lab.”

Superintendent: Orange Schools entering into world of AI with ‘baby steps’ - Cleveland.com

- AI integration in the Orange City School District will be gradual and teacher-curated.  
- Parent concerns address eligibility decisions for students with disabilities under federal law.  
- The district hired Julianne Cochran as an intervention specialist after accepting a resignation.  

PEPPER PIKE, Ohio – Parents in the Orange City School District can rest assured that integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the district’s schools will be gradual, Superintendent Lynn Campbell says.

“We are not just opening up AI,” Campbell told the Orange Board of Education Monday (Aug. 24).

“I know there’s a misconception that all the schools are going to use AI.”

At the K-5 level, AI integration is “really about the teacher curating specific things to show kids what it is,” Campbell said.

“It won’t be until high school that they will be pulling more into their assignments what guidance and structure they’re allowed to use,” he said.

“Who knows where it will go?

“We’ve got into it with baby steps, and we’re going to continue that because it impacts everything we do, or it stands to.”

The topic of AI was discussed during a review of the district’s professional development for staff that took place at the start of the school year Aug. 17-18.

Students in grades 1-12 began classes Aug. 20.

Heather Miller, the district’s new director of curriculum and instruction, said on Aug. 18, staff members looked at AI integration with MagicSchool “as another resource for staff.”

MagicSchool is an AI platform built specifically for K-12 schools, teachers and students to simplify lesson planning, grading and classroom activities.

Also on Aug. 18, staff members heard a presentation by Kelly Fishman, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, which Miller said covered the common definitions of discrimination and addressed bias.

It was the first of three professional development sessions for district staff designed by the ADL for this school year.

Campbell said he believes the second session with the ADL in November will focus more on “how AI and social media are being used as tools and platforms to promote biases and hate and how our staff can get in front of that.”

“AI brings with it a lot of greatness and a lot of concerns at the same time,” he said.

“I’m excited as we continue to develop our staff’s knowledge of MagicSchool.”

On Aug. 17, Miller noted that staff members heard from Melanie Lewis Magee, an associate for Marzano Resources, about Marzano High Reliability Schools.

In 2024, the school board approved a contract with Marzano High Reliability Schools to provide additional professional development for staff members and administrators.

The Marzano framework defines five progressive levels of performance that a school must master to become a “high reliability” school.

Miller said the district received positive feedback from staff on both days of professional development.

Parent addresses law related to disabilities

Also on Monday, Pepper Pike resident Liz Gillmore, a parent in the district, expressed concerns to the board about how eligibility decisions related to a federal law regarding students with disabilities are being made and reviewed within the district.

She was referring to Section 504, a federal civil rights law that protects students with disabilities from discrimination and guarantees them equal access to education.

Governed by the U.S Department of Education under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, it requires public schools to give disabled students the same opportunities as non-disabled peers.

“Good grades do not mean a student is unaffected by a disability,” Gillmore said.

“In many cases, they reflect extraordinary effort, extensive support and hours of additional work to keep pace with their peers.

“A student should not have to fail before receiving support.”

Gillmore said she’s also concerned that accommodation requests are sometimes viewed by the district’s administration “through the lens of potential advantages on college entrance exams, such as SATs or ACTs.”

“Accommodations do not provide advantage,” she said. “Their purpose is to remove barriers.

“They exist to allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities on equal footing with their peers.”

Gillmore said she was asking the board to consider this question: “How do we build and maintain trust with families in our school?”

“Trust is built when parents believe they have been heard, respected and treated as partners, even when there are disagreements,” she said.

“Every parent should feel comfortable asking questions, seeking clarification, presenting additional information or challenging a decision they believe may affect their child’s educational opportunities.

“Those conversations should not be viewed as adversarial,” she continued.

“They’re often drivers of the very same goals shared by educators and administrators, ensuring that qualifying students receive the support necessary to reach their potential.”

A parent should never feel there are consequences for advocating for their child, Gillmore said.

“They should never feel that asking difficult questions will negatively affect their relationship with the school or create adverse consequences for their student,” she said.

“They should never feel that utilizing the review processes available to them will be viewed as disruptive, rather than constructive.

“As board members, your role is not to decide individual eligibility cases,” she continued.

“Your role is to ensure that the system, processes, culture and those responsible for administration promote fairness, consistency, transparency and trust.”

Gillmore said her request was simple: to review the district’s practices surrounding Section 504 eligibility determinations and appeals, “ensuring that decisions are based on the totality of evidence and that legitimate accommodation requests are evaluated on their merit and not through assumptions about testing advantages.”

Former Orange Schools teacher dies

In addition, board President Beth Wilson-Fish shared that Anita Tenney, a former Orange Schools teacher, died recently.

“I learned of Anita’s passing last week, and it hit our community very hard,” she said.

Tenney, a Pepper Pike resident, died Aug. 20. She was 76.

Wilson-Fish noted that Tenney was an Orange Community Education and Recreation instructor as well as a teacher at Moreland Hills Elementary School.

