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RisingAttacK: New technique can make AI ‘see’ whatever you want

Researchers have demonstrated a new way of attacking artificial intelligence computer vision systems, allowing them to control what the AI “sees.” The research shows that the new technique, called RisingAttacK, is effective at manipulating all of the most widely used AI computer vision systems.

At issue are so-called “adversarial attacks,” in which someone manipulates the data being fed into an AI system to control what the system sees, or does not see, in an image. For example, someone might manipulate an AI’s ability to detect , pedestrians or other cars—which would cause problems for . Or a hacker could install code on an X-ray machine that causes an AI system to make inaccurate diagnoses.

“We wanted to find an effective way of hacking AI vision systems because these vision systems are often used in contexts that can affect human health and safety—from autonomous vehicles to health technologies to ,” says Tianfu Wu, co-corresponding author of a paper on the work and an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at North Carolina State University.

Tesla’s JUICY New Impact Report (highlights in 10 mins!)

Tesla’s 2024 impact report highlights the company’s progress in accelerating its mission to sustainable energy through innovative technologies, including autonomy, AI, and reduced emissions, with a focus on expanding its ecosystem and making sustainable transportation and energy solutions more accessible ## ## Questions to inspire discussion.

Sustainable Transportation.

🚗 Q: How will Tesla’s robo taxi network impact transportation?

A: Tesla’s autopilot-powered robo taxi network will be far safer than human drivers, lower emissions, and increase accessibility of sustainable transportation, improving city sustainability and accelerating Tesla’s mission.

🏙️ Q: What are the benefits of Tesla vehicles compared to other options?

A: Tesla vehicles offer premium features rivaling luxury cars while maintaining a total cost of ownership comparable to mass market vehicles, providing significantly more value at a similar price point.

Continue reading “Tesla’s JUICY New Impact Report (highlights in 10 mins!)” | >

Mathematical approach makes uncertainty in AI quantifiable

How reliable is artificial intelligence, really? An interdisciplinary research team at TU Wien has developed a method that allows for the exact calculation of how reliably a neural network operates within a defined input domain. In other words: It is now possible to mathematically guarantee that certain types of errors will not occur—a crucial step forward for the safe use of AI in sensitive applications.

From smartphones to self-driving cars, AI systems have become an everyday part of our lives. But in applications where safety is critical, one central question arises: Can we guarantee that an AI system won’t make serious mistakes—even when its input varies slightly?

A team from TU Wien—Dr. Andrey Kofnov, Dr. Daniel Kapla, Prof. Efstathia Bura and Prof. Ezio Bartocci—bringing together experts from mathematics, statistics and computer science, has now found a way to analyze neural networks, the brains of AI systems, in such a way that the possible range of outputs can be exactly determined for a given input range—and specific errors can be ruled out with certainty.

BYD Accused of Cooking The Books & Faking Profitability (extremely BAD signs if true)

BYD, an electric vehicle company, is accused of cooking the books and faking profitability, potentially hiding financial issues such as a liquidity crisis and unprofitable electric vehicle business.

Questions to inspire discussion.

Financial Concerns 🚩 Q: What are the warning signs of BYD’s potential financial trouble? A: BYD is offering massive discounts of 10–30% on already affordable vehicles, with some models selling for as low as $10,000, and allegedly has a 12-month payment delay to suppliers. 💰 Q: How is BYD’s automotive business reportedly staying afloat? A: BYD’s automotive business is allegedly being carried by their highly profitable battery cell supply business, which is not separately reported in their financials, making it difficult to determine the true profitability of their electric vehicle sales.

CNBS Tesla Robotaxi Backfire + Ford CEO Gets OWNED After LiDAR Comment

Tesla’s autonomous driving technology, particularly its vision-only approach, is being showcased and defended in response to criticism from Ford’s CEO and others, who prefer LiDAR-based solutions ## Questions to inspire discussion.

Tesla’s Autonomous Technology.

🚗 Q: How does Tesla’s autonomous vehicle technology differ from competitors? A: Tesla uses a vision-only approach without LiDAR, while competitors like Waymo rely on LiDAR and radar systems.

