Spartan Racing

Watch the Formula SAE EV – Design Review and Awards Ceremony!

Spartan Racing’s recent journey to the FSAE competition in Jackson, Michigan, was marked by a series of significant achievements and smooth progress. The team arrived early at the track, quickly moving through the mechanical, accumulator, charging system inspections, and the E-Tech inspection, where they were the first team to qualify. Their success continued as they were also the first to get through the rain test and completed the brake test on the first attempt. These early achievements set the stage for their participation in dynamic events, where they made it to the design finals and secured strong finishes, including 1st for the Cummins Innovation Award, 2nd for the Cost Report, 3rd in endurance, and 5th overall.

oSTEMClub

In honor of Pride Month, we are thrilled to introduce Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM), a new and vibrant club dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals within the STEM fields at our university. As the largest chapter-based organization of its kind, oSTEM boasts more than 100 student chapters across colleges and universities, as well as professional chapters in cities around the globe. This fall semester, oSTEM brings its mission to our campus, aiming to create a supportive space where LGBTQ+ students can thrive and celebrate their unique contributions to STEM.

Leading the charge are three passionate individuals: Jasmine Phan, the president, an undergraduate majoring in computer science. Jasmine is dedicated to using their leadership skills to create a welcoming community for all members. Misa Church, the club’s Treasurer, is an undergraduate majoring in aerospace engineering with a minor in green engineering. Their keen organizational skills and financial acumen are crucial for the club’s success. Dr. Brianne Gutmann, the faculty advisor, specializes in physics education research. Her expertise and guidance are invaluable in steering the club towards its goals.

oSTEM plans a variety of events designed to support and encourage its members, including community building/social events, professional workshops on resume building and interviewing, activism initiatives, study sessions, navigating academia as LGBTQ+, insights from speakers and alumni, field trips (job sites, museums, amusement parks, etc), and much more.

The leaders of oSTEM are deeply motivated by their personal experiences as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. They have witnessed firsthand the lack of representation and support in STEM fields and are committed to advocating for a more inclusive environment– an environment where peers can interact and deepen their connection with other students without societal fear. OSTEM hopes to build a more empathetic and understanding community through open dialogue and not just being aware, but actually understanding the challenges coming from the invalidation of different lived experiences in the community.

The club hopes to collaborate with all other campus clubs because diverse interactions can enrich the learning experience for everyone. While the SJSU PRIDE Center offers significant support, oSTEM feels that more specific resources from STEM departments and faculty would greatly benefit their mission. Financial support, DEI-focused initiatives, and progressive classroom ideologies are among the improvements they hope to see.

To stay updated and get involved with oSTEM, check out their Linktree. Fill out the General Interest Survey Form, follow their Instagram (@ostemsjsu), and join their Discord for the latest news and events. We look forward to seeing the positive impact oSTEM will have on our campus community and beyond.

Happy Pride Month!

Apple unveils “Apple Intelligence” features at WWDC announcement breakdown with Prof Ahmed Banafa

Last week, Apple announced its partnership with OpenAI, bringing a major upgrade to Siri. They added feature integration into many of its applications called “Apple Intelligence,” which can perform image generation and text generation. Watch the full interview to hear Professor Ahmed Banafa break down the technology and what it might have in store for us in the future.

Wildfire mapping with NASA and drone

SJSU Engineering Students Team Up with NASA to Map Wildfire Trajectories with Drone Technology

Project Firewatch, initiated by Huston Scharnagl and Sofia Silva as a senior design project, involves developing a drone equipped with wildfire trajectory software to track and predict wildfire movements. The interdisciplinary team at San Jose State University, guided by Professor Bo Yang, built the drone with FPV and thermal cameras, which transmit data for machine learning analysis to predict fire trajectories and assess vegetation health. The project gained traction through various competitions, culminating in their participation in the NASA Wildfire Climate Tech Challenge, where they were named runners-up. The team aims to advance the software independently, with Silva and Scharnagl continuing their education while planning to further develop Firewatch into a marketable product.

LGBTQ+ Theme – Alan Turing

Image (Courtesy of National Portrait Gallery, London)

Alan Turing was born in London, England on June 23, 1912. Demonstrating remarkable talent in mathematics and science from a young age, he studied at King’s College, Cambridge, and later at Princeton University earning his PhD in mathematics.

