#asrs automation

[estarengineers]

ASRS Racking Systems: Optimizing Warehouse Space and Productivity - E Star are advanced automated storage and retrieval solutions designed to transform how warehouses operate. The E Star ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) maximizes vertical and horizontal space utilization, enabling the efficient storage of goods in high-density configurations. By automating the storage and retrieval processes, these systems reduce labor costs, minimize human error, and significantly increase throughput.

ASRS Racking Systems optimizes warehouse space and productivity with advanced customized Automated solutions for storage, and retrieval of raw materials, containers, and car parking.

[john-godrej-koerber]

How Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) Are Redefining Modern Warehousing

In today’s high-speed, high-demand world, traditional warehousing methods are struggling to keep up. Businesses are looking for smarter ways to store, manage, and move goods with greater efficiency. Enter the automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS), one of the most transformative technologies revolutionizing supply chain operations today.

Whether you’re managing a sprawling distribution center or a compact urban warehouse, ASRS systems offer a way to streamline operations, maximize space, and drive serious productivity gains. But what exactly are automated storage systems, and why are they becoming an industry standard? Let’s dive in.

What is an Automated Storage and Retrieval System?

An automated storage and retrieval system is a type of technology that uses robotics, conveyor belts, and computerized controls to store and retrieve goods automatically. Instead of relying on workers to locate and transport items manually, ASRS systems handle the heavy lifting, literally and figuratively.

These systems are made up of several key components: storage racks, retrieval machines, conveyors, and a sophisticated software platform that manages inventory and movement. Depending on the design, automated storage systems can handle pallets, totes, cartons, or even individual items with incredible precision.

Key Benefits of ASRS Systems

1. Space Optimization Traditional warehouses leave a lot of vertical and horizontal space unused. ASRS systems are engineered to maximize every inch. By building upwards and minimizing the need for wide aisles, companies can dramatically increase their storage capacity without expanding their physical footprint.

2. Speed and Efficiency Speed is the name of the game in modern logistics. With automated storage and retrieval system, goods are located, retrieved, and delivered in a fraction of the time it would take manually. Faster picking and storage times mean quicker order fulfillment and happier customers.

3. Improved Accuracy Human error is one of the biggest challenges in warehousing. Misplaced items, wrong picks, and inventory inaccuracies can cost businesses time and money. Automated storage systems offer near-perfect precision, reducing errors and ensuring that inventory records are always up-to-date.

4. Labor Savings While ASRS doesn't eliminate the need for human workers, it does shift them away from repetitive, labor-intensive tasks. This not only reduces labor costs but also allows employees to focus on more value-added activities like quality control, inventory management, and customer service.

5. Enhanced Safety Warehouses can be dangerous environments. ASRS systems reduce the need for forklifts, ladders, and manual handling of heavy goods, leading to fewer accidents and a safer working environment.

Different Types of Automated Storage Systems

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to automated storage systems. Depending on your needs, you might choose from several types of ASRS setups:

Unit Load ASRS: Designed for handling large pallets or heavy loads, commonly used in manufacturing and large distribution centers.

Mini Load ASRS: Ideal for small items stored in bins or totes, often used in e-commerce or retail operations.

Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs): Space-saving systems that store items in vertical columns and automatically bring trays to an operator at an ergonomic height.

Horizontal Carousels: Great for high-speed picking of small items, often used in pharmaceutical or parts distribution.

Each type of automated storage and retrieval system can be customized to fit a specific workflow, making ASRS highly adaptable across industries.

Is ASRS the Right Choice for Every Warehouse?

While ASRS systems offer incredible advantages, they are a significant investment. Factors like warehouse size, inventory type, order volume, and business goals all play a role in determining whether an automated storage system is the right fit.

Small warehouses with low SKU counts might not benefit as much from a full-scale ASRS as a high-volume fulfillment center would. However, with modular solutions like VLMs or mini load systems, even smaller businesses can tap into the power of automation.

Future Trends: Where Are Automated Storage Systems Heading?

The future of automated storage systems looks even more promising with advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT integration. Modern ASRS platforms are becoming smarter, capable of predictive maintenance, dynamic inventory optimization, and even autonomous decision-making based on real-time data.

Additionally, as e-commerce continues to skyrocket, the demand for flexible, scalable, and high-speed automated storage and retrieval systems will only grow. Warehouses of the future will rely heavily on ASRS, not just for storage, but as intelligent hubs that drive overall supply chain performance.

Investing in an automated storage and retrieval system is more than just a move toward efficiency, it’s a strategic decision that future-proofs your operations. Whether you’re looking to optimize space, boost accuracy, cut costs, or enhance safety, ASRS systems offer a proven path to better, smarter warehousing.

As supply chains become more complex and customer expectations rise, companies that embrace automated storage systems will be better positioned to compete, and win, in the marketplace. The future of warehousing isn’t just automated; it’s intelligent, scalable, and powered by innovation. Are you ready to make the move?

[jcmarchi]

Combating Clinician Burnout with AI: A 2025 Vision for Smarter Healthcare Workflows

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/combating-clinician-burnout-with-ai-a-2025-vision-for-smarter-healthcare-workflows/

Combating Clinician Burnout with AI: A 2025 Vision for Smarter Healthcare Workflows

The healthcare landscape as we knew it, like several other industries, has been fundamentally transformed by artificial intelligence over the past couple of years. While many debate the benefits and drawbacks of this change – the technology has been particularly effective in addressing one of medicine’s most persistent challenges: clinician burnout.

