Is AI more creative than the human brain?
AI personalization. AI in education. Latin America voice actors against AI. Transparency of AI models. Why we must teach AI to empathize with us.
The latest news and trends in the Latin American AI startup scene.
Share your stories to ai@contxto.com.
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AI Personalization: Challenges and Practical Strategies for Startups
Startups face challenges when it comes to implementing AI personalization due to limited resources, data availability, ethical considerations, and lack of expertise. However, there are practical strategies they can adopt to overcome these challenges.
They can partner with AI companies, outsource data collection, prioritize expertise, and build consumer trust. Startups should also consider when AI personalization is necessary based on relevance, timeliness, transparency, customer control, and ethical considerations.
By implementing AI personalization effectively, startups can enhance customer experience, drive revenue growth, and compete with larger corporations. (DATAVERSITY).
AI in education: where we are and what happens next
The report discusses the current state of AI in education and its potential impact on teachers and students. It highlights the increasing adoption of AI tools, such as generative AI, in classrooms around the world. It also emphasizes the importance of integrating AI into teaching and learning approaches while also addressing the potential risks and challenges.
It explores how different countries are approaching AI in education, with some embracing it and others being more cautious. The report also discusses the impact of AI on teachers, with many seeing the benefits but also expressing concerns about risks and over-reliance on technology.
Overall, the report emphasizes the need for education to drive technology and provides recommendations for school leaders, education bodies, and governments to ensure the responsible and effective use of AI in education. (Oxford University Press)
Quick News
AI and audio used to track forest biodiversity
A recent study published in Nature Communications has shown that bioacoustics and AI can be used to monitor biodiversity recovery in regenerating tropical forests.
Tropical forests are important for addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, and restoration efforts are expanding globally. However, assessing the success of these efforts and quantifying biodiversity gains is challenging and expensive.
In this study, researchers tested the use of soundscape recordings and AI to track biodiversity recovery in 43 plots in Ecuador. The results showed that automated measures, such as acoustic indices and AI-derived bird community, strongly correlated with the biodiversity gradient. (Readwrite)
Celes is Wayra Hispam’s new investment in AI
Telefónica Movistar's open innovation initiative and investment fund, Wayra Hispam, has added Colombian startup Celes to its portfolio. Celes uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to optimize businesses' cash flow by improving inventory management, pricing, and customer loyalty.
Wayra Hispam sees artificial intelligence as a promising area for investment, with the potential to revolutionize industries.
The funds will be used to expand Celes' sales team and develop additional features for retailers. Wayra Hispam plans to add three more startups to its portfolio by the end of the year. (Contxto)
Nium Celebrates New Roster of FX Tools
Nium, a provider of real-time global payments, has announced Nium Global FX, a product that offers guaranteed and competitive foreign exchange (FX) rates.
Nium also introduced an FX rate comparison calculator and Nium Chronometer, which optimizes payment routing. These additions aim to address barriers to real-time global money movement and streamline payment operations.
Nium has made significant investments in its global payments infrastructure, expanding its offerings and opening new corridors across Africa and Latin America. (Crowdfund Insider)
AI has huge potential to support teachers, not replace them
AI has the potential to transform education and reduce inequalities, but significant effort and investment are needed to ensure accessibility and benefit the most marginalized.
Many countries lack the necessary digital infrastructure and interactive content for effective digital learning, and access to devices and digital skills is limited, particularly for marginalized groups.
Through the Gateways to Public Digital Learning initiative, UNICEF together with UNESCO is collaborating with these pioneering countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other parts of the world to share best practices and solutions. (ThePrint)
The Tourism Innovation Summit 2023 has recognized and awarded five projects for their innovation and sustainability in the tourism sector. The Cadena SER Award for Best User Experience went to Mirador Torre Glòries, which offers a unique visitor experience combining art, science, and technology.
Grupo Piñero received the Telefónica Award for Best Innovation in AI and Data Analytics for incorporating AI into their data analytics projects.
The Accenture Prize for Best Sustainable Tourism Project went to the Plan 21 Foundation for their program in Latin America.(TravelDailyNews International)
Whose voice is it anyway? Actors take on AI copycats
Voice actors across Latin America are joining forces to advocate for the "right to own one's voice" as AI increasingly clones and uses their voices without permission or payment.
This movement is part of a global push by artists to protect their jobs and maintain control over their own voices in the face of AI technology that can replicate human vocal patterns and speech characteristics.
Legislation is being proposed in various countries to establish voice ownership as a human right and to mandate audio watermarks for materials generated with synthetic voices. (The Japan Times)
Rail Vision Receives $500,000 Order from a Leading Latin America Mining Company
Israel-based technology company Foresight Autonomous Holdings has announced that its affiliate, Rail Vision, has received a $500,000 purchase order from a leading Latin American mining company for its MainLine system and related services.
