Kozminski Techblog

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Apple Inc. created the mixed reality headgear known as Apple Vision Pro. Pre-orders opened on January 19 following the announcement of the product during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference on June 5, 2023. Delivery of the product is slated to start in the United States on February 2, 2024. A global launch date has not yet been set. Since the release of the Apple Watch in 2015, this is Apple’s first significant new product category. So let’s look into what’ all the hype is about.

History of virtual reality

1989: After being awarded a contract by NASA to create the audio component of the Virtual Environment Workstation Project—a virtual reality training simulator intended for astronauts—Scott Foster established Crystal River Engineering Inc. Real-time binaural 3D audio processing was pioneered through this firm.

1995: Nintendo released the Virtual Boy system, a 3D monochrome gaming device. It was the first handheld game system with three-dimensional graphics. However, it failed commercially because of: The absence of color graphics, Absence of software assistance, Using it wasn’t comfy.

2012: Palmer Lackey launched a Kickstarter campaign for the Oculus Rift which raised $2.4 million.

2014: For $2 billion, Facebook acquired the Oculus VR startup. This was a pivotal point in the history of virtual reality since it quickly took off. Sony said that they were developing a virtual reality headgear for the PlayStation 4 (PS4) called Project Morpheus. Google introduced Cardboard, an inexpensive, DIY stereoscopic smartphone viewer. Samsung unveiled the Samsung Gear VR, a headgear that displays content through a Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

2023: Apple announced its entry into the VR market with the Apple Vision Pro, an upcoming mixed-reality headset

What is Apple Vision Pro?

With much fanfare, Apple revealed a new computer last week. Wearing a computer on your face is nothing new, but how you utilize the Vision Pro is. The output of the computer is projected into your eyes through two tiny, high-resolution screens that are positioned very close to you, as opposed to being viewed on a physical screen. Eye tracking and gestures serve as the main user interface for computers instead of a keyboard, mouse, or touch screen. This new gadget is referred to by Apple as a spatial computer. The device’s ability to show digital outputs on any nearby physical location makes its name appropriate. The device can be used without a desk or lap, and the perceived viewing area can be as large as you choose. This implies that you could theoretically view a movie the size of a theater while seated in a small area, such as an airline seat.

How can we use it?

What applications are appropriate for a spatial computer? Apple has currently provided application scenarios that are commonplace. It can be used similarly to an iPad or standard PC, but with the existing 2D information displayed on a far more adaptable and unrestricted display. People are in need of that. In situations where you don’t have much room, it will be useful. Additionally, it will be beneficial to people who presently occupy their area with several enormous displays. A really large-screen TV is the closest analog in that regard.

However, the technology and R&D effort put into the Vision Pro does not seem to be justified by a better and more practical display for 2D content. Whether this gadget can lead to augmented and virtual reality applications that would make wearing a computer strapped to your head justified is the real question. It definitely possesses the technological capacity to do so.

Problems with Apple Vision Pro

The inability to use glasses with the headset—a choice Apple took to protect the gadget from being overly bulky—is a major issue with Vision Pro. Gurman described it as a “headache” to offer customers a wide range of lens alternatives, despite Apple’s partnership with Zeiss to produce prescription lenses that attach to the Vision Pro. The company could make custom headsets with prescription lenses built-in and ship those directly to consumers, but then the device might be unusable by other people (or even by the original owner if their prescription shifts over time). It’s tricky and it doesn’t appear that Apple has a bonafide, slam-dunk solution to the problem yet.

The mixed reality headset has “caused neck strain in testing due to its size and weight,” which is now around one pound, according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. According to Gurman, Apple has been preparing to add a supportive head strap to help with the problem, but a more significant adjustment would be needed for a long-term solution.

The iPod was a digital walkman. The iPhone was a connected iPod. The iPad was a bigger iPhone. The Apple Watch was a better smartwatch. And the Vision Pro is an unconstrained 3D screen. In the previous cases, the device is outgrown and becomes more than that initial use by enabling developer innovation. The Vision Pro is a welcome new experiment along a well-trodden path in computing.

