The man who wants his cars to make their own decisions is ironically warning against the technology driving it.

Artificial intelligence (AI), especially a deep human-like intelligence embedded in a computer network, is dangerous, Elon Musk warns.

Microsoft has released Seeing AI — a smartphone app that uses computer vision to describe the world for the visually impaired. With the app downloaded, the users can point their phone’s camera at a person and it’ll say who they are and how they’re feeling. They can also point it at a product and it’ll tell them what it is. All of this is done using artificial intelligence that runs locally on their phone.

Hi Readers

Welcome to our very first newsletter. The Artificial Intelligence Forum of New Zealand (AIFNZ) connects innovators, researchers, educators, regulators, investors and entrepreneurs. It has been a busy establishment period for the Forum as we set up our team and begin organising our programme for the year ahead.

A Digital Human, in a business application is more than a pretty face – it is an omni-channel interface that uses AI and continual learning to emulate a live human experience. This is achieved through the simulation of human tone, expression and emotional intelligence to create an amazing experience between customer and AI.

Cloud accounting provider Xero is using its sturdy revenue growth to further cash in on the artificial intelligence and machine learning space, calling it the next era of accounting innovation.

The dual ASX- and NZX-listed company recently posted an annualised revenue of $NZ360million ($A340 million) and said its operating cashflow hit break-even in the second half of the financial year ending March 31.

Substantial increases in the near future uses of AI applications include more self driving cars, healthcare diagnostics and targeted treatment and physical assistance for elder care. 

The recently released Artificial Intelligence and Life in 2030 is the first report from the One Hundred Year Study on Artificial Intelligence (AI100).   Stanford University invited thought leaders to be involved in the 100 year effort to study and anticipate how the effects of artificial intelligence will ripple through every aspect of how people live, work and play.  

The economic and social impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to be dramatic, but New Zealand is preparing for the significant change with the establishment of a forum dedicated to AI.   Last month, the Hon Paul Goldsmith welcomed the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Forum of New Zealand (AIFNZ) which has set out to raise the level of awareness of AI in New Zealand.   

The Artificial Intelligence Forum of New Zealand (AIFNZ) sets out to raise awareness and the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in New Zealand.  The rapid development of AI technologies presents both major opportunities and challenges for our country.  From creating world leading AI businesses, applying AI to industry and discussion on the broader implications for society, New Zealand needs to actively engage with AI in order to secure future prosperity.

The numerous benefits from advances in AI based technologies depend entirely on the environment in which they evolve, says the Royal Society.  According to a new report from the UK’s science academy, urgent consideration should be given to the 'careful stewardship' needed over the next decade to ensure that machine learning, benefit all in society.