Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence recently released its latest AI Index report – and no surprise here: AI's impact is on the rise. Industry is now leading the charge, with 51 machine-learning models released in the last year alone.

Yet, as AI advances, public anxiety also rises—55% report unease about AI products and services, with many Americans more concerned than excited. That's why we started this newsletter—to help demystify AI, and highlight safe, reputable tools that enhance our lives.

This week, we’ve got biotech’s big AI bet, autonomous AI lawnmowers, Salvador Dali’s AI magic, and our (newest!) favorite image generator.

Let’s dive in!

Biotech’s AI Infusion

AI assistants like OpenAI’s ChatGPT are rapidly being adopted across industries. Now big pharma is getting in on the action - starting with Covid vaccine maker Moderna.

You'll recall Moderna burst onto the scene during the pandemic with its pioneering mRNA vaccine technology. Now, the biotech company is pioneering a new frontier - giving employees their own personalized AI chatbots.

Moderna, which initially partnered with OpenAI in early 2023, has been integrating ChatGPT to increase workflow and innovation. The goal? To accelerate development of 15 new vaccines and drugs over the next five years. 

One example of the AI tools created during the pilot phase is “Dose ID” -- designed to verify vaccine doses before clinical testing phases.

Moderna released a slickly produced video showcasing ChatGPT’s adoption that’s worth watching. You can view it here.

Other pharma giants like Amgen and Genmab are also unleashing generative AI across their workforces. Meanwhile, AI drug discovery startups are scoring billion-dollar funding rounds. Big pharma clearly sees powerful potential in putting AI to work. We’re hoping that means speeding up delivery of life-saving treatments to patients.

AI Lawncare

Spring is in full bloom, bringing with it the relentless roar of lawnmowers as they spruce up yards nationwide. We’re intrigued by the idea of a near future where the deafening sound is replaced by quiet, efficient AI-powered robots.

Welcome to the new world of autonomous mowers that can cut grass, trim the edges, and blow away debris.

San Francisco-based Electric Sheep Robotics Inc. is one company that’s leading the charge using proprietary artificial intelligence. Its latest model, Verdi, is modeled after cinematic robots WALL-E and R2-D2 and designed to be both sustainable and emission-free. The company says its goal is to be the first large-scale outdoor maintenance company powered by AI and robotics. You can watch their demo video here.

Some well-known players are also looking to shake up the $1 trillion outdoor maintenance market where labor shortages have plagued the industry. Check out the AI-powered Segway Navimow i Series robot lawn mower. Following its European launch earlier this year, Navimow is now available in the US. It starts at $999 and can tackle yards up to a quarter of an acre in size without the need for boundary wires.

For expansive lawns, Husqvarna offers a high-end solution with their wireless Automower 450X EPOS, capable of grooming areas up to 2.5 acres.

As more companies from the robotic vacuum sector enter this growing market, expect the competition to heat up. In a world where technology routinely outpaces human effort, the grass may just be greener on the automated side.

Ask AI Dali

Salvador Dalí once filled a limousine with cauliflowers just to make an entrance — imagine the conversations he could've sparked with today's tech gurus! While Dalí himself left the party in 1989, his eccentric spirit and surreal charm are making a virtual comeback.

Just in time for what would have been the iconic surrealist's 120th birthday, the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, has rolled out its "Ask Dalí" exhibit.

This high-tech homage harnesses the latest in AI technology, allowing museum-goers to engage in lively banter with a digital Dalí. Dalí himself helped establish the museum which opened in 1982 and currently houses the largest collection of his works outside of Spain. Check out the “Ask Dali” teaser video here.

The AI-audio experience is powered by several modern machine-learning models, including GPT-4 from OpenAI and Eleven V2 from ElevenLabs. The result is a remarkably lifelike replica of Dalí, complete with his distinctive accent and whimsical sense of humor.

Positioned beside a replica of his famous Lobster telephone, you can pick up the receiver, pose your question, and instantly — Dalí talks back. With over 3,000 questions answered — ranging from profound musings on love and death to the perfectly puzzling "Why are the clocks melting?" — this digital Dalí has been busy redefining artistic interaction.

While some may question the ethics of voice cloning, the Dali exhibit shows a playful and culturally enriching side to AI, bringing a slice of the surreal into our very real world. Imagine museums all over the world generating novel ways to meet artists, spark curiousity and gain knowledge.

As Dalí himself might say if he could see it now, "The only difference between me and a madman is that I am not mad... about being back!"

AI Creative Pursuits

Looking for a creativity boost? We've tested tons of prompt-based AI image generators, but most fall short—either they're too complicated, or the results are just meh. Then we found Freepik, which has taken our imaginations to a whole new level.

Already known for stock images, videos, and content, Freepik’s Pikaso AI image generator is incredibly simple to use and delivers amazing results.

With Freepik, you can create endless versions of the same image with a single click. Its intuitive prompts turn basic inputs into stunning visuals, giving you the freedom to mix and match colors, settings, characters, or scenes with incredible versatility and precision.

We tried this simple prompt:  A black and white spotted teacup pig sitting in a wheelbarrow in a field of daisies.

Almost instantly, we were treated to four variations on the same theme with the option to generate more.  If you don't love what you get, you can hit the "Edit Online" button to switch up the color (pastels, gold glow, vibrant), framing (cinematic, panoramic, closeup), and lighting (dramatic, golden hour, long exposure).

The best part? You get up to 10 free AI image generations per day, and the downloads are watermark-free and copyright-free. There's a paid plan for those who want more bells and whistles, but the free version is plenty to get you hooked.

Sure, graphic designers will love this, but it's also perfect for anyone who’s got a hidden artist just waiting to break free. So, what are you waiting for?

AI in the News (in case you missed it)

• Young professionals are increasingly pursuing AI-proof jobs. Read here.

• Can AI treat dyslexia?  Watch here.

• 8 Newspapers sue OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement. Read here.

• AI tool may help detect cancer in a few minutes with a drop of blood. Read here.

• The Simpsons re-imagined as real-life people in a 1950s-style show using AI. Read here.

Did you receive this from a friend, colleague, or family member? Please subscribe.

Have you tried a new AI-powered product? Let us know what you think.

Know anyone who might like our newsletter? Forward it , and help grow our community!

Here.Now.AI Editorial team: Lori, Justin, and Lisa