Turing’s most renowned achievement came during World War II when he played a crucial role in deciphering the Enigma code used by Nazi Germany. The Enigma machine was an encryption device used by the Germans to send secure military communications. It utilized a series of rotating wheels, or rotors, to scramble plain text messages into coded text. The complexity of Enigma was enhanced by changing the cipher system daily, making it extremely difficult to crack.

Turing invented the Bombe, an electromechanical machine to break Enigma. The Bombe mimicked the Enigma machine’s workings and rapidly tested multiple potential rotors. By automating the process of checking various configurations, the Bombe allowed the Allies to gain critical intelligence, significantly shortened the war by two to four years, and saved countless lives.

In 1936, Turing introduced the concept of the Turing Machine, an abstract mathematical model that defines the limits of what can be computed. A Turing Machine consists of an infinitely long tape divided into cells, a tape head that reads and writes symbols on the tape, and a set of rules or instructions. The machine moves the tape left or right one cell at a time, depending on the current symbol and the rule being applied. This theoretical framework became the groundwork for the development of programmable computers.

Turing is also regarded as the father of artificial intelligence. His ‘Imitation Game’, later known as the Turing Test, was designed to determine whether a computer could exhibit intelligent behavior identical to a human. In this test, a human judge engages in a conversation with both a human and a machine without knowing which is which. If the judge cannot tell them apart, the machine is considered to have passed the test, demonstrating a form of artificial intelligence.

However, his career was tragically cut short when he was prosecuted for homosexuality in 1952. Turing chose chemical castration, where they injected him with hormone suppression for a year to avoid imprisonment. This eventually led to the dismissal of his security clearance and he died in 1954, with his death being ruled as suicide by cyanide poisoning.

The full recognition of Turing’s legacy came long after his death. In 2013, he received a posthumous royal pardon from Queen Elizabeth II, and in 2016, the UK government introduced the “Turing Law” to pardon men convicted of historical homosexual offenses. In 2019, he was recognized as the greatest person of the 20th century by the BBC series ‘Icons’ and was featured on Britain’s £50 note.

Alan Turing’s legacy continues to inspire both the field of engineering and the LGBTQ+ community. His groundbreaking contributions remind us of the need for inclusivity that drives innovation and progress. At SJSU College of Engineering, we are committed to honoring Turing’s spirit by fostering an environment where every student, regardless of background, identity, and sexual orientation, feels supported and empowered to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Alan Turing’s legacy – Royal British Legion

6 LGBTQ+ Engineers Who Changed The World

OpenAI unveils upgraded voice assistant technology (KTVU) featuring Prof Ahmed Banafa

Open AI recently upgraded their Chat-GPT, now called GPT-4O, with new functionality such as voice chat, image and video scanning, real-time responses, and document upload. This huge update blurs the line between human and AI interaction. Click here to see what Professor Banafa had to say on the subject.

Career Center – Plan after college

Graduating Students: Share your career plan after college. All respondents will be entered into a drawing for 1 of (20) $50 gift cards!

Magazine – Hot off the press

Excited to unveil the latest issue of our College of Engineering magazine! Explore out-of-this-world research to see where the next-generation aerospace engineers will take us as we aim for the stars. Read the full story now!

Student Profile – Tida Ngov

Tida Ngov is a remarkable young person on a mission to make a difference in the world. A third-year biomedical engineering student at SJSU College of Engineering, Tida’s values are laudable due to their deep commitment to giving back to their loved ones and the community.

As the first in their immigrant family to attend college, Tida’s drive to succeed is fueled by a desire to not only better their own life but also support those who have sacrificed so much for them. Their interest in healthcare stems from a combination of their love for science and their role as a caretaker within their family from a young age. This exposure to the medical field ignited a passion for using their skills to create positive change in people’s lives.

Tida’s choice of biomedical engineering perfectly aligns with their desire to work at the intersection of science and medicine. It allows them to combine their love for hands-on work and scientific curiosity. Their double minor in biology and Asian American studies further reflects their well-rounded approach. The biology minor strengthens their scientific foundation, while Asian American studies allow them to explore their cultural identity and develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by their community.

Outside academia, they participate actively in BMES and BMEidea, student organizations that support biomedical engineering students and offer industry experience. They also interned at Asian Health Services, a facility where their family has received care before. Through the internship, they gained invaluable insights into community-based healthcare and advocacy for marginalized populations.

After graduating, Tida plans on taking a gap year to prepare for medical school to achieve their dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. Their motivation for this is their grandmother, who suffered a brain aneurysm and had to undergo multiple brain surgeries. However, their ultimate goal is to work on healthcare policy and advocate for underserved communities, who are overlooked in the healthcare system.

