#efficient AI Model

[kazifatagar]

AI Revolution from China: DeepSeek Unveils World's Most Efficient AI Model, Shaking Tech Giants

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has emerged as a significant player in the AI landscape, particularly with its latest models like DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1. Here’s an analysis of what’s behind DeepSeek’s secret, why it caused such a shock, and what makes it powerful: Innovative Model Architecture and Efficiency: Mixture of Experts (MoE): DeepSeek-V3 uses a 671 billion parameter model with a…

[techdriveplay]

Why Quantum Computing Will Change the Tech Landscape

The technology industry has seen significant advancements over the past few decades, but nothing quite as transformative as quantum computing promises to be. Why Quantum Computing Will Change the Tech Landscape is not just a matter of speculation; it’s grounded in the science of how we compute and the immense potential of quantum mechanics to revolutionise various sectors. As traditional…

[pitch-and-moan]

Ephemeralization

A computer scientist begins a project to network systems of computers to "donate" processing capabilities to a supermassive LLM in hopes of solving all the world's problems, starting with energy efficiency and global warming as a hedge against all the computing power they're using, sometimes not entirely legally. The system begins generating nonsensical information and suggestions that turn out to be brilliant insights, except they're increasingly morally dubious, ultimately resulting in a paradox of moral relativism.

[goodoldbandit]

Powering the Future

Sanjay Kumar Mohindroo Sanjay Kumar Mohindroo. skm.stayingalive.in How High‑Performance Computing Ignites Innovation Across Disciplines. Explore how HPC and supercomputers drive breakthrough research in science, finance, and engineering, fueling innovation and transforming our world. High‑Performance Computing (HPC) and supercomputers are the engines that power modern scientific, financial,…

[asestimationsconsultants]

The Digital Shift | How Tech is Redefining Industrial Estimating Service

Introduction: The Role of Technology in Modern Industrial Estimating The industrial sector, once reliant on traditional methods of estimating project costs, has entered a new era where technology is reshaping how projects are planned, managed, and executed. In particular, industrial estimating services are benefiting from the integration of cutting-edge technology that enhances accuracy, efficiency, and overall project outcomes. As industries adopt advanced digital tools, the way cost estimates are generated and managed has evolved significantly, streamlining workflows, improving decision-making, and reducing the risks associated with manual errors and outdated practices.

The Shift from Manual Estimating to Digital Tools For many years, industrial estimating was a manual process that involved spreadsheets, paper-based plans, and extensive calculations. While these methods worked, they were time-consuming and prone to human error. Today, however, digital tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D modeling, cloud-based estimating software, and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming how industrial projects are estimated.

These technologies provide estimators with more powerful, accurate, and efficient means of calculating project costs. For instance, BIM allows for the creation of detailed, 3D models of a project, enabling estimators to visualize the design and identify potential issues before construction begins. This can lead to more accurate estimates and fewer surprises during the construction phase.

Building Information Modeling (BIM): Revolutionizing the Estimating Process BIM has revolutionized the way construction projects are designed and estimated. In industrial projects, BIM provides a detailed, virtual representation of the entire project, including every structural element, material, and system. This digital model allows estimators to see the project in its entirety and calculate accurate costs based on real-time data.

BIM helps estimators identify potential conflicts or inefficiencies in the design early on, reducing the likelihood of costly mistakes. For example, by modeling the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in 3D, estimators can spot clashes or design issues that may lead to delays or cost overruns. This proactive approach allows estimators to adjust the design or budget before construction begins, improving the overall accuracy of the estimate.

Moreover, BIM allows for seamless collaboration between different stakeholders, such as architects, engineers, and contractors. Estimators can share the digital model with the entire project team, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goal.

Cloud-Based Estimating Software: Collaboration and Accessibility Cloud-based estimating software has become a game-changer for industrial estimating services. Unlike traditional desktop-based software, cloud-based solutions allow estimators to access project data from anywhere, at any time. This enhances collaboration between team members, contractors, and clients, as everyone can work from the same platform and update the estimate in real time.

Cloud-based software also provides the flexibility to store and organize vast amounts of project data, including cost breakdowns, material lists, and labor schedules. This data is securely stored in the cloud, ensuring that project details are accessible and up-to-date, even as changes occur during the project's lifecycle.

Additionally, cloud-based software can integrate with other project management tools, such as scheduling and procurement software. This enables estimators to track changes in real-time and adjust the cost estimates accordingly. For example, if there is a delay in material delivery, the estimator can update the estimate immediately, helping to keep the project on track and prevent cost overruns.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Predictive Estimating Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are increasingly being used in industrial estimating services to improve the accuracy and efficiency of cost predictions. By analyzing vast amounts of historical data, AI and ML algorithms can identify patterns and trends that human estimators may overlook.

