AI is playing a role in the Russia-Ukraine War through the use of autonomous attack drones and battlefield data analysis, according to Fortune. Both Russia and Ukraine are using drones with autonomous capabilities and could be using AI to analyze drone surveillance footage and other data. More: - AI has also been used to create fake profile photos for Russian-linked disinformation campaigns and could be used to generate deepfakes, according to reports.
- In November, Vladimir Putin told defense officials to further develop the country's drone technology and arsenal, "in particular through the use of artificial intelligence and the latest scientific and technological advances."
- This comes after CNA released a report describing how Russia is pursuing AI autonomous weapons to modernize its military and is relying on China as a high-tech partner.
- The report lists a number of AI/autonomous platforms under development by the Russian military, including specialized mines, vehicles, and an anthropomorphic robot.
- Russian military strategists are working to establish "information dominance on the battlefield," which includes data to support AI-enhanced technologies, it found.
Zoom-out: - In 2017, Putin said whoever leads in AI development "will become the ruler of the world." If Russia reigns, it will "share its technology with the rest of the world, like we are doing now with atomic and nuclear technology," Putin said at the time.
- Meanwhile, Russia is among the countries to oppose an outright ban on lethal autonomous weapons systems. Others include the U.S., Japan, Australia, South Korea, and India.
- In December, UN representatives from 120+ countries failed to reach a consensus on how to regulate the AI-guided robots and technologies, which can operate, select, and potentially kill targets without any human intervention.
- Russia's advancements in AI and robotics, especially for its military, give it the potential to "undermine U.S. strategic interests," according to a Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) study.
FORTUNE 
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FTX, a crypto exchange platform, announced a multi-million dollar fund to invest in AI and other projects that "improve humanity's long-term prospects." On the fund's website, FTX listed the safe development of artificial intelligence as one of its key areas of interest. In a list of project ideas, AI alignment prizes, AI-based cognitive aids, and AI ethics were in the top three. More: - The Future Fund, as it's called, also named AI as the top "development most likely to dramatically alter the trajectory of humanity this century."
- It listed AI transparency, interpretability, and algorithmic bias as some of the critical challenges facing humanity right now.
- The fund also described serious problems stemming from AI, which include a potential loss of control over AI systems and a concentration of power among AI-leading countries that misuse the technology.
The fund: - The FTX Future Fund said it will distribute $100M+ to projects across AI and other disciplines this year.
- It could potentially invest as much as $1B depending on how many and what types of projects it supports.
- FTX noted a particular interest in "massively scalable projects."
- The effort is primarily funded by FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, the wealthiest person in crypto, whose net worth is $24.5B.
- Nonprofits and for-profits have until March 21 to apply for the first funding round.
COINTELEGRAPH
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 Baidu beat analysts' forecasts for total revenue in Q4, driven by growth in its AI and cloud-computing business. The Chinese search engine giant experienced strong growth in its non-advertising business, particularly in Baidu AI Cloud, according to co-founder and CEO Robin Li. The Beijing-based company previously said its "diversified AI portfolio," including self-driving, robotaxis, smart EVs, and smart devices, positions it well for longer-term growth. More: - In the fourth quarter, Baidu's revenue grew to 33.09 billion yuan ($5.24B), beating analyst estimates of 32.22 billion yuan ($5.1B).
- Its cloud computing and artificial intelligence business helped the company weather a marked slowdown in its core online search advertising business.
- Its growth in AI includes self-driving vehicles and infrastructure:
- During its World Conference in August, the Google counterpart unveiled an autonomous robocar.
- Rides in its Apollo Go autonomous ride-hailing group nearly doubled in Q4, reaching 213,300. It also began charging fees for the robotaxi services on Beijing's open roads in November.
- Baidu and Jidu Automotive aim to mass-produce and deliver a Level 4 autonomous electric vehicle by 2023.
REUTERS
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Qventus, which offers AI-powered software to improve health care operations, raised a $50M growth investment led by private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners and strategic investor Premier Inc. The company's platform uses patient data and AI/ML to improve patient flow and operations. For example, it can offer a suggestion to prioritize a patient's release, freeing up their bed more quickly. More: - Other investors included Thedacare, along with Bessemer Venture Partners, Mayfield Fund, and Norwest Venture Partners.
- The investment and partnerships will help Qventus expand its AI platform to more U.S.-based health systems and reach more providers.
- Qventus says its software can reduce excess days at hospitals by 30 to 50%, generate two more operating room cases every month, and lower patients' length of stay by up to a full day.
- Its partners include Boston Medical Center, HonorHealth, M Health Fairview, Mercy, and Saint Luke's Health System.
- Qventus has raised $93M to date.
AXIOS
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GM's Cruise and Alphabet's Waymo received permits to begin charging fares for autonomous vehicle rides in California. The commercial robotaxi rides are required to have backup safety drivers. More: - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) granted the Drivered Deployment permits this week. Prior to the permission, Cruise and Waymo could offer passenger rides but couldn't charge fares.
- Cruise is limited to robotaxi services of up to 30 mph in certain parts of San Francisco at night. Meanwhile, Waymo can operate the commercial service 24 hours a day in specific areas of San Francisco and San Mateo counties at up to 65 mph.
- The companies have been testing driverless rides across San Francisco, but have yet to receive permits from CPUC to charge fares without safety drivers.
- Cruise applied for a driverless deployment permit from the agency but has yet to receive a response.
PC MAG
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 |  | Beth is an Inside Analyst and a former public policy/investigative reporter. She has covered AI, VR, technology, and e-commerce for Inside. When she's not busy writing, she's hiking in Arizona's desert, playing pickleball, or trying out new Mexican food recipes. |   | | Editor | Aaron Crutchfield is based in the high desert of California. Over the last two decades, he has spent time writing and editing at various local newspapers and defense contractors in California. When he's not working, he can often be found looking at the latest memes with his kids or working on his 1962 Ford. | |
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