This Week’s BIG thing

AI Safety Deals on the Horizon

OpenAI and Anthropic have forged significant agreements with the US government to advance AI safety and transparency. These partnerships involve granting the US AI Safety Institute access to their most sophisticated AI models for thorough testing and evaluation, aiming to mitigate risks associated with AI misuse and unforeseen consequences. As reported by Reuters, this collaboration is poised to set new standards in responsible AI development. Furthermore, Anthropic has demonstrated a commitment to openness by releasing detailed system prompt guides, enhancing transparency and understanding of their AI systems' inner workings.

Why You Should Care

For professionals in project delivery sectors such as construction, energy, and infrastructure, these developments are particularly pertinent. AI technologies are increasingly integral to optimising project management, enhancing efficiency, and reducing costs. The collaboration between OpenAI, Anthropic, and the US government ensures that these AI tools are not only powerful but also safe and reliable. According to The Verge, this initiative will help "prevent potential abuses and ensure AI systems operate within ethical and secure boundaries." Such assurances are essential for building trust and facilitating broader adoption of AI solutions in complex projects, ultimately driving productivity and innovation across the industry.

 The rabbit hole 🐰

To explore this topic further, consider examining how these agreements might influence global AI regulatory frameworks and standards. The detailed disclosures in Anthropic's system prompts documentation offer a unique opportunity to understand the nuances of AI operations, which could inform best practices in your projects. Additionally, analysing the potential impacts of enhanced AI safety measures on future project delivery methodologies can provide valuable insights. Will increased oversight and transparency lead to more robust and adaptable AI applications tailored to the specific needs of industries like real estate and property development? Delving into these questions can help you stay ahead in leveraging AI for effective and secure project outcomes.

What’s new: Tech

Amazon’s new 'Remarkable' Alexa: A game-changer in voice assistants with Claude AI integration

This year, Amazon are set to roll out a significantly upgraded version of its Alexa voice assistant, now powered by the frontier LLM model Claude AI from Anthropic. This marks a major pivot for Amazon, after recognising the limitations of its in-house AI, they are competing on all fronts, by partnering with the AI giant who are also leading the way in AI transparency.

What’s New and Exciting?

• Conversational depth and memory: Alexa will engage in more fluid and context-aware conversations, remembering details from past interactions to enhance user experience. Memory is king!

• Complex task handling: From ordering dinner to drafting emails, Alexa will be able to manage intricate tasks through a single voice command. We are skeptical of this, as AI hasn’t done that well in being able to execute end-to-end tasks like ordering food historically.

• Tailored recommendations: Expect highly personalised suggestions for shopping, news, and entertainment based on your habits and preferences.

• Smarter home automation: Alexa will better understand and anticipate your needs, remembering preferences to automate tasks like adjusting the lights or playing your favourite music. This connection to smart homes, brings a new level of interaction with AI.

• Detailed Assistance: Whether you're shopping for a specific item or need advice on a complex query, Alexa will provide in-depth guidance and recommendations.

A Much Needed Pricing Model: Free vs. Premium

Amazon plans to introduce a subscription model for the ‘Remarkable’ Alexa, with monthly fees expected to range from $5 to $10. This premium service will run alongside a free ‘Classic’ version of Alexa, which will continue to offer basic features.

This move to a paid model reflects Amazon's strategy to recoup some of the significant investments made in developing Alexa. However, with consumers accustomed to free AI services, it remains to be seen whether this approach will succeed.

Competing in the AI-Assistant Arena

With this partnership, Amazon positions itself to compete with other tech giants who are also integrating advanced AI into their smart assistants:

• Apple is embedding OpenAI’s ChatGPT into Siri as part of its new Apple Intelligence suite in iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. (Supposed release Q4 2024)

• Google has launched its AI assistant, Gemini, which comes with a $20 monthly subscription for advanced features. (Already launched)

Why should you care? 🫵

LLM’s being integrated into AI assistants like Alexa and Siri are set to transform how we interact with technology in our daily lives and at work. For everyday uses, this means more natural and conversational interactions with AI, making it easier to complete complex tasks like scheduling or shopping with just a simple voice command. At the same time, for project professionals, getting project insights via voice offer’s a new dimension for accessing project information. We’re often blinded by heavy visual reports, that this approach is refreshing and in cases can improve communication much like getting clarification via a call after reading an ambiguous email. As these AI assistants become more capable, they’ll not only simplify routine tasks but also support more informed, efficient, and personalised workflows, blending seamlessly into both our personal and professional lives.

The rabbit hole 🐰

• 🔗 An intro by Reuters, Why Amazon turned to Anthropic’s Claude

• 🔗 Ever wondered why its taken so long for voice assistants to incorporate LLM’s?

