VR and AI Usage Continues to Expand Across the Globe

Emerging Tech Roundup — June 18

The Quantious team’s top picks for timely trending news in the tech world.

This week in tech: VR proves to enhance relaxation, the Mayflower sets sail only controlled by AI, robotic delivery is refreshed in Texas, ‘Air Link’ will soon be compatible with the original Oculus Quest, Facebook implements AI to lessen hate speech, virtual reality is proven to enhance the understanding of human behaviors, and Apple and Google donate millions of dollars to HBCUs.

Virtual Reality Relaxation for the General Population: A Systematic Review

(Docwire News, June 13)

The research of Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, and MEDLINE was combined and analyzed to find that VR does in fact enhance relaxation in the general population. Nineteen studies were conducted and 1,278 participants were monitored to find that audio-visual stimulation through VR helped reduce stress and increase relaxation in terms of feasibility and acceptability.

Mayflower Autonomous Ship to Sail Using Its Onboard “AI Captain”

(Al Jazeera, June 14)

The Mayflower sea drone will be setting sail for a three-week trip using an AI-powered captain and navigator. There will be no human passengers on the ship during its first sail, so there are no sleeping areas or bathrooms. In turn, the ship has opened up room for up to 700kg of experiments to be conducted.

Refraction AI Launches Robotic Delivery Service in Austin, Texas

(The Spoon, June 14)

Refraction’s REV-1 robot is more efficient than existing robot delivery vehicles and is intended to drive in city bike lanes. Within a ~3.5 mile radius, customers can place their orders for participating restaurants online, track the robot during delivery, and receive a code via text to unlock the vehicle and grab their food. In the future, Refraction hopes to add grocery delivery into their scope.

Original Oculus Quest VR Headset Will Work With Air Link ‘Soon’

(PC Mag, June 16)

Facebook’s Air Link function will soon be able to work with the first Oculus Quest headset. The function allows for added movement as it does not require a cable during play. Between the new virtual boundaries and the Air Link function on both headsets, the new software launch is highly anticipated for a date that is not yet confirmed.

Facebook Will Let Group Admins ‘Slow Down’ Toxic Conversations Using AI

(Engadget, June 16)

Facebook is introducing a number of new admin tools, including AI to help identify and moderate toxic comments on posts. Moderators will be able to use a new “Member Summary” feature to see the entire posting history of group members, including all of their flagged posts, and use a new “Admin assist” feature to restrict comments for new group members, including the blocking of certain content such as unsolicited advertisements.

Five Ways Virtual Reality Can Help Us Understand Human Behavior

(Psychology Today, June 16)

Virtual reality (VR) can be used to closely observe the behaviors of humans including where they look, move, interact, and more, which are often indicators of deeper, psychological intentions. VR can also be used to simulate any situation including rare or impossible ones, allowing for more thorough understanding of how people may act in extreme situations. The technology also allows for more mobility, allowing researchers to monitor and make sense of simulated, in-person interactions between people even if they aren’t actually in the same space. In addition, VR allows for enhanced realism and experimental control, allowing researchers to get a more accurate read on the behavior of humans.

Apple and Google Award Millions in Grants to Historically Black Colleges

(USA Today, June 17)

Apple is donating $5 million to four HBCUs with intent to provide scholarships, internships, and better hardware technology coursework. Students will be able to work with Apple engineers and learn from them, too. Google also donated $5 million grants to ten HBCUs to help encourage diversity in the tech industry. The grants will be put toward technical infrastructure for learning, job seeking support, and other materials that will help provide equal opportunity for all races when pursuing a career in tech.