She credited Tenney with piloting the elementary school’s Spanish program around 2009 or 2010.

“The PTA brought Anita on to kind of try a Spanish program for our kids, beginning in the younger years,” she said.

“Obviously, her work there for that one year proved to be very successful, as the program has continued on.”

Wilson-Fish added that Tenney was a longtime community member and that her two daughters, Rebecca and Rachel, are graduates of Orange High School.

“She’ll be a true legacy here to us at Orange,” she said.

Tenney dedicated much of her professional life to education, with a particular passion for the Spanish language, according to her obituary on the Cleveland Jewish Funerals website.

A native of New York, she earned a master’s degree in Latin American literature from New York University and spent many years tutoring students of all ages in Spanish, the obituary stated.

A funeral service for Tenney was held Monday at Cleveland Jewish Funerals in Warrensville Heights.

New teacher hired

In other action, the board approved a one-year contract for Julianne Cochran, intervention specialist at Moreland Hills Elementary School, effective Aug. 17.

It also accepted the resignation of Sabeen Chromjak-Harris, part-time bus driver, effective Aug. 7.

Superintendent: Orange Schools entering into world of AI with ‘baby steps’

At the 2025 Icons of Porsche Festival, held at The Slab in Dubai on November 22, 2025, Porsche announced a significant five-year partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), valued at 1.25 billion euros (approximately $1.46 billion), focused on advancing artificial intelligence initiatives.

As part of this agreement, TCS will take over Porsche's IT consulting division, MHP, in a transaction worth 320 million euros. This strategic move is designed to integrate Porsche's deep automotive knowledge with TCS's robust digital and AI expertise. Michael Leiters, Porsche's chairman, emphasized in the announcement that this collaboration aims to enhance the carmaker's innovation, operational efficiency, and competitiveness in an era that increasingly prioritizes data and software in mobility solutions.

This partnership comes on the heels of TCS securing a range of AI-driven business transformation agreements throughout the year. The company reported an annualized revenue of $2.6 billion from AI activities in the June quarter, reflecting a 13.6% increase compared to the previous quarter.

Porsche signs $1.5 billion agreement for AI implementation with India's top IT services company Tata Consultancy.

A sleek silver Porsche sports coupé parked on a gleaming plaza under warm natural light, a modern Tata Consultancy Services office tower rising behind it with a large TCS logo on its glass façade, an Indian flag fluttering atop a nearby flagpole, subtle abstract AI circuitry patterns etched into the marble pavement to hint at the $1.5 billion AI deployment deal.

Porsche inks $1.5 billion deal for AI deployment with India’s largest IT services firm Tata Consultancy - CNBC

- Porsche signs a five-year €1.25 billion AI contract with Tata Consultancy Services.  
- TCS acquires Porsche's IT consulting business, MHP, for €320 million.  
- Partnership enhances Porsche's innovation and competitiveness in the digital mobility landscape.  

General atmosphere at the 2025 Icons of Porsche Festival at The Slab on November 22, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Porsche has signed a five-year contract worth 1.25 billion euros ($1.46 billion) for artificial intelligence with India's largest IT services firm, Tata Consultancy Services.

As part of the deal, TCS will acquire Porsche's IT consulting business, MHP, for 320 million euros, the company said in a release.

This will combine Porsche's "automotive expertise with TCS's digital and AI capabilities," Michael Leiters, chairman of Porsche, said in the press release. The partnership will boost the European sports-car maker's innovation, efficiency and competitiveness "in an increasingly data- and software-driven world of mobility."

Since the start of the year, TCS has secured multiple AI-led business transformation deals and has said its annualized AI revenues were $2.6 billion in the June quarter, up 13.6% from a quarter earlier.

Porsche inks $1.5 billion deal for AI deployment with India’s largest IT services firm Tata Consultancy

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Rep Chip Roy emphasizes the need for an important discussion in Washington regarding AI.

A wood-paneled congressional hearing room bathed in warm natural light, Representative Chip Roy standing at a podium before a single American flag, shadowed senators seated behind him as a large screen glows with the letters “AI,” their serious expressions hinting at a pivotal debate.

There needs to be a serious conversation in Washington about AI: Rep Chip Roy - Fox Business

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There needs to be a serious conversation in Washington about AI: Rep Chip Roy

During the World Robot Conference held in Beijing on August 21, 2026, both local attendees and international visitors gathered to explore the latest advancements in robotics.

At the conference, the founder of Unitree highlighted a significant hurdle facing humanoid robots: the acquisition of human-like skills. While artificial intelligence plays a role, the search for a definitive solution continues.

Greetings from Beijing, I'm Evelyn, and I’m here to share insights from the local business landscape as part of The China Connection.

QJ Robots, an innovative startup focused on enabling robots to grasp human skills, has received support from Temasek, as revealed by founder and CEO Haichuan Gao. Their AI framework is designed to enhance robots' ability to anticipate their environment and execute tasks with greater efficiency.

