Science and Technology News

Tag: ai

  • AI-powered drone swarms transform industries beyond defense

    AI-powered drone swarms transform industries beyond defense

    While drone swarms have been an area of technological development for many years, their practical applications have only recently gained significant momentum, particularly following increased attention during the Russia-Ukraine war, as reflected in Google search trends.

    The rapid advancement in AI technologies has further accelerated drone swarm control capabilities, enabling the integration of computer vision algorithms and geospatial data to recognize patterns and automate previously impossible operations.

    This evolution has led to drone swarms finding diverse applications across multiple industries, earning recognition as a high-impact innovation, according to technology foresights, an innovation intelligence platform by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    The latest advancement in drone swarm technology significantly enhances operational efficiency by eliminating the traditional requirement of one operator per drone. This breakthrough achieves advanced autonomy through onboard intelligent agents, developed using human-in-loop and trustworthy ai systems.

    These agents can independently assess their surroundings, exchange target data with other drones, and make mission-priority decisions without requiring constant communication with the control station. This innovation addresses a critical weakness in swarm-based warfare systems, where electronic warfare tactics frequently overwhelm communication systems and disrupt the data connection between drones and their control stations.

    Sourabh nyalkalkar, practice head of innovation products at globaldata, comments in an era marked by escalating geopolitical tensions, drone warfare has emerged as a pivotal element in modern military operations, with armed forces globally embracing unmanned aerial vehicles for a diverse range of tactical and reconnaissance missions.

    In a significant development, defense industry major Thales recently showcased a full-scale demonstration of drone swarm deployment, featuring multiple autonomy levels that significantly reduce operator cognitive burden. The company’s expertise in this domain has not gone unnoticed, as Thales has been recognized as one of the leaders in drone swarm control innovation, according to Technology Foresights.

    In response to the current geopolitical climate and growing military demand for advanced drone capabilities, drone swarm control technology is expected to experience significant growth. Patent analysis reveals that over 50 percent of technology patents in this field have been granted within the past three years, with major corporations holding the majority share.

    Though smaller in proportion, startup-owned patents are rapidly increasing, accompanied by growing investment activity in the sector. Recent developments highlight this trend, as demonstrated by Ukrainian startup Swarmer securing $2.7 million in funding for the development and commercialization of its AI-based swarm control technology, Styx, while another US-based startup, EchelonAI, entered into M&A with Skyfire.

    Nyalkalkar continues thehe innovation landscape in drone swarm control technologies extends well beyond the defense sector, with significant developments emerging from the communications and networking industry. Telecommunication companies are rapidly adopting drone swarms for various applications, including network optimization, infrastructure monitoring, and emergency coverage deployment in critical areas.”

    The technology’s development ecosystem is diverse and competitive, with over 100 companies actively innovating in this space. While defense industry leaders like Thales, RTX, Northrop Grumman, and BAE Systems continue to advance military applications, specialized drone manufacturers such as SZ DJI, Skydio, and Tevel are making significant contributions.

    Additionally, major telecommunications players including Qualcomm, Ericsson, Verizon, and AT&T are developing their own drone swarm solutions, while geospatial solution providers like Here and Geofrenzy are expanding the technology’s capabilities.

    Nyalkalkar concludes The rapid advancement of AI technology has catalyzed unprecedented growth in drone swarm applications across diverse sectors. Retail and logistics giants such as Amazon, Walmart, and UPS are developing autonomous master-slave drone networks for last-mile delivery, while agritech companies such as Nileworks are creating innovative solutions for crop monitoring.

    As drone swarm control technologies continue to evolve beyond traditional entertainment and light shows, this dynamic field promises exciting developments and transformative applications across multiple industries in the coming years.

  • Hitachi Digital Services launches R2O2.ai framework to build, scale and operate ‘trustworthy AI’

    Hitachi Digital Services launches R2O2.ai framework to build, scale and operate ‘trustworthy AI’

    Hitachi Digital Services, the digital consultancy and technology services subsidiary of Hitachi, has launched its generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) offering: Reliable, Responsible, Observable and Optimal AI or R2O2.ai.

