Artificial intelligence continues to be a major focus across various sectors, from military modernization to creative industries and healthcare. North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, has declared AI-driven drone development a top priority for his military, overseeing tests of new unmanned systems, some appearing to be modeled after U.S. designs. He has ordered increased AI integration and expanded drone production capacity. Meanwhile, in the commercial AI space, Chinese developer DeepSeek has revealed that training its R1 model cost approximately $294,000, utilizing 512 Nvidia H800 chips, a figure significantly lower than estimates for U.S. competitors. Huawei, in partnership with Zhejiang University, has also developed a safety-focused version of DeepSeek's AI model, DeepSeek-R1-Safe, designed to prevent discussions of politically sensitive topics using Huawei's Ascend AI chips. In the U.S., Microsoft is planning to build one of the world's most powerful AI data centers in Wisconsin, set to open in early 2026. This facility will house hundreds of thousands of Nvidia GB200 and GB300 GPUs and employ advanced cooling systems. Adobe's Chief Legal Officer, Louise Pentland, is urging policymakers to look beyond chatbots and consider AI's broader applications in fields like creative work, advocating for policies that balance creator protection with innovation. Google is updating its Gemini Nano with version 2+, while Apple is reportedly planning an AI-powered Siri search engine. Microsoft is also enhancing its Bing chatbot with advanced reasoning and safety features. In healthcare, the Joint Commission has released its first guidance for the responsible use of AI, with further resources planned. Senator Mark Kelly has proposed an 'AI for America' plan to ensure AI benefits all Americans, including a fund for worker training and responsible development, supported by figures like former Microsoft executive Jon Shirley.
Key Takeaways
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is prioritizing AI integration and increased production for his country's drone technology as part of military modernization.
- Chinese AI developer DeepSeek trained its R1 model for approximately $294,000 using 512 Nvidia H800 chips.
- Huawei and Zhejiang University have co-developed DeepSeek-R1-Safe, a censored AI model that reportedly achieves nearly 100% success in avoiding politically sensitive topics.
- Microsoft is constructing a large-scale AI data center in Wisconsin, slated for early 2026, which will feature hundreds of thousands of Nvidia GB200 and GB300 GPUs.
- Adobe's Chief Legal Officer is encouraging policymakers to consider AI's wide-ranging applications beyond chatbots, particularly in creative fields.
- Google is releasing updates for its Gemini Nano AI, version 2+, and Apple is exploring an AI-powered Siri.
- The Joint Commission has issued its initial guidance for the responsible implementation of AI in healthcare.
- Senator Mark Kelly's 'AI for America' plan aims to foster AI-driven opportunities for Americans through initiatives like an AI Horizon Fund for worker training.
- AI is being used to reimagine NFL stadiums, with the Baltimore Ravens' AI-generated design drawing particular attention for its atmosphere.
- Experts are discussing whether any jobs are truly immune to AI automation as the technology continues to advance.
Kim Jong Un prioritizes AI drone development for North Korea's military
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared that using artificial intelligence to advance drone technology is a top priority for modernizing his country's military. During a visit to the Unmanned Aeronautical Technology Complex in Pyongyang, Kim oversaw tests of various drones and emphasized the need to rapidly develop AI technology for unmanned weapons systems. He also called for increased drone production capacity. This focus on AI and drones comes as North Korea continues to expand its military capabilities, including missile technology and a nascent spy satellite program.
North Korea tests AI drones, including US model clones
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reviewed performance tests of new drones, some appearing to be modeled after U.S. systems like the RQ-4 Global Hawk. He stressed the importance of artificial intelligence and unmanned vehicles for modernizing the military. Kim visited the Unmanned Aeronautical Technology Complex to see multipurpose drones and unmanned surveillance vehicles. The development of these AI-powered drones is seen as crucial for North Korea's defense plans, especially given ongoing tensions with South Korea and the United States.
Kim Jong Un emphasizes AI for North Korea's drone modernization
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has identified the advancement of artificial intelligence in drone technology as a top priority for his country's armed forces. He inspected various unmanned weapons, surveillance vehicles, and drones at the Unmanned Aeronautical Technology Complex. Kim highlighted the importance of AI and unmanned equipment in modern warfare, calling for rapid development and expanded production of drones. This push for advanced drone capabilities is part of North Korea's broader strategy to bolster its defense, even while facing international sanctions.
Kim Jong Un inspects AI drone tests, calls UAV development a top priority
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected combat and reconnaissance drones, emphasizing their development as a top priority for modern warfare. He visited the Unmanned Aerial Technology Complex and oversaw tests of strategic reconnaissance aircraft and multipurpose drones. Kim stressed the need to quickly integrate artificial intelligence into unmanned systems. This focus aims to prepare the military for modern combat scenarios where unmanned equipment plays a significant role.
Kim Jong Un orders AI integration for North Korean drones
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen testing of new unmanned drones, including the 'Kumsong' tactical attack aircraft and a strategic reconnaissance aircraft. He ordered that artificial intelligence capabilities be strengthened within these systems. Kim expressed satisfaction with the test results and approved plans to enhance drone technology. This development underscores North Korea's commitment to advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle program as a key component of its military strategy.
North Korea's Kim Jong Un pushes AI for drone production and capability
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reviewed an attack drone test and directed increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) in drone technology. State media reported Kim's satisfaction with the 'Kumsong-series tactical attack drones' and emphasized their role as a major military asset. He ordered efforts to rapidly develop AI technology and expand drone production. Experts suggest this AI drive is crucial for North Korea's military modernization and could involve technology transfers from Russia.