QJ Robots reports impressive earnings of over 100 million yuan (about $15 million) through the application of its technology across more than 100,000 robots, primarily utilized by companies in mainland China. This substantial user base allows the startup to gather extensive data each month, according to Chief Technology Officer Tianren Zhang. However, he emphasized that the current data pool is insufficient for optimal model training.

Both Zhang and Gao earned their PhDs in automation from Tsinghua University, where their three-year-old venture originated within the school's brain computing research center. Their work aligns with the tech sector's increasing emphasis on creating world models, which seek to better replicate the dynamics of the physical environment, as opposed to the predominantly textual focus of large language models like ChatGPT.

To foster AI integration in industry, Beijing is actively encouraging major corporations to enhance their technological capabilities, an opportunity that startups are keen to exploit.

Another Tsinghua graduate, Chao Yu, established the robotics firm Lumos two years ago, with partnerships that include Mitsubishi Electric. Lumos has also initiated a center aimed at amassing training data. Earlier this year, Yu recognized that factories and other enterprises needed a system to translate data and AI directives into actionable tasks. As a result, Lumos launched the NexCore platform last week, designed to interface with various types of robots, not limited to Lumos products.

The competition to create superior autonomous robotics solutions is heating up. Just a year ago, Ace Robotics was founded, with Wang Xiaogang, co-founder of SenseTime, taking on the role of chairman. Wang stressed that a successful humanoid robot must integrate hardware, models, and real-world data scenarios. He cautioned against relying on online videos for training, as they may introduce unrealistic visual effects into the model.

Ace Robotics' offerings include wearable sensors capable of accurately capturing human activity data. By the end of next year, Wang anticipates that the industry will amass enough data to trigger a pivotal moment, similar to the transformative launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 that reshaped business applications of AI.

However, it's uncertain whether the market can afford to wait until then. Following comments from Unitree's founder Wang Xingxing that tempered commercialization expectations for humanoid robots, the company's shares experienced a drop. Meanwhile, visitors at the conference expressed their skepticism about the technology, with many finding the performance of robots—such as those responsible for folding clothes or selling water—slow and awkward. One individual waiting to purchase a beverage remarked in Mandarin that patience was only extended to the robots, asserting, "A human would definitely be scolded if it took this long."

CNBC's The China Connection newsletter: AI firms are hurrying to assist robots in acquiring human skills.

A bright, sunlit tech workshop with warm natural light streaming through tall industrial windows. In the foreground, a humanoid robot sits at a wooden workbench, flipping through a manual titled “Human Skills,” while a human instructor guides its hand holding a paintbrush. Behind them, other robots practice handshakes and cooking with utensils on worktables. On one wall, a large CNBC peacock logo glows on a digital screen, with a small Chinese flag pinned beside it.

CNBC's The China Connection newsletter: Robots need help learning human skills. These AI companies are rushing to meet the demand - CNBC

- Unitree's founder discussed humanoid robots' challenges in learning human skills at the conference.  
- QJ Robots has generated over $15 million by enhancing robots’ predictive tasks with AI.  
- Industry competition is intensifying, with startups focused on improving data-driven robotic functionalities.  

The public and foreign visitors alike visit the World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 21, 2026.

Unitree's founder reminded everyone at the World Robot Conference last week that the biggest challenge for humanoids is learning human skills. AI helps, but is there a secret sauce?

Hi, this is Evelyn, writing to you from Beijing. Welcome to the latest edition of The China Connection — a snapshot of what I'm seeing and hearing from local businesses.

QJ Robots, a startup that's helping robots learn human skills, has been backed by Temasek, founder and CEO Haichuan Gao told me.

The company's AI model focuses on helping robots predict the world around them and perform tasks more efficiently.

QJ Robots claims it's already made more than 100 million yuan ($15 million) from deploying the model to more than 100,000 robots, mostly by companies in mainland China.

That gives the startup a large base from which it collects data every month, Chief Technology Officer Tianren Zhang said. But it's not enough — he said more kinds of data are needed to train the model effectively.

Zhang and CEO Gao both have PhDs in automation from Tsinghua University, where their three-year-old company got its start in the school's brain computing research center.

It's all part of the tech industry's growing focus on world models, which aim to imitate the physical world more closely than ChatGPT-type "large language models" that focus on text generation.

One of Beijing's approaches is to encourage industrial giants to integrate and develop AI capabilities. It's a manufacturing ecosystem edge that local startups are tapping into.

Another Tsinghua alumnus, Chao Yu, launched industrial-focused robotics company Lumos two years ago. Its backers and partners include Mitsubishi Electric.

Lumos has launched its own center for collecting training data. But Yu said that earlier this year, he realized that for factories and other businesses to use more robots effectively, they needed a platform to translate data and AI instruction into task completion. The startup last week officially launched its NexCore system that claims can work with a range of robots, not just those from Lumos.

But the race to build the best autonomous robotics solution is intensifying.

Just one year ago, Ace Robotics launched with SenseTime Co-Founder Wang Xiaogang as the startup's chairman.

