Who’s Betting, Where, and Why in AI – SwissCognitive AI Investment Radar

As global AI funding levels remain elevated, this week’s investment activity reveals a tightening pattern: fewer hubs, bigger bets, and sharper focus. Silicon Valley, Beijing, and Paris now account for 80% of global AI funding, while other regions navigate capital scarcity and look for niche leverage. Meanwhile, Amazon’s CEO used his annual letter to justify billions already spent, calling AI investments a necessity for long-term competitiveness.

In San Francisco, startup Virtue AI secured $30 million to tackle deployment risk, a concern that’s becoming more pronounced as adoption scales. UK-based Synthesia reported $100 million in revenue and welcomed Adobe Ventures as a new backer, underscoring the value of enterprise AI tools that are already delivering results. And in China, a newly launched $8 billion AI fund backed by government and finance ministries will channel early-stage investments into foundational research and startup formation.

CEE continues to gain investor attention as a cost-efficient and increasingly capable AI development region, while Korea saw a domestic political pledge of $70 billion toward AI initiatives. On the infrastructure front, Nvidia’s $500 billion long-term strategy—including chips and supercomputing partnerships—continues to drive share price gains, while nEye Systems closed a $58 million round to push optical chip development further into the AI stack.

Big tech players aren’t staying out of the startup scene either. Alphabet and Nvidia reportedly invested in SSI, the new venture by OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever, and ex-OpenAI CTO Mira Murati’s startup is reportedly eyeing a massive $2 billion seed round. CMA CGM’s €100 million partnership with Mistral AI brings logistics into the funding spotlight, and the trend toward agentic AI for financial research continues to spread across fintech.

Previous SwissCognitive AI Radar: AI Funding Highlights.

Our article does not offer financial advice and should not be considered a recommendation to engage in any securities or products. Investments carry the risk of decreasing in value, and investors may potentially lose a portion or all of their investment. Past performance should not be relied upon as an indicator of future results.

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AI Market Adjustments and Billion-Dollar Bets – SwissCognitive AI Investment Radar

The AI investment landscape remains as active as ever, with Alphabet announcing a staggering $75 billion commitment to AI infrastructure. This substantial bet highlights Big Tech’s continued push into AI dominance, following Meta’s $240 billion market value surge as investors back its open-source AI approach. Meanwhile, SoftBank is doubling down on AI, unveiling a joint venture with OpenAI in Japan and backing a $230 million investment into Indian AI startup Krutrim as the country accelerates its AI ambitions.

While these headline moves dominate discussions, AI hype versus reality is becoming a growing concern for investors. Early Nvidia investor Jonathan Cohen warns about “AI washing,” with companies inflating their AI capabilities to attract capital. This skepticism extends to financial institutions, where banks are ramping up AI investments, yet most are focused on incremental gains rather than disruptive overhauls.

Across the Atlantic, European AI startups raised $8 billion in 2024, setting the stage for the upcoming Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris, where global leaders will debate AI’s role in economic growth. In fintech, AI-powered tools are attracting fresh funding, with Jump securing $20 million to develop AI-driven financial advisory solutions, while Marlin Equity Partners takes a majority stake in Napier AI, reinforcing AI’s role in financial crime prevention.

For investors looking at the financial impact of AI, new data suggests that mid-sized businesses can break even on AI investments within 9.5 months, achieving a 281% ROI in just three years. Yet, with Alphabet set to report earnings soon, investors are keen to scrutinize its AI-related capital expenditures, questioning whether such massive spending will translate into real returns.

Finally, China-based DeepSeek remains a wildcard in the AI trade, following its disruptive AI model that rattled the market last week. Whether its breakthrough is a game-changer or an overhyped anomaly remains a key debate among industry watchers.

As AI investments continue to shape global industries, we’ll be tracking the key shifts, opportunities, and market reactions in next week’s AI Investment Radar.

