AI in March

AI Global

AI Innovations and Breakthroughs

Figure AI & BMW: Humanoid Robots Go Industrial

In a groundbreaking move, Figure AI has partnered with BMW to begin mass production of its humanoid robots. This marks a pivotal moment in robotics, bringing AI-powered machines into real-world manufacturing environments. 2025 may be the year humanoid robots shift from concept to coworkers.

Robot with "digital nervous system" learns on its own | Cybernews

Researchers have developed robots capable of autonomously modelling their own 3D structures using a single 2D camera. This advancement was achieved through the implementation of three deep neural networks, enabling robots to adapt to changes such as wear or damage without human intervention. This self-modelling capability enhances their resilience and versatility in dynamic environments.

NVIDIA GTC 2025: A Glimpse Into the Future of AI

The annual NVIDIA GTC Conference brings together leaders in AI, robotics, and deep learning. With major announcements from CEO Jensen Huang and others, this event showcases cutting-edge innovation and the future of accelerated computing.

Microsoft Majorana 1 quantum chip is “a breakthrough in quantum computing” | Cybernews

​In February 2025, Microsoft unveiled the Majorana 1, a quantum computing chip utilizing topological qubits designed for enhanced stability and scalability. While Microsoft touts this as a significant advancement, some physicists remain sceptical, citing the need for more conclusive evidence.

BMW Integrates Agentic AI into Vehicles

BMW is partnering with Alibaba to bring advanced, agentic AI technologies into its vehicles, significantly enhancing driver interaction and vehicle functionality. This includes a sophisticated Intelligent Personal Assistant capable of human-like conversations, proactive trip planning, and real-time personalized support. These innovative AI-driven features will debut in BMW's Neue Klasse models, marking a new era in intelligent automotive experiences.

Augmented AI in 5G, 6G, and Beyond

Explore how augmented artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of telecommunications, unlocking unprecedented capabilities in 5G and paving the way for transformative 6G technologies. This insightful article delves into the potential for AI to dramatically boost network performance, reliability, and security, heralding a quantum leap into the future of wireless connectivity.

AI Tools and Software Advancements

NotebookLM Adds Mind Maps Capability

Google’s NotebookLM has introduced a Mind Maps feature that transforms notes into interactive diagrams, making it easier to visualise connections and organise complex information. This enhancement helps users quickly navigate and simplify research materials or project planning. Learn how to leverage this new capability to structure your ideas effectively.

​What is Vibe Coding?

"Vibe coding" is an innovative software development practice where developers use natural language prompts to guide AI models in writing code. Rather than manually coding each line, programmers articulate ideas, describe functionalities, or specify behaviours, enabling AI tools like GPT to rapidly produce functional code. This method not only boosts efficiency but democratizes programming, empowering those with limited coding experience to build software effectively. As this practice grows, developers must balance its convenience with considerations around code quality, security, and maintainability.

AI in Government, Defence and Geopolitics

New Zealand in the AI Arms Race

As global AI competition intensifies, Kiwi entrepreneur William Lockie warns that New Zealand must strategically align itself. Remaining neutral may no longer be an option as the US and China battle for dominance in AI technology.

Scale AI Lands Multimillion-Dollar Defence Deal

San Francisco-based Scale AI has secured a major contract with the U.S. Department of Defence to accelerate military adoption of AI technology. This underscores AI’s increasing role as both a commercial innovation and a tool of national security.

OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Gov for Secure US Government Use

OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Gov, a specialized version of its chatbot designed for U.S. government agencies. This platform enables secure access to OpenAI's models, such as GPT-4o, within agencies' Microsoft Azure cloud environments, ensuring compliance with stringent security and privacy requirements. Features include workspace conversation sharing, custom GPT creation, and an administrative console for IT management, facilitating the secure handling of sensitive data and enhancing public services.