An effective humanoid robot solution, he said, must combine hardware, models and data with use-case scenarios. Real-world data is critical, Wang said, as using online videos for training can introduce unrealistic special effects into the model.

Ace Robotics' products include wearable sensors for precisely capturing data from human activity.

By the end of next year, Wang predicts the industry will have gathered enough data for a breakthrough moment, similar to how ChatGPT's launch in late 2022 transformed what businesses could do with AI.

It's less clear whether markets will be willing to wait that long. Unitree's shares tumbled after founder Wang Xingxing sought to lower expectations for humanoid commercialization, while the public visiting conference exhibition booths were often bluntly unimpressed.

Dancing robots aside, machines folding clothes or selling water moved slowly and stiffly. One person waiting to buy a bottle of water noted in Mandarin Chinese that people were only patient because it was a robot.

"A human would definitely be scolded if it took this long."

CNBC's The China Connection newsletter: Robots need help learning human skills. These AI companies are rushing to meet the demand

A recent study has revealed minimal overall changes in employment rates across different sectors, despite variances in how significantly they are affected by artificial intelligence (AI). Researchers examined the impact of AI on employment, finding that for young workers aged 22 to 25, jobs classified as heavily influenced by AI saw an approximate 11 percent decline in jobs since 2022. In contrast, positions considered minimally impacted by AI experienced a 10 percent growth in employment for this demographic during the same timeframe.

The analysis conducted by Brynjolfsson and colleagues indicates that while the overall economic effects of AI on employment appear muted, there is a widening gap specifically for entry-level positions between job sectors with significant AI influence and those without. In these AI-heavy fields, the primary issue seems to stem from diminished hiring rates rather than an uptick in layoffs or job resignations. This trend suggests that for younger workers, the effects of AI are reflected more in decreased job availability rather than lowered wages.

Furthermore, the researchers highlighted that not all jobs facing potential AI transformation are equally affected. Through their Economic Index, Anthropic classifies tasks into two categories: "automative," which fully replace human labor, and "augmentative," which enhance human capabilities in their work. Jobs such as accounting and reception have been identified as more vulnerable to automation, while roles like chief executives and registered nurses frequently employ AI to support human efforts rather than replace them.

The study emphasizes that fields susceptible to AI automation showcase the most significant drops in employment for entry-level roles. The findings indicate a trend where automation-focused applications of AI are displacing human labor, while roles that utilize AI to complement human work tend to maintain stable or even increasing employment figures.

Stanford study reveals AI is most affecting entry-level jobs.

A moody, dimly lit open-plan office at dusk: rows of empty cubicles with cardboard boxes and scattered resumes on desks. In the shadows looms a giant, circuit-patterned robotic hand pointing toward the exit. A few dejected young professionals (adults only) pack their belongings under flickering overhead lights, while a faint Stanford crest is plastered on a report lying on one desk.

AI is hitting entry-level jobs hardest, Stanford study finds - Ars Technica

- Overall employment across industries remains stable despite varying AI impact levels.  
- Employment for young workers in AI-impacted fields dropped 11% since 2022.  
- Jobs involving automation see lower entry-level hiring compared to those with AI augmentation.

When crunching the numbers economy-wide, the researchers found little to no difference in relative overall employment between the jobs judged most and least affected by AI on these metrics. When separating out workers aged 22 to 25, though, the researchers found that, since 2022, employment in the top 40 percent of “AI-impacted” jobs had fallen by about 11 percent. In the 60 percent of jobs with the least AI impact, by contrast, total employment for those young workers grew by 10 percent over the same period.

Brynjolfsson et al Across the entire economy, relative employment effects in more heavily AI-impacted fields are relatively muted. Across the entire economy, relative employment effects in more heavily AI-impacted fields are relatively muted. Brynjolfsson et al Brynjolfsson et al For entry-level workers, though, there is a large and widening gap between employment in fields that are or are not impacted by AI. For entry-level workers, though, there is a large and widening gap between employment in fields that are or are not impacted by AI. Brynjolfsson et al Across the entire economy, relative employment effects in more heavily AI-impacted fields are relatively muted. Brynjolfsson et al For entry-level workers, though, there is a large and widening gap between employment in fields that are or are not impacted by AI. Brynjolfsson et al

Digging deeper into the data, the researchers found that this phenomenon is mainly manifesting itself through lower hiring rates for entry-level workers in AI-impacted fields, rather than increased firings or employees quitting. They also found that the labor market effects among this age group were mostly seen in lower overall employment, rather than reduced pay rates.

But not all jobs that show potential for AI “disruption” are created equal, the researchers found. In its Economic Index, Anthropic differentiates between queries related to tasks that are “automative” (i.e., fully replacing work previously done by a human) or “augmentative” (i.e., helping human workers be more effective at tasks they are still needed for). By this measure, jobs like “accountants and auditors” and “receptionists and information clerks” were among those judged most susceptible to AI automation, while jobs like “chief executive” and “registered nurse” were among those using AI augmentation most often.