Previous SwissCognitive AI Radar: The AI Market Shake-Up: Where the Investments Are Headed.

Our article does not offer financial advice and should not be considered a recommendation to engage in any securities or products. Investments carry the risk of decreasing in value, and investors may potentially lose a portion or all of their investment. Past performance should not be relied upon as an indicator of future results.

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Dalith Steiger-Gablinger, Co-Founder SwissCognitive – “AI Takes Center Stage at Davos 2025: A SwissCognitive Perspective”

As the snow-capped peaks of Davos played host to the World Economic Forum 2025, the air was thick with excitement and a palpable sense of urgency. This year’s theme, “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” set the stage for intense discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to reshape our world. As co-founders of SwissCognitive, Andy Fitze and I, Dalith Steiger, had the privilege of being flies on the wall at various public side events, soaking in the insights and debates that unfolded.

The buzz around AI was impossible to ignore, with sessions ranging from “Harnessing AI for Social Innovation” to “The Pulse of AI Innovation”. Clearly, the technology has moved beyond mere hype and into the realm of transformative force. As James Ong, one of the panellists, aptly put it, “We need to rethink the philosophy and the relationship between AI and human beings.” AI is not just a tool; it’s a paradigm shift that will redefine how we work, live, and interact with the world around us.”

“We need to rethink the philosophy and the relationship between AI and human beings.” James Ong, Founder and Director of Artificial Intelligence International Institute [AIII]

One of the most striking aspects of the discussions was the emphasis on collaboration. Gone are the days of siloed AI development. The consensus at Davos was clear: to harness the full potential of AI and ensure its benefits are widely distributed, we need unprecedented levels of cooperation between governments, businesses, and civil society.

Another discussion that deeply resonates with our vision at SwissCognitive is the AI discussion in avoiding the pitfalls of the digital divide, emphasising the need for AI to “lift all boats” rather than exacerbate existing inequalities. We strongly advocated for inclusive AI development.

The ethical implications of AI were another hot topic. The sentiment that we are not just building algorithms; we are shaping the future of humanity was echoed across multiple panels, with discussions ranging from AI’s impact on privacy to its potential to either mitigate or exacerbate climate change.

As we navigated the bustling streets of Davos, Andy and I found ourselves in impromptu discussions with fellow attendees. One of the enlightening discussions was while waiting for the Meta hot chocolate or queuing for the entrance of the Dome. One thing that was present through all our exchanges. People engaged openly, with respect and humour.

The energy was infectious, with everyone from startup founders to policymakers eager to share their perspectives on AI’s future. One conversation that stuck with us was with a young entrepreneur who’s using AI to tackle food waste in developing countries. It was a powerful reminder of AI’s potential to address some of our most pressing global challenges and SDGs.

The governance of AI emerged as a critical theme throughout the forum. With the rapid pace of AI development, there’s a growing recognition that our regulatory frameworks need to evolve just as quickly. The call for adaptive, agile governance structures was loud and clear. We shouldn’t govern 21st-century technology with 20th-century laws!

“We shouldn’t govern 21st-century technology with 20th-century laws!” during a Chatham rules debate

Perhaps the most stimulating discussions, however, centred around the potential of AI to complement human capabilities rather than replace them. AI should be seen as a co-pilot, not an autopilot. As advocates of collaboration between humans and AI, Andy and I were heartened to hear leaders from different sectors emphasise the importance of involving humans in development.

“AI should be seen as a co-pilot, not an autopilot.” during a Chatham rules debate

The Open Source Revolution: A Game-Changer in the Global AI Race

Another topic that consistently emerged in our conversations was the growing importance of open source in AI development. This trend is not just reshaping the technological landscape; it’s also challenging the traditional narrative of national AI supremacy.

The United States’ commitment to investing a staggering $500 billion in AI over the next three years is undoubtedly headline-grabbing. However, as Yann LeCun, VP & Chief AI Scientist at Meta, astutely pointed out during several discussions in Davos, the real story might be the rise of open-source models rather than any single nation’s dominance.