For example, AI can help predict material costs based on historical pricing data, accounting for factors like inflation and market fluctuations. This allows estimators to generate more accurate cost projections, even in volatile markets. AI can also help identify potential risks, such as supply chain disruptions, that may impact project timelines or costs.

Machine learning algorithms can continuously improve over time as they are exposed to more data, allowing estimators to refine their predictions and enhance their accuracy. The ability to leverage AI and ML in the estimating process helps reduce the likelihood of cost overruns and ensures that projects stay within budget.

Real-Time Data and Analytics: Making Informed Decisions In the past, estimators relied on static data, such as historical cost records and vendor quotes, to generate project estimates. However, with the rise of real-time data and analytics, industrial estimators now have access to more dynamic and up-to-date information that can impact their cost predictions.

For instance, cloud-based platforms and integrated project management systems allow estimators to access live pricing data, including current material costs, labor rates, and equipment rental fees. This real-time information helps estimators make more accurate predictions and adjust their estimates based on the latest market conditions.

Real-time data also allows estimators to track project progress more closely, monitoring any changes in scope or schedule that may affect costs. With up-to-date information at their fingertips, estimators can make informed decisions about how to adjust the budget or timeline, ensuring that the project stays on track and within budget.

Digital Integration with Supply Chain and Procurement Technology is also enhancing the way industrial estimating services interact with supply chain and procurement systems. With digital tools, estimators can easily integrate their cost estimates with procurement data, allowing them to track material availability, supplier lead times, and pricing fluctuations in real-time.

This integration helps prevent delays caused by supply chain disruptions and ensures that estimators can adjust their cost estimates as material prices fluctuate. For example, if a material becomes more expensive due to a global shortage, the estimator can immediately update the cost estimate and notify stakeholders of the potential impact on the project budget.

By streamlining the procurement process and connecting it directly to the estimating system, industrial estimators can avoid costly delays and keep the project moving forward.

The Future of Industrial Estimating: Virtual and Augmented Reality Looking ahead, virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) are set to play an even more significant role in industrial estimating services. With VR and AR, estimators can create immersive, 3D simulations of the project, allowing them to visualize the construction process and identify potential issues before the project begins.

For example, by using AR glasses, estimators can overlay digital models onto the physical site, providing a real-time view of how the project will look once completed. This technology can help estimators identify issues related to space, design, or logistics that may not be apparent in traditional 2D drawings.

Incorporating VR and AR into the estimating process allows for better decision-making and a more accurate understanding of how the project will progress. As these technologies continue to evolve, industrial estimating services will become even more precise and efficient.

Conclusion: Embracing the Digital Shift for Better Industrial Estimating The digital shift is transforming the way industrial estimating services operate, bringing about improvements in accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration. From BIM and cloud-based software to AI and real-time data, technology is enabling industrial estimators to generate more precise cost estimates, reduce risks, and streamline the estimating process.

By embracing these digital tools, industrial estimating services can provide more reliable estimates that help projects stay within budget and on schedule. As technology continues to evolve, the potential for further improvements in estimating accuracy and efficiency is immense, and those who adopt these tools will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern industrial construction.

[prototechsolutionsblog]

AI in BIM: Paving the Way for Smarter Construction Projects

The construction industry, traditionally known for manual labor and on-site work, is undergoing a digital revolution. Among the transformative technologies leading this shift is Building Information Modeling (BIM), a process that has redefined project planning, design, and management. Now, with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), BIM is entering a new phase, poised to reshape the future of construction with unprecedented levels of efficiency, accuracy, and innovation.

In this blog post, we'll explore how AI-driven BIM modeling is shaping the future of construction, its impact on various phases of project development, and what it means for stakeholders across the industry.

1. Enhanced Design Automation

AI’s role in BIM is revolutionizing how architects and engineers design buildings. Traditionally, designers had to manually create complex 3D models, but AI-driven BIM modeling automates many aspects of the design process. AI algorithms can generate designs based on preset parameters, making it easier to explore multiple design options and scenarios.

Through generative design, a subfield of AI, engineers can input constraints like materials, budgets, and environmental considerations into BIM software, and the AI will generate a wide range of optimized design solutions. This process saves time and helps identify the most efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective design options for construction projects.

2. AI-Enhanced Collaboration and Coordination

Construction projects involve numerous stakeholders: architects, engineers, contractors, and owners. Effective collaboration between these parties is critical to the success of any project. AI-driven BIM enhances collaboration by facilitating seamless integration and real-time coordination.

With AI, BIM platforms can analyze and predict potential clashes between different disciplines before construction even begins. For instance, AI algorithms can cross-check architectural designs against structural engineering models to ensure that everything fits together without conflicts. This early clash detection helps avoid costly delays and revisions during the construction phase.

Moreover, AI-powered BIM systems can send automated updates and alerts to all team members, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Real-time feedback loops also enable quicker decision-making, keeping the project on track and under budget.