Unsurprisingly, jobs where AI automation is prevalent are the ones showing the worst relative employment levels for entry-level workers these days. “The findings are consistent with automation-oriented uses of AI substituting for labor while complementary uses are associated with flat or rising employment,” the researchers write.

AI is hitting entry-level jobs hardest, Stanford study finds

Close to 200 activists connected with President Donald Trump's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative are encouraging him to rethink his initiative aimed at constructing artificial intelligence data centers across the country.

There has been a noticeable bipartisan backlash against these resource-intensive facilities due to their detrimental effects on the environment and public health. Meanwhile, Trump and his supporters have been characterized as taking a villainous stance, insisting that the establishment of new data centers is unavoidable and dismissively suggesting that critics should be ignored.

It's particularly noteworthy that this opposition includes members of the MAHA movement, which has typically endorsed various policies that could jeopardize public health and potentially lead to increased illness among Americans. Clearly, the issue of AI data centers might be where they draw a line.

In a letter sent on Friday, these activists—operating under the banner "United We Eat"—urged Trump to retract an executive order that places coal power at the forefront of energy sources for these data centers.

"The executive order from April 2025 links the rising need for electricity stemming from AI data processing centers to the enhanced support of coal power," the letter stated. "It also tasked federal agencies with pinpointing areas where coal-based infrastructure could sustain AI data centers. This connection warrants immediate reevaluation."

The activists expressed their desire to voice their concerns to maintain the integrity of their stance:

MAHA activists call on Trump to change his stance on AI data centers.

A moody nighttime protest scene: adult activists clutch “Stop AI Data Hubs” placards outside a sprawling, dimly lit data center whose windows glow ominously in warm reds and ambers. In the distance atop the building’s roof, a lone silhouette of Trump stands at a podium. A single US flag billows above them under stormy clouds, casting dramatic shadows across the crowd.

Opinion | MAHA activists urge Trump to reverse course on AI data centers - MS NOW

- Nearly 200 Trump-aligned activists are urging a rethink of AI data centers nationwide.  
- Bipartisan backlash highlights environmental harms and public health impacts of these centers.  
- Activists call for reconsideration of coal power use in data center operations.  

Nearly 200 activists aligned with President Donald Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement are urging him to reconsider his push to build artificial intelligence data centers nationwide.

There’s been growing bipartisan backlash to these resource-sapping centers over their environmental harms and negative impacts on public health. Meanwhile, the president and his allies have basically sounded like comic book villains with their rhetoric about the supposed inevitability of new data centers and the need to “roll over” critics.

So it’s telling that the opposition includes activists in a movement like MAHA that, on many fronts, has advocated for a host of policies that undercut public health and stand to make Americans sicker. Perhaps AI data centers are their red line.

In a letter dated Friday, the activists — under the banner “United We Eat” — pleaded with Trump to reverse course on an executive order that prioritizes the use of coal power to help fuel data centers.

“The April 2025 executive order on coal connected rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence data processing centers to expanded support for coal power,” the activists wrote. “It also directed federal agencies to identify regions where coal-powered infrastructure could support AI data centers. That connection deserves urgent reconsideration.”

The activists said they’re speaking out to avoid the appearance of hypocrisy:

On AI data centers, MAHA activists urge Trump to reverse course

This narrative is derived from a discussion with Chris Domanski, a 41-year-old business management and development director at Renau, a manufacturing plant located in California. Domanski resides in Thousand Oaks with his family. The following content has been edited for brevity and clarity.

According to Domanski, ChatGPT has significantly eased his workload by acting as a study companion for his children.

The motivation to utilize AI was ignited by the progress reports from his daughters, aged 8 and 6, which indicated that one was having difficulty with math while the other faced challenges in reading. While their performances weren't poor, they were not meeting the district's expectations.

Recognizing the need to support their educational growth, Domanski felt uncertain about his ability to effectively teach specific concepts, such as TouchMath, a unique math curriculum he was unfamiliar with.

In an innovative approach, he began taking photos of their assignments and using AI to clarify concepts. By leveraging ChatGPT's voice mode, he found that it could engage his daughters with quizzes, tailor questions to their needs, revisit misunderstood topics, and explain ideas using multiple methods—all without showing signs of frustration.

Initially, Domanski questioned whether the time spent setting up the AI assistance would be worthwhile. However, just five minutes into the process, his daughters were discussing "KPop Demon Hunters," prompting him to make some adjustments to their focus.

Through a mix of experimentation, the AI system became a valuable asset for their educational journey, improving their grades while saving time. Although he is uncertain how it will adapt to increasingly complex schoolwork, the current arrangement seems effective.

Domanski capitalizes on AI to ensure his daughters fully comprehend their study material.

With both girls preparing for weekly math and spelling exams, he routinely informs ChatGPT of their test requirements. By uploading images of their study sheets and instructing the AI to maintain focus amidst the inevitable distractions from his daughters, he crafts a structured learning environment.