Tida’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As an openly queer individual from an immigrant background, they have encountered moments of doubt and insecurity, in particular thinking that what they do in the end won’t matter, because they don’t fit into society’s norms. Yet they overcame these challenges by reaffirming their commitments to the community and knowing that who you are is enough.

Their advice to their freshman self is “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and do things that you may not have done before, or might be scared of doing. And remember to be kinder to yourself, it’ll all work out in the end.” Trust the process that you will be where you needed in the end and move through the obstacles that life will throw at you.

SJSU Engineering Students Triumph at UC Davis Hackathon!

The first competitive Hackathon was held recently at UC Davis in California.  SJSU engineering students Sai Naveen Chanumolu, Harsh Raj, Jeripothula Sai, Anuraghav Savadam, and Suhaas Teja Vijjagiri were among the over 800 competitors that participated in the event.  The team of four SJSU engineering students won Best Interactive Media Hack for their Mātrā Artificial Intelligence (AI) project.  

Mātrā AI helps non-native bilingual children enhance their English speaking skills by not just allowing them to listen and read, but also interacting with stories. The application gives complete audio feedback by highlighting which words were pronounced incorrectly and teaches children how it should be correctly enunciated.

Mātrā AI was developed into a full-scale application in a sleepless 24-hour period using React, Flask, APIs from OpenAI, Speechace, ElevenLabs, and Supabase for data storage.  Heroku hosted the application and made it accessible through the team’s .tech domain. To learn more about project Mātrā AI check out the team’s website.

MESA End-of-Year Banquet

Thank you to all the students, families, staff, faculty, and company partners who attended MESA’s End of Year Banquet last week on Wednesday, May 8th. We all came together as a community to celebrate our year together and recognize the great work that our students, program, and diversity organizations have been doing. Congratulations to all of the graduating seniors, we will miss you and we wish you good luck with your endeavors!

Driverless Cars – Prof Ahmed Banafa

Even as driverless cars become more common throughout San Francisco, people still tend to stop and stare. But soon, spotting a vehicle at an intersection with no one at the wheel could become a more regular occurrence beyond city limits.

Read the Full article

Magazine – Hot off the press

Excited to unveil the latest issue of our College of Engineering magazine!

Explore out-of-this-world research to see where the next-generation aerospace engineers will take us as we aim for the stars.

Read the full story now!

Student Profile – Arjun Sudheer

Growing up in his hometown of Cupertino, California, Arjun Sudheer, a rising talent in Software Engineering, is not only driven by academic pursuits, but also by a genuine passion for problem-solving and innovation.

Arjun’s fascination with software engineering began in his freshman year of high school when he first experimented with coding. Despite his initial challenges, Arjun found himself drawn to the intricacies of programming. He recalls the thrill of successfully coding his own games, like golf  and a brick-breaker arcade game, which ignited his spark for coding.

His passion only deepened when he joined his school’s robotics club, where he discovered the real-world applications of software in bringing robots to life. From programming robots to performing the precise actions needed to optimize code for efficiency, Arjun found himself captivated by the reach of software engineering into the real world, not just on a screen.

San Jose State University (SJSU) is recognized for our outstanding Engineering college and hands-on approach to education, so it was the perfect fit for Arjun’s aspirations. Our strong industry connections and vast undergraduate research opportunities further solidified his choice. In his first year alone, Arjun has actively engaged in multiple research programs, such as “Object Detection” and “Autonomous Car Security,” allowing him to gain experience and interact more closely with professors and masters students.

Arjun’s academic journey received a significant boost with the four-year Jane G. Evans Merit Scholarship. It not only alleviates financial stress but also fuels his motivation to excel further. With tuition fees covered, Arjun can focus wholeheartedly on his studies and pursue his academic and professional goals without the burden of financial worries that many college students struggle with.

Beyond academics, Arjun is deeply involved in his community. As a longtime member of the Boy Scouts of America, he has honed leadership skills and learned the value of giving back. He has volunteered in environmental cleanup initiatives and led service projects, including cooking a hot meal for homeless people.

Looking ahead, Arjun envisions a future where he can make a meaningful impact in the software industry. With a keen interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, he aims to leverage his skills to contribute to advancements in these fields. In the age of AI, he is especially interested in ensuring online privacy and enhancing cybersecurity measures so everyone is protected and can browse the web safely.

Like most students, Arjun wonders how he compares to the rest of the class, wondering if his performance is good enough. However, with small achievements from his hard work, Arjun was able to see his full-class performance, which boosted his self-confidence and erased his doubts.

