Apple’s Sleek AI Framework Enables Non-Humanoid Robots to Express Intent Through Motion

/in /tarafından

Apple has introduced a new artificial intelligence (AI) framework designed to help non-humanoid robots communicate intent through motion. Named ELEGNT, the framework allows robots to express intention, attention, and even emotions using movement, posture, and gestures. Unlike humanoid robots, which naturally engage users due to their familiar design, non-humanoid robots often struggle to convey meaning. ELEGNT addresses this gap, making human-robot interaction more intuitive and engaging. Apple researchers tested the framework with human participants to assess its effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

The Cupertino-based company detailed the framework in a recent post, emphasizing its focus on non-anthropomorphic robots—machines that lack human-like features such as limbs or facial expressions. While these robots excel at task execution, their rigid and mechanical nature can make interactions feel impersonal. By introducing expressive movements that do not interfere with task completion, Apple aims to create a more natural and immersive collaboration between humans and robots. The framework includes both hardware design considerations and software-based training techniques to enable fluid, expressive behavior.

To bring ELEGNT to life, Apple researchers developed a set of interaction scenario storyboards. These scenarios map out how a robot’s movement can enhance engagement and improve user perception. The findings suggest that adding expressive movements significantly boosts a robot’s perceived intelligence and sociability. A research paper detailing this approach has been published on the pre-print server arXiv, highlighting the potential for more emotionally resonant robotic systems in various industries, from home assistants to industrial automation.

A demonstration showcased the expressive capabilities of ELEGNT through a lamp-like robot prototype. In a video released by Apple, the robot, resembling Pixar’s Luxo Jr., responded to human gestures by directing light toward indicated spots. Its movements mimicked behaviors like understanding commands, nodding in agreement, and executing tasks efficiently. This experiment illustrates how even simple, non-humanoid robots can engage users on a deeper level through intentional motion, redefining how machines and humans collaborate.

Gemini and Imagen 3 to Enable Google Workspace Users to Create Custom Images of People

/in /tarafından

Google has announced that Workspace users will now be able to generate images of people using its advanced Gemini AI, marking a significant update to its suite of productivity tools. This new capability is part of the company’s broader initiative to enhance its Google Workspace offerings with artificial intelligence (AI) features. The rollout comes after a brief period in February 2024, when Google temporarily removed Gemini’s ability to create images involving people due to concerns over the generation of inaccurate and biased visuals that raised the risk of deepfakes.

As part of its latest update, Google has integrated AI features into the core Google Workspace subscription, eliminating the previous Gemini add-on. This shift allows all paid subscribers access to the first batch of new Gemini-powered features. Among these updates, the most noteworthy is the ability to generate images featuring people, thanks to the advanced capabilities of the Imagen 3 AI model. This marks a return for the feature, which was initially suspended but is now reintroduced with additional safeguards.

Google had rolled back this feature in early 2024 after AI-generated images were found to potentially propagate harmful biases. In response, the company has re-launched the functionality in an early access phase starting in August 2024, after implementing a series of safeguards designed to reduce the risk of misuse. These measures aim to ensure that the generated images are more accurate and ethically produced, providing users with a more secure experience when creating custom images of people.

To further protect against potential misuse, Google has also integrated SynthID, a watermarking tool that tags AI-generated images for identification. This feature is intended to ensure that images created by Gemini can be clearly distinguished from authentic photographs, adding an extra layer of accountability. With these enhancements, Google is positioning itself as a leader in responsible AI deployment within its productivity ecosystem, giving users powerful new tools while maintaining safeguards to prevent harm.

GenAI Set to Enhance India’s IT Industry Productivity by Up to 45%, EY India Survey Finds

/in /tarafından

The adoption of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is poised to significantly enhance the productivity of India’s $254-billion IT industry, with an estimated boost of 43 to 45 percent over the next five years, according to a survey conducted by EY India. The consulting firm highlights that this growth will be driven by both internal implementation of GenAI within IT companies and the increasing shift of client projects from proof-of-concept stages to full-scale deployment.

EY India’s findings suggest that this productivity surge will impact nearly 500 different roles across the industry. As top IT firms like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys continue to emphasize AI adoption, the sector is witnessing a shift toward GenAI-powered projects. The survey reports that 89 percent of IT enterprises have already begun testing GenAI initiatives, with 33 percent of those projects advancing beyond experimentation into production. “Enterprises are moving beyond experimentation to putting AI into production at scale. The rapid transition from POC to enterprise-wide adoption reflects the industry’s confidence in AI’s potential,” said Abhinav Johri, a technology consulting partner at EY India.

The survey further identifies software development as the segment set to experience the highest productivity gains, with an estimated improvement of around 60 percent. BPO services follow closely with a 52 percent boost, while IT consulting is projected to see a 47 percent increase. These figures indicate that GenAI’s impact will be most pronounced in areas where automation and intelligent systems can optimize workflows and enhance decision-making.

Together, software development, BPO services, and IT consulting will contribute to nearly 50 to 60 percent of the overall productivity gains across India’s tech services sector. As AI adoption accelerates, the industry is expected to undergo a significant transformation, with companies leveraging GenAI not only to improve operational efficiency but also to drive innovation and competitiveness in an increasingly AI-driven global market.