He prompts ChatGPT with clear expectations like: "You are a tutor supporting grade schoolers with math and spelling studies. You will receive study guides and will continue to work with the students until they can confidently and correctly answer all questions."

To keep the lessons on target, he provides additional guidance, instructing ChatGPT to express interest in other topics but redirect the discussion back to the studies at hand. This ensures that if his daughters can quickly solve equations, such as determining 9+3, they’ll confidently record their answers during tests.

Chris Domanski works closely with both his children and ChatGPT to optimize their learning process.

Domanski remains present during these sessions to monitor both his daughters' responses and ChatGPT’s input, allowing him to promptly intervene if he notices any misconceptions.

AI has proven to be a resourceful tool in maintaining their attention, adjusting to their immediate thoughts, and repeating concepts multiple times without any feelings of frustration for the children. This adaptability has considerably reduced educational friction in their home.

Since introducing this approach, his daughters’ progress reports have improved from "slightly below satisfactory" to "above satisfactory" levels. While both have shown academic improvement, the real benefit lies in creating a more engaging and less confrontational study experience. Domanski feels more equipped to observe their challenges instead of solely administering questions from worksheets.

Additionally, he incorporates AI to digitize their school handouts into a more manageable calendar system.

Every Monday, Domanski reviews their take-home folders filled with school correspondence, scanning them to extract important dates, deadlines, and necessary supplies. ChatGPT processes this information and organizes it into actionable calendar entries, dramatically simplifying what would typically be a cumbersome task.

His prompt to the AI is straightforward: "You will receive images of take-home folders. Identify key dates and action items that require follow-up, then add relevant tasks to my calendar." ChatGPT efficiently exports these events as calendar files that Domanski can integrate into Outlook.

So far, ChatGPT has functioned reliably, eliminating the stress of last-minute project discoveries. The family now avoids late-night scrambles to prepare for assignments due the next day.

Lastly, the Domanski family enjoys the creativity that AI brings to their lives.

In their artistic endeavors, they often turn to ChatGPT for generating custom images for drawings. Initially asking for character mashups like Disney's Ariel and Elsa, they encountered copyright issues. However, after requesting more generic, open-source alternatives, they found a compromise everyone could enjoy.

Now, several times a week, both children create art featuring their preferred character combinations.

Ultimately, AI does not just create additional free time but rather enhances the quality of their existing time together. They can focus more on projects, artwork, games, or simply enjoying each other's company, minimizing distractions and the need to decipher instructions from scratch.

I created a voice-activated AI tutor for my kids to assist with spelling and math, freeing up time for more fun together.

A cozy living room bathed in warm morning sunlight: an adult sits on a soft couch holding a tablet showing colorful spelling letters and simple math equations, with gentle voice waveforms rising from the screen. Two small empty children’s chairs and backpacks sit nearby on a rug strewn with crayons and worksheets beside an open board game, hinting at playtime off-screen. The adult smiles, turning toward unseen laughter—natural light, warm tones, story of tech freeing up family fun.

I made my kids a voice-mode AI tutor to help them with spelling and math. It saves me time to have more fun with them. - Business Insider

- Chris Domanski uses ChatGPT to assist his daughters with studying math and reading.  
- AI helps manage school-related paperwork, organizing important dates and tasks efficiently.  
- Generative art prompts from ChatGPT encourage creativity, allowing for fun family drawing sessions.  

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Chris Domanski, 41, the director of business management and development at Renau, a manufacturing facility in California. He and his family live in Thousand Oaks, California. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

More than anything, ChatGPT has saved me time and drama by being a study partner for my kids.

What spurred this were the progress reports that my daughters, ages 8 and 6, got from school last year. I found out that one struggles with math, and one struggles with reading. Not that they're doing poorly, but maybe below where the district thought that they should be.

I knew we could try to spend more time on these areas. But at the end of the day, I thought I might not be the best person to explain a concept like TouchMath, a multi-sensory math curriculum, which I'd never heard of until I had to help the girls with homework.

Domanski's daughters, ages 8 and 6, use AI for homework help and customized drawing prompts. Chris Domanski

I decided to take a picture of their homework and have AI explain some concepts to them. Using voice mode, ChatGPT now quizzes them, varies the questions, revisits what they missed, and explains the same concept several different ways without becoming impatient.

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At first, I wasn't sure if the time it took to set this up was worth it. Five minutes in, they were talking to ChatGPT about "KPop Demon Hunters." I needed to revise it a little.

Through trial and error, it became something that really saved time and I think improved their grades. I'm not sure how it's going to look as things get more and more complicated with their schoolwork, but at least for now, it works well.

I programmed an AI tutor to make sure they truly understand the material

Domanski uploads his daughters' homework and has ChatGPT create custom quizzes to test their knowledge. Chris Domanski/ChatGPT

Both my daughters have weekly math and spelling tests at school.

In general, I tell ChatGPT what kind of test my daughters are preparing for, take a picture of the study sheet, and instruct it to stay focused — despite the inevitable interruptions by my daughters.