As we witness this new era unfold, the integration of Voice AI and associated technologies like ambient clinical intelligence – our focus at Augnito as well – is proving to be revolutionary in restoring the human element of care, while enhancing efficiency and accuracy in clinical administration, documentation, and other drivers of burnout.

The Burnout Crisis: Where We Stand in 2025

The burnout epidemic among healthcare professionals remains a critical concern, though recent data shows promising improvements. According to the latest surveys, nearly half of U.S. physicians still experience some form of burnout, despite modest improvements over the past year. This crisis has been exacerbated by overwhelming administrative burdens, with physicians spending between 34–55% of their workday compiling clinical documentation and reviewing electronic medical records (EMRs). The consequences extend beyond clinician wellbeing to impact patient care quality, healthcare costs, and workforce retention.

The financial implications are staggering too – physician burnout costs healthcare systems approximately $4.6 billion annually in turnover expenses alone. More concerning is the American Medical Association’s projection of a shortage of between 17,800-48,000 primary care physicians by 2034, partially attributed to burnout-related attrition. These statistics highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions that address the root causes of clinician stress.

What’s particularly troubling amidst all of this is the disproportionate allocation of physicians’ time. For every hour dedicated to patient care, clinicians typically spend nearly twice that amount on electronic documentation and computer-based tasks. This imbalance fundamentally undermines the physician-patient relationship and diminishes the satisfaction that clinicians derive from their practice.

AI’s Rapid Evolution: From Transcription to Intelligent Assistance

The journey from traditional medical transcription to today’s sophisticated AI assistants represents one of healthcare’s most significant technological leaps. My own professional path mirrors this evolution. When I founded Scribetech at 19, providing transcription services to the NHS, I witnessed firsthand how documentation burdens were consuming clinicians’ time and energy. Those experiences shaped my vision for Augnito – moving beyond mere transcription to create intelligent systems that truly understand clinical context.

The Voice AI solutions we’ve developed combine automatic speech recognition (ASR), natural language processing (NLP), and generative AI to transform how clinicians document care. Unlike early transcription services or basic speech recognition, today’s clinical Voice AI understands medical terminology, recognizes context, and integrates seamlessly with existing workflows.

The technical advancements have been remarkable. Now we’re seeing AI systems that not only transcribe with over 99% accuracy straight out of the box but also understand the nuanced language of medicine across specialties. These systems can distinguish between similar-sounding terms, adapt to different accents and speaking styles, and even identify potential documentation gaps or inconsistencies.

The 2025 AI Toolkit for Combating Burnout

Healthcare organizations now have access to a sophisticated array of AI tools specifically designed to address burnout-inducing administrative burdens. Let’s examine the most impactful applications transforming clinical workflows today:

Ambient Clinical Intelligence:

Ambient systems represent perhaps the most significant breakthrough for reducing documentation burden. These AI assistants passively listen to clinician-patient conversations, automatically generating structured clinical notes in real-time. The technology has matured significantly, with recent implementations demonstrating remarkable outcomes. Organizations implementing ambient AI systems have reported burnout reductions of up to 30% among participating clinicians.

Beyond basic transcription, these systems now intelligently organize information into appropriate sections of the medical record, highlight key clinical findings, and even suggest potential diagnoses or treatment options based on the conversation content. This allows physicians to focus entirely on the patient during encounters, rather than splitting attention between the patient and documentation.

Automated Workflow Optimization:

AI is increasingly taking on complex clinical workflow tasks beyond documentation. Modern systems can now:

Automate referral management, reducing delays and improving patient flow

Pre-populate routine documentation elements

Identify and address care gaps through intelligent analysis of patient records

Streamline insurance authorizations and billing processes

Provide real-time clinical decision support based on patient-specific data

The impact of these capabilities is substantial. Healthcare organizations implementing comprehensive AI workflow solutions have reported productivity increases exceeding 40% in some environments. At Apollo Hospitals, where Augnito’s solutions were deployed, doctors saved an average of 44 hours monthly while increasing overall productivity by 46% and generating a staggering ROI of 21X, within just six months of implementation.

Pre-Visit Preparation & Post-Visit Documentation:

The clinical visit itself represents only part of the documentation burden. AI is now addressing the entire patient journey by:

Creating customized pre-visit summaries that highlight relevant patient history

Automatically ordering routine tests based on visit type and patient history

Generating post-visit documentation including discharge instructions

Providing follow-up reminders and care plan adherence monitoring

These capabilities significantly reduce cognitive load for clinicians, allowing them to focus mental energy on clinical decision-making rather than administrative tasks. Recent studies show a 61% reduction in cognitive load at organizations implementing comprehensive AI documentation solutions.

The Rise of the “Superclinician”

Excitingly, we are also witnessing the emergence of what I call the “superclinician” – healthcare professionals whose capabilities are significantly enhanced by AI assistants. These AI-empowered clinicians demonstrate greater diagnostic accuracy, enhanced efficiency, reduced stress levels, and improved patient relationships.

Importantly, the goal as we see it, is not to replace clinical judgment but to augment it. By handling routine documentation and administrative tasks, AI frees clinicians to focus on the aspects of care that require human expertise, empathy, and intuition. This synergy between human and artificial intelligence represents the ideal balance – technology handling repetitive tasks while clinicians apply their uniquely human skills to patient care.

Interestingly, the 2025 Physician Sentiment Survey revealed a nearly 10% decrease in burnout levels compared to 2024, with significantly fewer physicians considering leaving the profession. Respondents specifically cited AI assistance with administrative tasks as a key factor in their improved job satisfaction and rekindled passion for medicine.

