Example Engineering Newsletter
22-Year-Old Builds Chips 🧪 & Seattle Leads in Tech Workers 💻
AI 'breakthrough': neural net has human-like ability to generalize language
Scientists have developed a neural network with the ability to make generalizations about language, similar to human cognition. This AI system outperforms the chatbot ChatGPT in folding new words into its vocabulary and using them in fresh contexts. The neural network's performance suggests a breakthrough in training networks to be systematic. The research could lead to machines that interact with people more naturally. Neural networks typically struggle with systematic generalization, unlike humans who can effortlessly use newly acquired words in different situations. The researchers tested the neural network and humans on a task involving newly learned words and found that the network performed as well as humans. The network was trained to learn from its mistakes, making it more human-like. This research could have implications for improving AI systems' conversational abilities.
The U.S. Cities With the Most Cutting-Edge Tech Workers
The Seattle area has the highest proportion of advanced tech workers in the country relative to cities with similarly sized tech workforces, according to a new ranking from the Burning Glass Institute. Seattle is beating other West Coast tech hubs in attracting talent with cutting-edge skills, while cities weighed down by legacy tech jobs fell further behind.
Feel-good story of the week: 2 ransomware gangs meet their demise
In a feel-good story of the week, two ransomware gangs have met their demise. One gang, called Trigona, was hacked by a group claiming allegiance to Ukraine and had their dark web site taken down. The other gang, Ragnar Locker, was taken down in an international police operation. The main perpetrator of Ragnar Locker was arrested in Paris, France, and their infrastructure was seized in multiple countries. Both gangs had been targeting various organizations worldwide and were known for their hacking activities. The takedowns were the result of years of investigation by law enforcement agencies.
This 22-Year-Old Builds Chips in His Parents' Garage
Sam Zeloof, a 22-year-old, builds chips in his parents' garage using salvaged and homemade equipment. He has produced a chip with 1,200 transistors and hopes to match the scale of Intel's breakthrough 4004 chip from 1971. Zeloof believes that making chipmaking more accessible to inventors without large budgets would foster new ideas in tech.
Humanoid robots face a major test with Amazon's Digit pilots
Amazon will begin testing Agility's Digit robot in its nationwide fulfillment centers. This move could be a significant moment for the humanoid robot industry. While the inclusion of Agility in Amazon's Industrial Innovation Fund doesn't guarantee future utilization of their technology, it shows Amazon's interest. Amazon Robotics has primarily focused on wheeled locomotion, but they are interested in walking robots and the potential of legs. The success or failure of Digit could have a profound impact on the trajectory of humanoid robots. Humanoid robots make sense in brownfield sites where most companies operate. Digit is not the only robot in Amazon's plans for mobile manipulation, and they are exploring interesting combinations of sensing, compute, and actuation. Amazon's expertise in both AMRs and robot arms opens up possibilities for mobile manipulation.