To those facing similar challenges or who are about to join college this fall, Arjun offers  three simple but profound pieces  of advice:
Embrace new experiences by joining clubs or organizations.

Persevere through setbacks- when you don’t know how to do something, don’t limit yourself because of it.
Believe in yourself that you can overcome these setbacks and good things will follow.

In Arjun Sudheer, we see not just a student, but a power of passion, perseverance, and community spirit. As he continues to chart his course in software engineering, one thing is certain—Arjun Sudheer is a name to watch out for in the world of technology and innovation.

CoE Students Chosen for Cisco Dream Team

Recently, four SJSU College of Engineering (CoE) students were invited to be a part of Cisco’s Dream Team. Bryan Pham, Khin San, Tritan To and Binh Vo took their Engineering Technology coursework to the next level by being chosen in a statewide search, and were recommended by lecturer, Richard Grotegut.  These four individuals participated in setting up the network capabilities of a recent Salesforce event at the Moscone center in San Francisco, CA.

Each Dream Team project offers students the opportunity to learn while helping to build the networking infrastructure at large-scale events under the guidance of industry professionals. Past events have included international Cisco Live! events, NFL events such as the season opener kick-off game and Super Bowl, the Global Citizen Festival, The Open Championship, and other major events and conferences.

As members of the Dream Team, the fabulous four worked on setting up network devices such as routers, switches, access points, antennas, and wireless Local Area Networks (LAN) controllers. They ensured that the physical connections between the devices were correct and connected to the appropriate virtual LANs. Additionally, the team learned how the network engineers monitor device status, configured them, troubleshoot issues, and set up networks for keynote streaming.

“Embarking on a one-week internship at the Moscone Center for the Trailblazer TDX 2024 event with Straight Up Technologies was nothing short of a revelation,” said Bryan Pham.  “As a proud member of the Dream Team, the experience was a symphony of innovation and hands-on learning.”

“I gained a clear idea of how professional networking teams function and the dynamics within such environments. It was a chance to see firsthand the inner workings of a technology company, which was eye-opening and inspiring,” commented Binh Vo.

Khin San added, “The next big thing for me is to continue expanding my skills and knowledge I have established through the Dream Team experience. I aim to pursue further hands-on opportunities and professional development, possibly exploring more about network engineering in event settings.”

The Dream Team opportunity certainly shattered the concept of what an Information Technology (IT) job is all about, proving that IT is not confined to desks, but thrives in a live event environment.  Congratulations to the Fab Four and keep rocking those events!

AAPI Heritage Month

Image courtesy of Smithsonian magazine and IDEA.TED.COM

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI), we aim to spotlight two innovations originating from Native Hawaiians. One enriches Hawaiian culture, while the other serves to safeguard its traditions.

Born in 1953 in Hawaii, Nainoa Thompson was deeply influenced by his Polynesian heritage, which revered the ocean as a source of sustenance, exploration, and connection. His journey into navigation began in the 1970s when he became a student of master navigator Mau Piailug from the tiny Micronesian island of Satawal. Under Piailug’s guidance, Thompson learned the intricate art of wayfinding, a traditional Polynesian method of navigating the seas using natural signs like the stars, waves, winds, and birds.

Thompson’s crowning achievement came with the development of the star compass, a tool that encapsulates centuries of Polynesian navigational knowledge into a portable and practical device. At its core, the star compass is a physical representation of the celestial sphere, allowing navigators to identify the positions of stars relative to their own location on the Earth’s surface.

It is made up of a circular wooden or stone board marked with cardinal directions and celestial reference points. By aligning specific stars with their corresponding points on the compass, navigators can determine their heading and track their course across the open ocean.

The key to the star compass’s effectiveness lies in the intricate understanding of celestial phenomena and their relationship to terrestrial navigation. Polynesian navigators like Thompson possess a deep knowledge of star patterns, celestial arcs, and the subtle nuances of the night sky, allowing them to navigate with astonishing accuracy over vast distances compared to regular compasses.

Joseph Kekuku, a Hawaiian musician that forever changed the landscape of music by inventing the steel guitar. Born in 1874 on the island of Oahu, Kekuku’s early years were steeped in the rich musical traditions of his native land. It was during his youth, that he stumbled upon this invention, some say he was experimenting with a steel bolt while others say he was playing with his comb, while the process was lost but the final product didn’t.