Implementation Challenges & Ethical Considerations

Despite the promising advances, implementing AI in healthcare workflows presents significant challenges. Healthcare organizations must navigate:

Integration with existing systems: Ensuring AI solutions work seamlessly with current EHR platforms and clinical workflows

Training requirements: Providing adequate education for clinicians to effectively utilize new technologies

Privacy and security concerns: Maintaining robust protections for sensitive patient data

Bias mitigation: Ensuring AI systems don’t perpetuate or amplify existing biases in healthcare

Appropriate oversight: Maintaining the right balance of automation and human supervision

The most successful implementations have been those that involve clinicians from the beginning, designing workflows that complement rather than disrupt existing practices. Organizations that view AI implementation as a cultural transformation rather than merely a technology deployment have achieved the most sustainable results.

Ethical considerations remain paramount. As AI systems become increasingly autonomous, questions about accountability, transparency, and the appropriate division of responsibilities between humans and machines require thoughtful consideration. The healthcare community continues to develop frameworks that ensure these powerful tools enhance rather than diminish the quality and humanity of care.

A Vision for 2025 and Beyond

Looking ahead, I envision a healthcare ecosystem where AI serves as an invisible but indispensable partner to clinicians throughout their workday. Key elements of this vision include:

Complete Workflow Integration

Rather than point solutions addressing individual tasks, truly transformative AI will seamlessly integrate across the entire clinical workflow. This means unified systems that handle documentation, decision support, order entry, billing, and patient communication within a single intelligent platform. The fragmentation that currently characterizes healthcare technology will give way to cohesive systems designed around clinician needs.

Intelligent Specialization

As AI technology matures, we’ll see increasingly specialized systems tailored to specific clinical specialties, settings, and individual clinician preferences. The one-size-fits-all approach will be replaced by adaptive solutions that learn and evolve based on usage patterns and feedback.

Expanding Beyond Documentation

While documentation remains a major focus today, the next frontier involves AI systems that proactively identify patient needs, predict clinical deterioration, optimize resource allocation, and coordinate care across settings. These advanced capabilities will further enhance clinician effectiveness while reducing cognitive burden.

The Human-AI Partnership

The future of healthcare lies not in technology alone, but in thoughtful human-AI partnerships that amplify the best qualities of both. At Augnito, our mission remains focused on creating technology that enables clinicians to practice at the top of their license while reclaiming the joy that drew them to medicine.

The technological capabilities of 2025 represent remarkable progress, but the journey is ongoing. Healthcare leaders must continue investing in solutions that address burnout at its roots while preserving the essential human connections that define healthcare. Clinicians should embrace these tools not as replacements for their expertise, but as partners that enhance their capabilities and improve their quality of life.

As we look toward the future, I invite healthcare organizations to consider: How can we leverage AI not merely to improve efficiency, but to fundamentally reimagine clinical workflows in ways that prioritize clinician wellbeing and patient experience? The answer to this question will shape healthcare for generations to come.

What steps is your organization taking to leverage AI in combating clinician burnout? I welcome your thoughts and experiences as we collectively work toward a healthcare system that better serves both patients and providers.

[kekhoeurorack]

Tương lai của kho công nghiệp tại Cần Thơ

Tại Cần Thơ, xu hướng kho công nghiệp đang dẫn đầu với các mô hình hiện đại như kho lạnh và hệ thống kệ ASRS. Sự bùng nổ thương mại điện tử cùng ngành chế biến nông, thủy sản đã thay đổi hoàn toàn cách lưu trữ và quản lý hàng hóa, tận dụng vị trí chiến lược và hạ tầng phát triển. Bạn muốn khám phá chi tiết và hiểu rõ hơn về những giải pháp lưu trữ đột phá này?

Xem ngay chi tiết bài viết tại: https://eurorack.vn/vn/xu-huong-kho-cong-nghiep-tai-can-tho.html

[vikassagaar]

Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems Market

Research suggests Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are computer-controlled systems that automate storage and retrieval in warehouses, with projections showing significant market growth.

It seems likely that key types include unit-load, mini-load, vertical lift modules, and carousels, each suited for different load sizes and applications.

The evidence leans toward ASRS improving efficiency, accuracy, and space utilization, with unexpected innovations like robotic models with limbs for advanced handling since the 2010s.

What Are ASRS?

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are technology-driven solutions that use computers and robotics to automatically store and retrieve items in warehouses or storage facilities. They are designed to enhance efficiency, reduce labor costs, and optimize space, making them essential for modern supply chain management.

Types and Applications

ASRS come in various forms, such as unit-load systems for heavy pallets, mini-load systems for smaller items, and vertical lift modules for high-density storage. They are used in industries like manufacturing, distribution, and retail to streamline operations and meet high demand.

Benefits and Innovations

Research indicates ASRS can increase space utilization by up to 90%, productivity by 90%, and accuracy to 99.9%, with throughput up to 750 lines per hour per operator. An unexpected detail is the use of robotic models with limbs, radar, and computer vision since the 2010s, enabling advanced tasks like loading from trucks or picking orders.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)

The Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) market, focusing on technology-driven solutions for automated storage and retrieval in warehouses and storage facilities, is experiencing significant growth and transformation. This note provides a comprehensive analysis of what ASRS are, their types, applications, benefits, and recent innovations, tailored for investors and business leaders seeking to understand opportunities in this dynamic sector as of March 3, 2025. The analysis is based on recent market research, industry developments, and technological advancements, with a focus on clarity and actionable insights.

Market Definition and Scope

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), also known as AS/RS, are computer-controlled systems that automatically place and retrieve loads from defined storage locations in a facility. These systems integrate various technologies, such as robotics, conveyors, and inventory management software, to handle, store, and retrieve materials on demand. They are used in applications where high volume loads must be moved rapidly and accurately, and are critical for industries like manufacturing, distribution, retail, wholesale, and institutions, including libraries and self-storage facilities.