Sources:

https://hbr.org/2023/06/what-is-apples-vision-pro-really-for

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/06/introducing-apple-vision-pro/

https://www.apple.com/apple-vision-pro/

https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/apple-is-reportedly-fixing-the-vision-pro-in-two-key-ways

https://www.theverge.com/24054862/apple-vision-pro-review-vr-ar-headset-features-price

Reading Time: 3 minutes

What quantum computers are?

One branch of computer science that applies the ideas of quantum theory is called quantum computing. The behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels is explained by quantum theory. Today’s classical computers encode information in bits using a binary stream of electrical impulses (1 and 0). When contrasted with quantum computing, this limits their processing capacity. Subatomic particles, like electrons and photons, are used in quantum computing. These particles can exist in more than one state (i.e., 1 and 0) simultaneously thanks to quantum bits, or qubits. In theory, connected qubits may “exploit the interference between their wave-like quantum states to perform calculations that might otherwise take millions of years.”

Why do we need them?

The field of quantum computation has advanced primarily because of the prospect of creating a quantum computer intelligent enough to carry out Shor’s algorithm for large numbers. However, in order to get a more comprehensive understanding of quantum computing, it’s critical to realize that these machines probably won’t provide enormous speedups for all problems. The goal of research is to both identify the problems that can benefit from quantum speedups and create algorithms that can show them off. In general, it is thought that quantum computing will be of great assistance with optimization-related issues, which are crucial for everything from financial trading to defense.

Where can quantum computers be used?

Artificial Intelligence: New algorithms for machine learning and artificial intelligence can be created using quantum computers. This could result in the creation of more intelligent and potent artificial intelligence systems that can be used to a range of activities, including fraud detection, natural language processing, and autonomous driving.

Finance: By using quantum computing, financial portfolios can be optimized and new strategies and products can be created. Quantum computers might be utilized, for instance, to create more effective trading algorithms or to spot financial market arbitrage opportunities.

Pharmaceutical Research: By evaluating vast amounts of data regarding drug molecules and their interactions with cells, quantum computers can be utilized to build novel pharmaceuticals. This may result in the creation of novel medications to treat illnesses like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, which are now incurable.

Most important problems with creating quantum computers.

• Because of their heightened sensitivity to errors and noise from their surroundings, quantum computers are particularly vulnerable. This may lead to a build-up of errors and a reduction in computation quality. Therefore, creating dependable error correction methods is crucial to creating useful quantum computers.
• One of the biggest challenges is creating high-quality quantum hardware, like control electronics and qubits. There are numerous qubit technologies, each with unique advantages and disadvantages, and a key area of research is creating a scalable, fault-tolerant qubit technology.
• The field of quantum algorithms and software development tools is still in its infancy. To fully leverage the power of quantum computers, new programming languages, compilers, and optimization tools are required.

Moral dilemma

The possibility of using quantum computing maliciously to break encryption techniques that are now impenetrable is one of the main worries surrounding this technology. This might make it possible for hackers to intercept private information and interfere with vital infrastructure, which could have disastrous effects on online security. Moreover, the capacity of quantum computing to model intricate systems may be exploited to influence financial markets, artificially raise the value of assets, or even cause economic instability. Additionally, it could be used to create focused disinformation and propaganda campaigns that exacerbate social divisions and undermine democratic processes. Establishing precise rules and regulations for the creation and application of quantum computing is essential in resolving these ethical conundrums and ensuring that this potent technology is used to humanity’s advantage rather than harm. To successfully navigate this uncharted territory and guarantee that quantum computing contributes to a more just, safe, and prosperous future, candid communication and international cooperation are imperative.

Sources:

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/q/quantum-computing.asp

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538701/

https://www.ft.com/content/4128ba69-a30f-4ec7-b7c6-0c6184896cc0

https://www.ibm.com/topics/quantum-computing

https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/quantum-computing/

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Elon Musk’s startup for brain-computer interfaces (BCI) to begin its first human trial, Neuralink has started to recruit participants. The company disclosed that they have received complete approval from an independent review board to choose their initial patient group for clinical trials, which is now knowns as PRIME study (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface). It is expected that first human trial will take up to 6 years to complete and verify their findings. So here let’s take a look what and how they are going to do it, as well as what benefits and complications this invention can bring us.

