Researchers from Duke University have created a system equipped with AI, which examines the masks to find the one that will be most effective in the fight against the COVID-19. The system consists of a black box, laser and camera and by counting the drops that come out during speech, selects the best mask. During the conversation, the drops in the air hit the laser light across the box. Then the camera registers the water molecules they emit. Finally, the algorithm calculates the number of drops produced by measuring the amount of light scattered by these molecules. The greatest protection was provided by matching N95 masks, followed by three-layer surgical masks. Here more information.
Researchers at Cambridge University have created a touchless “touch” screen, using artificial intelligence that predicts users’ intentions before touching the display. The screen can also be used in cars, but the need to use it has been noted especially during pandemic. This is due to the fact that the coronavirus can remain on plastic and glass between two hours and a week, which means that touchscreens in public places must be constantly disinfected. This technology works by predicting where the user is going to touch the screen when their hand starts moving towards it. More information tutaj.
The Court of Appeal of Wales has ruled that the facial recognition program used by the South Wales Police Department is illegal. The trial was brought last year by Ed Bridges, supported by the human rights organization Liberty, arguing that the facial scan is a violation of his civil rights. However, he lost the case, then appealed because he claimed that facial recognition technology may be incompatible with privacy and data protection laws and may be discriminatory. This became the first winning process for the use of facial recognition technology by the police. The Court found that the police were too free to choose who could be included in the list of observations and where to place the system’s cameras, as these criteria are too general. More information tutaj.
The King of Saudi Arabia has approved the Artificial Intelligence strategy which is expected to increase gross domestic product (GDP) by about 500 billion rivalries (133 billion USD) by 2030. The government is undertaking educational reforms to ensure that students acquire digital skills for future work with AI technology and others such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain. The government is working with the Ministry of Education to adapt school and university programs to the future needs. More information tutaj.
The British Lincolnshire Police are going to try a face recognition system that also recognizes people’s moods. The police will use CCTV footage to look for specific moods and facial expressions. The police has received funding from the Home Office, but testing of the programme has been delayed for ethical reasons. Before starting work, they have to check that the system does not violate human rights and privacy. More information tutaj.
