AI Pulse #86: Schmidt Builds AI War Robots for Combat, Palo Alto Networks Acquires Protect AI, +MORE
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This week big moves are happening in AI and cybersecurity. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt is working on advanced AI-powered war machines designed for offensive combat. Meanwhile, Palo Alto Networks is buying Protect AI, a startup from Seattle focused on keeping AI safe and secure. These are just a few of the headlines shaping the future of tech, keep reading for more important updates in this week’s issue.
Top Trending AI News
1. Schmidt Develops Advanced AI Robotic Machines for Offensive Combat
Publisher: InfoWars
Published: 4/28/2025
Eric Schmidt discusses his drone company’s goals at Stanford, aiming to revolutionize warfare with AI and robotics, acknowledging his role as an arms dealer.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ Eric Schmidt launches AI military drone company.
2️⃣ Schmidt aims to transform warfare with AI.
3️⃣ Ex-Google CEO becomes licensed arms dealer.
4️⃣ AI weapons to boost defense, says Schmidt.
5️⃣ Schmidt’s AI military tech tested in Ukraine.
2. Drones Monitor Sewers, Keeping Them Running Without Human Intervention
Publisher: Wired
Published: 4/28/2025
Fraser, MI house collapses into a sinkhole on Christmas Eve 2016 due to a sewer collapse, prompting drone tech for safer, cheaper sewer inspections.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ Sinkhole destroys home on Christmas Eve.
2️⃣ Sewer collapse costs taxpayers $75M.
3️⃣ Drones revolutionize sewer inspections.
4️⃣ New tech saves county $900K on inspections.
5️⃣ AI and drones win awards for Macomb County.
3. College Student Teams Up With DOGE to Rewrite Housing Rules Using AI
Publisher: Gizmodo
Published: 5/1/2025
Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative hires an inexperienced young man to revise federal housing regulations, aiming to use AI to downsize government rules.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ Musk’s DOGE shakes up D.C. with chaos.
2️⃣ Young outsider hired to tweak HUD regs.
3️⃣ DOGE aims to slash government rules.
4️⃣ Critics slam DOGE’s risky strategies.
5️⃣ Spending up despite DOGE’s cut goals.
4. MyPillow Founder’s Lawyer Submits AI-Crafted Brief With Bogus Citations
Publisher: Gizmodo
Published: 4/27/2025
MyPillow CEO sued for defamation; his lawyer filed a brief with AI-generated errors, facing disciplinary action.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ MyPillow CEO sued for defamation by ex-Dominion employee.
2️⃣ Lindell’s lawyer used AI to draft error-filled legal brief.
3️⃣ Legal brief included “cases that do not exist.”
4️⃣ Lawyer admits to not checking AI-generated citations.
5️⃣ Judge considers disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct.
5. Tech Industry Reality: Layoffs, Long Hours, AI Threats, Few Perks
Publisher: TechSpot
Published: 4/28/2025
Tech sector faces massive layoffs, reduced perks, and stagnant salaries despite AI demands, marking a stark shift from its once-enviable status.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ Tech layoffs hit record high in 2025.
2️⃣ Perks vanish as tech firms cut costs.
3️⃣ AI demand ups pay but strains others.
4️⃣ More work, less reward in tech sector.
5️⃣ Tech’s golden age dims amid challenges.
6. Reddit Users Manipulated in Unauthorized AI Experiment
Publisher: 9to5Mac
Published: 4/29/2025
University of Zurich researchers manipulated Reddit users with AI in unauthorized experiment, posing as various personas, breaking subreddit rules.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ Reddit users tricked by AI in study.
2️⃣ AI posed as victims and counselors.
3️⃣ Study broke subreddit rules, apology issued.
4️⃣ Ethical concerns raised over AI manipulation.
5️⃣ University to publish study despite outrage.
7. Oscars’ New AI Rule May Diminish Quality of Nominated Films, Expert Warns
Publisher: Fox News
Published: 4/27/2025
Oscars to allow AI in films for nominations without impacting chances, emphasizing human creativity in judgment. New rule requires members to watch all nominated films to vote.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ Oscars allow AI in film nominations.
2️⃣ Human element key in AI film awards.
3️⃣ AI already used in Oscar-winning film.
4️⃣ New rule: Oscars voters must watch all nominees.
5️⃣ Concerns over AI replacing human creativity.
8. Huawei Unveils New AI Chip to Rival US Giant Nvidia
Publisher: Al Jazeera
Published: 4/27/2025
Huawei plans to test its new AI chip, Ascend 910D, aiming to outperform Nvidia’s products, amidst efforts to boost China’s semiconductor self-sufficiency.
1️⃣ Huawei tests new AI chip to rival Nvidia.
2️⃣ Ascend 910D aims to outdo Nvidia’s H100.
3️⃣ Huawei’s chip development defies US sanctions.
4️⃣ China seeks self-reliance in semiconductor industry.
5️⃣ Mate 60 launch showcases Huawei’s tech progress.
9. Trump Moves to Halt Tech Industry’s Efforts to Reduce AI Bias
Publisher: AP News
Published: 4/27/2025
Tech firms face scrutiny over “woke AI,” with investigations into bias and equity in AI, affecting the industry’s approach to diversity and inclusion.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ Tech firms face scrutiny over AI diversity efforts.
2️⃣ “Woke AI” is the new focus in Washington.
3️⃣ AI fairness initiatives may be at risk.
4️⃣ Trump administration questions AI bias corrections.
5️⃣ Debate over AI and ideology intensifies.
10. AI Solutions Aim to Alleviate Five Key Frustrations for Knowledge Workers
Publisher: Harvard Business Review
Published: 4/28/2025
AI collaboration is revolutionizing work by tackling tedious tasks, enhancing decision making, and boosting innovation, allowing employees to focus on growth and creativity.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ AI ends workplace frustrations.
2️⃣ AI boosts creativity and productivity.
3️⃣ AI saves workers 105 minutes a day.
4️⃣ AI aids in confident decision-making.
5️⃣ AI encourages continuous learning.
AI Image of the Week
Prompt: /imagine robot monks meditating in harmony with nature, bamboo forests and koi ponds, minimalist Zen ink painting style, black and white brush strokes, serene simplicity, spiritual calm.
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