AI Systems Face New Limitation
In brief
- AI systems now face a new limitation: electricity.
- The energy needed to power these systems is becoming a concern.
- Companies are using more and more energy to run their AI models.
- This is a problem because it costs a lot of money and can harm the environment.
- For example, training a single AI model can use as much energy as a car does in 5 years.
- This new limitation will change how companies plan for AI.
- They will need to think about how to use energy efficiently.
- Companies will have to find new ways to power their AI systems.
Read full story at Harvard Business Review →
More briefs
Africa's Role in Shaping Artificial Intelligence
Professor Benjamin Rosman says Africans must help shape the future of artificial intelligence. He is one of Africa's leading voices in artificial intelligence research. He thinks AI risks reinforcing existing inequalities if entire regions are absent from the conversation. The Pope's encyclical Magnifica humanitas talks about the importance of including all perspectives in AI discussions. Rosman wants Africa to have a seat at the table where key AI decisions are made. He believes this is a question of agency and responsibility. Africa will likely play a bigger role in AI development in the future.
Investor Compares AI Job Fears to Industrial Revolution
Venture capitalist Bill Gurley said fears about AI eliminating jobs are similar to concerns during the Industrial Revolution. He pointed out that the Industrial Revolution led to a rise in living standards, with the workweek decreasing from over 60 hours to 34 hours globally and real wages increasing 8 to 10 times. Gurley cited specific figures to support his claim, including a decrease in global poverty from roughly 75% to under 10%. He believes that innovation and technology have historically led to more prosperity for humans and sees no reason why AI will be different. Historically, innovation has led to more prosperity for humans, and Gurley expects AI to follow this pattern, leading to more prosperity in the future.
Americans Lost $893 Million to AI Scams
Americans lost $893 million to AI-related scams last year. This includes voice cloning attacks and AI-generated phishing emails. Scammers can mimic anyone's voice with just a few seconds of real audio. They use this to demand money from victims. Experts say most people cannot tell the difference between a real voice and a fake one. AI voice scams will likely continue to target people in the future.
Small Businesses Learn AI
A new program is teaching small businesses to use artificial intelligence. Shelly Stotzer enrolled her entire team at SkillSpout, an AI training program for small businesses. The training is important because many small businesses are using AI. In 2025, 58% of small firms used generative AI, up from 40% the year before. Now 76% of small businesses are using or exploring AI. Small businesses are moving fast to adopt AI, and programs like SkillSpout will help them master the technology.
AI-Generated Art Sparks Debate
A student was arrested for destroying AI-generated artwork at a university gallery. The artwork was made by a fellow student using AI algorithms. The incident raises questions about the value of AI-generated art. 57 images were destroyed. The student who destroyed the art said it should not be shown with human-made art. New research shows people often cannot tell if art or music is made by humans or AI. The line between human and AI creativity will continue to blur.