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AI Power Gap Widens As Global Divide In Data Centers Grows
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
A new report reveals a growing global divide in AI infrastructure.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- Only 32 countries have advanced AI data centers, mostly in the Northern Hemisphere.
- U.S., China, and EU control over half of global AI compute power.
- Africa and South America have almost no advanced AI infrastructure.
A new research shows that 32 countries, mainly in the Northern Hemisphere, possess data centers needed to develop advanced AI systems, while the rest of the world remains without such infrastructure.
The United States, together with China and the European Union, control more than half of the world’s AI-specialized facilities, as Oxford University researchers have discovered.
The New York Times reports how OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, recently visited a $60 billion Texas data center construction site, which operates from its own natural gas plant, and extends beyond the size of New York’s Central Park.
In contrast, the main AI center of Argentina operates from a tiny university classroom space. The computer science professor at the National University of Córdoba expressed his disappointment when he said, “We are losing,” as reported by The times.
“Sometimes I want to cry, but I don’t give up. I keep talking to people and saying: ‘I need more GPUs,’” the professor added.
The Times notes how this unequal distribution of computing power affects all aspects of scientific research and employment opportunities. The absence of computing power in certain nations leads to talent flight, prevents startup development, while making it difficult to achieve AI progress.
The Times gives the example of AI start-up Qhala in Kenya, where local infrastructure is lacking , workers at the AI start-up Qhala must sync operations with low-traffic hours in U.S. time zones to access rented computing power abroad.
Brad Smith, Microsoft’s president, warned: “The A.I. era runs the risk of leaving Africa even further behind,” as reported by The Times.
Access to powerful microchips, mostly produced by U.S. company Nvidia has emerged as a critical factor in international trade relations and geopolitical power dynamics. The U.S. has denied essential chip deals to its Kenyan ally, as well as other nations, as reported by The Times.
Countries are now scrambling to build their own AI infrastructure. Brazil pledged $4 billion. India and the EU have launched major investments. In Africa, Cassava Technologies is opening a new center, backed by Nvidia and Google, as reported by The Times.
Image by Nils Huenerfuerst, from Unsplash
Researchers Develop AI That Detects Autism In Six Minutes
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
South Korean researchers have developed an AI system that can help detect autism spectrum disorder (ASD) signs in infants and toddlers, using just a six minute assessment video.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- Tool analyzes behaviors like eye contact, imitation, and name response.
- Tested on 3,531 children under 42 months old.
- Recognized as top 100 South Korean R&D achievement in 2024.
The new “social interaction recognition AI” was developed by the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) in collaboration with Seoul National University Bundang Hospital.
EurekaAlert explains that the system works by showing specially designed video content to young children, and analyzing their social responses using cameras and AI. These responses include eye contact, pointing, imitating actions, and reacting when their name is called.
Dr. Yoo Jang-Hee, Principal Researcher at ETRI, said: “We hope that this will help shorten the time between symptom detection and diagnosis, along with changing societal perceptions of autism. In addition, it is important for our research to solve hard problems, but we also hope that it will also contribute more to solving important problems like autism,” as reported by EurekaAlert.
Typically, medical professionals can identify ASD in children between 12 to 24 months of age. However, the researchers explain that due to the shortage of experts, and limited resources, the formal diagnosis are typically delayed. Previous research notes how early detection and support can significantly improve developmental outcomes.
The new AI screening system was tested with 3,500 children under 42 months old through a multidisciplinary, AI-based approach. EurekaAlert reports that this new approach represents the first system of its kind for autism detection.
The innovation received top 100 research achievement status in South Korea for 2024 and will become available in homes, daycares, and health centers to provide early support to children who might need this.
