December 20, 2024
Tech News
Perplexity, the AI-powered search engine, has closed a $500 million funding round, valuing the company at $9 billion. The funding round, led by Institutional Venture Partners, comes at a time of increased competition in the AI search space, with notable players like OpenAI and Google. Additionally, Perplexity made its first acquisition by purchasing Carbon, a startup focused on connecting AI systems to external data sources.
Toyota’s basketball-shooting robot, CUE6, has set two Guinness World Records. The robot achieved the most consecutive free throws made by a humanoid robot in 2020 and the longest basketball shot scored by a robot at 80 feet, 6 inches. CUE6 utilizes machine learning to optimize its shooting technique, showcasing the intersection of robotics and AI in sports.
Aiwyn, a startup founded by Pat Morell and Justin Adams, is revolutionizing the accounting industry by automating payment and invoice processes. Inspired by Adams’ negative experience with a CPA firm, Aiwyn has raised $113 million in funding, totaling $127 million. The company serves approximately 130 of the top 500 accounting firms, demonstrating the growing trend of automation in financial services.
Tech Explained
Machine Learning – Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that enables systems to learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.
Perplexity – An AI-powered search engine utilizes artificial intelligence algorithms to provide more accurate and relevant search results to users.
Robotics – Robotics is a branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots.
Funding round – A funding round is a process where a company raises capital from investors in exchange for equity in the company.
Automation – Automation refers to the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention, increasing efficiency and accuracy in various industries.