• 🔗 Why this development is the key for the survival of Alexa

• 🔗 Apples similar movements to come later this year

• https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/30/amazon-launching-new-alexa-claude-ai/

💙 Other project news we’re loving

• _{🌎 Will AI be humanities final invention? An excellent high-production video}

• _{⛏️ AI simulated civilisation in Minecraft}

• 🌠 _{Midjourney teasing hardware}

• 👾 _{Google AI creating personalised generative gaming: DOOM!}

• 🤖 _{What do LLM’s picture themselves to look like?}

• _{Perplexity AI to Start Running Search Ads in Q4
  Perplexity AI plans to introduce search ads by the fourth quarter of 2024, marking its entry into the competitive AI-powered search market.
  Read more}

• _{Eric Schmidt’s AI Prophecy
  Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt shares his vision for AI’s future, predicting profound societal impacts and the rise of AI-driven decision-making.
  Read more}

• _{Cerebras Unveils Instant-Speed AI Inference
  Cerebras introduces its latest AI technology, promising instant-speed inference capabilities that could revolutionise AI applications across industries.
  Read more}

• _{OpenAI Valuation Set to Surpass $100 Billion with Potential Investments from Apple and Nvidia
  OpenAI is in talks to raise funding that could value it at over $100 billion, with tech giants Apple and Nvidia reportedly considering investments to capitalise on AI's growing influence.
  Read more | Read more | Read more}

What’s new: Projects

What's New in Projects: UK Government Funds 98 AI Projects to Boost Economy

The UK government has taken a step towards enhancing the country's economic resilience by awarding £32 million to 98 cutting-edge AI projects. This funding, administered through the Technology Missions Fund, is designed to support a diverse range of initiatives across key sectors, including construction, energy, and healthcare.

 The primary goal is to harness AI's potential to improve productivity, create high-skilled jobs, and position the UK as a global leader in digital transformation.

In the construction industry, several of the funded projects are expected to develop AI-driven solutions that could revolutionise how projects are managed and delivered. From AI-enhanced resource management to improving site safety and automating complex tasks, these innovations promise to streamline processes and reduce costs, paving the way for more efficient and effective project delivery.

This substantial investment reflects the UK government’s commitment to fostering technological innovation as a means to drive economic growth. By targeting industries that are vital to the nation's infrastructure, these AI projects aim to address some of the most pressing challenges while setting the stage for future advancements​ UKRI

 Why You Should Care

This government funding represents a significant opportunity. The introduction of AI into project workflows could lead to breakthroughs in efficiency, cost management, and safety, all of which are critical factors in successful project outcomes.

💙 Other Tech news we’re loving

• _{AI Enhancing Weather Forecasting: AI is changing weather forecasting, particularly in predicting extreme events like hurricanes. By processing vast amounts of data more efficiently, AI offers more accurate and timely forecasts, potentially saving lives. Read more.}

• _{Meta Offering Millions for AI Voices: Meta is reportedly offering millions to secure Hollywood voices, such as Judi Dench and Awkwafina, for its AI projects. This move aims to enhance AI-driven voice assistants with celebrity appeal. Read more and here.}

• _{Developing an Effective AI Policy: Creating a robust AI policy is crucial for businesses to ensure ethical, legal, and strategic use of AI technologies. Bernard Marr outlines key steps, including setting clear objectives, addressing data privacy, and ensuring transparency. Read more.}

• _{Sterling and Autodesk Integration Announced: Sterling has announced a significant integration with Autodesk, enhancing BIM capabilities and streamlining workflows in digital construction. This partnership aims to improve efficiency and project delivery across the industry. Read more.}

What’s new: Productivity

Productivity Insights: Coding with AI – Lessons from Eric Schluntz

Eric Schluntz, co-founder of Cobalt Robotics, recently shared an eye-opening experience in which a broken hand forced him to rely on AI tools to write code. In his article, Schluntz describes how, after a biking accident, he could only type with one hand. To maintain productivity, he turned to AI—specifically Claude, an AI developed by Anthropic, where he works.

Schluntz's situation became an inadvertent experiment in the future of coding, where AI handles much of the routine work. Over two months, he found that AI could do more than just assist; it could take the lead. Using a combination of voice-to-text and AI, Schluntz managed to write over 3,000 lines of code in a week, much of it boilerplate but nonetheless impressive given his physical limitation.

He outlined several key lessons from this experience:

1. AI as a Co-Pilot: Schluntz leveraged AI to refactor code, write unit tests, and even build tools on the fly. By providing clear instructions and examples, he found that AI could efficiently handle repetitive tasks, leaving him to focus on more complex and creative aspects of development.

2. Efficiency Gains: The use of AI in his workflow allowed Schluntz to maintain high productivity despite his physical constraints. He argues that this experience shows how AI can empower developers to work faster and more effectively, particularly in tasks that require pattern recognition or bulk code generation.

3. Future of Software Development: Schluntz envisions a future where AI is not just an assistant but an integral part of the development process. He suggests that tools like Claude could evolve into "AI Engineers," capable of handling end-to-end tasks autonomously, thus freeing human developers to focus on high-level problem-solving and innovation.