3. Risk Mitigation and Safety Improvement

Safety is a major concern in construction, and AI-driven BIM modeling is playing a key role in improving on-site safety. AI can analyze historical data from previous projects to predict potential risks in current and future construction sites.

For example, AI algorithms can review data related to worker behavior, equipment usage, and environmental conditions to identify patterns that could lead to accidents. By integrating this data with BIM models, AI can create simulations that highlight potential hazards before they occur.

In addition, AI-powered BIM can help in scheduling construction tasks more effectively. By analyzing timelines and construction site conditions, AI can recommend the safest sequence of operations, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall safety outcomes.

4. Predictive Maintenance and Facility Management

Beyond the construction phase, AI-driven BIM plays an essential role in facility management and predictive maintenance. Once a building is operational, AI can continuously monitor the structure using sensors and IoT devices integrated with the BIM model.

AI can predict when maintenance is required by analyzing data related to the wear and tear of building materials, mechanical systems, and environmental factors like humidity and temperature. This predictive maintenance capability helps facility managers address issues before they become costly repairs, extending the lifespan of the building and improving its overall efficiency.

Additionally, AI can analyze energy usage patterns within a building and suggest optimizations for reducing energy consumption. This not only results in significant cost savings but also supports sustainable construction practices by minimizing the building's carbon footprint.

5. Optimized Construction Scheduling and Resource Management

Time is a critical factor in construction projects, and delays can lead to budget overruns. AI-driven BIM modeling significantly enhances the construction scheduling process by automating the development of construction timelines based on the analysis of previous projects, real-time data, and available resources.

AI algorithms can also optimize the allocation of materials and labor. By analyzing data related to material usage, workforce availability, and equipment requirements, AI can recommend the best way to schedule deliveries, deploy workers, and utilize equipment on-site. This level of precision reduces waste, minimizes downtime, and keeps the project on schedule.

Furthermore, AI can continuously update the construction schedule as new data becomes available, ensuring that the project adapts to changes in real-time. Whether it's weather disruptions, supply chain issues, or other unforeseen events, AI-driven BIM systems can help adjust schedules and resource allocations to keep the project moving forward.

6. Sustainability and Environmental Impact Reduction

Sustainability is increasingly a priority for the construction industry. AI-driven BIM modeling can significantly contribute to more sustainable construction practices. By integrating AI, BIM can simulate various design and construction scenarios to determine their environmental impact, from energy consumption to the carbon footprint.

AI can analyze building materials, design features, and construction methods to identify the most eco-friendly options. For example, AI can suggest materials with lower environmental impact, optimize building orientation for energy efficiency, and recommend sustainable construction practices.

In the long run, AI-powered BIM helps the industry achieve sustainability goals by designing and constructing buildings that are more energy-efficient, use fewer resources, and have lower operational costs.

7. Real-Time Data Analytics and Informed Decision-Making

One of the most powerful aspects of AI-driven BIM is the ability to collect and analyze vast amounts of data in real time. From design inception to post-construction, AI can process data from various sources—such as sensors, cameras, and IoT devices—to provide actionable insights at every stage of the project lifecycle.

These insights enable construction managers and project stakeholders to make more informed decisions. For example, AI can analyze labor productivity data to optimize workforce deployment or assess material supply chain data to minimize procurement delays.

By leveraging real-time data, AI-powered BIM systems provide valuable foresight into potential challenges, enabling proactive decision-making that keeps projects on track and within budget.

8. AI and the Future of Smart Cities

As the world moves toward the development of smart cities, AI-driven BIM modeling will be a crucial element in their realization. Smart cities require interconnected infrastructure, seamless energy management, and optimized transportation systems—all of which can be modeled, simulated, and optimized through AI-powered BIM platforms.

AI-driven BIM can model entire city infrastructures, enabling urban planners to simulate and test different urban design scenarios. AI can assess the impact of various factors like traffic flow, energy consumption, and environmental conditions, enabling smarter, more sustainable urban planning decisions.

As smart cities continue to evolve, AI-driven BIM will play an integral role in shaping their future by creating data-rich models that optimize urban infrastructure for efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.

Conclusion

AI-driven BIM modeling is more than just a technological innovation—it is the future of the construction industry. From automating design processes and enhancing collaboration to improving safety, sustainability, and facility management, AI is reshaping how construction projects are conceived, executed, and maintained. By leveraging AI in BIM, construction professionals can expect faster project delivery, reduced costs, enhanced safety, and a more sustainable built environment.

As AI technologies continue to evolve, the possibilities for BIM-driven construction are endless. The industry is on the cusp of a future where AI will not only enhance existing processes but also enable entirely new ways of building, managing, and living in the spaces of tomorrow.

[intelisync]

Generative AI for Startups: 5 Essential Boosts to Boost Your Business

The future of business growth lies in the ability to innovate rapidly, deliver personalized customer experiences, and operate efficiently. Generative AI is at the forefront of this transformation, offering startups unparalleled opportunities for growth in 2024.