LeCun’s perspective is particularly illuminating: “To people who see the performance of DeepSeek and think: ‘China is surpassing the US in AI.’ You are reading this wrong. The correct reading is: ‘Open source models are surpassing proprietary ones.'”

“Open source LLM models are surpassing proprietary ones.” Yann LeCun, VP & Chief AI Scientist at Meta

This shift towards open source is democratising AI development on a global scale. LeCun explained that “DeepSeek has profited from open research and open source (e.g. PyTorch and Llama from Meta). They came up with new ideas and built them on top of other people’s work. Because their work is published and open source, everyone can profit from it. That is the power of open research and open source.”

Indeed, the open-source movement in AI is gaining momentum rapidly. Models like Llama 2, Mistral, and DeepSeek are not just matching but, in some cases, surpassing the capabilities of proprietary giants like GPT-4 and Google Gemini. This trend is reshaping the AI ecosystem, offering adaptability, cost-efficiency, and privacy compliance that many enterprises find increasingly attractive.

The implications of this shift are profound. While national investments like the U.S.’s $500 billion commitment are crucial, the collaborative nature of open-source development means that innovations can come from anywhere. This global pool of talent and ideas could potentially accelerate AI development far beyond what any single nation or company could achieve alone.

Moreover, the open source movement aligns with the growing calls for AI transparency and accountability. One tech executive at Davos noted, “We’re not just building algorithms; we’re shaping the future of humanity.” Open source development allows for greater scrutiny and collective problem-solving, potentially leading to safer and more ethical AI systems.

“We’re not just building algorithms; we’re shaping the future of humanity.” CEO during a Panel in Davos

As we reflect on the discussions at Davos, it’s clear that the future of AI is not just about who can invest the most money. It’s about fostering a global ecosystem of innovation, collaboration, and shared progress. The rise of open source in AI is not just a technological trend; it’s a paradigm shift that could redefine how we approach some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

In this new landscape, the winners will not necessarily be the nations or companies with the deepest pockets but those who can best harness the collective intelligence of the global AI community. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how this open-source revolution continues to shape the future of AI and, by extension, our world.

“In this new landscape, the winners will not necessarily be the nations or companies with the deepest pockets, but those who can best harness the collective intelligence of the global AI community.” Andy Fitze, Co-Founder SwissCognitive

As the forum drew to a close, we left Davos with a sense of cautious optimism. The challenges ahead are significant, but so too is the collective will to address them. The conversations made it clear that we are at a pivotal moment in the development of AI, and the decisions we make now will shape its trajectory for years to come. This future belongs to the young generations. We, the older generation, must be aware that every decision we make won’t affect us, as it will affect the younger generations! This responsibility is imperative!

As we return to our work at SwissCognitive, we’re more energised than ever to continue fostering dialogue and collaboration in AI. The insights gained at Davos will undoubtedly inform our efforts to build a future where AI truly lifts all boats, creating a rising tide of innovation and prosperity for all.

“We are the change we wanna see”, Yip Thy Diep Ta, Founder & CEO @ J3D.AI, House of Collaboration

In reflecting on our experience, Andy remarked, “The technical possibilities of AI are astounding, but it’s the human ingenuity in applying these technologies that will truly change the world.” I couldn’t agree more, adding, “AI has the power to amplify our human potential, but only if we approach its development with empathy, wisdom, and a commitment to inclusivity.“

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Copyright: forbes.com – “4 Questions To Design Your Personal Relationship With AI In 2025”

Artificial intelligence is bound to weave through the year that we have just entered. Over the past months it has become a constant companion for millions, on the desktop, the phone or both. The pace is accelerating.

