Meta AI researchers have moved a step forward in the field of generative AI for speech with the development of Voicebox. Unlike previous models, Voicebox can generalize to speech-generation tasks that it was not specifically trained for, demonstrating state-of-the-art performance.

Voicebox is a versatile generative system for speech that can produce high-quality audio clips in a wide variety of styles. It can create outputs from scratch or modify existing samples. The model supports speech synthesis in six languages, as well as noise removal, content editing, style conversion, and diverse sample generation.

Traditionally, generative AI models for speech required specific training for each task using carefully prepared training data. However, Voicebox adopts a new approach called Flow Matching, which surpasses diffusion models in performance. It outperforms existing state-of-the-art models like VALL-E for English text-to-speech tasks, achieving better word error rates (5.9% vs. 1.9%) and audio similarity (0.580 vs. 0.681), while also being up to 20 times faster. In cross-lingual style transfer, Voicebox surpasses YourTTS by reducing word error rates from 10.9% to 5.2% and improving audio similarity from 0.335 to 0.481.

Cuneiform is the oldest known form of writing, but it is so difficult to read that only a few hundred experts around the world can decode the clay tablets filled with wedge-shaped symbols. Now, a team of archaeologists and computer scientists from Israel has created an AI-powered translation program for ancient Akkadian cuneiform, allowing tens of thousands of already digitized tablets to be translated into English instantaneously.

Globally, libraries, museums, and universities have more than half a million clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform. But the sheer number of texts, and the tiny number of Akkadian readers — a language no one has spoken or written for 2,000 years — means just a small fraction of these tablets have been translated.

A new Google Translate-type program may allow armchair archaeologists to try their hand at cuneiform interpretation.

The graphics specialist has another cool technology to maintain its massive lead in this important market.

Frequent flyers rejoice, as a team of Swiss researchers have crafted a foldable flat robot, capable of rotating itself into nearly any shape one can imagine, fitting easily under any airplane seat or overhead cabin. The robot, whose design was inspired by the decorative flair of Japanese origami, is able to pack itself completely flat like a piece of Ikea furniture, according to a recent write-up in Futurism. With other recent developments in science and robotics leading to incredible advancements, such as liquid robots that can phase through metal bars like a T-1000, as well as a host of robotic enhancements courtesy of Boston Dynamics, many people are beginning to fear that science has gone too far.

It is essential to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of AI as its integration into various aspects of society continues to evolve. Proactive measures are necessary to maximise the benefits of AI while mitigating potential drawbacks. A research study conducted by the American Psychological Association reveals that employees who frequently engage with artificial intelligence (AI) systems are more likely to experience loneliness, leading to insomnia and increased after-work drinking, reported scitechdaily. The study was carried out across various countries, including the United States, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Malaysia, with consistent findings across different cultures.

The dangers of isolation

Lead researcher Pok Man Tang, PhD, who previously worked in an investment bank utilising AI systems, was inspired to investigate this timely issue.