Generative AI is a game-changer for startups, significantly accelerating product development by quickly generating prototypes and innovative ideas. This enables startups to innovate faster, stay ahead of the competition, and bring new products to market more efficiently. The technology also allows for a high level of customization, helping startups create highly personalized products and solutions that meet specific customer needs. This enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty, giving startups a competitive edge in their respective industries.

By automating repetitive tasks and optimizing workflows, Generative AI improves operational efficiency, saving time and resources while minimizing human errors. This allows startups to focus on strategic initiatives that drive growth and profitability. Additionally, Generative AI’s ability to analyze large datasets provides startups with valuable insights for data-driven decision-making, ensuring that their actions are informed and impactful. This data-driven approach enhances marketing strategies, making them more effective and personalized.

Intelisync offers comprehensive AI/ML services that support startups in leveraging Generative AI for growth and innovation. With Intelisync’s expertise, startups can enhance product development, improve operational efficiency, and develop effective marketing strategies. Transform your business with the power of Generative AI—Contact Intelisync today and unlock your Learn more...

[in-sightjournal]

Ask A Genius 1049: The Paul Cooijmans Session

Rick Rosner, American Comedy Writer, www.rickrosner.org Scott Douglas Jacobsen, Independent Journalist, www.in-sightpublishing.com Scott Douglas Jacobsen: This is from Paul Cooijmans. “How can we verify whether a system or being is conscious?” Rick Rosner: AI will claim and act as if it is conscious long before it’s conscious. Because AI takes, in these large language models, the thoughts of…

[bonediggercharleston]

I am very wary of people going "China does it better than America" because most of it is just reactionary rejection of your overlord in favor of his rival, but this story is 1. absolutely legit and 2. way too funny.

US wants to build an AI advantage over China, uses their part in the chip supply chain to cut off China from the high-end chip market.

China's chip manufacturing is famously a decade behind, so they can't advance, right?

They did see it as a problem, but what they then did is get a bunch of Computer Scientists and Junior Programmers fresh out of college and funded their research in DeepSeek. Instead of trying to improve output by buying thousands of Nvidia graphics cards, they tried to build a different kind of model, that allowed them to do what OpenAI does at a tenth of the cost.

Them being young and at a Hedgefund AI research branch and not at established Chinese techgiants seems to be important because chinese corporate culture is apparently full of internal sabotage, so newbies fresh from college being told they have to solve the hardest problems in computing was way more efficient than what usually is done. The result:

American AIs are shook. Nvidia, the only company who actually is making profit cause they are supplying hardware, took a hit. This is just the market being stupid, Nvidia also sells to China. And the worst part for OpenAI. DeepSeek is Open Source.

Anybody can implement deepseek's model, provided they have the hardware. They are totally independent from DeepSeek, as you can run it from your own network. I think you will soon have many more AI companies sprouting out of the ground using this as its base.

What does this mean? AI still costs too much energy to be worth using. The head of the project says so much himself: "there is no commercial use, this is research."

What this does mean is that OpenAI's position is severely challenged: there will soon be a lot more competitors using the DeepSeek model, more people can improve the code, OpenAI will have to ask for much lower prices if it eventually does want to make a profit because a 10 times more efficient opensource rival of equal capability is there.

And with OpenAI or anybody else having lost the ability to get the monopoly on the "market" (if you didn't know, no AI company has ever made a single cent in profit, they all are begging for investment), they probably won't be so attractive for investors anymore. There is a cheaper and equally good alternative now.

AI is still bad for the environment. Dumb companies will still want to push AI on everything. Lazy hacks trying to push AI art and writing to replace real artists will still be around and AI slop will not go away. But one of the main drivers of the AI boom is going to be severely compromised because there is a competitor who isn't in it for immediate commercialization. Instead you will have a more decentralized open source AI field.

Or in short:

[in-sightpublishing]

Conversation with Tomáš Perna on AI and ANN: Member, World Genius Directory (4)

                      Publisher: In-Sight Publishing Publisher Founding: March 1, 2014 Web Domain: http://www.in-sightpublishing.com Location: Fort Langley, Township of Langley, British Columbia, Canada Journal: In-Sight: Independent Interview-Based Journal Journal Founding: August 2, 2012 Frequency: Three (3) Times Per Year Review Status: Non-Peer-Reviewed Access: Electronic/Digital & Open…

[wilwheaton]

DOGE is not about efficiency. It is about erasure. Democracy is being deleted in slow motion, replaced by proprietary technology and AI models. It is a coup, executed not with guns, but with backend migrations and database wipes.

The Plot Against America - by Mike Brock

[reasonsforhope]

Green energy is in its heyday. 

Renewable energy sources now account for 22% of the nation’s electricity, and solar has skyrocketed eight times over in the last decade. This spring in California, wind, water, and solar power energy sources exceeded expectations, accounting for an average of 61.5 percent of the state's electricity demand across 52 days. 