The MainLine system uses AI and imaging sensors to detect and classify potential obstacles on train tracks, improving safety and operational efficiency.
The system will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2023, and Rail Vision will also provide supervision, guidance, and training services. Foresight owns 10.2% of Rail Vision's outstanding share capital. (Seeking Alpha)
Ricoh introduces advanced AI chat on its website for Latin America
Ricoh Latin America has integrated AI technology, ChatGPT, into its website to enhance user interaction and improve the customer experience.
The AI-powered search engine makes navigation more intuitive, while the advanced AI-based chat adapts to each user's characteristics and preferences. The chat is connected to Ricoh's e-business system, allowing customers to inquire about products and make purchases seamlessly.
Ricoh aims to stay at the forefront of market trends and meet the evolving needs of its customers in the digital age. The use of AI in Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Peru, and Colombia, is widely accepted, presenting a valuable market for Ricoh's technology. (Contxto)
How transparent are AI models? Stanford researchers found out
Stanford University's Center for Research on Foundation Models (CRFM) has released a Foundation Model Transparency Index to assess the transparency of various AI large language models.
The results revealed a lack of transparency in the AI industry, with no major model developer providing adequate transparency.
Open models such as Meta's Llama 2 and Hugging Face's BloomZ scored the highest, while OpenAI's GPT-4 came in third. The index evaluated 10 major developers based on transparency in model construction and usage. (Venture Beat)
The Chilean startup Rankmi drives Artificial Intelligence focused on human capital management
Rankmi, a platform specializing in human resources processes, has launched Rankmi Genius, an ecosystem that integrates AI-based solutions. The ecosystem includes tools such as Clima Insight, which analyzes workplace climate surveys, Performance Insight, which provides detailed reports on employee performance, and Action Genius, which creates action plans based on surveys.
The introduction of Rankmi Genius addresses challenges in HR management and aims to maximize the utility of performance evaluations through AI technology. The user-friendly design and data integrity of the tools solidify Rankmi Genius's value proposition.
The importance of cutting-edge solutions like Rankmi Genius is emphasized by statistics showing low satisfaction with feedback and ineffective performance management processes. Rankmi plans to launch six more AI-based tools in the future. The acceptance of AI in countries like Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Chile makes them valuable markets for Rankmi's technology. (Contxto)
AI Education
Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme
The Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme offers a comprehensive understanding of AI, including its potential in various industries and its social and ethical implications.
It covers topics such as the history and potential of AI, machine learning, deep learning, ethics of AI, and implementing AI in business.
IBM Applied AI
The IBM Applied AI Professional Certificate offers a comprehensive learning experience in artificial intelligence, including Python programming, chatbot development, machine learning, and computer vision.
The courses cover topics such as Python programming, building chatbots, machine learning, computer vision, and leveraging IBM Watson.
Neuroscience for machine learners
This is a freely available online course on neuroscience for people with a machine learning background. The aim is to bring together these two fields that have a shared goal of understanding intelligent processes. Rather than pushing for “neuroscience-inspired” ideas in machine learning, the idea is to broaden the conceptions of both fields to incorporate elements of the other in the hope that this will lead to new, creative thinking.
Food for Thought
How companies can benefit from LLMs
One of the main trends in multilingual communication is the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. LLMs learn language by analyzing vast amounts of text data, identifying patterns and relationships, and using statistical methods. However, there are challenges in using LLMs, such as the lack of control over the data and the potential for misinformation.
These challenges can be overcome by using blockchain technology to ensure data integrity and provide source links for transparency. Companies looking to use private, anonymized LLMs for multilingual communication should focus on ensuring high-quality, immutable data.
The future of multilingual communication will involve a combination of AI and human input. (AI News)
Is AI more creative than the human brain? I doubt it – and I definitely want humans to stay in charge
The AI system generated ideas for new products that were found to be more popular in online surveys. However, there are concerns about whether AI is being used to provide answers for these surveys.
The article also explores the concept of creativity and originality, highlighting the importance of human contribution in fields like writing and art.
The author argues that while new technology is exciting, humans should remain in charge and not let the overexcitement of tech enthusiasts overshadow their own abilities. (The Guardian AI)
Why we must teach AI to empathize with us
The author, a computer engineer with over 15 years of experience in AI, explains that while AI technology has grown rapidly, it is still in its early stages.
The focus should be on developing AI bots that can recognize and interpret human qualities, rather than anthropomorphizing them. Humanized AI, which can understand emotions and tailor responses to individual needs, will enhance user experiences.
The author emphasizes that AI is not here to replace jobs but to augment human capabilities and make us better at what we do. The key is to prioritize the development of AI that aligns with our values and needs, fostering a symbiotic relationship between humans and AI. (TechCrunch)
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