Highlight: New Zealand’s AI trailblazer

Infinity Studio

Infinity Studio is an Auckland-based startup transforming geotechnical engineering through its AI-powered platform, Apeiron. By automating workflows, enhancing calculation accuracy, and reducing iteration costs, Apeiron enables engineers to manage risks effectively and develop sustainable designs more efficiently. Founded in 2023 by industry veterans Dr. Sjoerd van Ballegooy and Rekha Kharbanda, Infinity Studio has rapidly gained recognition for its innovative approach. The company's commitment to modernizing geotechnical practices positions it at the forefront of engineering AI applications in New Zealand.

Give it a go

Chat GPT now has a deep research function, we encourage you to try it out with a prompt specific to your engineering discipline, you can also compare the results to using DeepSeek (please note that any data you input will not remain private).

Here are some example prompts

Geotechnical Site Investigation:

Prompt: Conduct a Deep Research report on liquefaction risks and historical seismic activity in eastern Christchurch, including case studies from the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquakes.

Sustainable Building Materials:

Prompt: Provide a Deep Research summary comparing the carbon footprints and cost-effectiveness of using mass timber versus reinforced concrete in mid-rise buildings in New Zealand.

Stormwater Management and Climate Change:

Prompt: Generate a Deep Research report on recent advances in stormwater management practices used in Auckland to mitigate flood risks associated with climate change.

Renewable Energy Integration:

Prompt: Perform Deep Research into successful case studies of integrating large-scale solar or wind farms into existing power grids in the South Island of New Zealand.

Transportation Infrastructure Resilience:

Prompt: Compile a Deep Research document highlighting best practices and innovative technologies for enhancing resilience of transport infrastructure along State Highway 1 in earthquake-prone regions such as Kaikōura.

Safety Pressure Valve Compliance and Best Practices:

Prompt: Prepare a Deep Research report on current New Zealand safety regulations and best-practice guidelines for the installation, maintenance, and testing of safety pressure valves in industrial boilers and pressure vessels.

Keeping up - AI related newsletters and podcasts

Newsletters

• The Batch | DeepLearning.AI | AI News & Insights. Andrew Ng's team curates this newsletter with weekly AI news, research highlights, and insights. It's a great way to stay informed about important developments in the field.
• Import AI – written by Jack Clark, former Strategy and Communications Director at OpenAI, this newsletter provides in-depth analysis of AI research and its implications, often with a focus on policy and ethics.
• Artificial Intelligence – O’Reilly. This newsletter from O'Reilly covers a broad range of AI topics, including news, tutorials, and opinions from industry experts.
• Towards Data Science – while not strictly a newsletter, Towards Data Science is a popular platform on Medium where many AI and machine learning practitioners share articles, tutorials, and insights. You can sign up to receive their daily or weekly digests.
• Synced – Synced focuses on AI research and news coming out of China, offering a valuable perspective on the global AI landscape.

Podcasts:

• AI Today Podcast - Cognilytica. While covering a broad range of AI topics, they often delve into practical applications of AI in various industries, including engineering and manufacturing. Look for episodes focusing on specific engineering use cases.
• Podcasts - IEEE Spectrum. IEEE Spectrum is the flagship publication of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Their podcast covers a wide range of technology topics, frequently including AI advancements relevant to electrical engineering, computer engineering, and related fields.
• NVIDIA AI Podcast | Exploring Innovations in AI & Technology | NVIDIA. Hosted by Noah Kravitz, this podcast features interviews with leading experts in AI, covering a wide range of topics from research to industry applications.
• Lex Fridman Podcast - Lex Fridman. Lex Fridman has in-depth conversations with researchers, engineers, philosophers, and thinkers about AI, science, technology, history, and the human condition. Often quite technical and philosophical.
• Home | Talking Machines. Hosted by Katherine Gorman and Neil Lawrence, this podcast provides accessible explanations of machine learning concepts and features interviews with researchers in the field.
• TWIML | The Voice of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Hosted by Sam Charrington, this podcast offers interviews with a wide range of AI and machine learning experts from academia and industry.
• AI in Business Podcast - Emerj Artificial Intelligence Research. This podcast focuses on the business applications of AI, featuring interviews with industry leaders and exploring how AI is being used in various sectors.