But green energy has a lithium problem. Lithium batteries control more than 90% of the global grid battery storage market. 

That’s not just cell phones, laptops, electric toothbrushes, and tools. Scooters, e-bikes, hybrids, and electric vehicles all rely on rechargeable lithium batteries to get going. 

Fortunately, this past week, Natron Energy launched its first-ever commercial-scale production of sodium-ion batteries in the U.S. 

“Sodium-ion batteries offer a unique alternative to lithium-ion, with higher power, faster recharge, longer lifecycle and a completely safe and stable chemistry,” said Colin Wessells — Natron Founder and Co-CEO — at the kick-off event in Michigan. 

The new sodium-ion batteries charge and discharge at rates 10 times faster than lithium-ion, with an estimated lifespan of 50,000 cycles.

Wessells said that using sodium as a primary mineral alternative eliminates industry-wide issues of worker negligence, geopolitical disruption, and the “questionable environmental impacts” inextricably linked to lithium mining. 

“The electrification of our economy is dependent on the development and production of new, innovative energy storage solutions,” Wessells said. 

Why are sodium batteries a better alternative to lithium?

The birth and death cycle of lithium is shadowed in environmental destruction. The process of extracting lithium pollutes the water, air, and soil, and when it’s eventually discarded, the flammable batteries are prone to bursting into flames and burning out in landfills. 

There’s also a human cost. Lithium-ion materials like cobalt and nickel are not only harder to source and procure, but their supply chains are also overwhelmingly attributed to hazardous working conditions and child labor law violations. 

Sodium, on the other hand, is estimated to be 1,000 times more abundant in the earth’s crust than lithium. 

“Unlike lithium, sodium can be produced from an abundant material: salt,” engineer Casey Crownhart wrote ​​in the MIT Technology Review. “Because the raw ingredients are cheap and widely available, there’s potential for sodium-ion batteries to be significantly less expensive than their lithium-ion counterparts if more companies start making more of them.”

What will these batteries be used for?

Right now, Natron has its focus set on AI models and data storage centers, which consume hefty amounts of energy. In 2023, the MIT Technology Review reported that one AI model can emit more than 626,00 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent. 

“We expect our battery solutions will be used to power the explosive growth in data centers used for Artificial Intelligence,” said Wendell Brooks, co-CEO of Natron. 

“With the start of commercial-scale production here in Michigan, we are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for efficient, safe, and reliable battery energy storage.”

The fast-charging energy alternative also has limitless potential on a consumer level, and Natron is eying telecommunications and EV fast-charging once it begins servicing AI data storage centers in June. 

On a larger scale, sodium-ion batteries could radically change the manufacturing and production sectors — from housing energy to lower electricity costs in warehouses, to charging backup stations and powering electric vehicles, trucks, forklifts, and so on. 

“I founded Natron because we saw climate change as the defining problem of our time,” Wessells said. “We believe batteries have a role to play.”

-via GoodGoodGood, May 3, 2024

--

Note: I wanted to make sure this was legit (scientifically and in general), and I'm happy to report that it really is! x, x, x, x

[ozzgin]

Yandere! Android x Reader (I)

It is the future and you have been tasked to solve a mysterious murder that could jeopardize political ties. Your assigned partner is the newest android model meant to assimilate human customs. You must keep his identity a secret and teach him the ways of earthlings, although his curiosity seems to be reaching inappropriate extents.

Yes, this is based on Asimov’s “Caves of Steel” because Daneel Olivaw was my first ever robot crush. I also wanted a protagonist that embraces technology. :)

Content: female reader, AI yandere, 50's futurism

[Part 2] | [More original works]

You follow after the little assistant robot, a rudimentary machine invested with basic dialogue and spatial navigation. It had caused quite the ruckus when first introduced. One intern - well liked despite being somewhat clumsy at his job - was sadly let go as a result. Not even the Police is safe from the threat of AI, is what they chanted outside the premises.

"The Commissioner has summoned you, (Y/N)." 

That's how it greeted you earlier, clacking its appendage against the open door in an attempt to simulate a knock. 

"Do you know why my presence is needed?" You inquire and wait for the miniature AI to scan the audio message. 

"I am not allowed to mention anything right now." It finally responds after agonizing seconds.

 It's an alright performance. You might've been more impressed by it, had you not witnessed first hand the Spacer technology that could put any modern invention here on Earth to shame. Sadly the people down here are very much against artificial intelligence. There have been multiple protests recently, like the one in front of your building, condemning the latest government suggestion regarding automation. People fear for their jobs and safety and you don't necessarily blame them for having self preservation. On the other hand, you've always been a supporter of progress. As a child you devoured any science fiction book you could get your hands on, and now, as a high ranked police detective you still manage to sneak away and scan over articles and news involving the race for a most efficient computer.

You close the door behind you and the Commissioner puts his fat cigarette out, twisting the remains into the ashtray with monotonous movements as if searching for the right words.