Whether we want to recognize it or not, AI is steadily reshaping how we work, play, socialize, and think. From algorithmically driven movie suggestions on Netflix and deals on Amazon to ChatGTP for the creation, and editing of text and audio visuals; passing via ai powered dating to 24/7 companion technology. And that’s only the consumer-facing side of AI’s expanding fingerprint. Much more is going on behind the scenes. AI-powered decision making has been changing human lifes at mass scale for years, from human resource management to the attribution of social services, insurance schemes and legal systems. The tech free space is shrinking.

AI 2024

In the U.S., the generative AI market is projected to grow from $36.06 billion in 2024 to $356 billion by 2030, driven by applications in industries like healthcare, finance, and retail. And that’s just one piece of the worldwide giga business that generative AI represents. Globally 65% of organizations now use generative AI regularly, according to McKinsey. That’s double the percentage from just a year ago. In China up to 83% of business leaders actively use these tools.

Unfortunately there is no « free lunch ». Generative AI models consume massive amounts of energy. A single query to an advanced model like ChatGPT can use ten times the electricity of a standard Google search. Globally, data centers powering AI could double their energy demands by 2026. That makes their environmental footprint extensive.[…]

Read more: www.forbes.com

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Building AI’s Future – SwissCognitive AI Investment Radar

As major players double down on AI, Coatue Management is leading the charge with a bold $1 billion fund to fuel cutting-edge advancements, while Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, reassures investors that the company’s surging 81% capital expenditures on generative AI will yield returns. Across the globe, China’s DeepRoute.ai secures $100 million to accelerate smart driving technology adoption, signaling rapid growth in autonomous driving.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region also see substantial commitments, with Google dedicating $15 million to boost AI skills, research, and infrastructure through its new AI Opportunity Initiative. Meanwhile, Nvidia and TSMC’s market values surged in October, reflecting the persistent demand for AI chips and the pivotal role of hardware in advancing AI capacities.

As Microsoft pledges an additional $10 billion toward CoreWeave’s GPU infrastructure and Elon Musk courts Middle Eastern investors to raise xAI’s valuation to $45 billion, the global AI landscape is abuzz with momentum. Yet, the wave of Big Tech investments is also testing investor patience as Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft’s hefty AI expenditures begin to weigh on short-term profitability.

Join and explore the critical investments and strategic shifts that define AI’s trajectory, from transformative tech developments to the challenges and promises that lie ahead for investors and innovators alike.

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Building Tomorrow’s Tech: AI Investments in Full Swing – SwissCognitive AI Investment Radar

Welcome back to this week’s SwissCognitive AI Investment Radar, where we spotlight the latest in global AI investments shaping the tech landscape.

This week, we see a broad spectrum of strategic moves and financial commitments, from General Catalyst’s $8 billion leap into AI-driven enterprise transformation to Reflexivity’s $30 million for advancing AI-powered financial analysis. Across the Atlantic, the European Union pledges $1.5 billion for deep tech research, aiming to keep Europe competitive in an arena largely dominated by the U.S. and China.

Automotive innovation takes center stage as Toyota and NTT invest $3.3 billion to push forward predictive, accident-avoiding AI for self-driving cars by 2028. Meanwhile, Google’s $5.8 million initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa seeks to bridge the AI skills gap, enabling local talent to address challenges in health, climate, and more. AI’s influence is also reshaping sectors like architecture and construction, as industry players ramp up investments to integrate AI capabilities into their workflows.

From the defense sector, Helsing’s £350 million commitment underscores the importance of AI in national security, while Saudi Aramco’s VC arm dedicates $100 million to nurture AI startups. And as AI startups now command a third of U.S. venture funding, countries like Indonesia are positioning themselves as new hubs for AI with favorable policies and low energy costs.

Join us as we delve into these developments, capturing how AI’s financial momentum is redefining industries and shaping the future.

Previous SwissCognitive AI Radar: Tech Giants Lead AI Infrastructure, Startups Follow Suit.

Our article does not offer financial advice and should not be considered a recommendation to engage in any securities or products. Investments carry the risk of decreasing in value, and investors may potentially lose a portion or all of their investment. Past performance should not be relied upon as an indicator of future results.