I prompt ChatGPT by saying something like: "You're a tutor helping grade schoolers study for math and spelling tests. You'll be given images of the study guides, and you'll work with the students until they can confidently and accurately answer all questions."

I also add some guardrails: "You will not be distracted if other topics come up. Express interest in those topics, make them relevant to what you're discussing, but keep it on the task at hand."

Many of the instructions are for ChatGPT to politely and firmly make sure my daughters are comfortable and confident in the material, not engaging just for the sake of engaging. If they're able to quickly say what 9+3 is, they're able to write that on a test.

An example of Domanski's instructions to ChatGPT. Christ Domanski/ChatGPT

I also make sure I'm present to hear both what they're saying and what ChatGPT is saying. If I hear that something is very clearly wrong, I can jump in and steer things back to the task at hand.

Overall, AI has been pretty efficient at maintaining their attention, adapting to how they are thinking in that moment, and repeating something for the sixth time without making it feel like punishment. It's surprisingly useful at absorbing some of that friction.

Since last year, their progress reports went from being a little "below satisfactory" to being "above satisfactory." Both of their grades have improved, but the more valuable result may be that studying has become more interactive and less adversarial. I am still involved, but I can spend more time observing where they are struggling instead of simply reading questions from a worksheet.

I also use AI to digitize their school handouts into a calendar

Domanski uses ChatGPT to scan paper handouts and transfer the info to his Outlook calendar. Chris Domanski/ChatGPT

AI also helps me manage the constant stream of information that comes with having two grade-school children.

Every Monday, I open their take-home folders and take pictures of school flyers, calendars, permission slips, and classroom notices, then use ChatGPT to extract dates, deadlines, supplies, and action items. It turns paperwork that would otherwise require another round of mental sorting into something much easier to track.

The prompt I use is: "You'll be given images of take-home folders. Please review this for key dates and things that require action or follow-up on behalf of anyone. Add relevant tasks to my calendar." ChatGPT then exports the scanned events as .ics files that I then import into a school calendar in Outlook.

At this point, ChatGPT hasn't really dropped the ball. It is really nice not to discover at 8 p.m. that there is a project due the next morning — and then spend the rest of the evening scrambling to figure out what we need.

AI frees me up to have more fun with my kids

Domanski also uses AI to generate custom images for his daughters to draw. Chris Domanski/ChatGPT

We also do quite a bit of generative art, asking ChatGPT to provide an image for my daughters to draw on their own.

Originally, we'd ask for something like Disney's Ariel and Elsa dancing underwater in a sandcastle. ChatGPT declined the request, citing copyright restrictions. I asked it to provide an open-source alternative, such as a generic red-headed mermaid and blonde ice princess. Everyone was happy.

Now, a few times a week, my daughters can draw or paint whatever character crossover they want.

AI does not so much create new free time as help us get much more out of the time we already have. We spend less time looking for things, figuring out instructions, or trying to understand a new concept from scratch, and more time actually doing projects, making art, playing games, or just having fun together.

I made my kids a voice-mode AI tutor to help them with spelling and math. It saves me time to have more fun with them.

AI systems developed using data from the Ukrainian battlefield are set to play a crucial role in safeguarding UK defense facilities, rail networks, and energy infrastructure from potential threats posed by protesters and foreign adversaries. This initiative comes from an agreement between the UK and Ukraine.

The scheme allows private firms to tap into the extensive data sourced from Ukraine’s Avengers AI lab, marking a pioneering collaboration in the UK's approach to defense technology. A trial will commence at a UK defense location, focusing on creating a model capable of identifying both protests and attacks from hostile entities. This involves utilizing AI-enhanced sensors embedded in fiber-optic cables to monitor various movements.

If the technology proves effective, the government anticipates its future application in airports, prisons, railways, and energy sectors.

The recent decision to proscribe the activist collective Palestine Action came in light of their July 2022 breach at RAF Brize Norton, which was a worrying lapse in security. The group managed to vandalize two military aircraft and leave without apprehension. Palestine Action has defended its actions by claiming it aimed to disrupt Britain’s involvement in actions they view as genocidal and criminal in the Middle East.

Private companies looking to engage with this data will need approval from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and will utilize a secure platform for access, which has raised concerns among privacy advocates. Initial pilot programs have received backing from three British AI firms: Sintela, Mind Foundry, and Skyral. Sintela, based in Bristol, has previously entered a $35 million contract with the Trump administration focusing on surveillance at the US-Mexico border.

This collaboration not only allows for the incorporation of operational drone datasets and mission footage into British security frameworks but also includes insights into Russian sabotage tactics against vital Ukrainian systems. The comprehensive military data accumulated over the past four years offers a more nuanced view than previous models, which largely relied on publicly available information.