 "There's been a murder." Is all he settles on saying, throwing a heavy folder in your direction. A hologram or tablet might've been easier to catch, but the man, like many of his coworkers, shares a deep nostalgia for the old days. 

 You flip through the pages and eventually furrow your eyebrows. 

"This would be a disaster if it made it to the news." You mumble and look up at the older man. "Shouldn't this go to someone more experienced?" 

He twiddles with his grey mustache and glances out the fake window. 

"It's a sensitive case. The Spacers are sending their own agent to collaborate with us. What stands out to you?" 

You narrow your eyes and focus on the personnel sheet. What's there to cause such controversy? Right before giving up, departing from the page, you finally notice it: next to the Spacer officer's name, printed clearly in black ink, is a little "R." which is a commonly used abbreviation to indicate something is a robot. The chief must've noticed your startled reaction and continues, satisfied: 

"You understand, yes? They're sending an android. Supposedly it replicates a human perfectly in terms of appearance, but it does not possess enough observational data. Their request is that whoever partners up with him will also house him and let him follow along for the entirety of the mission. You're the only one here openly supporting those tin boxes. I can't possibly ask one of your higher ups, men with wives and children, to...you know...bring that thing in their house."

You're still not sure whether to be offended by the fact that your comfort seems to be of less priority compared to other officers. Regardless of the semantics, you're presently standing at the border between Earth and the Spacer colony, awaiting your case partner. A man emerges from behind a security gate. He's tall, with handsome features and an elegant walk. He approaches you and you reach for a handshake. 

"Is the android with you?" You ask, a little confused. 

"Is this your first time seeing a Spacer model?" He responds, relaxed. "I am the agent in your care. There is no one else." 

You take a moment to process the information, similar to the primitive machine back at your office. Could it be? You've always known that Spacer technology is years ahead, but this surpasses your wildest dreams. There is not a single detail hinting at his mechanical fundament. The movement is fluid, the speech is natural, the design is impenetrable. He lifts the warm hand he'd used for the handshake and gently presses a finger against your chin in an upwards motion. You find yourself involuntarily blushing. 

"Your mouth was open. I assumed you'd want it discreetly corrected." He states, factually, with a faint smile on his lips. Is he amused? Is such a feeling even possible? You try your best to regain some composure, adjusting the collar of your shirt and clearing your throat. 

"Thank you and please excuse my rudeness. I was not expecting such a flawless replica. Our assistants are...easily recognizable as AI."

"So I've been told." His smile widens and he checks his watch. You follow his gesture, still mesmerized, trying to find a single indicator that the man standing before you is indeed a machine, a synthetic product.

Nothing.

"Shall we?" He eyes the exit path and you quickly lead him outside and towards public transport. 

He patiently waits for your fingerprint scan to be complete. You almost turn around and apologize for the old, lagging device. As a senior detective, you have the privilege of living in the more spacious, secured quarters of the city. And, since you don't have a family, the apartment intended for multiple people looks more like a luxury adobe. Still, compared to the advanced way of the Spacers, this must feel like poverty to the android.

At last, the scanner beeps and the door unlocks. 

"Heh...It's a finicky model." You mumble and invite him in.

"Yes, I'm familiar with these systems." He agrees with you and steps inside, unbuttoning his coat.

"Oh, you've seen this before?"

"In history books."

You scratch your cheek and laugh awkwardly, wondering how much of his knowledge about the current life on Earth is presented as a museum exhibit when compared to Spacer society. 

"I'm going to need a coffee. I guess you don't...?" Your words trail as you await confirmation. 

"I would enjoy one as well, if it is not too much to ask. I've been told it's a social custom to 'get coffee' as a way to have small talk." The synthetic straightens his shirt and looks at you expectantly. 

"Of course. I somehow assumed you can't drink, but if you're meant to blend in with humans...it does make sense you'd have all the obvious requirements built in."

He drags a chair out and sits at the small table, legs crossed.

"Indeed. I have been constructed to have all the functions of a human, down to every detail." 

You chuckle lightly. Well, not like you can verify it firsthand. The engineers back at the Spacer colony most likely didn't prepare him for matters considered unnecessary. 

"I do mean every detail." He adds, as if reading your mind. "You are free to see for yourself."

You nearly drop the cup in your flustered state. You hurry to wipe the coffee that spilled onto the counter and glance back at the android, noticing a smirk on his face. What the hell? Are they playing a prank on you and this is actually a regular guy? Some sort of social experiment? 

"I can see they included a sense of humor." You manage to blurt out, glaring at him suspiciously. 

"I apologize if I offended you in any way. I'm still adjusting to different contexts." The android concludes, a hint of mischief remaining on his face. "Aren't rowdy jokes common in your field of work?"

"Uh huh. Spot on." You hesitantly place the hot drink before him.