[preethi-ram-200]

Top ASRS Warehouse

Elevate your warehouse operations with Addverb Technologies, a leading provider of innovative solutions for Crane-based ASRS. Experience seamless automation and increased efficiency like never before.

[sports9885]

This automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, the impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) market, contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief. Our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

[estarengineers]

ASRS Racking Systems: Optimizing Warehouse Space and Productivity - E Star

ASRS Racking Systems: Optimizing Warehouse Space and Productivity - E Star are advanced automated storage and retrieval solutions designed to transform how warehouses operate. The E Star ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) maximizes vertical and horizontal space utilization, enabling the efficient storage of goods in high-density configurations. By automating the storage and retrieval processes, these systems reduce labor costs, minimize human error, and significantly increase throughput.

ASRS Racking Systems optimizes warehouse space and productivity with advanced customized Automated solutions for storage, and retrieval of raw materials, containers, and car parking.

[john-godrej-koerber]

Why Automated Storage Systems Are Quietly Running the World

Behind every lightning-fast delivery, perfectly stocked shelf, and hyper-efficient warehouse is a silent powerhouse: the automated storage and retrieval system. Imagine a warehouse where every item is tracked, retrieved, and delivered by intelligent automation, no searching, no delays.

ASRS systems are the unsung heroes of modern logistics. They don’t just store things. They think. These systems know exactly where every item is, how fast it’s moving, and when it’s time to replenish, all without human intervention.

So what’s the big deal about automated storage systems? Efficiency, for one. In a world where time is money, these systems move goods in and out with jaw-dropping speed and precision. There's no more wandering aisles or misplacing inventory. Everything is calculated, streamlined, and optimized.

Plus, ASRS systems are total space-savers. By going vertical and eliminating the need for wide aisles, they pack more into less. That means smaller warehouses, lower rent, and smarter layouts. You don’t need a sprawling setup to run a tight ship, you just need smart storage.

But it's not just about space and speed. It's about resilience. As industries face supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and growing demand for same-day delivery, businesses need solutions that adapt quickly. An automated storage and retrieval system brings consistency and control, even when everything else feels chaotic.

And while there’s a lot of chatter about robots replacing humans, here’s the truth: automated storage systems are teammates, not threats. They handle the repetitive heavy lifting, while people can focus on quality checks, strategy, and customer experience.

Whether you’re running an e-commerce hub, a manufacturing plant, or a pharma warehouse, the case is clear: ASRS isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s your secret weapon. Because in the world of logistics, the smartest systems are the quiet ones doing all the heavy lifting, one bin at a time.

[myblogscmi]

Automated Storage and Retrieval System Market Is Estimated To Witness High Growth Owing To Increasing Demand for Warehouse Automation

The global Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) market is estimated to be valued at US$ 8573.0 million in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period 2022-2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. Market Overview: Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are advanced material handling systems that are used to automate the process of storing and retrieving goods from a warehouse or distribution center. These systems utilize computer-controlled machines to efficiently store and retrieve items from predefined locations in the warehouse. ASRS offers several advantages such as increased storage capacity, higher productivity, improved accuracy, reduced labor costs, and better inventory control. Market Key Trends: One key trend driving the growth of the Automated Storage And Retrieval System (ASRS) Market is the increasing demand for warehouse automation. With the growing e-commerce industry and the need for efficient order fulfillment, companies are adopting ASRS solutions to streamline their warehouse operations. ASRS enables faster order processing, reduces picking errors, and improves overall efficiency. For example, Amazon has been heavily investing in ASRS technology to optimize its fulfillment centers and meet the increasing customer demands. PEST Analysis: - Political: The political factors that can impact the ASRS market include government regulations related to labor laws, import/export policies, and taxation. For instance, changes in minimum wage laws can impact labor-intensive industries and drive the adoption of automation technologies like ASRS. - Economic: The economic factors influencing the ASRS market include GDP growth, disposable income, and inflation rates. A growing economy leads to increased consumer spending, which in turn drives the demand for efficient warehousing solutions like ASRS. - Social: The social factors encompass the demographic trends and consumer preferences. The rise of e-commerce and online shopping has changed consumer behavior, leading to the need for faster order fulfillment and accurate inventory management, which can be achieved through ASRS technology. - Technological: The technological factors that impact the Automated Storage And Retrieval System (ASRS) Market  include advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. These technologies enable more efficient and intelligent ASRS solutions, improving productivity and reducing errors. Key Takeaways: - The global ASRS market is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period. - Increasing demand for warehouse automation is driving the adoption of ASRS solutions. - Regionally, North America is expected to be the fastest-growing and dominating region in the ASRS market, owing to the presence of major e-commerce companies and the need for efficient logistics operations. - Key players operating in the global ASRS market include Murata Machinery, Ltd., Honeywell Intelligrated, Bastian Solutions, Inc., Dematic, TGW Logistics Group, Daifuku Co., Ltd., KNAPP AG, Beumer Group, SSI Schaefer Group, and Kardex Group. In conclusion, the global Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) market is poised for significant growth due to the increasing demand for warehouse automation. The adoption of ASRS solutions allows companies to improve operational efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. As technology continues to advance, ASRS systems are expected to become even more intelligent and integrated with other automation technologies, further driving the growth of the market.

[elkian]

I've seen a few of my Murderbot posts reblogged with tags to the effect of "I don't go here but I know of it" and for people who are interested in the Murderbot series looking to break in:

Tor.com (now Reactor Mag) has the entire first chapter of the first book, All Systems Red, available free to read on their site.

