This Week in AI: Advancements and Acquisitions
This week in artificial intelligence (AI) has been marked by significant developments across various sectors, from quantum computing to robotics and large language models. Here’s a summary of the key highlights.
Microsoft Achieves Quantum Breakthrough
Microsoft has announced a major breakthrough in quantum computing: the creation of the world’s first ‘topoconductor.’ This new form of matter isn’t a solid, liquid, or gas, but it forms the core of their new quantum chip, Majorana 1. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated in a LinkedIn post that this innovation should allow for the creation of useful quantum computers within years, rather than decades.
Quantum computing, long hampered by instability, errors, and high costs, requires significant scaling to become practical. The topoconductor aims for a more stable qubit—the quantum bit used for processing information in quantum computers. These qubits are faster, more reliable, and smaller, with a potential path to a million-qubit processor.
Figure’s Humanoid Robots Showcase Novel Skills
AI startup Figure has unveiled its Helix model, showcasing humanoid robots capable of complex tasks like putting away groceries. These robots can see, understand language, and perform actions, including picking up a variety of objects and determining where to place them. This advancement addresses a key challenge in humanoid robotics: adapting to new tasks in real-world environments.
Figure has ambitions to introduce the robots in factories and warehouses, with a long-term vision of deployment in homes.
Musk’s xAI Introduces Grok 3
Elon Musk’s xAI has introduced Grok 3, its latest large language model (LLM), aiming to rival AI models from OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and DeepSeek. Grok 3 was trained with double the computing power as Grok 2. The ongoing performance race between AI models sees Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic also preparing upcoming releases.
HP Acquires Humane
Humane’s AI Pin, a wearable AI-powered device, is being acquired by HP for $116 million. The AI Pin, designed to replace smartphones, faced negative reviews due to slow processing, a clunky interface, overheating, and a subscription fee.
HP plans to integrate Humane’s technology and staff within its new AI innovation lab, HP IQ, and integrate their tech into computers and printers. The 10,000 early adopters of the AI Pin were told their devices will no longer work after February 28.