    The R2O2.ai framework is designed to bridge the gap between conceptualizing AI workloads and deploying them at scale, delivering reliable, responsible and observable AI models at unprecedented speed and efficiency – ideal for enterprises aiming to scale their AI projects responsibly and optimally.

    The R2O2.ai framework will further expand our proprietary HARC (Hitachi Application Reliability Centers) offering, a suite of engineering services that helps our customers build and manage systems with reliability, resiliency, security and cost efficiency. (more…)

  • The First Release of Artificial Intelligence: A Historic Milestone in Technology

    The First Release of Artificial Intelligence: A Historic Milestone in Technology

    The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) has fascinated scientists, researchers, and technologists for decades, but the journey from theoretical discussions to practical applications began with the first release of AI systems.

    This moment marked a pivotal milestone in technological evolution, paving the way for the intelligent systems we rely on today.

    In this article, we’ll explore the early days of AI, the development of foundational systems, and the tools that help us manage modern AI innovations, including AI detector free systems, which are crucial for understanding and managing AI-generated content. (more…)

    The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) has fascinated scientists, researchers, and technologists for decades, but the journey from theoretical discussions to practical applications began with the first release of AI systems.

    This moment marked a pivotal milestone in technological evolution, paving the way for the intelligent systems we rely on today.

    In this article, we’ll explore the early days of AI, the development of foundational systems, and the tools that help us manage modern AI innovations, including AI detector free systems, which are crucial for understanding and managing AI-generated content. (more…)

    The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) has fascinated scientists, researchers, and technologists for decades, but the journey from theoretical discussions to practical applications began with the first release of AI systems.

    This moment marked a pivotal milestone in technological evolution, paving the way for the intelligent systems we rely on today.

    In this article, we’ll explore the early days of AI, the development of foundational systems, and the tools that help us manage modern AI innovations, including AI detector free systems, which are crucial for understanding and managing AI-generated content. (more…)

    The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) has fascinated scientists, researchers, and technologists for decades, but the journey from theoretical discussions to practical applications began with the first release of AI systems.

    This moment marked a pivotal milestone in technological evolution, paving the way for the intelligent systems we rely on today.

    In this article, we’ll explore the early days of AI, the development of foundational systems, and the tools that help us manage modern AI innovations, including AI detector free systems, which are crucial for understanding and managing AI-generated content. (more…)

  • Global fabric manufacturer introduces textile industry’s first AI reverse image search tool in the UK

    Global fabric manufacturer introduces textile industry’s first AI reverse image search tool in the UK

    Leading International designer and manufacturer of commercial textiles, Camira, has launched the sector’s first AI-powered image search tool in the UK to streamline the specification process for architects and design professionals.

    In partnership with material search platform, Stylib, Camira has integrated the new technology into its existing website which launched earlier this year. Powered by artificial intelligence, the dynamic search tool allows users to upload images of furniture, fabric, room settings or pantone colour references, to find relevant Camira fabrics for their projects.

    Commenting on the AI search tool, head of digital at Camira, Sam Birkhead said: “We’re incredibly excited to be able to offer our customers this new and intuitive tool which enables architects and designers to quickly find precise products that meet their specifications, reducing the time spent on research and increasing the accuracy of their selections.

    “There are very few B2B companies in the world that operate image search – a technology that until today has been reserved for giants like Ikea, Wayfair and fashion retailers. These advancements lead to faster and more confident specification processes, allowing for more efficient project timelines and improved overall design quality. Ultimately, AI’s integration is transforming the architectural landscape, paving the way for smarter, more sustainable, and innovative built environments.””

    Noam Naveh, CEO at Stylib added: “It’s great to see industry leaders like Camira adopting advanced solutions that support the specifying community’s work. Beyond the immediate benefits of faster and more confident specification processes, AI in the architectural products industry has broader implications for sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. AI’s ability to analyze vast datasets allows for the identification of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions, promoting sustainable design practices. Additionally, AI fosters innovation by providing architects with insights into emerging trends and new technologies, enabling them to push creative boundaries.”

