We’re continually amazed by the rapid pace of AI adoption. Here’s something that caught our eye -- Runway AI, an AI video tool company, is hosting its 2nd annual AI Film Festival in NYC this week, following a successful event in LA last week. The bi-coastal festival is generating buzz due to its incredible growth: submissions jumped to 3,000 this year from just 300 last year.

There’s no doubt, AI will have a profound and lasting impact on the art of filmmaking.

In this week’s edition, we look at how humanoid robots are poised to reshape the workplace, AI-generated headshots, an AI-powered toothbrush to brighten your smile, and a chatbot hack you’ll love.

Don’t miss how country music star Randy Travis got his voice back after suffering a stroke — with a little help from AI. Now, let’s dive in!

Rise of the (Humanoid) Robots

News about generative AI chatbots may have been stealing the limelight lately, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how AI is reshaping the technological landscape.

Get ready for the booming field of intelligent robotics – where human-machine collaboration is rapidly translating science fiction into workplace reality.

Vancouver-based Sanctuary AI is a company “on a mission to create the world's first human-like intelligence in general purpose robots.” It just announced a major partnership with Microsoft to speed up research and development.

Sanctuary AI recently introduced its seventh-generation Phoenix line—and well, we really think you should watch the demo video. It will blow your mind!

Phoenix 7 boasts lighter frames and faster speeds, coupled with impressive hardware upgrades that enhance joint flexibility. The robot's ability to learn new tasks within 24 hours could revolutionize workplaces by assisting with laborious or repetitive duties. The goal? To free up human staff so they can perform more complex tasks.

In related news, the robotics giant Boston Dynamics has introduced an electric iteration of its Atlas robot. Known for its dexterity, the latest "All New Atlas" teaser is another must-see video. It showcases a robot that can recover and resume work with enhanced dexterity, promising to significantly boost productivity.

The electric Atlas will begin pilot testing at Hyundai facilities earlier next year, with full production ramping up in the coming years.

These developments are not just technological feats; they are paving the way for future workplaces where human and robot collaboration is seamless. Stay tuned as these robots step out of sci-fi into real-world applications.

Career Building

AI tools are transforming image creation, enabling users to craft visuals with just a click. Six months ago, we introduced AI-generated headshots, featuring team member Justin's professional portrait in our very first edition.

With so many tools available now, we felt it was worth revisiting. After all, a professional headshot is key to making a good first impression – especially in today’s competitive business world. AI headshot tools provide affordable, high-quality portraits with fast turnaround and customizable options, catering to all skill levels and personal preferences.

But which AI headshot generator should you use? With so many tools offering gimmicky applications that yield poor results, we combed through multiple product reviews and did the work for you. Here’s a guide to some top picks with free-forever plans, and/or generous free trials:

• Remini: This one's a crowd-pleaser, especially after its TikTok fame. Just feed it 8-12 selfies, and it'll whip up various professional portraits. Plus, you get to test-drive it with a seven-day free trial.

• MyEdit: Upload just one photo and choose from a range of AI-generated styles. Whether you're suiting up or keeping it business casual with shirts or knits, MyEdit has you covered.

• Profile Pic Maker: Want total control? This tool lets you tweak every detail, from backgrounds to filters, to craft the perfect profile pic.

• Dreamwave: Crafted by tech whizzes from Google and MIT, this platform delivers top-notch resolution for both individual and team photos.

And if you're open to splurging a bit for even more polished results, you can try:

• Aragon.ai: Starts at $35.

• HeadshotPro: Starts at $29.

• StudioShot: Starts at $29.25.

While AI is making huge strides, there are times when only a human photographer will do. But for many, these AI tools will fit the bill perfectly.

AI Dental Dreams

In an era where wellness and tech converge, AI-enhanced devices are all the rage. They can help you get fit, sleep better, measure your heart rate, track your moods, and assess your stress levels. But did you know, they're revolutionizing oral hygiene too?

Nearly 50% of U.S. adults are battling gum disease, and about 25% have untreated cavities. While electric toothbrushes have become more popular, there's a big gap in our brushing habits and techniques. 

The Oral-B iO Series 10 is arguably the world's most advanced rechargeable electric toothbrush and uses 3D-tracking to ensure you’re properly cleaning every inch of your teeth. What makes the iO Series 10 so special?

• Diverse Modes: Seven settings to cater to various needs, including daily cleaning and gum care.

• High-Tech Design: A round, dentist-inspired brush head with micro-vibrating bristles, powered by a linear magnetic drive for precise cleaning.

• Smart Tech: AI Position Detection to ensure every tooth gets attention, paired with live feedback on brushing pressure via a smart ring on the handle—turning red, white, or green depending on your technique.

Live Coaching Without Your Phone: The iO10’s standout feature is its live coaching, delivered through a Smart Pressure Sensor and enhanced by the iO Sense™ dock. This dock also acts as a visual aid and timer, ensuring thorough coverage and optimal brushing duration, all while doubling as a clock off-duty.

App Connection: For those keen on deep diving into their dental health, the iO Sense syncs with the Oral-B app, offering tailored feedback and a detailed report post-brushing. You get a score with every brush, encouraging improvements on your next attempt.

At $400, the Oi 10 ‘s price is steep, but from the reviews we read, almost everyone thought the cost was worth it. Turns out -- a little AI nagging to brush better may be just what the dentist ordered.

Gemini’s Genie

As it competes with other tech giants investing heavily in AI, Google just made it 100x more convenient to chat with their AI assistant, Gemini, using one genius move (provided you are using the Chrome browser).

Now you can launch conversations with Gemini directly from Chrome's address bar, as well as access its capabilities through apps like Google Maps, YouTube, Hotels and Workspace. Here’s what you need to do.

• Simply type "@gemini" followed by your question in Chrome's address bar to chat with Gemini, similar to using shortcuts for bookmarks or history.

• This integrates Gemini more seamlessly into your browsing experience.

• You can now also access Gemini functionalities through extensions within Maps, YouTube, Hotels, and Workspace apps.

This update makes Gemini significantly more accessible. The shortcut and integrations not only increase Gemini's reach but might also introduce new users to AI chatbots. Why not give it a try?

AI in the News (in case you missed it)

• New Warner music AI experiments helps Randy Travis get his voice back. Read and listen here. Or if you have 8 minutes for the entire CBS Sunday Morning segment, watch here.

• Warren Buffet fears AI scams are the next growth industry. Read here.

• The teens making friends with chatbots. Read here.

• AI used to decode “phonetic alphabet” of sperm whales. Read here.

• AI discovers 27,000 asteroids. Read here.

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