The UK government envisions employing AI models to swiftly assess threats to critical infrastructure, including railways and military bases, by using advanced fiber-optic cable systems capable of detecting distinct patterns of movement around sensitive areas. Sources from the MoD clarified that this monitoring includes identifying potential protests, not solely actions from foreign states.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham emphasized the opportunity for British firms to meld their AI innovations with battlefield insights from Ukraine, thereby enhancing national security while ensuring the protection of vital infrastructures across the nation.

Future initiatives could explore developing new AI chips for drones, robotics, and automated weapon systems aimed at bolstering defense capabilities.

Steven Murdoch, a professor of computer science at University College London, noted that while the underlying technology for movement detection via fiber-optic sensors is established, it's uncertain how the Ukrainian data will enhance its effectiveness. He acknowledged, however, the potential for discovering valuable insights related to emerging threats that may soon challenge Western Europe.

"What's valuable now could be significant for what other nations will confront down the line," he remarked, citing drones as a relevant example.

Defense Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted Ukraine's role in advancing defense innovation in its fight against Russian aggression. He asserted that leveraging the UK's scientific and technological prowess alongside Ukraine’s battlefield experience would bolster defense and security for both countries.

UK plans to utilize battlefield data from Ukraine to enhance AI training for safeguarding sensitive locations.

Dimly lit command center with flickering screens displaying Ukraine battlefield footage and live drone shots, streams of glowing code mapping a fortified site’s blueprint on a central terminal, a Union Jack draped on the wall, military gear casting long shadows in a tense, protective atmosphere

UK to use Ukraine battlefield data to train AI to protect sensitive sites - The Guardian

- UK and Ukraine will use AI models trained on battlefield data to enhance security systems.  
- Private companies can access Ukraine's AI lab data to develop new surveillance technologies.  
- Fiber-optic sensors will detect movements around sensitive sites to prevent potential attacks.  

AI models trained on Ukrainian battlefield data will be used to stop protesters and foreign states targeting UK defence sites, railways and energy plants under a deal struck between London and Kyiv.

Private companies will also be given access to the vast trove of data from Ukraine’s Avengers AI lab to help build new systems, the first agreement of its kind in the UK.

The scheme will be piloted at a UK defence site, building a model to identify protesters or a hostile-state attack. It uses AI-optimised sensors in buried fibre-optic cables to detect different kinds of movement.

The government has suggested the technology, if proven workable, could be used at airports, prisons, railways and energy infrastructure.

The controversial proscription of the activist group Palestine Action was sparked after the group breached RAF Brize Norton on scooters last June, a highly embarrassing security lapse as a result of which the group was able to deface two military aircraft with spray paint before escaping the site without being detained.

Palestine Action said at the time that it had targeted RAF Voyager aircraft used for transport and refuelling, and that “activists have interrupted Britain’s direct participation in the commission of genocide and war crimes across the Middle East”.

Private companies will be able to access the data once approved by the MoD on a secure platform, though the data sharing is likely to raise alarm among privacy campaigners.

Pilot projects have already been approved with three British AI companies – Sintela, Mind Foundry and Skyral. Sintela, a Bristol-based company that specialises in fibre-optic sensors, recently struck a $35m (£26m) deal with the Trump administration to provide surveillance on the US-Mexico border.

The partnership with the Ukrainian AI lab means new UK security systems can be trained on operational drone datasets, strike mission footage and flight profiles, likely to include Russian sabotage attempts against critical Ukrainian infrastructure.

The cache of four years’ worth of military data contains a far deeper picture than models outside Ukraine have previously been trained on, which had been mostly restricted to open-source data.

The government eventually hopes to use the AI models to predict quickly when infrastructure such as railways, the power grid or military bases might be coming under threat or stress from hostile actors.

That would primarily come from the laying of fibre-optic cables that are able to identify unique movements of people or vehicles around sensitive sites. Ministry of Defence sources said that would specifically include when a site might be targeted by protesters – not just hostile states.

The prime minister, Andy Burnham, said it would be an opportunity for British companies to combine their AI expertise with Ukraine’s battlefield data, which would “accelerate the development of capabilities that not only strengthen our national security but better protect our critical infrastructure and growth in every postcode here at home”.

Other potential projects could include new AI chips to power drones, robotics and automated weapons systems.

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Steven Murdoch, a professor of computer science at University College London, said technologies to detect movement from sensors in fibre-optic cables had been around for decades and that it was unclear if data from Ukraine would refine their capabilities.

“I haven’t heard anything that is very convincing, but there is a plausible scenario where they could see something that could be predicted easily and isn’t in any publicly known dataset,” he said.

Ukraine, however, has a lot of other data that may be valuable, especially related to new threats that countries in western Europe might face in the short to medium term.

“What’s valuable is something we’re seeing today which other countries will be worrying about in the future,” Murdoch said. “Anything to do with drones, for example.”

The defence secretary, Wes Streeting, said Ukraine was “pushing the frontier of defence innovation as they bravely resist Putin’s illegal invasion”.

“By combining the UK’s world-leading scientists, engineers and tech companies with Ukraine’s unique battlefield experience and data, we will strengthen both of our nations’ defence and security,” he said.

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