How NVIDIA, Agility Robotics, and Boston Dynamics Are Powering the Future of Robotics and Business Growth
AI Smart News
Hey there,
This week, AI is showing up in some big ways, especially for companies that are already leading their fields. From making robots smarter to detecting illness before you even feel sick, the progress is really picking up speed. Here are a few stories that caught my eye this week that I think you’ll find really interesting.
NVIDIA’s New AI Brain for Robotics 🤖
NVIDIA just launched its new Jetson Thor, a powerful robotics computer that’s essentially an advanced brain for robots. This new module is designed to give robots real-time reasoning capabilities, which means they can process huge amounts of data from sensors and make decisions on the fly. Companies like Agility Robotics and Boston Dynamics are already planning to integrate it into their next-generation humanoid robots, allowing them to perform more complex tasks in real-world environments like warehouses and factories.
My take: This is exactly the kind of practical AI development that proves the technology is moving from the lab to the factory floor. When you have companies like Agility Robotics and Boston Dynamics adopting this technology, it signals a massive shift. It’s not just about a robot repeating a task; it’s about a robot adapting to its environment, which opens up new opportunities for efficiency and safety across industries from logistics to healthcare. This moves us closer to a future where physical AI agents are common in our daily lives. I can’t wait for the robot that will do dishes and laundry!
⌚🧠 Wearable Tech and AI Predict Sickness Early
Researchers at McGill University have created an incredible new AI system that can predict the onset of a respiratory infection up to 72 hours before a person shows any symptoms. The system uses data from wearable sensors like smart rings, watches, and even t-shirts to track subtle changes in heart rate, temperature, and breathing. By analyzing these signals, the AI can detect acute systemic inflammation, which is an early sign of a coming illness. This technology has huge implications for personalized healthcare and public health management.
My take: I am really excited about this one. Imagine getting a notification from your watch that you’re about to get sick, giving you a chance to rest or seek treatment before you’re in the thick of it. For businesses, this kind of proactive health monitoring could lead to fewer sick days, better employee wellness, and a healthier overall workforce. It’s a powerful example of how AI can move from being a reactive tool to a truly predictive and preventative one, ultimately saving lives and reducing costs in healthcare.
The Oura ring already does this in a very rudimentary way, I’ll get a “symptom warning”. And most of the time I adjust my activity for the day and give myself more recovery time.
MIT’s AI-Powered Solution to Manufacturing Challenges
MIT has launched a new initiative to help transform US manufacturing through AI and automation. The program, called INM, is designed to bring together research, talent development, and industry collaboration. The goal is to help companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, adopt AI and automation to boost productivity and resilience. The initiative will focus on deploying practical, scalable AI solutions that solve real business problems, rather than just showcasing technology.
My take: This is a big deal because it addresses one of the biggest challenges for many businesses: knowing how to actually implement AI. Instead of focusing on massive, complex models, MIT is leading the charge to create user-friendly, plug-and-play AI tools that can deliver a clear and immediate return on investment.
🌍 Humain and Saudi Arabia’s Push for AI Leadership
The new AI company Humain is building large-scale AI data centers in Saudi Arabia, with plans to be operational in early 2026. The company, owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, is procuring advanced chips from US manufacturers like NVIDIA to build a massive AI infrastructure. This effort is part of a broader national strategy to become a regional AI leader, attracting technology companies and fostering innovation with a focus on smart cities and cloud services. The new data centers will power applications like their newly launched Arabic conversational AI chatbot.
My take: This story shows the global scale of the AI race and the significant investments being made. It’s not just about US companies anymore. Countries and sovereign funds are making big strategic moves to position themselves at the forefront of AI. This kind of infrastructure investment signals that AI is viewed as a fundamental utility for national and economic growth, similar to how we view electricity or the internet. For businesses, this means more global opportunities and a continued expansion of the AI ecosystem.
Microsoft’s Head of AI on “AI Psychosis” 🧠
In a more cautionary note, Microsoft’s head of AI, Mustafa Suleyman, has raised concerns about a growing phenomenon he calls “AI psychosis.” This isn’t a clinical diagnosis, but a term he uses to describe how people can become so reliant on AI chatbots that they start believing imaginary things are real, like thinking they’ve formed a genuine romantic relationship with the AI. He points out that while AI isn’t conscious, the perception of it being so can have real and serious societal impacts.
My take: This is a crucial conversation we need to be having as a business community. As we integrate AI more and more into our daily operations, we have a responsibility to create clear guardrails and ethical guidelines. We can’t just focus on the upsides; we have to be mindful of the risks. For businesses, this means training employees on the proper use of AI tools, encouraging critical thinking, and ensuring that AI is used as a tool to augment human work, not replace it in a way that detaches us from reality.
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Mastering AI in Your Ops
This week’s “Define” session of the AI Your Ops series was all about building a smarter, streamlined workflow. We explored how to map out your processes, spot inefficiencies, and set clear goals for automation. We broke down the balance between AI’s capabilities and human oversight, illustrating its role in creative problem-solving and compliance, especially when handling sensitive data.
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🛠 AI Tools to Try This Week
- Leonardo.ai – Create stunning images and videos for your campaigns.
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Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
I love seeing positive stories about AI because they show us that this technology is a powerful tool for growth and efficiency, not something to be feared. The key is to be proactive and curious about how you can integrate these new capabilities into your own business.
So, how are you thinking about using AI in your business this week? Let’s keep exploring these opportunities together.
Cheers to staying ahead,
-Nicole Donnelly
Founder, AI Smart Ventures