🔄 Q: What makes Tesla’s approach to autonomous vehicles more scalable? A: Tesla aims to make all 8 million+ vehicles on the road capable of self-driving with a software update, unlike competitors focusing on specific areas.

Market Comparison.

📊 Q: How does Tesla’s autonomous vehicle fleet compare to Waymo’s? A: Tesla has over 8 million vehicles capable of autonomy, while Waymo has less than 2,000 vehicles on the road.

Continue reading “CNBS Tesla Robotaxi Backfire + Ford CEO Gets OWNED After LiDAR Comment” | >

New component reduces cost, supply chain constraints for fast-charging EV batteries

Strengthening the competitiveness of the American transportation industry relies on developing domestically produced electric vehicle batteries that enable rapid charging and long-range performance. The energy density needed to extend driving distance can, however, come at the expense of charging rates and battery life.

By integrating a new type of current collector, which is a key battery component, researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have demonstrated how to manufacture a battery with both superior energy density and a lasting ability to handle extreme fast charging. This enables restoring at least 80% of battery energy in 10 minutes. By using less metal, particularly high-demand copper, the technology also relieves strain on U.S. supply chains.

“This provides a significant savings on near-critical materials, because much less copper and aluminum are needed,” said lead researcher Georgios Polyzos. “At the same time, this will greatly enhance the energy density achievable with a 10-minute charge.”

New method stores high-density methane in graphene-coated nanoporous carbon

Methane (CH4), one of the most abundant natural gases on Earth, is still widely used to power several buildings and to fuel some types of vehicles. Despite its widespread use, storing and transporting this gas safely remains challenging, as it is highly flammable and requires compression at high pressures of around 25 megapascals (MPa).

Most existing solutions to store CH4 at high pressures rely on expensive equipment and infrastructure, such as reinforced tanks, specialized valves and advanced safety systems. In addition, damage to this equipment or its malfunction that prompts leakage of gas can lead to explosions, fires and other serious accidents.

Some researchers have thus been trying to devise alternative strategies to store and transport CH4 that are both safer and more cost-effective. One of these recently proposed methods, known as absorbed natural gas (ANG), entails the use of nanoporous materials, containing tiny pores in which gas molecules could be trapped at moderate pressures.

Robots are transforming warehouse automation and ending back-breaking truck loading

The last stronghold of human labor in warehouses – the grueling job of loading and unloading trucks – is rapidly giving way to a new generation of intelligent robots. For decades, logistics companies have struggled to automate this physically demanding and injury-prone work, which often leaves workers battered by heavy lifting and extreme temperatures. Now, breakthroughs in robotics, artificial intelligence, and sensor technology are transforming how goods move in and out of trailers, promising not only greater efficiency but also a fundamental shift in warehouse operations.

At the heart of this revolution is a suite of sophisticated machines from companies like Ambi Robotics, Boston Dynamics, Dexterity AI, and Fox Robotics. Each brings a distinct technical approach to the challenge, as described by The Wall Street Journal.

Ambi Robotics, for example, has developed AmbiStack, a robotic system designed to automate the complex process of stacking items onto pallets or into containers. AmbiStack employs a four-axis gantry robot equipped with advanced cameras and machine vision powered by AI foundation models. This system can analyze, track, and pick each item from a conveyor, performing real-time quality control checks.

Confirmed — Texas imposes new rules on autonomous vehicles and will require official permits before they can be driven on its roads

A blue-and-white Waymo van rolls up to a stoplight near Austin’s South Congress Avenue, sensors spinning in the sun. In three months, that van –and every other driverless car in Texas– will need a brand-new permission slip taped to its dash. Governor Greg Abbott has signed SB 2807, a bill that for the first time gives the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles gate-keeper power over autonomous vehicles.

Starting September 1, 2025, any company that wants to run a truly driver-free car—robo-taxi, delivery pod, or freight hauler—must first snag a state-issued permit. To qualify, operators have to file a safety and compliance plan that spells out: