The US Army has granted Palantir Technologies a substantial contract, valued at up to $250 million, to delve into artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) research and experimentation.
This agreement, disclosed by the Department of Defense on September 26, is slated to continue until 2026. The specifics regarding the work locations and funding allocation will be determined on a per-order basis.
The defense sector’s interest in AI and ML has seen remarkable growth, with military officials recognizing their potential in various battlefield applications. This surge in interest aligns with industry enthusiasm for these technologies.
As of 2021, the Defense Department was managing over 685 AI-related projects, according to the Government Accountability Office. Notably, at least 232 of these projects fell under the Army’s jurisdiction.
Palantir previously engaged in a legal battle with the Army over procurement procedures in 2016, which it won. Subsequently, the company has secured numerous multimillion-dollar contracts.
In October 2022, the Army awarded Palantir a five-year predictive maintenance contract, valued at just over $85 million. The military aims to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce unit downtime, and rely on machine-powered forecasts.
Additionally, Palantir is playing a role in implementing the Army’s Global Force Information Management system. This system consolidates more than a dozen aging applications and offers leaders an automated and comprehensive view of manpower, equipment, training, and troop readiness.
In an effort to address growing concerns of discrimination and bias in artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, the Indian government is preparing to introduce provisions in the upcoming Digital India Bill. These provisions aim to enhance algorithmic accountability and grant citizens the right to opt out of decisions made by algorithms. However, opting out may come with conditions, potentially requiring citizens to forfeit certain digital services that rely on algorithmic decisions.
The move comes as AI-based algorithms face scrutiny for their potential biases and discriminatory outcomes. The government’s intention to introduce algorithmic accountability reflects the widespread use of artificial intelligence in various aspects of daily life, including governance.
Under the proposed legislation, the Digital India Bill will replace the two-decades-old Information Technology Act and establish comprehensive oversight mechanisms for the digital landscape. The opt-out mechanism, as outlined in the bill, will allow citizens to decline algorithmic decisions. However, there may be exceptions when the decision is legally required or authorized or if permitted under the law.
The bill is also expected to mandate that organizations provide explanations for algorithmic decisions, including the user characteristics and processes involved. In cases where citizens cannot opt-out, they may have the option to request a human review and reconsideration of the decision. This could have a significant impact on content moderation by social media platforms, which heavily rely on AI automation.
The Digital India Bill is currently undergoing pre-consultations in various cities, with discussions centered on principles such as open internet, online safety, trust, accountability, adjudicatory mechanisms, and new technologies. The government is considering changes, including the potential removal of the safe harbor provision for internet intermediaries, to address the evolving digital landscape effectively.
While Genpact, a Business Process Management (BPM) firm, has been engaged with OpenAI’s large language model, GPT, CEO NV Tyagarajan emphasized the importance of careful application due to the potential for incorrect responses that users may struggle to decipher. He noted that further fine-tuning is required to make these language models suitable for enterprise use cases, particularly when addressing specific and nuanced customer inquiries, such as order tracking.
Tyagarajan emphasized that he views artificial intelligence as a tool for augmented intelligence, with humans actively involved in the decision-making process rather than a complete replacement for human roles. This approach reflects Genpact’s commitment to harnessing AI to enhance human capabilities and drive innovation in the BPM industry.
Genpact is actively pursuing 100 generative artificial intelligence (AI) proof of concepts (PoC) across 10-12 distinct use cases, according to Tyagarajan. This initiative follows Genpact’s recent announcement that it will invest approximately $600 million over the next three years to bolster its AI capabilities, as stated during its Q2 2023 earnings conference.
Tyagarajan explained that these 10-12 specific use cases are being designed with the intention of applying them across multiple clients, promoting efficiency and consistency in their AI solutions.
To support its $600 million investment, Genpact will channel resources into its own innovation and research and development (R&D) teams, client co-innovation initiatives, data, technology, and AI skills training, and the creation of specialized expert groups. The firm also intends to explore acquisitions in the fields of data analytics and intellectual property (IP) and frameworks related to data models.
In response to the significant energy demands of running AI models like ChatGPT, Microsoft is exploring the use of nuclear energy to power its AI data centres. A recent job posting indicates that Microsoft is actively recruiting a “principal program manager for nuclear technology” to assess the feasibility of integrating nuclear energy into the infrastructure of data centres hosting AI models.
Microsoft‘s focus appears to be on the use of microreactors and Small Modular Reactors, which are more cost-effective and manageable compared to larger nuclear reactors. The goal is to sustain the data centres supporting the Microsoft Cloud and AI infrastructure, which require immense computational power to operate AI models effectively.
AI models, such as ChatGPT, impose substantial server expenses, potentially costing up to $700,000 per day to run. Microsoft sees nuclear energy as a viable solution to address this escalating energy demand.
Microsoft’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its $10 billion agreement with OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT. Microsoft provides cloud services to support OpenAI’s models and has integrated OpenAI’s technology into its Bing search engine.
The environmental concerns surrounding the energy consumption of generative AI are growing. Studies estimate that training models like GPT-3 result in significant carbon emissions and water usage.
Microsoft has recently pledged to accelerate its efforts to power data centres with renewable energy sources and reduce emissions. The company aims to become carbon negative, water positive, and achieve zero waste status by 2030, aligning its goals with a more sustainable future.
Telecom equipment manufacturer Ericsson and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have joined forces for collaborative research in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Ericsson has committed to being a Platinum Consortium Member for a period of five years as part of this partnership.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines that Ericsson Research will actively participate in and support all research endeavours at the Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI).
Dr. Magnus Frodigh, Global Head of Ericsson Research, emphasised the importance of AI in future networks, including 6G, which aim to seamlessly integrate the physical and digital realms. These networks will enable immersive AR/VR experiences and connect humans and machines through AI-controlled sensors.
Ensuring trust, fairness, and privacy compliance with responsible AI practices is crucial. The partnership with CeRAI at IIT Madras aligns with the Indian Government’s vision for the Bharat 6G program.
CeRAI is an interdisciplinary research center focused on responsible AI, aiming to become a premier hub for fundamental and applied research in this field. It aims to have an immediate impact on deploying AI systems within the Indian ecosystem.
Prof. B. Ravindran, Faculty Head of CeRAI at IIT Madras and Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and AI (RBCDSAI) at IIT Madras, stressed that future networks will facilitate easier access to high-performing AI systems. Embedding responsible AI principles from the outset is essential.
The collaboration marks a significant step toward advancing responsible AI research and development, especially in the context of emerging technologies like 5G and 6G networks. Ericsson and IIT Madras aim to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in these evolving networks.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is gearing up to introduce an innovative generative AI chatbot known internally as “Gen AI Personas,” according to the sources familiar with the matter. This new chatbot, which is expected to be officially revealed during the Meta Connect event, aims to engage younger users with its colorful and dynamic behavior. Taking inspiration from the meteoric rise of ChatGPT, Meta’s new chatbot will come in various “personas” to cater to different user preferences.
Reportedly, Meta has already experimented with chatbot personas on Instagram, with some intriguing results. These personas include a “sassy robot” inspired by Bender from Futurama and an inquisitive “Alvin the Alien.” However, some concerns were raised about privacy implications, particularly with regard to data collection.
Meta intends to create numerous such chatbots, spanning a range of personalities. Additionally, the company is reportedly working on a chatbot creation tool that will allow celebrities to develop their chatbots for fan engagement. Some of these chatbots may also have a productivity focus, assisting users with coding and various tasks.
This move aligns with Meta’s broader AI initiatives, which include developing a powerful large language model to compete with OpenAI’s GPT-4. Additionally, Meta is working on an AI model to enhance its Horizon Worlds avatars. During the Meta Connect event, the company plans to delve further into its metaverse project and unveil the new Quest 3 headset.
Meghana Dhar, a former executive from Snap and Instagram, commented on the evolution of chatbots, noting that while they may not immediately scream “Gen Z,” younger users are increasingly comfortable with newer technology. Meta’s primary goal with these chatbots, like many of its products, is to engage users for longer periods, providing more opportunities to serve targeted advertisements.
Spotify has introduced an innovative artificial intelligence-powered feature that can translate podcasts into various languages while retaining the original host’s voice. Powered by OpenAI’s voice generation technology, this development aims to create “realistic synthetic voices” from short speech samples, enhancing the authenticity of the podcast listening experience.
In collaboration with prominent podcasters like Dax Shepard, Lex Fridman, Monica Padman, Steven Bartlett, and Bill Simmons, Spotify has already translated select episodes into Spanish, French, and German. These multilingual episodes will be accessible to both free users and paid subscribers in the near future.
Spanish, French, and German were chosen as the initial target languages, aligning with the preferences of Spotify‘s podcast audience. The company plans to expand this feature globally and has hinted at collaborating with more podcasters, including comedian Trevor Noah.
While specific details about the cost of this feature remain undisclosed, Spotify expressed its commitment to further enhancing podcast accessibility and global reach, indicating that this initiative is just the beginning of their efforts in this direction.
Spotify’s foray into AI-powered podcast translation represents a significant step toward breaking language barriers in the podcasting world. By preserving the host’s unique vocal characteristics while delivering content in different languages, the company aims to offer a more immersive and inclusive experience to its diverse user base.
OpenAI has announced significant enhancements to its popular generative AI assistant, ChatGPT, expanding its capabilities beyond text-based interactions. ChatGPT, known for generating essays, poems, and summaries from text prompts, is now set to support voice conversations and image-based searches.
ChatGPT can now see, hear, and speak. Rolling out over next two weeks, Plus users will be able to have voice conversations with ChatGPT (iOS & Android) and to include images in conversations (all platforms). https://t.co/uNZjgbR5Bmpic.twitter.com/paG0hMshXb
This development marks a notable evolution in the generative AI field, as OpenAI integrates voice-based assistant features with its powerful large language models (LLMs). Users can now engage in voice conversations with ChatGPT, asking it questions or requesting spontaneous tasks like crafting bedtime stories with vocal prompts.
Use your voice to engage in a back-and-forth conversation with ChatGPT. Speak with it on the go, request a bedtime story, or settle a dinner table debate.
The voice functionality is powered by a new text-to-speech model capable of producing human-like voices from text inputs. OpenAI collaborated with established voice actors to create five distinct voices and utilized the open-source Whisper speech recognition system to transcribe spoken words into text.
In addition to voice capabilities, ChatGPT users can utilize image-based queries. For example, they can upload an image and ask ChatGPT to provide explanations or instructions related to the image.
These new features will roll out to paying Plus and Enterprise subscribers over the next two weeks. To activate voice features, users must navigate to the app’s “settings” menu, select “new features,” and opt-in to voice conversations. They can then choose their preferred voice by tapping the headphone button in the top-right corner.
Initially, voice capabilities will be available in the ChatGPT Android and iOS apps on an opt-in beta basis, while image search will be accessible by default on all platforms. This expansion signifies OpenAI’s commitment to enhancing user interactions with ChatGPT and making it a more versatile and interactive AI assistant.
Bengaluru-based start-up Beyond has made headlines with its AI creation, August AI, which recently achieved exceptional results in critical medical exams. August AI successfully passed India’s National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Post Graduation (NEET PG) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Postgraduate (AIIMS PG) exams with an impressive score of 74.5 percent.
Not stopping there, it also excelled in the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) with a score of 94.8 percent, surpassing well-established AI systems like OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Google’s MedPaLM.
Anuruddh Mishra, Co-Founder & CEO of Beyond, lauded August AI’s accomplishments, highlighting its profound grasp of medical knowledge. This achievement is attributed to the innovative approach taken by August AI, which combines large language models (LLMs) with a custom orchestration layer. The result is an educational tool that facilitates personalized and natural conversations, resembling everyday messaging platforms like WhatsApp.
August AI’s unique selling point lies in its understanding of the Indian healthcare system and its focus on India-specific data. Mishra emphasized that the platform prioritizes user privacy, ensuring that all conversations remain confidential.
While August AI can provide preliminary information regarding symptoms, it does not offer diagnoses. This stance aligns with the consensus among experts, including Srinivas Chilukuri from Apollo Proton Cancer Centres, who emphasized that AI should complement, not replace, qualified healthcare professionals.
Mishra also acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in terms of cost and data collection, in the development of Generative AI for healthcare. He called for support from the healthcare ecosystem, government, technologists, and investors as they aim to expand and enhance the platform’s capabilities.
Company culture is more than just ping-pong tables and free snacks – it’s a key factor in transforming an organization and taking it to the next level. But how can you really know if your company culture is as good as you think it is? You can’t just feel the vibe out – you need data.
Measuring culture might seem intangible at first. It’s not like you can just plug “company culture” into a spreadsheet. However, with the right analytics, you can actually quantify company culture in some surprisingly concrete ways. And when you can measure culture, you can improve it.
Why Company Culture Matters
A strong company culture has some major perks – it’s like the secret sauce behind the most successful organizations. Here are some of the key benefits of investing in culture:
Improves employee retention and satisfaction. We’ve all had those soul-crushing jobs that make you want to hide in the bathroom. A positive culture keeps employees engaged and happy. HR reporting templates can track retention rates, helping you to quantify the impact of culture.
Attracts top talent. These days, culture is one of the main things candidates evaluate before joining a company. With things like remote and hybrid work on the rise, culture is even more important for attracting superstars.
Improves productivity. When employees feel aligned with company values and supported, they produce higher quality work more efficiently.
Boosts customer satisfaction. An energized and empowered team leads to better customer experiences and higher satisfaction. Research shows companies with strong cultures are 89% more likely to report high customer satisfaction.
The Role of Analytics in Measuring Culture
Analytics lets you really dig into the nuts and bolts of company culture in a way that fuzzy qualitative assessments just can’t. By looking at hard metrics—we’re talking surveys, productivity numbers, and turnover rates—you get an objective view of how your culture is actually performing.
The data doesn’t lie. Analytics highlight any problem areas that need attention fast. Maybe engagement scores show an issue brewing in a department. Or workload stats indicate one team is burning out. You can also track progress over time to see if changes move the needle on culture.
Company culture used to seem nebulous and impossible to measure. But analytics make assessing and optimizing culture a science versus an art. There are so many powerful metrics you can tap into—NPS, turnover, productivity, equity analysis, sick days—even Glassdoor reviews can give you some revealing insights that will allow you to drive real change.
Measuring Employee Sentiment
One of the best ways to take the pulse on company culture is simply surveying your people. Anonymous engagement or satisfaction surveys provide invaluable, unfiltered insights into how employees truly feel.
Pulse surveys on the regular—maybe a quick monthly or quarterly check-in—enable you to monitor mood and morale over time. Ask a few targeted questions to surface concerns. Software can instantly analyze open-ended feedback using AI to surface common themes.
Focus surveys on must-knows like manager effectiveness, workloads, DEI, values alignment, growth opportunities, and trust. Proactively monitoring sentiment allows you to quickly respond to issues and maintain a happy, healthy culture. Consider tracking eNPS or Net Promoter Scores to benchmark against others in your industry
Evaluating Company Values in Action
Are your core values actually practiced or just wall decor? Analyze behaviors and decisions against stated values. Review how leaders respond to challenges based on values like integrity. Audit policies and procedures to ensure they align with and uphold stated values. Values should be embedded in every aspect of work. Consider occasional focus groups or third-party audits to assess how espoused values measure up to reality.
Look at performance reviews, promotions, recognition programs, and day-to-day interactions through the lens of your values. When values are truly lived, it will be reflected in the employee experience. Compare employee sentiment survey results to see if there are gaps between values on paper and in practice. Course correct as needed to walk the talk.
Tracking Employee Retention and Turnover
Dig into HR data on retention rates, exit interviews, and turnover costs. Analyze length of tenure by role, team, and demographics. Spot any issues early and dig into root turnover causes. Set clear goals around improving retention. Use analytics to keep your top talent onboard.
Consider developing retention rate KPIs by department and leader. Look at trends over time and against industry benchmarks. Interview both current employees and exiters to identify drivers of retention and turnover. Monitor for potential bias in who leaves. Develop targeted strategies to improve retention of key segments. Retaining your stars impacts so much – productivity, costs, customer service, and culture.
Assessing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Regularly analyze demographics, promotion rates, compensation, and performance by gender, race, and diversity dimensions. Monitor for equity gaps, challenges, and opportunities. Survey underrepresented groups about inclusivity. Use analytics to foster a welcoming culture for all. Look at recruiting and hiring funnels through a DEI lens as well to attract diverse talent. Consider offering employee resource groups and mentoring to support inclusion.
Allyship starts from the top – ensure leaders model desired behaviors. Blind resume screening and structured interviews can reduce unconscious bias. Celebrate cultural events and occasions. There is always room for improvement on DEI – be proactive and keep it top of mind through continuous tracking and action.
Final Word
The bottom line is data doesn’t lie. Analytics empower you to objectively measure, monitor, and optimize your company culture like never before. By quantifying engagement, turnover, equity, values alignment, and more, you gain actionable insights to drive real change. Improving culture is a journey, but with the right KPIs guiding the way, you can get on track to building a workplace where top talent thrives and succeeds. And that ultimately fuels business success.