  • AI delivers ‘new era of global innovation’, research finds

    AI delivers ‘new era of global innovation’, research finds

    The sixth annual International Innovation Barometer has published revealing that the advent of AI has already prompted a seismic shift in how innovation is being carried out around the world.

    The report by innovation consultancy Ayming finds that more than four-in-five (84 percent) businesses believe AI is having a positive impact on innovation – both in terms of output and process.

    Whilst the debate is typically framed around the future – but as yet unrealised – transformative potential of AI, this research indicates that tangible value is already being extracted by businesses when it comes to innovation.
    In fact, a significant 41 percent of businesses have already restructured their R&D teams to accommodate wider use of AI in the innovation process, which rises to more than half (52 percent) among large companies.

    The hyperfocus on AI has been translated into business’ shifting priorities, where the implementation of AI ranks as the second highest innovation priority with 29 percent of respondents selecting it as a priority, second only to the broader adoption of technology, which 32 percent of businesses see as their first concern.

    Technology and innovation have always been indivisibly coupled but the overlap between the two is now so great that the terms have become broadly interchangeable – largely catalysed by AI models that have provided businesses of all sizes with access to a new form of technology.

    This widening intersection is reflected in the allocation of innovation budgets. A notable 47 percent of businesses are allocating between 6 and 20 percent of their innovation budget to R&D in AI, while nearly a quarter (22 percent) are devoting more than 20 percent.

    Njy Rios, Director of R&D Incentives at Ayming UK comments, “The development of AI has been driven – and dominated – by mega-cap tech giants like Microsoft and Google but the launch of accessible models like ChatGPT have partly served to democractise access to AI.

    “The barrier to entry has been lowered and now businesses of all sizes can integrate AI into their operations without developing their own systems from scratch – which they likely neither have the financial nor human resources to contemplate.

    “Instead, as AI models are commoditised, we can expect to see competitive advantage shift from those that own AI technology towards those applying it most effectively.”

    AI is not only being used to automate processes, which frees up critical time for researchers to focus on higher-value strategic activity, but increasingly more businesses are using the technology to generate ideas and to conduct broader analysis.

    In fact, 53 percent of businesses are using AI to analyse data to support innovation, 43 percent are using it to predict new trends and 39 percent to generate new ideas, compared to just 26 percent using it for automation.

    The research suggests that businesses are starting to recognise AI as a catalyst for collaboration and creativity, rather than simply as an automation tool.

    Rios continues, “The future of AI will be shaped by hybrid models where human creativity and original thinking is optimised by AI’s analytical power, the latter enhancing rather than replacing the former. In fact, the way that generative AI has been built makes it incapable, at least for now, of producing original thoughts, which means it won’t ever be able to ‘innovate’ without human creative input.

    “It’s clear from this year’s research that AI has already changed the game and what we expect to see next is the timescale of the innovation lifecycle – from ideation to output – begin to radically reduce. What we should be left with is a process where innovation can be done faster, and investment can go further.”

    In June 2024, Ayming surveyed 1,227 R&D and innovation directors, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Executive Officers and Chief Technology Officers. Respondents were sourced from the following 17 countries: Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Hungary, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, United Kingdom, United States. Respondents were split evenly between seven sectors: automotive, construction, finance, manufacturing, finance, pharma and technology, and reflect an equal representation of large and small businesses.

    Further data and insights can be found in the full report: The International Innovation Barometer 2025.

  • Beam uses ‘world’s first’ AI-driven autonomous underwater vehicle to install wind turbine

    Beam uses ‘world’s first’ AI-driven autonomous underwater vehicle to install wind turbine

    Beam, a provider of high-technology offshore wind services, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by deploying “the world’s first” autonomous underwater vehicle driven by artificial intelligence (AI).

    The technology has already been successfully used to inspect jacket structures on Seagreen wind farm, a joint venture partnership between SSE Renewables, TotalEnergies and PTTEP, in a commercial environment. Seagreen is Scotland’s largest offshore site.

    This cutting-edge technology promises to revolutionise the field of marine technology and underwater robotics. By leveraging advanced AI, this technology can perform complex underwater tasks with no human intervention, significantly boosting the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of underwater inspections and surveys. (more…)