WHO CAN SIGN IN FOR IT?

For those who are interested in finding out if they might be eligible for the study, Neuralink has established a patient registry. Neuralink states in a brochure on its website that it is seeking participants who are at least 22 years old and have quadriplegia, or paralysis in all four limbs, as a result of either amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or cervical spinal cord injury. For individuals selected for participation, the study will comprise nine in-person and at-home clinic visits spread over a period of eighteen months.

HOW DOES NEURALINK WORK?

The implant will be surgically inserted into the brain region that governs movement intention during the study. Our nervous system’s electrical and chemical signals ignite when neurons connect with one another through synapses, which are openings between nerve cells. Electrodes, or voltage-detecting sensors, record this brain activity by measuring the shift in “spikes” that occur when these voltages fire (or potentially fire). Put differently, our brain activity is recorded not only when we act but also when we merely consider acting. That being said, mind reading is not the same as the brain-computer interface performed by Neuralink. Baberwal likened this procedure to how blood pressure interprets a patient’s level of stress or relaxation. The hospital that has received approval from the institutional review board, the precise area of the brain in which the device will be implanted, and the final number of participants in the study have all been kept a secret by the company.

WHAT BENEFITS DOES IT BRING?

• Restore mobility: Exoskeletons and prostheses can be operated by brain-computer interfaces. People who are paralyzed or have had amputations could regain some degree of mobility and independence thanks to this use case.
• Improve communication: The primary goal of Neuralink is to facilitate communication between individuals who are unable to write or speak by giving them the ability to use a virtual keyboard and mouse or send messages with their thoughts. For instance, a person with paraplegia could use text synthesis or speech recognition to control a computer or mobile device, browse the internet, and create digital art.
• Treat neurological conditions: Brain-computer interfaces can monitor brain activity and identify changes that could be indicative of neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, epilepsy, or Alzheimer’s. They can also be used to track symptoms related to mental health. Unlike motor skills, which are localized to one area, burnout, fatigue, anxiety, and depression are spread throughout the brain and could be treated with targeted electrical stimulation.

WHAT PROBLEMS CAN IT CREATE?

• High risk of brain infection: The possibility that Neuralink could harm brain tissue is one of the primary worries. The sensitivity of the human brain means that even a minor injury can result in permanent harm or even death. An increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease in later life may arise from improper placement of Neuralink, which can cause infections and inflammation in the brain.
• There has been little research on long-term effects of BCIs: Some effects may be positive, but others negative and dangerous. So far there has not been a lot of research conducted on long term implications of BCIs (Brain Computer Interfaces) on humans. This mean that it is impossible to know what the full extent of these side effects might be.
• Difficulty in removing or repairing BCI when they fail: The possibility exists that the BCIs may malfunction at some point and that there won’t be a fix for it. The implantation of electrodes into brain tissue may result in damage to the brain. Additionally, the implants may leave scars surrounding the implantation site, which, if left untreated, may result in additional health issues like seizures or paralysis.

MORAL DILEMMA

Employees claimed that the death rate had surpassed what would be deemed normal. Elon Musk’s demands for speedy research have resulted in an alarming rate of errors and unsuccessful procedures. Some former employees have gone so far as to call certain experiments “hack jobs,” citing incidents such as the missing of devices in multiple test pigs and the unintentional implantation of Neuralink’s device into the incorrect vertebra, which resulted in the animals’ extreme pain and suffering and their eventual euthanasia. In addition, the majority of the company’s founders—including eminent scientists in the field of brain-computer interface—left, leaving Neuralink with just two of its eight original members—among them Elon Musk—as of last year.

