Emerging Tech
Data centers are booming in Texas. What does that mean for the grid?
As energy demand surges, largely due to crypto mining facilities, data centers and industrial electrification, Texas officials are looking at how to increase supply and shore up the grid.
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Eliminate Manual Processes Route and Approve Invoices from Anywhere
Today’s finance teams carry a heavy burden, supporting everything from growth strategies to long-term planning – all while continuously delivering monthly and quarterly numbers and keeping cash flowing. But even as demands on finance departments grow, many still spend excessive time using paper, spreadsheets, and e-mails to process vendor invoices, approvals, and payments.
AI could help mitigate lithium battery fires, study finds
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can detect when a lithium battery begins to overheat, which they say can help inform public safety efforts to mitigate fires.
North Dakota lawmakers discuss adding computer-generated images to definition of child pornography
Possessing a computer-generated image of child pornography would be punishable as a felony in North Dakota under a bill discussed Monday by state lawmakers.
Trump axes Biden’s AI executive order
President Donald Trump vowed to repeal the order during campaigning and in his presidential platform.
New research: Done right, virtual tutoring nearly rivals in-person version
Two new Johns Hopkins University studies explore how high-quality virtual tutoring can help struggling students.
As climate change intensifies, Arizona bill would bar ‘geoengineering’ to combat it
The emerging field has caused fierce debate among scientists, some of whom see it as a way to combat people’s impact on the planet, while others see it as another way to create climate chaos.
Slow approach to law enforcement AI could combat errors and bias, experts say
Several police agencies across the U.S. are tapping AI to help draft police reports, but a new white paper from the American Civil Liberties Union points to the risks of its rapid adoption.
How to improve government efficiency — from the easy wins to the tough challenges
COMMENTARY | It’s about more than cutting costs. Governments must build systems that work better for their constituents, and allow their employees the chance to shine.
AI could help stop train wrecks
Researchers have found a way to use artificial intelligence and guided ultrasonic waves for detecting faults inside switch rails.
As technology evolves, it becomes harder to tell ‘real’ AI from marketing
Technologists say the hazy definition of “artificial intelligence” leaves a wide opening for companies to over-promise or over-market the capabilities of their products – or even render “AI” more of a marketing gimmick than a real technology.
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Coming federal cyber executive order includes a push to mobile drivers licenses
The draft order does not, however, tackle the full breadth of actions that were expected from a promised identity executive order that has yet to materialize.
Feds still aren’t fully backing satellite for BEAD grants
States can use money from the $42 billion program to reserve space on satellite networks or reimburse providers when they hit certain milestones. But the tech can only receive money if no other options exists for an area.
Technology is supposed to decrease teacher burnout – but we found it can sometimes make it worse
COMMENTARY | Asking teachers to adopt new tools without removing old requirements is a recipe for burnout.
Why Ohio companies are investing in hydrogen cars despite infrastructure issues
Hydrogen fuel cell cars could overcome some buyers’ reluctance to switch from gasoline-powered vehicles, but whether fueling infrastructure can deliver is iffy.
Could 3D-printed housing help address Oklahoma’s affordable housing crisis? A lawmaker thinks so
A state lawmaker wants to use the same technology that is being considered for use on Mars to help tackle Oklahoma’s affordable housing crisis.
After AI’s busy 2024, expect more of the same next year
States are likely to further attempt to regulate the technology and understand how it can benefit their governments and residents. But there are warning signs that rules deemed heavy-handed will remain unpopular.
Aerial drones helpful in removing graffiti along Washington highways, agency says
The state’s Department of Transportation has been testing new ways to clean up and detect graffiti on signs, bridges and other structures.
Governments lag other sectors in adopting AI in contact centers, report says
The public sector is far behind the healthcare and retail sectors in using the technology to answer questions and provide users with next steps. But it can gain on its private peers.
House AI Task Force recommends sector-specific regs in final report
The document aims to balance keeping the U.S. competitive in AI innovation and adoption while mitigating negative outcomes.
Financial watchdog urges NYC schools to withdraw $1.9 million proposal for AI reading tutor
“Before we spend millions on an AI program that could shape our kindergartners’ reading abilities, let’s make sure we’re doing this right,” Comptroller Brad Lander said.