 For more insights and a detailed account of his experience, you can read the full article on his website here.

Why You Should Care

For professionals in project delivery, Eric Schluntz's experience highlights the growing potential of AI to revolutionise coding workflows. As AI tools become more sophisticated, integrating them into your processes could lead to significant gains in productivity and innovation. This shift allows developers to focus on strategic tasks while AI handles the more repetitive aspects of coding.

Additionally, skilful AI collaboration may become a critical competitive edge in the industry. Those who master these tools will likely find themselves at the forefront of software development, capable of delivering projects faster, with higher quality and greater efficiency. Embracing AI now not only prepares you for the future but also positions your projects to be more competitive and innovative in an increasingly AI-driven world.

💙 Other productivity news we’re loving

• _{ChatGPT Now Offers Two Free Images Daily: OpenAI has updated ChatGPT, allowing users to generate up to two images per day for free. This feature aims to make AI-generated imagery more accessible to a broader audience. Read more and here.}

• _{Apple's Intelligence Prompts Unveiled: Apple’s newly revealed "Intelligence Prompts" offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the company is directing its AI to enhance user experiences. These instructions guide AI in making decisions across various Apple services, highlighting their approach to balancing functionality with privacy. Read more.}
  

Events

Join us for the upcoming Project Data Analytics (PDA) Taskforce Meetup on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM BST at Gleeds, 95 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6XF.

This event will feature Martin Paver, CEO of Projecting Success, and Donnie MacNicol, a major project delivery expert. They will debate the future of risk management, contrasting traditional methods with innovative variance analytics. Don’t miss this chance to engage in a lively discussion and explore how AI and advanced data analytics are reshaping risk management.

Sign up here to secure your spot.

Project Flux Podcast

Watch our latest podcast episodes 👇

Weekly Pulse Recap: Will a Global AI Divide Create a Dangerous Two-Tiered System?

In Episode 7 of the Project Flux Weekly Pulse podcast, the team delves into the implications of emerging AI policies and technological advancements. Key topics include:

• The EU AI Act: The world's first comprehensive AI law, now in effect, could potentially stifle innovation and create a global divide, limiting AI tool accessibility and usage.

• UK AI Plan: The UK government's approach to AI adoption remains unclear, with mixed signals and changes in funding for AI infrastructure projects raising concerns about progress.

• Universal Basic Income: The discussion explores whether AI advancements could make universal basic income a reality, questioning the future of work in an AI-driven world.

• OpenAI's Voice Feature: The rollout of this feature is highlighted, showing promise in hands-free operations, particularly within project teams.

• Digital Tool Adoption in Construction: The construction industry is scrutinised for its slow adoption of digital tools, with many companies still reliant on basic software like Microsoft Excel

The episode underscores the importance of education, awareness, and accessibility in driving AI adoption, particularly in industries lagging behind in digital transformation.

For more detailed insights, subscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter and listen to the full episode.

Spotlight Series Recap: Delivering Projects in the Shortest Time with Ali Mafi

In Episode 17 of the Spotlight Series, Ali Mafi, founder of Timist, discusses the critical importance of time management in project delivery. Drawing from his experience in construction management and lean thinking, Ali emphasises the need for precise measurement and real-time management of project timelines. He highlights how Timist, his project delivery system, helps projects finish ahead of schedule by prioritising tasks and continuously monitoring progress to identify bottlenecks.

Ali also delves into the challenges of adopting such an approach, especially in overcoming traditional methodologies. He uses the analogy of a SatNav to explain how real-time data can guide project teams to make smarter, faster decisions. Moreover, he explores the role of AI and robotics in enhancing project management, suggesting that with the right tools, even humans could potentially outperform robots in project delivery.

Key takeaways from the episode include the necessity of task prioritisation, the benefits of daily monitoring, and the potential of AI to revolutionise project management.

One More Thing

AI pioneer Andrew Ng is confident that AI is far from hitting a wall. He believes major breakthroughs are imminent, with current capabilities surpassing what's been deployed so far. Exciting advances are just around the corner.

Learn more about Andrew Ng here.

Meet Project Flux: About Us

At Project Flux, we're committed to pioneering the future of construction and project delivery through the lens of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence insights. Our vision is to be at the forefront of integrating AI into the fabric of project delivery, transforming how projects are conceptualised, planned, and executed.

Our Mission Project Flux aims to not only inform and educate but also to inspire professionals in the construction industry to embrace the transformative potential of AI. We believe in the power of AI to revolutionise project delivery, making it more efficient, predictive, and adaptable to the dynamic demands of the modern world.

What We Offer Through our insightful newsletters, podcasts and curated content on LinkedIn, and engaging discussions, Project Flux serves as a resource for professionals seeking to stay ahead in their field. We offer a blend of practical advice, thought leadership, and the latest developments in AI and construction technology.

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