Yann LeCun's AMI Labs & Caterpillar's Cat AI Highlight AI's Diverse Path
AI pioneer Yann LeCun departed Meta, amidst reported tensions with AI head Alexandr Wang, to establish AMI Labs, focusing on "world models" that prioritize efficient, biology-inspired learning over large language models (LLMs), according to his announcement. LeCun has publicly critiqued the limitations of LLMs and the surrounding hype regarding superintelligence, instead striving for adaptive AI systems capable of grasping real-world physics and understanding causality.
Caterpillar and Nvidia unveiled Cat AI at CES 2026, integrating AI into heavy construction and mining equipment (reports TechCrunch). Utilizing Nvidia's Jetson Thor platform, Cat AI enables real-time data analysis, autonomous operation, predictive maintenance, and enhanced fleet connectivity, promising increased efficiency and safety across industries.
At CES 2026, Dell shifted its marketing strategy for XPS laptops away from a heavy focus on AI, emphasizing instead design, performance, and user experience in response to apparent consumer indifference towards integrated AI features, according to The Verge. While AI continue to drive growth in Dell's enterprise sector, this pivot signals that the broader tech industry seems to be learning to align AI hype with tangible buyer priorities.
El Paso launched "El Paso Computes," a $3 million initiative in partnership with UTEP and EPISD, aimed at advancing K-12 computer science education in the region (according to a press release). The program intends to strengthen computer literacy and skills from the early stages of a child's education, beginning in the fall of 2024.
A life-size sex robot named Emily, marketed as offering a more personalized experience, debuted at CES utilizing conversational AI and memory to create a more intimate interaction (reports Fox News). The adult toy industry relies heavily on advancements in these technologies to offer users something novel.
Canada is working to build its cyber workforce; Tom Levasseur's CyberSci program is aiming to bring hands-on skills to cybersecurity education in the region, according to an interview with Yahoo Finance.
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