LEGO PREPARES FOR A MOON MISSION - 1

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LEGO PREPARES FOR A MOON MISSION

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

Engineers at the European Space Agency (ESA) published a report last week about their experiment, which involves building LEGO bricks out of space dust to construct astronaut shelters on the moon. The experiment is also a part of NASA’s moon exploration program, Artemis , and the space bricks will be displayed in selected LEGO retail stores worldwide from June 24 to September 20 this year.

ESA engineers thought to experiment with designs inspired by LEGO because it’s especially useful due to its flexible, modular design, which allows for quick and easy testing.

However, the main challenge for lunar construction is transporting building materials from Earth: it’s expensive and time-consuming. That’s why the ESA used materials already available on the moon, called regolith. However, as one would imagine, there is not a huge supply of regolith on Earth.

Instead, the scientists used a substance as similar to regolith as they could find: a meteorite dust mixture. This was used to 3D-print LEGO-sized building blocks, which research indicates are particularly promising for scaling up to larger versions.

Beyond the science and construction aspect, this project also aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. “With the ESA team using the LEGO® System-in-Play to advance space travel, it shows kids the sky really is the limit when it comes to LEGO® brick building,” said Daniel Meehan, Creative Lead at The LEGO Group, in a statement .

Emmet Fletcher, Head of ESA’s Branding and Partnerships Office, echoed this sentiment, stating that “ESA’s space bricks are a great way to inspire young people and show them how play and the power of imagination have an important role in space science, too.”

Audi Integrates Current And New Car Models With ChatGPT - 2

Photo by Raphael Schaller on Unsplash

Audi Integrates Current And New Car Models With ChatGPT

  • Written by Shipra Sanganeria Cybersecurity & Tech Writer
  • Fact-Checked by

Audi announced on Thursday that it is implementing ChatGPT through Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Cerence Chat Pro to improve its vehicle’s voice control on its infotainment system and will add ChatGPT as an extension to its current AI assistant.

According to the information shared in the press release , starting in July this year, owners of Audi models from 2021 to current models with the third generation system (MIB 3) will be able to interact with their vehicles using natural voice and can expect answers and relevant information back.

The company expects that around 2 million customers will soon have access to this new feature, which will include future models like the Q6 e-tron and models with E3 1.2 electronics architecture.

Drivers will be able to speak to an enhanced version of the vehicle’s chatbot and request to control the infotainment, AC, and navigation systems. They can also ask general knowledge questions by saying “Hey, Audi” or pushing the talk button on the steering wheel. Audi’s chatbot assistant can easily recognize common queries like information on the weather forecast or looking up a destination.

Similar to Apple’s ChatGPT integration with Siri, Audi’s system will only request ChatGPT information when it cannot provide general knowledge answers by itself.

“In addition to a range of voice-controlled functions, our customers will now benefit from simple and secure access to AI-based knowledge. This is the next step towards a best-in-class in-cabin experience in Audi vehicles,” said Marcus Keith, Vice President of Interior, Infotainment, and Connectivity Development at Audi.

Microsoft—Cerence’s partner in AI-powered automobile solutions— shared Audi’s announcement on its social media platforms with a quick video teaser of the new feature in the vehicles.

In the near future, Audi expects the AI assistant to be able to provide relevant information about the customer’s vehicle, like the right tire pressure. Audi has also reaffirmed its commitment to—responsibly—implement new AI technologies to improve customers’ experiences in multiple fields like design and quality control as well.