Link to the article.

ASR is a novella, so this not only covers a lot of ground, but is a pretty good litmus test imo if this book is for you or not.

(I read ASR twice before getting Artificial Condition, and that was the book that got me totally hooked on the series, for what that's worth.)

I'm also just going to post the text under this readmore because free Murderbot.

---

---

I could have become a mass murderer after I hacked my governor module, but then I realized I could access the combined feed of entertainment channels carried on the company satellites. It had been well over 35,000 hours or so since then, with still not much murdering, but probably, I don’t know, a little under 35,000 hours of movies, serials, books, plays, and music consumed. As a heartless killing machine, I was a terrible failure.

I was also still doing my job, on a new contract, and hoping Dr. Volescu and Dr. Bharadwaj finished their survey soon so we could get back to the habitat and I could watch episode 397 of Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon.

I admit I was distracted. It was a boring contract so far and I was thinking about backburnering the status alert channel and trying to access music on the entertainment feed without HubSystem logging the extra activity. It was trickier to do it in the field than it was in the habitat.

This assessment zone was a barren stretch of coastal island, with low, flat hills rising and falling and thick greenish-black grass up to my ankles, not much in the way of flora or fauna, except a bunch of different-sized birdlike things and some puffy floaty things that were harmless as far as we knew. The coast was dotted with big bare craters, one of which Bharadwaj and Volescu were taking samples in. The planet had a ring, which from our current position dominated the horizon when you looked out to sea. I was looking at the sky and mentally poking at the feed when the bottom of the crater exploded.

I didn’t bother to make a verbal emergency call. I sent the visual feed from my field camera to Dr. Mensah’s, and jumped down into the crater. As I scrambled down the sandy slope, I could already hear Mensah over the emergency comm channel, yelling at someone to get the hopper in the air now. They were about ten kilos away, working on another part of the island, so there was no way they were going to get here in time to help.

Conflicting commands filled my feed but I didn’t pay attention. Even if I hadn’t borked my own governor module, the emergency feed took priority, and it was chaotic, too, with the automated HubSystem wanting data and trying to send me data I didn’t need yet and Mensah sending me telemetry from the hopper. Which I also didn’t need, but it was easier to ignore than HubSystem simultaneously demanding answers and trying to supply them.

In the middle of all that, I hit the bottom of the crater. I have small energy weapons built into both arms, but the one I went for was the big projectile weapon clamped to my back. The hostile that had just exploded up out of the ground had a really big mouth, so I felt I needed a really big gun.

I dragged Bharadwaj out of its mouth and shoved myself in there instead, and discharged my weapon down its throat and then up toward where I hoped the brain would be. I’m not sure if that all happened in that order; I’d have to replay my own field camera feed. All I knew was that I had Bharadwaj, and it didn’t, and it had disappeared back down the tunnel.

She was unconscious and bleeding through her suit from massive wounds in her right leg and side. I clamped the weapon back into its harness so I could lift her with both arms. I had lost the armor on my left arm and a lot of the flesh underneath, but my non-organic parts were still working. Another burst of commands from the governor module came through and I backburnered it without bothering to decode them. Bharadwaj, not having non-organic parts and not as easily repaired as me, was definitely a priority here and I was mainly interested in what the MedSystem was trying to tell me on the emergency feed. But first I needed to get her out of the crater.

During all this, Volescu was huddled on the churned up rock, losing his shit, not that I was unsympathetic. I was far less vulnerable in this situation than he was and I wasn’t exactly having a great time either. I said, “Dr. Volescu, you need to come with me now.”

He didn’t respond. MedSystem was advising a tranq shot and blah blah blah, but I was clamping one arm on Dr. Bharadwaj’s suit to keep her from bleeding out and supporting her head with the other, and despite everything I only have two hands. I told my helmet to retract so he could see my human face. If the hostile came back and bit me again, this would be a bad mistake, because I did need the organic parts of my head. I made my voice firm and warm and gentle, and said, “Dr. Volescu, it’s gonna be fine, okay? But you need to get up and come help me get her out of here.”

That did it. He shoved to his feet and staggered over to me, still shaking. I turned my good side toward him and said, “Grab my arm, okay? Hold on.”

He managed to loop his arm around the crook of my elbow and I started up the crater towing him, holding Bharadwaj against my chest. Her breathing was rough and desperate and I couldn’t get any info from her suit. Mine was torn across my chest so I upped the warmth on my body, hoping it would help. The feed was quiet now, Mensah having managed to use her leadership priority to mute everything but MedSystem and the hopper, and all I could hear on the hopper feed was the others frantically shushing each other.

The footing on the side of the crater was lousy, soft sand and loose pebbles, but my legs weren’t damaged and I got up to the top with both humans still alive. Volescu tried to collapse and I coaxed him away from the edge a few meters, just in case whatever was down there had a longer reach than it looked.

I didn’t want to put Bharadwaj down because something in my abdomen was severely damaged and I wasn’t sure I could pick her up again. I ran my field camera back a little and saw I had gotten stabbed with a tooth, or maybe a cilia. Did I mean a cilia or was that something else? They don’t give murderbots decent education modules on anything except murdering, and even those are the cheap versions. I was looking it up in HubSystem’s language center when the little hopper landed nearby. I let my helmet seal and go opaque as it settled on the grass.

