Toggle light / dark theme

Chinese researchers debut world’s first AI-based processor chip design system

A team of engineers, AI specialists and chip design researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has designed, built and tested what they are describing as the first AI-based chip design system. The group has published a paper describing their system, called QiMeng, on the arXiv preprint server.

Over the past several decades, integrated circuit makers have developed systems for developing processor chips for computers, smartphones and other . Such systems tend to be made up of large teams of highly skilled people who can take design ideas (such as faster computing or running AI apps) and turn them into physical designs that can be fabricated in specially designed factories. The process is notoriously slow and expensive.

More recently, computer and device makers have been looking for ways to speed up the process and to allow for more flexibility—some may want a chip that can do just one thing, for example, but do it really well. In this new study, the team in China has applied AI to the problem.

Most people believe misinformation about electric vehicles, international survey finds

More people believe misinformation about electric vehicles (EVs) than disagree with it, according to surveys of four countries, including Australia, Germany, Austria, and the US. The survey found having a conspiracy mentality was the main factor influencing such beliefs, the authors say.

The main -related concerns for Australians included that EVs are more likely to catch fire, that EVs are intentionally complex to prevent DIY, and that batteries are deliberately non-upgradeable. The authors also found that fact sheets and dialogues with AI-chatbots helped reduce belief in misinformation and increased pro-EV policy support and purchase intentions.

A University of Queensland-led study published in the journal Nature Energy has found misinformation about (EVs) has taken root in society and is primarily fueled by mistrust and .

Vision-language models gain spatial reasoning skills through artificial worlds and 3D scene descriptions

Vision-language models (VLMs) are advanced computational techniques designed to process both images and written texts, making predictions accordingly. Among other things, these models could be used to improve the capabilities of robots, helping them to accurately interpret their surroundings and interact with human users more effectively.

Evaporative cooling tech could curb data centers’ rising energy demands

Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a new cooling technology that could significantly improve the energy efficiency of data centers and high-powered electronics. The technology features a specially engineered fiber membrane that passively removes heat through evaporation. It offers a promising alternative to traditional cooling systems like fans, heat sinks and liquid pumps. It could also reduce the water use associated with many current cooling systems.

The advance is detailed in a paper published on June 13 in the journal Joule.

As (AI) and cloud computing continue to expand, the demand for data processing—and the heat it generates—is skyrocketing. Currently, accounts for up to 40% of a data center’s total energy use. If trends continue, for cooling could more than double by 2030.

Decoding high energy physics with AI and machine learning

In the world of particle physics, where scientists unravel the mysteries of the universe, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are making waves with how they’re increasing understanding of the most fundamental particles. Central to this exploration are parton distribution functions (PDFs). These complex mathematical models are crucial for predicting outcomes of high energy physics experiments that test the Standard Model of particle physics.

New Semiconductor Technology Could Supercharge 6G Delivery

A team at the University of Bristol developed SLCFETs, a breakthrough transistor structure that leverages a latch effect in GaN materials to enhance speed and power, advancing the future of 6G. Self-driving cars that eliminate traffic jams, receiving a healthcare diagnosis instantly without leavi

‘Black hole bomb’ discovery could trigger potential ‘catastrophic’ disaster if it ever detonated

The AI bot explained: If a black hole bomb were somehow constructed and detonated, the energy release could be comparable to that of a supernova, one of the most powerful explosions in the universe. Such an event would release vast amounts of radiation and could have devastating effects on its surroundings.

Boston Dynamics robots dance to ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ for ‘America’s Got Talent’ audition

A dance crew of four-legged robots from Boston Dynamics appeared on “America’s Got Talent” to perform a synchronized routine to Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.”

Their performance was impressive enough to earn four “yes” votes from the judges — but one of the five robots experienced some stage fright, perhaps, and shut down in the middle of the routine. But the show must go on, so nevertheless, the four other robots persisted.

“Can I be honest with you?” judge Simon Cowell asked at the conclusion of their performance. “I don’t mean this in a cruel way. It was weirdly better that one of them died… because it showed how difficult this was.”

/* */