China's DeepSeek AI model training cost revealed as $294,000
Chinese AI developer DeepSeek has revealed that training its R1 model cost approximately $294,000, significantly less than estimates for U.S. rivals. This information, published in the journal Nature, is expected to intensify discussions about China's role in the global AI race. The R1 model utilized 512 Nvidia H800 chips. DeepSeek previously released lower-cost AI systems that impacted tech stocks, and the company has also acknowledged using Nvidia A100 chips in earlier development stages.
Huawei co-develops censored AI model with DeepSeek technology
Chinese tech giant Huawei, in partnership with Zhejiang University, has developed a safety-focused version of the DeepSeek AI model. This new model, named DeepSeek-R1-Safe, reportedly achieves nearly 100% success in preventing discussions of politically sensitive topics. Huawei used its Ascend AI chips for training, aiming to align with Chinese regulations on speech control. The company claims this censored version shows minimal performance degradation compared to the original DeepSeek-R1.
UVA Darden musicians discuss AI's impact on music creation
Two musicians from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, Professor Ed Freeman and PhD candidate Skyler Clark-Hamel, shared their views on artificial intelligence in music. They believe AI will change music but not destroy it, viewing it as a tool for creativity similar to the drum machine. While acknowledging AI may create new opportunities, they also note it could disrupt traditional training grounds for musicians. They anticipate AI could lead to a flourishing of live performances as audiences seek authentic experiences.
Joint Commission releases first AI guidance for healthcare
The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI), has released its initial guidance on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. This guidance, published on September 17, 2025, offers recommendations for AI policies, local validation, and monitoring processes. It also covers AI's integration into existing healthcare workflows. Further guidance and a playbook are planned for release by the end of the year.
Senator Mark Kelly proposes 'AI for America' plan for opportunity
U.S. Senator Mark Kelly has introduced his 'AI for America' plan, aiming to ensure artificial intelligence drives opportunity for all Americans by prioritizing people over machines. The plan includes creating an AI Horizon Fund, where leading AI companies would contribute resources for worker training, infrastructure, and responsible AI development. Supporters, including former labor secretary Julie Su and former Microsoft executive Jon Shirley, believe the plan addresses key challenges and ensures AI gains are shared broadly.
Microsoft plans world's most powerful AI data center in Wisconsin
Microsoft is set to launch its 'Fairwater' AI data center in Pleasantville, Wisconsin, in early 2026. This facility will be one of the most powerful globally, designed for training and running large AI models. It will house hundreds of thousands of Nvidia GB200 and GB300 GPUs, connected by extensive fiber optics. The data center will use advanced closed-loop water cooling systems to minimize water waste and is being built with significant structural components to support its massive scale.
Are any jobs truly AI-proof? Experts weigh in
As artificial intelligence advances, concerns about its impact on the workforce are growing. This report explores whether certain jobs are immune to automation by AI. Planet Money is investigating which professions are more or less likely to be affected by AI's increasing capabilities. The discussion aims to identify jobs that may remain secure from a 'robot takeover' in the future.
AI reimagines NFL stadiums, Ravens' design stands out
An AI art project has reimagined all NFL stadiums in themes related to their team mascots, with the Baltimore Ravens' design receiving particular attention. The AI-generated videos, created by Trend Lens Vault, perfectly capture the dark and poetic atmosphere associated with the Ravens' namesake, Edgar Allan Poe. This creative use of artificial intelligence has gained significant popularity online, showcasing innovative visual interpretations of sports venues.
Adobe exec urges policymakers to see AI beyond chatbots
Adobe's Chief Legal Officer, Louise Pentland, is advising policymakers in Washington to broaden their understanding of artificial intelligence beyond conversational chatbots. She emphasizes that AI's applications span various sectors, including creative fields, manufacturing, and biotech. Pentland's goal is to advocate for policies that protect creators, ensure access to AI technology, and foster innovation without stifling development, stressing the need for sensible legislation.
AI updates: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Meta, quantum tech, and finance
Recent updates in artificial intelligence include new writing tools from Google's Gemini Nano v2+, and Apple's plans for an AI-powered Siri search engine. Microsoft is enhancing its Bing chatbot with advanced reasoning models and teen safety features. Meta is improving Instagram's notification system and teen AI chat protections. Breakthroughs in quantum technology include new synthetic diamond films from IonQ. In finance, wealth divisions are rolling out AI advisory platforms, and businesses report increased AI use without widespread layoffs.
Sources
- Kim Jong Un declares AI military drone development a ‘top priority’
- North Korea's copycat US drone takes flight as Kim Jong Un watches on
- Kim Jong Un Says Advancing AI for Drones Top Military Priority
- Kim Jong Un oversees drone tests, calls UAV development ‘top priority’ for DPRK
- North Korea's Kim Jong Un Oversees Drone Testing, KCNA Says
- North Korea's Kim oversees drone test, orders AI development
- China’s DeepSeek shook the tech world. Its developer just revealed the cost of training the AI model
- China's Huawei co-develops DeepSeek model, improves censoring
- Will AI Destroy Music As We Know It? Hear What Two UVA Darden Musicians Think.
- Joint Commission unveils first AI guidance in partnership with Coalition for Health AI
- U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly presents 'AI for America' roadmap
- Microsoft announces 'world's most powerful' AI data center — 315-acre site to house 'hundreds of thousands' of Nvidia GPUs and enough fiber to circle the Earth 4.5 times
- AI is causing anxiety about the future of the workforce. But are there AI-proof jobs?
- Ravens might have the best A.I. reimagined home stadium
- AI is not just a chatbot, Adobe exec tells policymakers
- Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) update: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Meta, quantum technology, Finance