CONCLUSION

Among the many advantages of this technology is its ability to help paraplegics regain mobility by means of robotic prosthetics that are controlled by electrical signals transmitted from their brains. Even though the project is just getting started, investors and potential clients have already expressed a great deal of interest in it. Neuralink’s technology has the potential to significantly change society and our lives if it is successful in developing it. However, before any implementation occurs, it is imperative to thoroughly evaluate the numerous risks connected to this project.

Sources:

https://builtin.com/hardware/what-is-neuralink

https://www.wired.com/story/everything-we-know-about-neuralinks-brain-implant-trial/

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-66865895

https://www.reuters.com/technology/musks-neuralink-start-human-trials-brain-implant-2023-09-19/

https://www.trtworld.com/science-and-tech/elon-musks-neuralink-dilemma-decoding-minds-challenging-ethics-15237706

More about it:

https://neuralink.com/

https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/thousands-in-line-to-get-brain-chip-implant-by-elon-musks-neuralink-405100-2023-11-08

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Space exploration has always been associated with human ambition, curiosity, and ingenuity. Our capacity to explore space has advanced considerably from the early days of the Space Race to the present era of international collaboration and commercial ventures. A new epoch of space exploration is currently emerging, driven by state-of-the-art technology that is setting new standards for human achievement. With determination, we cast our eyes to the stars, raising the question, “What are the newest technologies that are taking us closer to the final frontier?”

• THE WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE The Webb Space Telescope was launched on December 25, 2021. It took 30 years and $10 billion to build. But what makes it so special? The Webb Space Telescope is the most powerful space telescope ever made- and the most complex one yet designed for a variety of compelling reasons. One important factor is the size of the telescope. When compared to its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Webb telescope is considerably larger. This increase in size was necessary to enhance its ability to capture more light and collect more precise data from the farthest points of the universe. The primary mirror measures over 6.5 m and the engineering applied to the Webb telescope’s sunshield is remarkable. The five layers of a distinct material work together to maintain an extremely low temperature of the telescope’s instruments by blocking solar heat. The sunshield, measuring approximately a tennis court’s size, must unfurl effortlessly and flawlessly in outer space. With a collection of photos, we can finally witness the first glimpse of its power after it has traveled over 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth. With a minimum five-year mission and a maximum ten-year mission, Webb was built for endurance. Nevertheless, the Webb team concluded that the observatory should have enough propellant to support science operations in orbit for more than 20 years following a successful launch and the completion of telescope commissioning

• ILLUMA-T NASA plans to replace the current radio communications system on the International Space Station (ISS) with optical communication technology. The use of laser beams in optical communication systems offers significantly faster data transfer between the spacecraft and Earth than radio-frequency systems. The payload showcases the potential benefits of laser communications and its applications in space. The launch provides an opportunity to test the reliability and efficiency of this technology for future space missions. So how it works? The two-axis gimbal and telescope that make up ILLUMA-T’s optical module enable LCRD tracking and pointing in geosynchronous orbit. At a speed of 1.2 gigabits per second, ILLUMA-T will transmit data from the space station to LCRD, which will subsequently transmit it to optical ground stations located in Hawaii or California. The data will be transmitted to the LCRD Mission Operations Center, which is housed at NASA’s White Sands Complex in Las Cruces, New Mexico, after it arrives at these ground stations. Following this, the information will be forwarded to the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, ILLUMA-T ground operations teams. There, engineers will assess the accuracy and caliber of the data transmitted via this end-to-end relay process. For Earth scientists conducting science and technology research on the space station, laser communications could be a game-changer. In the orbiting laboratory, scientists study a variety of topics for the good of humanity, including technology, Earth observation, and biological and physical sciences. For these experiments, ILLUMA-T could offer improved data rates and simultaneously transmit more data back to Earth. Indeed, ILLUMA-T can transfer as much data as a typical movie in less than a minute at 1.2 Gbps.

Even though implementing these innovations has many advantages, it’s important to consider the limitations and implications of such advancements. For instance high cost of distribiution and developing new technologies can reduce countries in participating fully. This could limit equal distribiution of benefits and opportunities. Moreover as technology progresses the potential for militarization of space also increases, potentially leading to conflicts and weaponizing of cosmos. Finally space exploration is dangerous for astronauts. They are at risk from sun’s radiation, lack of gravity might affect their physical state, and they are at risk from equipment failure.

