Recent interview with Ben Goertzel on GPT-3/transformer networks, understanding and meaning generation — and what’s missing in AI atm.
This version is audio only — I will post the video version shortly smile
The ability to handle single molecules as effectively as macroscopic building blocks would enable the construction of complex supramolecular structures inaccessible to self-assembly. The fundamental challenges obstructing this goal are the uncontrolled variability and poor observability of atomic-scale conformations. Here, we present a strategy to work around both obstacles and demonstrate autonomous robotic nanofabrication by manipulating single molecules. Our approach uses reinforcement learning (RL), which finds solution strategies even in the face of large uncertainty and sparse feedback. We demonstrate the potential of our RL approach by removing molecules autonomously with a scanning probe microscope from a supramolecular structure. Our RL agent reaches an excellent performance, enabling us to automate a task that previously had to be performed by a human. We anticipate that our work opens the way toward autonomous agents for the robotic construction of functional supramolecular structures with speed, precision, and perseverance beyond our current capabilities.
The swift development of quantum technologies could be further advanced if we managed to free ourselves from the imperatives of crystal growth and self-assembly and learned to fabricate custom-built metastable structures on atomic and molecular length scales routinely (1–7). Metastable structures, apart from being more abundant than stable ones, tend to offer attractive functionalities, because their constituent building blocks can be arranged more freely and in particular in desired functional relationships (7).
It is well established that single molecules can be manipulated and arranged using mechanical, optical, or magnetic actuators (8), such as the tips of scanning probe microscopes (SPMs) (9–12) or optical tweezers (13, 14). With all these types of actuators, a sequence of manipulation steps can be carried out to bring a system of molecular building blocks into a desired target state. The problem of creating custom-built structures from single molecules can therefore be cast as a challenge in robotics.
World hunger is a persistent problem despite all of humanity’s progress in recent years. However, I believe that we have a real shot at defeating world hunge…
Scientists are using high-energy pulses of electricity to turn any source of carbon into turbostratic graphene in an instant. The process promises environmental benefits by turning waste into valuable graphene that can then strengthen concrete and other composite materials.
Latest wing testing and the evolution of our aerodynamic control at speed with the #JetSuit never stops at Gravity. Here with the awesome Benjamin Kenobi chasing with his Inspire drone🤘
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TED 2017 talk: http://go.ted.com/richardbrowning
As our lives become increasingly intertwined with technology—whether supporting communication while working remotely or streaming our favorite show—so too does our reliance on the data these devices create. Data centers supporting these technology ecosystems produce a significant carbon footprint—and consume 200 terawatt hours of energy each year, greater than the annual energy consumption of Iran. To balance ecological concerns yet meet growing demand, advances in microelectronic processors—the backbone of many Internet of Things (IoT) devices and data hubs—must be efficient and environmentally friendly.
Northwestern University materials scientists have developed new design principles that could help spur development of future quantum materials used to advance (IoT) devices and other resource-intensive technologies while limiting ecological damage.
“New path-breaking materials and computing paradigms are required to make data centers more energy-lean in the future,” said James Rondinelli, professor of materials science and engineering and the Morris E. Fine Professor in Materials and Manufacturing at the McCormick School of Engineering, who led the research.
Based on focused electron beam-induced processing (FEBID) techniques, the work could allow production of 2-D/3D complex nanostructures and functional nanodevices useful in quantum communications, sensing, and other applications. For oxygen-containing materials such as graphene oxide, etching can be done without introducing outside materials, using oxygen from the substrate.
“By timing and tuning the energy of the electron beam, we can activate interaction of the beam with oxygen in the graphene oxide to do etching, or interaction with hydrocarbons on the surface to create carbon deposition,” said Andrei Fedorov, professor and Rae S. and Frank H. Neely Chair in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. “With atomic-scale control, we can produce complicated patterns using direct write-remove processes. Quantum systems require precise control on an atomic scale, and this could enable a host of potential applications.”
Russian state-owned defense corporation Rostec has released footage of a brand-new combat exoskeleton for assault operations in action.
The video footage, published by Rostec on Monday, shows a Russian service member wielding firearms, climbing stairs, and rucking through wooded terrain while wearing the defense giant’s new ‘Shturmovik’ — or ‘Stormer’ — exoskeleton:
The US Navy SEALs have changed their creed statement to become gender-neutral and have eliminated terms such as “brotherhood,” according to a report.
“Naval Special Warfare continues to deliberately develop a culture of tactical and ethical excellence that reflects the nation we represent, and that draws upon the talents of the all-volunteer force who meet the standards of qualification as a SEAL or SWCC,” Navy Special Warfare spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Stroup told American Military News.
One change addresses the first paragraph of the SEAL ethos.
There’s a reason our Perseverance rover and other missions left Earth for Mars recently: the two planets are close together right now. For those of us still on the ground, this also means Mars will be gorgeous in the sky this month. See more at: http://go.nasa.gov/34hp376