We had two standard hoppers: a big one for emergencies and this little one for getting to the assessment locations. It had three compartments: one big one in the middle for the human crew and two smaller ones to each side for cargo, supplies, and me. Mensah was at the controls. I started walking, slower than I normally would have because I didn’t want to lose Volescu. As the ramp started to drop, Pin-Lee and Arada jumped out and I switched to voice comm to say, “Dr. Mensah, I can’t let go of her suit.”

It took her a second to realize what I meant. She said hurriedly, “That’s all right, bring her up into the crew cabin.”

Murderbots aren’t allowed to ride with the humans and I had to have verbal permission to enter. With my cracked governor there was nothing to stop me, but not letting anybody, especially the people who held my contract, know that I was a free agent was kind of important. Like, not having my organic components destroyed and the rest of me cut up for parts important.

I carried Bharadwaj up the ramp into the cabin, where Overse and Ratthi were frantically unclipping seats to make room. They had their helmets off and their suit hoods pulled back, so I got to see their horrified expressions when they took in what was left of my upper body through my torn suit. I was glad I had sealed my helmet.

This is why I actually like riding with the cargo. Humans and augmented humans in close quarters with murderbots is too awkward. At least, it’s awkward for this murderbot. I sat down on the deck with Bharadwaj in my lap while Pin-Lee and Arada dragged Volescu inside.

We left two pacs of field equipment and a couple of instruments behind, still sitting on the grass where Bharadwaj and Volescu had been working before they went down to the crater for samples. Normally I’d help carry them, but MedSystem, which was monitoring Bharadwaj through what was left of her suit, was pretty clear that letting go of her would be a bad idea. But no one mentioned the equipment. Leaving easily replaceable items behind may seem obvious in an emergency, but I had been on contracts where the clients would have told me to put the bleeding human down to go get the stuff.

On this contract, Dr. Ratthi jumped up and said, “I’ll get the cases!”

I yelled, “No!” which I’m not supposed to do; I’m always supposed to speak respectfully to the clients, even when they’re about to accidentally commit suicide. HubSystem could log it and it could trigger punishment through the governor module. If it wasn’t hacked.

Fortunately, the rest of the humans yelled “No!” at the same time, and Pin-Lee added, “For fuck’s sake, Ratthi!”

Ratthi said, “Oh, no time, of course. I’m sorry!” and hit the quick-close sequence on the hatch.

So we didn’t lose our ramp when the hostile came up under it, big mouth full of teeth or cilia or whatever chewing right through the ground. There was a great view of it on the hopper’s cameras, which its system helpfully sent straight to everybody’s feed. The humans screamed.

Mensah pushed us up into the air so fast and hard I nearly leaned over and everybody who wasn’t on the floor ended up there.

In the quiet afterward, as they gasped with relief, Pin-Lee said, “Ratthi, if you get yourself killed—”

“You’ll be very cross with me, I know.” Ratthi slid down the wall a little more and waved weakly at her.

“That’s an order, Ratthi, don’t get yourself killed,” Mensah said from the pilot’s seat. She sounded calm, but I have security priority, and I could see her racing heartbeat through MedSystem.

Arada pulled out the emergency medical kit so they could stop the bleeding and try to stabilize Bharadwaj. I tried to be as much like an appliance as possible, clamping the wounds where they told me to, using my failing body temperature to try to keep her warm, and keeping my head down so I couldn’t see them staring at me.

PERFORMANCE RELIABILITY AT 60% AND DROPPING

Our habitat is a pretty standard model, seven interconnected domes set down on a relatively flat plain above a narrow river valley, with our power and recycling system connected on one side. We had an environmental system, but no air locks, as the planet’s atmosphere was breathable, just not particularly good for humans for the long term. I don’t know why, because it’s one of those things I’m not contractually obligated to care about.

We picked the location because it’s right in the middle of the assessment area, and while there are trees scattered through the plain, each one is fifteen or so meters tall, very skinny, with a single layer of spreading canopy, so it’s hard for anything approaching to use them as cover. Of course, that didn’t take into account anything approaching via tunnel.

We have security doors on the habitat for safety but HubSystem told me the main one was already open as the hopper landed. Dr. Gurathin had a lift gurney ready and guided it out to us. Overse and Arada had managed to get Bharadwaj stabilized, so I was able to put her down on it and follow the others into the habitat.

The humans headed for Medical and I stopped to send the little hopper commands to lock and seal itself, then I locked the outer doors. Through the security feed, I told the drones to widen our perimeter so I’d have more warning if something big came at us. I also set some monitors on the seismic sensors to alert me to anomalies just in case the hypothetical something big decided to tunnel in.

After I secured the habitat, I went back to what was called the security ready room, which was where weapons, ammo, perimeter alarms, drones, and all the other supplies pertaining to security were stored, including me. I shed what was left of the armor and on MedSystem’s advice sprayed wound sealant all over my bad side. I wasn’t dripping with blood, because my arteries and veins seal automatically, but it wasn’t nice to look at. And it hurt, though the wound seal did numb it a little. I had already set an eight-hour security interdiction through HubSystem, so nobody could go outside without me, and then set myself as off-duty. I checked the main feed but no one was filing any objections to that.

I was freezing because my temperature controls had given out at some point on the way here, and the protective skin that went under my armor was in pieces. I had a couple of spares but pulling one on right now would not be practical, or easy. The only other clothing I had was a uniform I hadn’t worn yet, and I didn’t think I could get it on, either. (I hadn’t needed the uniform because I hadn’t been patrolling inside the habitat. Nobody had asked for that, because with only eight of them and all friends, it would be a stupid waste of resources, namely me.) I dug around one handed in the storage case until I found the extra human-rated medical kit I’m allowed in case of emergencies, and opened it and got the survival blanket out. I wrapped up in it, then climbed into the plastic bed of my cubicle. I let the door seal as the white light flickered on.