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Copyright: technologyreview.com – “Why Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Clean Energy Need Each Other”

We are in the early stages of a geopolitical competition for the future of artificial intelligence. The winners will dominate the global economy in the 21st century.

Der Beitrag Why Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Clean Energy Need Each Other erschien zuerst auf SwissCognitive | AI Ventures, Advisory & Research.

Copyright: cio.com – “Beyond the Hype: Key Components of an Effective AI Policy”

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in transforming businesses across various sectors. From enhancing operational efficiency to revolutionizing customer experiences, AI offers immense potential. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Creating a robust AI policy is imperative for companies to address the ethical, legal and operational challenges that come with AI implementation.

Understanding the need for an AI policy

As AI technologies become more sophisticated, concerns around privacy, bias, transparency and accountability have intensified. Companies must address these issues proactively through well-defined policies that guide AI development, deployment and usage. An AI policy serves as a framework to ensure that AI systems align with ethical standards, legal requirements and business objectives.

For instance, companies in sectors like manufacturing or consumer goods often leverage AI to optimize their supply chain. While this leads to efficiency, it also raises questions about transparency and data usage. A clear policy helps ensure that AI not only improves operations but also aligns with legal and ethical standards.

Key components of an effective AI policy

Ethical principles and values

It’s important to define the ethical principles that guide AI development and deployment within your company. These principles should reflect your organization’s values and commitment to responsible AI use, such as fairness, transparency, accountability, safety and inclusivity. If your company uses AI for targeted marketing, for example, ensure that its use respects customer privacy and prevents discriminatory targeting practices.
Data governance

Strong data governance is the foundation of any successful AI strategy. Companies need to establish clear guidelines for how its data is collected, stored and used, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR in the EU, CCPA in California, LGPD in Brazil, PIPL in China and AI regulations such as EU AI Act.[…]

Read more: www.cio.com

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A Record Year of AI Investments and Rising Expectation – SwissCognitive AI Investment Radar

The AI investment landscape continues to reshape industries at a global scale, with both emerging startups and tech giants driving growth in this transformative sector. This week’s AI Investment Radar as every week, we highlight for you the most significant developments in AI funding. Startung from Zhipu AI’s state-backed investment boost in China to Celestica’s upgrade amid strong Ethernet-related AI growth.

Despite investor concerns about profitability timelines, the drive toward generative AI remains strong, with companies like Walliance embedding AI into real estate platforms and Claro Colombia preparing its infrastructure for AI applications with a $200M fiber network investment.

Even as some segments of the tech sector experience slowdowns, all-in-all AI investments continue to surge. AI startups have raised $48.4 billion so far this year, surpassing 2023’s totals, hitting its record and experts predict that China’s AI industry could see $1.4 trillion in investments over the next six years. As AI continues to evolve, balancing opportunity with risk management is becoming essential for companies across the globe.

Join us, once again, and explore with us these key shifts in AI funding and innovation.

Previous SwissCognitive AI Radar: Investment Horizons – SwissCognitive AI Investment Radar.

Our article does not offer financial advice and should not be considered a recommendation to engage in any securities or products. Investments carry the risk of decreasing in value, and investors may potentially lose a portion or all of their investment. Past performance should not be relied upon as an indicator of future results.

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SwissCognitive Guest Blogger: Artem Pochechuev, Head of Data and AI at Sigli – “Future Of AI-Powered Solutions For Disabilities: On The Verge Of Fantasy”

Today, while discussing Artificial Intelligence, we often talk about Generative AI tools, virtual assistants, or recommendations assistance. Such tools are already widely adopted and that’s why it is not surprising that they come to our mind in the first turn.

However, the potential of AI is much higher than that. This technology can be used in some mind-blowing solutions that seem to be absolutely fantastic.

Nevertheless, their introduction can be much closer than we may think.