Robots on Earth have always been built for the purpose of efficiency. Whether or not a computer passes the Turing Test is irrelevant as long as it performs its task in the most optimal, rational way. There have been attempts, naturally, to create something indistinguishable from a human, but utility has always taken precedence. It seems that Spacers think differently. Or perhaps they have reached their desired level of performance a long time ago, and all that was left was fiddling with aesthetics. Whatever the case is, you're struggling not to gawk in amazement at the man sitting in your kitchen, stirring his coffee with a bored expression.

"I always thought - if you don't mind my honesty - that human emotions would be something to avoid when building AI. Hard to implement, even harder to control and it doesn't bring much use."

"I can understand your concerns. However, let me reassure you, I have a strict code of ethics installed in my neural networks and thus my emotions will never lead to any destructive behavior. All safety concerns have been taken into consideration.

As for why...How familiar are you with our colony?" The android takes a sip of his coffee and nods, expressing his satisfaction. "Perhaps you might be aware, Spacers have a declining population. Automated assistants have been part of our society for a long time now. What's lacking is humans. If the issue isn't fixed, artificial humans will have to do."

You scoff.

"What, us Earth men aren't good enough to fix the birth rates? They need robots?"

You suddenly remember the recipient of your complaint and mutter an apology. 

"Well, I'm sure you'd make a fine contender. Sadly I can't speak for everyone else on Earth." The man smiles in amusement upon seeing the pale red that's now dusting your cheeks, then continues: "But the issue lies somewhere else. Spacers have left Earth a long time ago and lived in isolation until now. Once an organism has lost its immune responses to otherwise common pathogens, it cannot be reintegrated."

True. Very few Earth citizens are allowed to enter the colony, and only do so after thorough disinfection stages, proving they are disease free as to not endanger the fragile health of the Spacers living in a sterile environment. You can only imagine the disastrous outcome if the two species were to abruptly mingle. In that case, equally sterile machinery might be their only hope.

Your mind wanders to the idea. Dating a robot...How's that? You sheepishly gaze at the android and study his features. His neatly combed copper hair, the washed out blue eyes, the pale skin. Probably meant to resemble the Spacers. You shake your head.

"A-anyways, I'll go and gather all the case files I have. Then we can discuss our first steps. Do feel at home."

You rush out and head for your office. Focus, you tell yourself mildly annoyed.

While you search for the required paperwork - what a funny thing to say in this day and age - he will certainly take up on your generous offer to make himself comfortable. The redhaired man enters the living room, scanning everything with curious eyes. He stops in front of a digital frame and slides through the photos. Ah, this must be your Police Academy graduation. The year matches with the data he's received on you. Data files he might've read one too many times in his unexplained enthusiasm. This should be you and the Commissioner; Doesn't match the description of your father, and he seems too old to be a spouse or boyfriend. Additionally, the android distinctly recalls the empty 'Relationship' field.

"Old photos are always a tad embarrassing. I suppose you skipped that stage."

He jolts almost imperceptibly and faces you. You have returned with a thin stack of papers and a hologram projector.

"I've digitalized most files I received, so you don't have to shuffle a bunch of paper around." You explain.

"That is very useful, thank you." He gently retrieves the small device from your hand, but takes a moment before removing his fingers from yours. "I predict this will be a successful partnership."

You flash him a friendly smile and gesture towards the seating area.

"Let's get to work, then. Unless you want to go through more boring albums." You joke as you lower yourself onto the plush sofa. 

The synthetic human joins you at an unexpectedly close proximity. You wonder if proper distance differs among Spacers or if he has received slightly erroneous information about what makes a comfortable rapport. 

"Nothing boring about it. In fact, I'd say you and I are very similar from this point of view." He tells you, placing the projector on the table.

"Oh?"

"Your interest in technology and artificial intelligence is rather easy to infer." The man continues, pointing vaguely towards the opposing library. "Aside from the briefing I've already received about you, that is."

"And that is similar to...the interest in humans you've been programmed to have?" You interject, unsure where this conversation is meant to lead. 

"Almost."

His head turns fully towards you and you stare back into his eyes. From this distance you can finally discern the first hints of his nature: the thin disks shading the iris - possibly CCD sensors - are moving in a jagged, mechanical manner. Actively analyzing and processing the environment. 

"I wouldn't go as far as to generalize it to all humans. 

Just you."

[ecrivainsolitaire]

A summary of the Chinese AI situation, for the uninitiated.

These are scores on different tests that are designed to see how accurate a Large Language Model is in different areas of knowledge. As you know, OpenAI is partners with Microsoft, so these are the scores for ChatGPT and Copilot. DeepSeek is the Chinese model that got released a week ago. The rest are open source models, which means everyone is free to use them as they please, including the average Tumblr user. You can run them from the servers of the companies that made them for a subscription, or you can download them to install locally on your own computer. However, the computer requirements so far are so high that only a few people currently have the machines at home required to run it.

