Catch up on this month’s round-up of the latest hosting and tech news. Here’s what we’ve uncovered since our last edition.
AI Treats Depression
The University of Oxford’s psychiatry department has developed an AI algorithm called Petrushka that personalises antidepressant treatment. By analysing the data of over a million people, it is able to recommend the most suitable antidepressants for individuals based on their unique characteristics. These include factors like age, gender and symptom severity, as well as potential side effects. The researchers believe the AI-enhanced approach will empower patients, improve shared decision-making during treatment and result in better outcomes than relying on standard prescriptions.
The Oxford team is currently seeking volunteers for a clinical trial of Petrushka. It aims to enrol approximately 200 participants by summer, with a total of over 500 individuals taking part over the full length of the trial. Patients interested in taking part can self-enrol but will be required to go through a brief screening process. The study, which will take place in the UK, Canada and Brazil, will last 24 weeks, with an assessment after eight weeks to evaluate treatment adherence and tolerability. Participants will be required to provide feedback on their mood, anxiety, quality of life and any side effects they experience during the trial.
VR Navy Training
As part of a £27 million investment, the Royal Navy (RN) is to introduce virtual reality (VR) as part of its training at the HMS Collingwood warfare school in Fareham. Programmed with advanced training capabilities, the new VR simulators will enable sailors to navigate warships through realistic scenarios and key waters.
With state-of-the-art VR headsets, wrap-around digital displays and video gaming setups, the naval training can be taken to a whole new level. As a result, RN navigators and bridge teams will be able to undertake training that closely mirrors real-world conditions, making them better prepared once they return to their ships.
Giant 3D Printer
The University of Maine in the US has launched the Factory of the Future 1.0, an enormous 3D printer that is capable of printing objects up to 96 feet long – around the same length as a blue whale. Now the world’s largest 3D polymer printer, the groundbreaking Factory of the Future is four times larger than the last record holder.
The university expects the printer will have a number of valuable applications, including being used to print wind turbines, boats and bridges. One of its main goals, however, is to use it for creating affordable homes. While traditional homes will still be built primarily from bricks and mortar, large 3D printers can play a crucial role in producing their components. Additionally, as they can print over 220 kg of material per hour, they can play a vital role in helping with reconstruction projects following disasters like wildfires and earthquakes.
While employing the latest technologies, including sensors, advanced computing and artificial intelligence, the project also aims to be sustainable, with materials like residual wood from sawmills and recycled polymers being integrated into the printing process.
Currys Goes Digital
In a bid to improve customer and staff experiences across its operations, electrical retail giant, Currys, is to start a major digital transformation project that will enhance its cloud capabilities and see the company adopt advanced AI technology. The transformation will modernise and streamline the company’s infrastructure, boost security and enable it to deploy cutting-edge AI services. Among the benefits the technologies will bring are the ability to tailor product information and generate personalised product recommendations for individual customers. Additionally, AI will be used to support post-sales experiences and streamline warranty services.
The new technology will also provide Currys’ 25,000 employees with faster access to information about product availability, delivery costs and add-on services. This is expected to enhance customer service and open new cross-selling and up-selling opportunities.
Mega UK AI Investment
Wayve, a UK-based company that develops AI technology for autonomous vehicles, has successfully raised £840 million ($1.05 billion) in funding from major investors, including Microsoft, Nvidia and SoftBank. The eye-watering sum is the largest known funding for a European AI company and will be instrumental in advancing self-driving car technology. While the UK is still some way behind the US and China in terms of the value of its AI businesses, the investment in Wayve highlights the growing strength of British companies in the industry.
Wayve is developing what it describes as ‘embodied AI,’ a technology that interacts with real-world environments and learns from its experiences to ensure self-driving cars operate safely and effectively on the road. This technology will have to work in line with the Automated Vehicles Bill, which, when it passes through parliament, will establish a regulatory framework for autonomous and assisted driving vehicles.
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