In this article, we offer you to take a look at the most cutting-edge AI-powered projects that can greatly change the lives of people with disabilities (and not only).

Multimodal LLMs

Let’s start with something that sounds the most realistic – multimodal LLMs. Probably, all of you are already well-familiar with models that can work only with text inputs and provide text outputs.

Multimodal models are able to work with data in different formats. It means that they can deal with text, images, and sounds simultaneously and provide a relevant output. That is exactly what GPT-4o is expected to offer.

Of course, such models can be highly helpful for everyone. But their value will be significantly higher for people with different kinds of disabilities, including those with vision impairment, physiological disorders, and mental diseases.

Multimodal LMS can act as full-scale virtual assistants. Their functionality can offer much more possibilities in comparison to well-known solutions like Siri.

What can multimodal LLMs offer to people who can’t interact with their surroundings in a traditional way? We can say “practically everything” and from some point of view, we even won’t exaggerate.

For example, they will be able to explain everything that is written on the screen or describe what is shown in the picture. Their functionality will allow them to instantly translate and read aloud a text from the PDF file. They will help people to interact with their computers and smartphones. Based on the voice command made by users, they will open different menus, choose the necessary options, or move a pointer to the required line, while for a person with low vision or hand tremors, it can be very challenging to do this.

In the future, such models are expected to process video content as well. This will allow them to recognize films and describe their plots for users. Or they will be able to understand what sports game you will show to them and explain the rules.

Of course, these are just a couple of examples that demonstrate how multimodal LLMs can be used by people with disabilities. The range of their applications can be really wide.

AI-powered prosthetics

For people who were born without some parts of their bodies or who lost them under different circumstances, prostheses can become the best solution. These artificial body parts can restore some of the function and appearance of the lost anatomy. However, everything is not as seamless as we may think. The use of traditional prostheses can be associated with huge discomfort and various limitations, like limitations in dexterity or sensory feedback.

Nevertheless, such issues can be at least partially addressed by AI-powered prosthetics. Yes, AI arms today are not just something from a science fiction book. That’s a reality.

Artificial intelligence can significantly enhance the functionality, adaptability, and user experience of prostheses. In such solutions, ML is applied to teach bionic limbs how to understand movement patterns and how to make predictions based on the behaviours demonstrated previously. Thanks to this, limbs become more dexterous and more “natural”.

Such prostheses, both arms and legs, are non-invasive. But they have sensors that can measure electrical signals to identify the user’s intended movement.

Photo: University of Michigan

Of course, the use of AI-powered limbs is much more convenient in comparison to traditional prostheses. AI can automatically adjust artificial limbs for a better fit and can even make real-time changes based on user movements and activity levels.

The most advanced models can provide feedback on pressure and texture, which allows them to simulate the sense of touch for users.

Nevertheless, the cost of such devices is very high at the moment. This is one of the main factors that prevent them from being widely adopted today.

Bionic eye

Bionic limbs are a cutting-edge technology but what do you think about bionic eyes?

These experimental devices can restore functional vision for people who have partial or even total blindness.

The implantation of the earliest version of the bionic eye took place in 2012. The patient who got this artificial eye suffered from profound vision loss. After the surgery, he was able to see light. However, he couldn’t make distinctions within the environment. Since then, this first eye model has been greatly improved. Some other versions helped people start seeing abstract images. Nevertheless, none of the patients has regained vision.

One of the most widely discussed projects from this category is the Prima system by Pixium Vision. Their bionic vision solutions are being developed to help patients with profound vision loss and improve their independence and mobility.

Photo: https://www.pixium-vision.com

The core of their idea is the use of a 2-by-2-millimeter square implant that should be surgically placed under the retina. This implant should receive infrared data from camera-equipped glasses and further turn it into pulses of electricity which will replace signals generated by photoreceptor rods and cones.