However in the years to come, we will witness the continued evolution of these technologies, along with the emergence of novel solutions that will redefine our understanding of space. Gazing up into the sky, we are inspired not only by the heavenly treasures we wish to discover, but also by the clever technologies that enable those expeditions. Space exploration has a bright future because of the creativity and commitment of scientists, engineers, and explorers who aren’t afraid to aim high and dream big.

Sources:

https://www.ll.mit.edu/r-d/projects/illuma-t

https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/spacecraftoverview/

Read more about it:

https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Webb

https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/science-overview/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0043135420303249

Reading Time: 3 minutes

For the past few years we can experience usage of AI in many branches of our lives. The healthcare system is no exception. Artificial Intelligence has genuinely amazing potential in this field. AI is anticipated to significantly alter how we analyze healthcare data, identify diseases, create remedies, and even completely prevent them. It can enable medical personnel to make more educated decision based on more precise information, which can save time, cut costs and improve management of medical data. According to “Statista” the AI healthcare market is valued at $11 billion in 2021 and it is projected to be worth $187 billion in 2030.

So let’s analyze some types of AI and healthcare industry benefits that can be derived from their use.

• Natural language processing (NLP) is a form of AI that enables computers to interpret and use human language. For example it can accurately diagnose illnesses by extracting useful information from health data, as well as identify relevant treatments based on collected data. It enables medical personnel for accurate disease diagnosis and enhanced, individualized patient care.

• Error reduction: AI can be used to spot errors in patient’s medical administration. A research from “Nature Medicine” serves as an example, revealing that approximately 70% of individuals do not use their insulin as prescribed. A router-like artificial intelligence-powered gadget could be used to detect errors in patient’s insulin usage.

• Medical imaging, a crucial component of diagnosis and treatment, is being revolutionized by AI. Currently, radiologists can examine X-rays, MRIs and CT scans quickly and accurately, detecting anomalies, fractures, tumors, and other problems with exceptional accuracy.

• Digital biomarkers: project called Ethomics is focused on measuring behaviour at a very high resolution and applying novel algorithms to detect very subtle changes in your brain or nervous system. It can be used to detect disease progression much faster and much more precisely than was possible before.

• AI can also be used in fraud prevention. Fraud in healthcare is estimated to be at $380 billion/year. Using AI can help recognize unusual or suspicious patterns in insurance claims, for example billing for costly services or procedures not performed, performing unnecessary tests to take advantage of insurance payments or billing for individual steps of procedure as though they were separate procedures.

The challenges posted by this technology must be overcome as healthcare organizations invest more and more in the use of AI in various healthcare tasks. There could be many ethical and legal issues that don’t apply in other situations. Assuring data privacy and security, maintaining patient safety and accuracy, teaching algorithms to recognize patterns in medical data, gaining physician acceptance and trust, and complying with federal regulations are few of key challenges in this field of AI in healthcare. Due to massive amounts of private health data that AI systems collect and store the protection of data privacy is especially important.

Conclusion

In my opinion the application of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare promises a bright future full of chances and innovations. This will undoubtedly be a priceless asset as we move toward a more interconnected digital world, potentially revolutionizing how doctors provide care and treat patients. With responsible implementation and ongoing collaboration, we can harness the full potential of AI to create a healthier, more prosperous future for all.

• https://www.foreseemed.com/artificial-intelligence-in-healthcare
• https://www.imperial.ac.uk/stories/healthcare-ai/
• https://www.who.int/news/item/19-10-2023-who-outlines-considerations-for-regulation-of-artificial-intelligence-for-health
• https://www.ibm.com/blog/the-benefits-of-ai-in-healthcare/
• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01273-1
• CHAT GPT 3.5

Something worth reading:

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2807176

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-023-5845-2

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0213911120302788

https://www.jmir.org/2020/6/e15154/

https://www.insiderintelligence.com/insights/artificial-intelligence-healthcare/