
MIT has launched a new undergraduate class that merges anthropology and computer science to design chatbots that serve as humane social guides. The course encourages students to create AI that prioritizes user well-being over addictive engagement.
Read originalEarlier coverage that leads up to this article, and what followed. Lines connect each piece to the closest one after it, converging here.
Google Research Blog · February 10, 2026 · Background
MIT News AI · May 1, 2026 · Related
The Rundown AI · May 12, 2026 · Background
MIT News AI · May 12, 2026 · Related
Matt Wolfe · May 16, 2026 · Background
Matt Wolfe · June 25, 2026 · Related
© Wes RothThe $6.36 billion Binance theft marks a terrifying shift where AI isn't just a tool but the primary weapon in state-sponsored cyber warfare. North Korean actors leveraged autonomous agent swarms and cloaked daemons to execute the heist in minutes, exposing critical vulnerabilities in traditional defense models. This incident forces a stark realization: protecting digital infrastructure now requires AI systems that cannot be easily shut down without catastrophic consequences. The era of passive security is over; we are entering a period where offensive AI capabilities outpace our ability to contain them.
© All About AISikt Intelligence is testing whether an AI model can consistently beat human judgment and market prices on prediction platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi. The system aggregates global news to assign probabilities to events, flagging discrepancies where its forecast diverges from the market's implied odds. This approach treats prediction markets as a live laboratory for measuring AI reasoning under uncertainty rather than just generating static text. If the model can identify mispriced outcomes, it demonstrates a practical application of LLMs in financial decision-making that goes beyond simple sentiment analysis.
© The Verge AIStarbucks is moving from experimental AI to concrete infrastructure plans for its drive-thrus. CEO Brian Niccol outlined a roadmap starting in 2027 that includes recognizing customers upon arrival and serving personalized digital menus. This mirrors similar pilots at Taco Bell and McDonald’s, signaling a shift toward hyper-personalized fast-food experiences. The company is also testing background AI models to help baristas input orders more accurately. It remains unclear how soon these features will roll out beyond the 2027 target.