It wasn’t much warmer in there, but at least it was cozy. I connected myself to the resupply and repair leads, leaned back against the wall and shivered. MedSystem helpfully informed me that my performance reliability was now at 58 percent and dropping, which was not a surprise. I could definitely repair in eight hours, and probably mostly regrow my damaged organic components, but at 58 percent, I doubted I could get any analysis done in the meantime. So I set all the security feeds to alert me if anything tried to eat the habitat and started to call up the supply of media I’d downloaded from the entertainment feed. I hurt too much to pay attention to anything with a story, but the friendly noise would keep me company.

Then someone knocked on the cubicle door.

I stared at it and lost track of all my neatly arrayed inputs. Like an idiot, I said, “Uh, yes?”

Dr. Mensah opened the door and peered in at me. I’m not good at guessing actual humans’ ages, even with all the visual entertainment I watch. People in the shows don’t usually look much like people in real life, at least not in the good shows. She had dark brown skin and lighter brown hair, cut very short, and I’m guessing she wasn’t young or she wouldn’t be in charge. She said, “Are you all right? I saw your status report.”

“Uh.” That was the point where I realized that I should have just not answered and pretended to be in stasis. I pulled the blanket around my chest, hoping she hadn’t seen any of the missing chunks. Without the armor holding me together, it was much worse. “Fine.”

So, I’m awkward with actual humans. It’s not paranoia about my hacked governor module, and it’s not them; it’s me. I know I’m a horrifying murderbot, and they know it, and it makes both of us nervous, which makes me even more nervous. Also, if I’m not in the armor then it’s because I’m wounded and one of my organic parts may fall off and plop on the floor at any moment and no one wants to see that.

“Fine?” She frowned. “The report said you lost 20 percent of your body mass.”

“It’ll grow back,” I said. I know to an actual human I probably looked like I was dying. My injuries were the equivalent of a human losing a limb or two plus most of their blood volume.

“I know, but still.” She eyed me for a long moment, so long I tapped the security feed for the mess, where the non-wounded members of the group were sitting around the table talking. They were discussing the possibility of more underground fauna and wishing they had intoxicants. That seemed pretty normal. She continued, “You were very good with Dr. Volescu. I don’t think the others realized . . . They were very impressed.”

“It’s part of the emergency med instructions, calming victims.” I tugged the blanket tighter so she didn’t see anything awful. I could feel something lower down leaking.

“Yes, but the MedSystem was prioritizing Bharadwaj and didn’t check Volescu’s vital signs. It didn’t take into account the shock of the event, and it expected him to be able to leave the scene on his own.”

On the feed it was clear that the others had reviewed Volescu’s field camera video. They were saying things like I didn’t even know it had a face. I’d been in armor since we arrived, and I hadn’t unsealed the helmet when I was around them. There was no specific reason. The only part of me they would have seen was my head, and it’s standard, generic human. But they didn’t want to talk to me and I definitely didn’t want to talk to them; on duty it would distract me and off duty . . . I didn’t want to talk to them. Mensah had seen me when she signed the rental contract. But she had barely looked at me and I had barely looked at her because again, murderbot + actual human = awkwardness. Keeping the armor on all the time cuts down on unnecessary interaction.

I said, “It’s part of my job, not to listen to the System feeds when they . . . make mistakes.” That’s why you need constructs, SecUnits with organic components. But she should know that. Before she accepted delivery of me, she had logged about ten protests, trying to get out of having to have me. I didn’t hold it against her. I wouldn’t have wanted me either.

Seriously, I don’t know why I didn’t just say you’re welcome and please get out of my cubicle so I can sit here and leak in peace.

“All right,” she said, and looked at me for what objectively I knew was 2.4 seconds and subjectively about twenty excruciating minutes. “I’ll see you in eight hours. If you need anything before then, please send me an alert on the feed.” She stepped back and let the door slide closed.

It left me wondering what they were all marveling at so I called up the recording of the incident. Okay, wow. I had talked to Volescu all the way up the side of the crater. I had been mostly concerned with the hopper’s trajectory and Bharadwaj not bleeding out and what might come out of that crater for a second try; I hadn’t been listening to myself, basically. I had asked him if he had kids. It was boggling. Maybe I had been watching too much media. (He did have kids. He was in a four-way marriage and had seven, all back home with his partners.)

All my levels were too elevated now for a rest period, so I decided I might as well get some use out of it and look at the other recordings. Then I found something weird. There was an “abort” order in the HubSystem command feed, the one that controlled, or currently believed it controlled, my governor module. It had to be a glitch. It didn’t matter, because when MedSystem has priority—

PERFORMANCE RELIABILITY AT 39%, STASIS INITIATED FOR EMERGENCY REPAIR SEQUENCE.

[mariacallous]

Extremist groups have begun to experiment with artificial intelligence, and in particular generative AI, in order to create a flood of new propaganda. Experts now fear the growing use of generative AI tools by these groups will overturn the work Big Tech has done in recent years to keep their content off the internet.

“Our biggest concern is that if terrorists start using gen AI to manipulate imagery at scale, this could well destroy hash-sharing as a solution,” Adam Hadley, the executive director of Tech Against Terrorism, tells WIRED. “This is a massive risk.”

For years, Big Tech platforms have worked hard to create databases of known violent extremist content, known as hashing databases, which are shared across platforms to quickly and automatically remove such content from the internet. But according to Hadley, his colleagues are now picking up around 5,000 examples of AI-generated content each week. This includes images shared in recent weeks by groups linked to Hezbollah and Hamas that appear designed to influence the narrative around the Israel-Hamas war.