Yes, this is why AI uses so much electricity. As with any technology, the early models are highly inefficient. Think how a Ford T needed a long chimney to get rid of a ton of black smoke, which was unused petrol. Over the next hundred years combustion engines have become much more efficient, but they still waste a lot of energy, which is why we need to move towards renewable electricity and sustainable battery technology. But that's a topic for another day.

As you can see from the scores, are around the same accuracy. These tests are in constant evolution as well: as soon as they start becoming obsolete, new ones are released to adjust for a more complicated benchmark. The new models are trained using different machine learning techniques, and in theory, the goal is to make them faster and more efficient so they can operate with less power, much like modern cars use way less energy and produce far less pollution than the Ford T.

However, computing power requirements kept scaling up, so you're either tied to the subscription or forced to pay for a latest gen PC, which is why NVIDIA, AMD, Intel and all the other chip companies were investing hard on much more powerful GPUs and NPUs. For now all we need to know about those is that they're expensive, use a lot of electricity, and are required to operate the bots at superhuman speed (literally, all those clickbait posts about how AI was secretly 150 Indian men in a trenchcoat were nonsense).

Because the chip companies have been working hard on making big, bulky, powerful chips with massive fans that are up to the task, their stock value was skyrocketing, and because of that, everyone started to use AI as a marketing trend. See, marketing people are not smart, and they don't understand computers. Furthermore, marketing people think you're stupid, and because of their biased frame of reference, they think you're two snores short of brain-dead. The entire point of their existence is to turn tall tales into capital. So they don't know or care about what AI is or what it's useful for. They just saw Number Go Up for the AI companies and decided "AI is a magic cow we can milk forever". Sometimes it's not even AI, they just use old software and rebrand it, much like convection ovens became air fryers.

Well, now we're up to date. So what did DepSeek release that did a 9/11 on NVIDIA stock prices and popped the AI bubble?

Oh, I would not want to be an OpenAI investor right now either. A token is basically one Unicode character (it's more complicated than that but you can google that on your own time). That cost means you could input the entire works of Stephen King for under a dollar. Yes, including electricity costs. DeepSeek has jumped from a Ford T to a Subaru in terms of pollution and water use.

The issue here is not only input cost, though; all that data needs to be available live, in the RAM; this is why you need powerful, expensive chips in order to-

Holy shit.

I'm not going to detail all the numbers but I'm going to focus on the chip required: an RTX 3090. This is a gaming GPU that came out as the top of the line, the stuff South Korean LoL players buy…

Or they did, in September 2020. We're currently two generations ahead, on the RTX 5090.

What this is telling all those people who just sold their high-end gaming rig to be able to afford a machine that can run the latest ChatGPT locally, is that the person who bought it from them can run something basically just as powerful on their old one.

Which means that all those GPUs and NPUs that are being made, and all those deals Microsoft signed to have control of the AI market, have just lost a lot of their pulling power.

Well, I mean, the ChatGPT subscription is 20 bucks a month, surely the Chinese are charging a fortune for-

Oh. So it's free for everyone and you can use it or modify it however you want, no subscription, no unpayable electric bill, no handing Microsoft all of your private data, you can just run it on a relatively inexpensive PC. You could probably even run it on a phone in a couple years.

Oh, if only China had massive phone manufacturers that have a foot in the market everywhere except the US because the president had a tantrum eight years ago.

So… yeah, China just destabilised the global economy with a torrent file.

[vague-humanoid]

When lots of people are worried about bubble valuations in stocks or a specific sector, all it takes is a small poke to make the whole thing wobble precariously.

Why it matters: That can cost investors $1 trillion or more in a single day, as happened Monday with the global AI rout.

It can also challenge the fundamental assumptions behind an entire economy, like the nascent Trump administration's push to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in American AI supremacy.

Zoom out: In the 1950s, the Soviets beat the U.S. into space. In 2025, China appears to have potentially beaten the U.S. to building a better AI mousetrap.

Last week, the small Chinese upstart DeepSeek announced a newreasoning model, R1, that appears to outperform the best America has to offer, including OpenAI's ChatGPT, Anthropic's Claude and Meta's Llama.

The problem? Those companies spent billions of dollars building their models, fueling growth for companies like Nvidia, whose chips are the gold standard in that training process.

DeepSeek spent a mere$6 million, figured out how to do it faster and more efficiently with cheaper hardware, and then released the whole thing as a free, open-source platform.

The big picture: President Trump's economic vision relies on massive growth, fueled by the AI boom that his closest advisers have sold as the country's future.

The biggest economic announcement of his first week in office was Stargate, a five-year plan to spend $500 billion on AI infrastructure. (Complicating matters, Trump ally Elon Musk immediately cast doubt on whether anyone actually had the money to fund the project.)

But if China can do AI better and faster at one one-thousandth of the cost, it casts a shadow on the rationale for spending that kind of money and leaves the country playing catch-up.