AI for good - the Robotic Dog takes out the Communications #ai awards for 2025

 Big congratulations to Sarath Kodagoda for winning the AI Prize with his groundbreaking AI-driven robotic guide dog!

Designed to assist individuals with vision impairment, this smart companion can:

• Interpret user intentions
•  Navigate complex environments (like train stations!)
• Provide auditory and haptic feedback
•  Learn “socially acceptable” navigation – like avoiding walking between people mid-conversation!

More than just a mobility aid, it guides, describes surroundings, answers questions, and even helps users find a coffee shop and choose a seat and menu item.

Built in collaboration with Guide Dogs and the UTS Robotics Institute, this modular, evolving innovation is set to transform accessibility and independence for thousands.

An inspiring leap for inclusive AI – and proof that tech with heart changes lives.

#AI #Accessibility #Robotics #Innovation #GuideDogs #UTS #SocialImpact #TechForGood

https://www.afr.com/technology/this-walking-talking-robot-guide-dog-is-leading-the-way-politely-20250515-p5lzkn

VC Firm raises $250m so that AI can replace analysts to make Venture Capital Investment Devin’s

In 2022 Nik Storonsky , the founder of Revolut launched QuantumLight, an AI-driven investment platform that replaces traditional investors with machine intelligence and not only scaled a $45B fintech company - he’s now raised $250m and is challenging the entire venture capital model.

No coffee meetings.

No partner pitches.

No “gut feel.”

Instead, the system ingests over 10 billion data points across 700,000+ venture-backed startups. It looks for correlations, anomalies, and signals that even the sharpest GPs might miss.

So far?

It’s working. Their AI-led investments are outperforming top-tier VCs by 2x.

We already rely on #AI in trading, underwriting, even diagnosing disease.

So why are we still backing startups with human bias, pattern recognition, and anecdotal conviction?

versus 

a system that’s less emotional, more scalable, and possibly more accurate.

“Should we remove humans from the investment decisions entirely.”

Will QuantumLight  replace humans or enable humans to make investment decisions 

How important is human bias, pattern recognition, and anecdotal conviction?

Can AI truly understand the founder journey?

The vision, resilience, and timing that often live between the data points?

What happens to VC when the pitch deck matters less than the dataset?

Would love to hear your take in the comment 👇

Source Valerie Bartel - venture Capital Invedtor in Silicone Valley

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