“Give it six months or so, the possibility that [they] are manipulating imagery to break hashing is really concerning,” Hadley says. “The tech sector has done so well to build automated technology, terrorists could well start using gen AI to evade what's already been done.”

Other examples that researchers at Tech Against Terrorism have uncovered in recent months have included a neo-Nazi messaging channel sharing AI-generated imagery created using racist and antisemitic prompts pasted into an app available on the Google Play store; far-right figures producing a “guide to memetic warfare” advising others on how to use AI-generated image tools to create extremist memes; the Islamic State publishing a tech support guide on how to securely use generative AI tools; a pro-IS user of an archiving service claiming to have used an AI-based automatic speech recognition (ASR) system to transcribe Arabic language IS propaganda; and a pro-al-Qaeda outlet publishing several posters with images highly likely to have been created using a generative AI platform.

Beyond detailing the threat posed by generative AI tools that can tweak images, Tech Against Terrorism has published a new report citing other ways in which gen AI tools can be used to help extremist groups. These include the use of autotranslation tools that can quickly and easily convert propaganda into multiple languages, or the ability to create personalized messages at scale to facilitate recruitment efforts online. But Hadley believes that AI also provides an opportunity to get ahead of extremist groups and use the technology to preempt what they will use it for.

“We're going to partner with Microsoft to figure out if there are ways using our archive of material to create a sort of gen AI detection system in order to counter the emerging threat that gen AI will be used for terrorist content at scale,” Hadley says. “We're confident that gen AI can be used to defend against hostile uses of gen AI.”

The partnership was announced today, on the eve of the Christchurch Call Leaders’ Summit, a movement designed to eradicate terrorism and extremist content from the internet, to be held in Paris.

“The use of digital platforms to spread violent extremist content is an urgent issue with real-world consequences,” Brad Smith, vice chair and president at Microsoft said in a statement. “By combining Tech Against Terrorism’s capabilities with AI, we hope to help create a safer world both online and off.”

While companies like Microsoft, Google, and Facebook all have their own AI research divisions and are likely already deploying their own resources to combat this issue, the new initiative will ultimately aid those companies that can’t combat these efforts on their own.

“This will be particularly important for smaller platforms that don't have their own AI research centers,” Hadley says. “Even now, with the hashing databases, smaller platforms can just become overwhelmed by this content.”

The threat of AI generative content is not limited to extremist groups. Last month, the Internet Watch Foundation, a UK-based nonprofit that works to eradicate child exploitation content from the internet, published a report that detailed the growing presence of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) created by AI tools on the dark web.

The researchers found over 20,000 AI-generated images posted to one dark web CSAM forum over the course of just one month, with 11,108 of these images judged most likely to be criminal by the IWF researchers. As the IWF researchers wrote in their report, “These AI images can be so convincing that they are indistinguishable from real images.”

[preethi-ram-200]

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How Does Conversational AI Work? A Beginner-Friendly Breakdown

What is Conversational AI?

Conversational AI refers to a set of technologies that allow computers to simulate real-time human conversations. This encompasses chatbots, virtual assistants, and voice-enabled applications that use natural language processing (NLP), machine learning (ML), and speech recognition to understand and respond to user inputs in a natural manner.

Conversational AI is a branch of artificial intelligence that enables machines to simulate human like conversations using natural language processing (NLP), machine learning (ML), and speech recognition. These systems can understand, process, and respond to user queries in real-time.

How does Conversational AI Works

Conversational AI systems follow a multi-step process to deliver seamless interactions. It begins with input reception, where the system receives user input whether through text or voice. For voice-based interactions, automatic speech recognition (ASR) converts spoken language into text. The text input is then analyzed using natural language processing (NLP), which identifies the user’s intent and extracts relevant information. Once the system understands the input, it generates a suitable response using dialog management strategies that ensure the response is contextually relevant and coherent. The system then delivers the output to the user, either as text or, for voice interactions, through text-to-speech (TTS) technology that vocalizes the response. Importantly, conversational Artificial Intelligence systems continuously learn and improve, refining their performance over time based on past interactions and user feedback.

Benefits of Conversational AI

Implementing conversational Artificial Intelligence offers numerous advantages:

24/7 Availability - Systems operate around the clock, ensuring customers can access support at any time, regardless of time zones or business hours. This continuous availability enhances customer satisfaction by providing immediate assistance when needed. It also reduces the need for businesses to maintain large, round-the-clock human support teams, leading to cost savings. 

Enhanced Customer Experience - By using vast amounts of data, conversational Artificial Intelligence can offer personalized interactions based on a customer's history and preferences. This level of personalization makes customers feel valued and understood, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, AI can handle routine inquiries efficiently, freeing up human agents to focus on more complex issues.

Operational Efficiency - Automates time-consuming tasks such as ticketing, response generation, and case routing. This automation reduces wait times and allows human agents to concentrate on higher-value work, improving overall service efficiency. By handling multiple interactions simultaneously, AI systems can significantly reduce operational costs.

Scalability - AI-powered customer service agents can easily scale to handle increased volumes of customer interactions without compromising service quality. As case volumes rise, these systems can be adjusted to manage the additional load, ensuring consistent and reliable support. This scalability is ideal for businesses experiencing growth or seasonal spikes in customer inquiries.

Ready to Explore the Power of Conversational AI?

Discover how Conversational AI can transform your business communication. From improving customer support to automating workflows, Dataplatr’s expert solutions are designed to help you get started with ease. Let us guide you through what Conversational AI is, how it works, and how you can use its full potential.

Originally published at https://dataplatr.com