McDonald’s Shifts Away from AI Drive-Thrus, While DeepMind Develops a Virtual Rat Simulation

Here are this week's most popular stories:

**McDonald's Moves Away from IBM's AI Drive-Thru Technology**

In a strategic shift, McDonald's has decided to discontinue its partnership with IBM regarding AI-powered voice ordering at drive-thru kiosks. Although the automated order-taking (AOT) system had been successfully implemented in over 100 locations, McDonald's is now seeking alternative voice AI solutions from different vendors. Mason Smoot, McDonald's Chief Restaurant Officer, noted in a communication to franchisees, “While there have been successes to date, we feel there is an opportunity to explore voice ordering solutions more broadly.” The AOT systems will be phased out by July 26, with an announcement regarding the new technology expected by year-end.

**Google DeepMind and Harvard Collaborate to Create AI Virtual Rat**

Researchers from Google DeepMind and Harvard University have developed an AI-driven virtual rat, showcasing an ability to control its movement in ways remarkably similar to a real rat. A study published in *Nature* revealed that the AI's neural activity patterns resulted in coordinated movements akin to those recorded from a live rat's brain during motion. These findings offer significant insights into the brain's control mechanisms, as the study suggests that simulating biomechanically realistic virtual animals can enhance our understanding of neural activity related to behavior.

**Nvidia Surpasses Microsoft as the World's Most Valuable Company**

Nvidia has claimed the title of the most valuable company globally, with a staggering market capitalization of $3.34 trillion. This milestone comes on the heels of Nvidia's share price increase to $136 per share, marking a 3.5% rise. Since the beginning of 2024, Nvidia’s stock has skyrocketed by over 170%. Last June, shares were valued at $43.05, but a recent 10-for-one stock split has made 294 million shares available, fueling investor interest. The company's shift to a yearly release schedule for new GPUs, including updated Blackwell and upcoming Rubin chips, is driving this enthusiasm.

**Air Force Introduces Generative AI Tool, NIPRGPT, to Staff**

The Air Force has launched NIPRGPT, a generative AI chatbot designed to promote innovation among its personnel. This initiative invites staff to familiarize themselves with AI technologies, enabling them to engage in human-like conversations. NIPRGPT, part of the Air Force's Dark Saber software, can assist with coding tasks, answer queries, and generate responses. Venice Goodwine, the Air Force’s Chief Information Officer, emphasized the importance of giving airmen and guardians the opportunity to develop essential skills in a rapidly advancing field of technology.

**ChatGPT's New Upgrade Revolutionizes Business Accounting**

OpenAI's latest release, GPT-4o, also known as Omni, has transformed the capabilities of its ChatGPT chatbot. Launched in May 2024, this upgrade can handle text, audio, images, and even interpret emotions through facial expressions. JustPaid, an AI-focused business accounting software company, features a ChatGPT copilot, offering enhanced capabilities for financial applications. Co-founder Anelya Grant shared insights on GPT-4o's impact, highlighting its significant potential across various business sectors.

These stories collectively illustrate the rapid advancements in AI technology and its impact on various industries, from fast food to financial services.