Kekuku refined his technique and developed what would become known as the steel guitar. Unlike its traditional counterpart, the steel guitar features raised strings and a metal bar or slide, allowing players to produce a distinctive sliding sound that evokes the mournful cries of the Hawaiian islands.

The steel guitar operates on principles similar to those of its acoustic counterpart, with strings vibrating to produce sound. However, the addition of a metal slide or bar enables players to vary the pitch and sustain of notes by sliding smoothly along the strings. This distinctive sliding technique, coupled with the instrument’s raised strings, lends the steel guitar its characteristic sound and sets it apart from conventional guitars.

Meet AI Expert from Silicon Valley! Tech Jobs, Layoffs, Cybersecurity! Ft. Prof. Ahmed Banafa

Recently Professor Ahmed Banafa was interviewed by @Singh in USA, a software engineer with over 1 million subscribers on his YouTube channel. Covering all subjects regarding AI from its history, its operating system, how it is being used, and how it impacts so much in our daily lives now compared to the past.

Watch the full interview now

Student Profile – Spencer Guinther

Spencer Vernon Guinther, a graduating senior from Pleasanton, California, has defied his own doubts to carve a path of determination and success in the field of engineering.

Originally uncertain about his academic direction and contemplating a business degree, Spencer doubted his intellectual capacity for STEM disciplines. However, one day Spencer’s friend recommended he just give it a try, and it soon changed his whole path. He selected Mechanical Engineering for no reason, but realized it was the right choice due to the joy he found in problem-solving and a deep love for science fiction.

With SJSU’s engaging engineering program and proximity to Silicon Valley, Spencer started his educational journey, fueled by a desire to challenge his perceived limitations. His commitment to academia was recognized by the Emma E. Legg Memorial Scholarship, easing his financial burdens and letting him immerse himself fully in his studies and extracurricular pursuits.

Throughout college, Spencer’s involvement in the Spartan Racing Baja club not only honed his engineering skills but also cultivated his leadership and organizational abilities. He found a sense of community among like-minded peers, who are hard-working, genuine, and easy to connect with.

Despite struggling with self-doubt about his mental capability at a young age, Spencer’s dedication pushes him to move forward and confront his insecurities head-on. To him, confidence isn’t everything—it’s about self-belief rather than external perceptions. He dismantled the barriers that hindered his potential, recognizing failure as an essential component of growth. His mantra—”I can do whatever I want”—became a guiding outlook, empowering him to overcome obstacles and pursue his dreams relentlessly.

Looking ahead, Spencer envisions a career focused on developing thermal systems for sustainable flight and space exploration, utilizing alternative fuel sources for environmental benefit. Ultimately, Spencer aims to take on a leadership role, combining his engineering expertise with business acumen to guide a team toward achieving this common goal.

Reflecting on his journey, Spencer emphasizes the importance of trying new things and seizing every opportunity for personal growth. There is no way of knowing what you like until you try it; don’t limit yourself just because you think, limit yourself because you know.

As Spencer gears up to enter the next chapter of his journey and become an SJSU alumnus, one thing remains certain—his resilience will continue to propel him toward new heights of achievement and innovation.

CoE Students Visit Maxar Space Systems

On April 19th, students from Professor Vlad Ionescu’s Manufacturing Analysis and Management-Tech 147 class enjoyed a visit to Maxar Space Systems at the company’s Palo Alto headquarters, exploring the intricacies of advanced manufacturing processes within the aerospace industry. Spearheaded by Brett Deutscher, the Director of Assembly, Integration and Testing, the tour carefully examined production methodologies, interdisciplinary team dynamics, rigorous quality control measures, and safety protocols associated with stationary communication satellites. Additionally, students were treated to a presentation on the future of satellites by Maxar’s Vice President of Spacecraft Assembly, Integration, and Test.

Professor Ionescu highlighted key aspects such as the fixed layout of manufacturing flows, the utilization of in-house evaluation fixtures and test beds, adherence to clean room standards, and the unique quality challenges inherent in constructing and deploying communication satellites within the vast expansion of 20,000 miles in space. In the end, students were able to observe a satellite that was launched in January 2024 reach its final destination.

The visit to Maxar afforded invaluable insights into the practical applications of manufacturing principles within the aerospace domain. Students were grateful for the chance to engage with professionals at Maxar, fostering potential internship and career prospects within the esteemed organization. Witnessing the satellite assembly process firsthand left an incredible impression on the students, motivating them to work for a phenomenal company like Maxar in the future and put what they’ve learned at SJSU into the world of aerospace.