Some early feasibility studies conducted in the US and European Union demonstrated that this system could be potentially effective and safe for people. Nevertheless, the project faced some financial difficulties which resulted in the delay in further research and development.

Rehabilitation robots and exoskeleton

Rehabilitation is a very important process for people with disabilities and patients after injuries. AI-powered robots can greatly help in the process of physical therapy through repetitive and controlled movements. They can offer personalized exercises and continuously monitor the progress to optimize recovery outcomes.

Such robots are often used in targeted therapy for patients with neurological or musculoskeletal impairments, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or orthopedic injuries.

One of the most well-known robots of this kind is Lokomat which helps individuals relearn walking patterns. It ensures the most physiological movement which can be guaranteed by the individually adjustable patient interface.

Photo: https://www.hocoma.com/us/solutions/lokomat

Another type of solution used in rehabilitation is the exoskeleton. Exoskeletons can be defined as wearable devices that work in conjunction with the user’s movements to enhance or assist physical capabilities.

They can help individuals with mobility impairments to stand, walk, or perform other movements. Moreover, they can be used to enhance the physical abilities of healthy individuals, such as in industrial or military applications.

Over the last several years, we could observe the growing interest in designing innovative tools of this kind that incorporate AI. The obvious benefits of such exoskeletons are their capabilities to analyze data and adjust to the individual user’s needs in real-time.

One such groundbreaking AI-powered exoskeletons was developed by a group of researchers at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This wearable device can ensure great energy savings during human movement, which could lead to great improvements in athletic performance and significantly help individuals with mobility issues.

This exoskeleton is powered by data-driven and physics-informed reinforcement learning. With this approach, wearable robots can become intuitive and predict user’s movements.  This technology can also generate synergistic assistance across different activities, such as walking or stair-climbing. The controller can automatically adapt to various kinematic patterns. It means that the transition between activities can take place without any handcrafted control.

Photo: https://www.foxnews.com/tech/ai-driven-exoskeleton-lightens-your-load-elevates-performance

Though the actual prices of exoskeletons can vary from $50,000 to $120,000, Hao Su, Ph.D., associate professor at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, noted that their efficient learning-in-simulation framework allows for rapid design and testing in computer simulations.

This can help to reduce the cost of research and development.

“Looking forward, we plan to make our robots truly affordable and accessible through innovative hardware design, namely low-ratio gears and cost-effective but high-torque electric motors. In about one year, we aim to make our exoskeletons for sale at a price range of $1,500 to $4,000, depending on specific features and manufacturing scale,” he explained.

Elderly care robots/ assistive robots for people with disabilities

While talking about robots, we can’t but mention robots that could fully or at least partially replace nurses, tutors, and caregivers.

In August 2023, the first commercial general-purpose humanoid robot Apollo by Apptronik was presented to the public. At the initial stages of its development, it was planned that it would be used in the manufacturing and warehousing industries. Nevertheless, later the range of its use cases was expanded. It can be also helpful in construction, retail, and elderly care. In the latest case, such robots can handle dozens of household chores and become good companions for people who spend a lot of time in isolation due to their disease or disabilities.

Photo: https://apptronik.com/apollo

However, this project is far not the only one in this group.

For example, there are a lot of reports from Japan revealing that the country is actively investing in the automation of elder care by employing various robots.

Though probably the majority of us start thinking about humanoid devices when asked about care robots, it’s far from being true. They can come in different sizes and shapes. Some of them are intended for physical care. In this case, we are talking about those ones that can help lift patients who can’t get on their own. There are robots that assist people in exercising and moving. Some others can track the physical activity of patients, detect falls, and help them use the toilet or take a bath.

There are also robots that are intended to communicate with elderly people, they can entertain them and even conduct cognitive training.

Robot guide dogs

Guide dogs are known to have been helping people with visual impairments for centuries. They can be great assistants and companions but the use of their services is associated with a row of challenges. The training of a guide dog usually requires significant time and expense. Moreover, let’s not forget about an average dog’s lifespan. This explains why a lot of countries face a shortage of trained guide dogs.

