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Category: robotics/AI – Page 7

This essay advances a speculative yet empirically-grounded hypothesis: that microtubular cytoskeletal structures constitute proto-cognitive architectures in unicellular organisms, thereby establishing an evolutionary substrate for cognition that predates neural systems. Drawing upon converging evidence from molecular biology, quantum biophysics, phenomenological philosophy, and biosemiotic theory, I propose a cytoskeletal epistemology wherein cognition emerges not exclusively from neural networks, but from the dynamic, embodied information-processing capacities inherent in cellular organization itself. This framework challenges neurocentric accounts of mind while suggesting new avenues for investigating the biological foundations of knowing.

Contemporary cognitive science predominantly situates the genesis of mind within neural tissue, tacitly assuming that cognition emerges exclusively from the electrochemical dynamics of neurons and their synaptic interconnections. Yet this neurocentric paradigm, while experimentally productive, encounters both conceptual and empirical limitations when confronted with fundamental questions regarding the biological preconditions for epistemic capacities. As Thompson (2007) observes, “Life and mind share a set of basic organizational properties, and the organizational properties distinctive of mind are an enriched version of those fundamental to life” (p. 128). This suggests a profound continuity between biological and cognitive processes — a continuity that invites investigation into pre-neural substrates of cognition.

The present inquiry examines the hypothesis that the microtubule — a foundational cytoskeletal element ubiquitous across eukaryotic cells — functions not merely as mechanical infrastructure but as an evolutionary precursor to cognitive architecture, instantiating proto-epistemic capacities in unicellular and pre-neural multicellular organisms. This hypothesis emerges at the intersection of multiple research programs, including quantum approaches to consciousness (Hameroff & Penrose, 2014), autopoietic theories of cognition (Maturana & Varela, 1980), and recent advances in cytoskeletal biology (Pirino et al., 2022).

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Until now, Google’s Android XR glasses had only appeared in carefully curated teaser videos and limited hands-on previews shared with select publications. These early glimpses hinted at the potential of integrating artificial intelligence into everyday eyewear but left lingering questions about real-world performance. That changed when Shahram Izadi, Google’s Android XR lead, took the TED stage – joined by Nishtha Bhatia – to demonstrate the prototype glasses in action.

The live demo showcased a range of features that distinguish these glasses from previous smart eyewear attempts. At first glance, the device resembles an ordinary pair of glasses. However, it’s packed with advanced technology, including a miniaturized camera, microphones, speakers, and a high-resolution color display embedded directly into the lens.

The glasses are designed to be lightweight and discreet, with support for prescription lenses. They can also connect to a smartphone to leverage its processing power and access a broader range of apps.

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From the gritty realities of founding an AI startup to the global AI race and the future of superhuman intelligence, Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO and current CEO of Relativity Space shares hard truths, leadership insights, and a bold vision for AI’s next frontier. Will the US reclaim the lead, or is China set to dominate?

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro.

1:36 Eric Schmidt Introduces himself.

2:06 The Founder’s Journey: Joining Early Stage Company vs. Founding.

4:20 Why Sometimes Is It Better to Join NOT as a Founder?

Continue reading “Former Google CEO: “China Will Win AI Race Unless We Act Now” | Founder Psychology, Talent Wars, AI” | >

IN A NUTSHELL 🤖 The concept of singularity involves AI reaching a level of intelligence that surpasses that of humans. 🚀 Recent advancements in large language models and computing power have sparked debates about the possibility of achieving singularity soon. 🧠 Experts face technical and philosophical challenges, questioning whether AI can truly replicate human intelligence.

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A Chinese research team has developed the world’s smallest and lightest known untethered terrestrial-aerial microrobot capable of transforming into various desired shapes, expected to replace humans in performing a wide range of tasks in complex and hazardous environments.

The robot measuring 9 centimeters in length and 25 grams in weight can operate flexibly on land and in the air with a top speed of up to 1.6 meters per second on the ground, according to the research team from Tsinghua University.

The research team has recently developed a thin-film-shaped small-scale actuator that enables microrobots to continuously transform their shape and “lock” into specific configurations — much like a Transformer — enhancing their ability to adapt to different environments.

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Collaborative use of population-level health data and artificial intelligence is essential for achieving precision health through a learning health system. Two groundbreaking initiatives—the European Health Data Space (EHDS), covering 449 million EU citizens, and Germany’s forthcoming Health Data Lab, providing access to data from 75 million insured individuals (90% of the country’s population)—offer unprecedented opportunities to advance digital health innovation and research with global impact.

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