SJSU College of Engineering Aviation Students Visit Local Middle School

Recently, students from the SJSU College of Engineering (CoE) Aviation program were invited to Cabrillo Middle School in Santa Clara to participate in the school’s Career Day.  Senior aviation students Alex Sandy, Jayden Chow and Sierra Brannon-Young participated in the event, and gave presentations on the Aviation industry and opportunities within while also promoting the CoE Aviation Program. With the assistance of the CoE aviation students, the Cabrillo Middle School pupils had a chance to utilize simulators to get a sense of what it is like to fly airplanes.

The event was well received by the school staff who appreciated the efforts of  the CoE aviation students.  SJSU CoE aviation students and faculty are always willing to promote this program at various events throughout the year.

Diversity Theme – Disability

Technology has transformed disability assistance, introducing inventions that empower individuals with disabilities to lead more independent lives. From mobility aids to communication tools, these developments have reshaped accessibility and inclusivity. Here are some groundbreaking examples of inventions designed to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Standing Wheelchair:

For individuals with mobility impairments, traditional wheelchairs have long been indispensable tools for navigating the world. There are about 650 million people globally who depend on them. The traditional wheelchair was invented by Stephan Farfler in 1655, and in 1975, Valutec brought it to new heights by making the first standing wheelchair. People now can transition from a seated to a standing position with ease, offering a multitude of physical and psychological benefits. By enabling users to stand upright, it promotes better circulation, improved muscle tone, and enhanced bone density. Using this invention Dr. Ted Rummel, a surgeon who is paralyzed from the waist down, was able to perform surgery on a patient using this invention. Not only was he able to achieve his dream using the invention but it also inspired others like him to pursue their dreams.

Screen Reader/Text-to-Speech Technology:

An estimated 49.1 million people worldwide are visually impaired, and with today’s information all being online, viewed through a screen, it creates a learning barrier for those people.. Nevertheless, as technology advances, so do inventions with text-to-speech and screen readers, making information more accessible to individuals with visual or reading impairments. In 1968, Noriko Umeda invented the first English text-to-speech system, which has built a foundation for the advancement of technology we see today. Text-to-speech (TTS) technology works by converting written text into spoken language utilizing a synthesis process that interprets the text’s linguistic structure and produces corresponding audible speech. Screen readers, on the other hand, utilize TTS to convert on-screen text into speech. Screen readers interact with the graphical user interface on devices, interpreting elements such as text, buttons, and menus, and converting them into spoken output, allowing users to navigate and interact with digital interfaces through auditory feedback.

Hearing Aids:

Hearing loss can profoundly impact communication, social interaction, and overall quality of life. There are more than 1.5 billion individuals with some sort of hearing disability in the world right now. Fortunately, hearing aids have transformed their quality of life. Hearing aids work by amplifying sound vibrations and delivering them into the ear. They consist of a microphone that picks up sound, an amplifier that increases the volume of the sound, a receiver that sends the amplified sound into the ear, and sometimes a small computer chip that uses digital signal processing algorithms to filter out selective sounds and enhance speech clarity. The first electric hearing aid was invented by Miller Reese Hutchison in 1898, utilizing carbon transmitters to amplify sound for individuals with hearing impairments.

In the 1920s, more electric hearing aids were invented, which used vacuum tubes to amplify sound. However, these tubes were typically fragile and hot, making them not an ideal option.  The last ten years have seen significant advancements in hearing aid performance thanks to improvements in directional microphones which amplifies the direction of certain sounds more than others. Perhaps the biggest change in current hearing aids has been the incorporation of wireless/Bluetooth connectivity, making them capable of connecting wirelessly to cell phones, computers, televisions and other devices.

Objective-Driven AI: Optimizing for Specific Goals in a Complex World – Prof. Ahmed Banafa

In the world of artificial intelligence, a new paradigm has emerged that is revolutionizing the way we approach AI system design and deployment. Objective-driven AI, as it is known, represents a fundamental shift in how we conceptualize and develop intelligent systems.

Rather than pursuing the elusive goal of general artificial intelligence (GAI), objective-driven AI focuses on optimizing for specific, well-defined objectives. This approach is both practical and strategic, as the demand for AI systems that can reliably and efficiently achieve particular goals has grown exponentially.

At the heart of objective-driven AI is the principle of constrained optimization. Unlike general-purpose AI systems, objective-driven AI models are designed and trained to optimize for a specific, measurable objective, subject to a set of constraints.

Read the full article…