For example, according to the data published by the China Association for the Blind, currently, there are only around 400 trained dogs in the country, while the number of people who may need their help is over 17 million.

Dogs require particular care. They all have their personalities. This also can cause some difficulties for people.

But with the application of modern technologies, such issues can be successfully solved. Especially for those who do not feel like having a furry friend, as they can have a robot friend instead.

Robot guide dogs can efficiently provide real-time navigation services for people with visual disabilities and let them travel independently and safely. Such robots can identify road conditions, obstacles, and surrounding facilities. Moreover, they can work with voice prompts and provide vibration feedback, which makes interaction with them quite simple.

It is known that a group of Chinese researchers have been already conducting field tests of a six-legged guide dog that relies on cameras and sensors for navigation. This robot can successfully recognize traffic light signals, while in the case of real dogs, this “feature” is not available.

Photo: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/08/china/chinese-robot-guide-dog-intl-hnk/index.html

Of course, robot dogs require some maintenance but at least users do not need to feed them on a daily basis.

Brain-computer interface

Another technology that we should mention is a brain-computer interface. It can establish a direct communication pathway between the brain and an external device. It is possible thanks to its capability to decode the neural signals associated with attempted but unarticulated speech. In other words, it can translate neuronal information into commands capable of controlling external software or hardware systems.

In a very simplified way, we can explain its work as follows:

1. Collection of brain signals using electrodes or sensors;
2. Signal processing, filtering, and amplifying;
3. Extraction of relevant patterns or features within the signals;
4. Translation of these patterns into commands that can be understood by external devices.

Some BCIs are being developed for entertainment purposes. With their help, players can enjoy more immersive experiences. However, the majority of such projects have healthcare-related goals. For example, they can be used to assist in the in the recovery of motor functions.

In this context, it’s worth recollecting Neuralink. That’s definitely one of the most widely-known projects of this kind. This BCI is fully implantable. It’s invisible. And it can help users to seamlessly control their smartphones and computers. This technology can greatly help people with disabilities who are looking for ways to become more independent. Its efficiency in this aspect has been already proven in the first human trial.

Photo: https://neuralink.com/blog/prime-study-progress-update

In January 2024, Noland Arbaugh, a 30-year-old man paralyzed from the neck down, became the first patient who received the Neuralink device. Though there were some technical challenges during the trial, the general results look quite promising.

Thanks to the Neuralink device, the young man got practically full control of a computer. With the power of his mind, he can play games and browse the web at any moment. Moreover, according to Neuralink, Noland has managed to set the human record for cursor control with a brain-computer interface.

In an interview with journalists, Noland explained that the biggest advantage of using a BCI is the possibility of being independent.

“It’s just made me more independent, and that helps not only me but everyone around me. It makes me feel less helpless and like less of a burden. I love the fact that the people around me don’t have to wait for me so much. Outside of being completely healed, I believe what most quadriplegics want is independence,” he said.

Conclusion

Though today the majority of solutions mentioned in this article haven’t been widely adopted, that’s obvious that they have great potential given their incredible social value.

Moreover, we can say for sure that the real power of technologies, and AI in particular, hasn’t been even fully explored yet.

We still have a lot of things to learn and to do. But one thing is clear: today we are close to the future as never before. And we definitely shouldn’t stop in making life easier and better for everyone with the power of AI.

About the Author:

In his current position, Artem Pochechuev leads a team of talented engineers. Oversees the development and implementation of data-driven solutions for Sigli’s customers. He is passionate about using the latest technologies and techniques in data science to deliver innovative solutions that drive business value. Outside of work, Artem enjoys cooking, ice-skating, playing piano, and spending time with his family.

Der Beitrag Future Of AI-Powered Solutions For Disabilities: On The Verge Of Fantasy erschien zuerst auf SwissCognitive | AI Ventures, Advisory & Research.