The artificial intelligence landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with significant developments in enterprise solutions, AI chip development, and the application of AI in various sectors. Cisco and NVIDIA are collaborating to create secure AI infrastructure for enterprises, enabling agents to access and process data for near real-time business insights. This initiative leverages Cisco AI PODs and NVIDIA technology, integrating Splunk for data visibility and Cisco AI Defence for security. Meanwhile, OpenAI is partnering with Broadcom to develop its first in-house AI chip, slated for a 2026 launch, aiming to optimize large-scale model operations like those powering ChatGPT and reduce reliance on NVIDIA. In the realm of home energy, John Berger, founder of Sunnova, has launched Otovo USA, raising over $4 million to manage home energy systems using AI software subscriptions. The application of AI is also extending into the physical world, with robots being deployed in healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and retail for tasks ranging from disinfection to inventory management. In education, educators are exploring a balanced approach to AI, teaching students to use AI tools critically rather than banning them, with research suggesting AI feedback can improve writing skills when used thoughtfully. On the international stage, UK and US officials are discussing technology and trade partnerships, including AI, ahead of a state visit. The broader AI market is also seeing discussions about a potential bubble, with many corporate generative AI projects failing, a phenomenon attributed to the natural cycle of technological revolutions. In the travel industry, AI and specialized training programs are set to revolutionize travel agent services in 2025, enhancing personalized experiences and boosting tourism.
Key Takeaways
- Cisco and NVIDIA are developing secure AI infrastructure for enterprises, enabling AI agents to access and process data for business insights.
- OpenAI is collaborating with Broadcom on its first in-house AI chip, expected in 2026, to optimize models like ChatGPT and reduce dependence on NVIDIA.
- John Berger, founder of Sunnova, launched Otovo USA, raising over $4 million for an AI-powered home energy management company.
- AI is increasingly being applied in the physical world across healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and retail through robotics.
- Educators are advocating for teaching students to use AI tools critically rather than banning them, with research showing AI feedback can aid writing improvement.
- UK and US officials are discussing AI and trade partnerships to strengthen technological cooperation.
- A study suggests many corporate generative AI projects are failing, leading to speculation about a potential AI bubble, a common occurrence in technological advancements.
- In 2025, AI and specialized training programs are expected to enhance travel agent services and personalize customer experiences.
- JR Morell has been appointed VP of Federal Sales at Virtualitics to lead sales for AI agents and readiness platforms for government agencies.
- Cisco's Data Fabric uses Splunk to make machine data AI-ready, simplifying the training of AI models and powering agentic workflows.
Cisco and NVIDIA boost enterprise AI with secure data access
Cisco and NVIDIA have launched a new solution to build AI infrastructure that securely uses enterprise data for agentic AI. This system speeds up data retrieval for AI agents, giving them instant and secure access to needed information. The solution includes Cisco AI PODs with NVIDIA technology, designed to turn raw data into AI-ready datasets. It also integrates Splunk for visibility and Cisco AI Defence for security, enabling AI agents to provide near real-time business insights.
Cisco Data Fabric uses Splunk to make machine data AI-ready
Cisco has introduced the Cisco Data Fabric, an architecture that uses the Splunk platform to help organizations use their machine data for AI applications. This new system aims to simplify handling large amounts of machine data, making it easier to train AI models and power agentic workflows. It allows businesses to gain insights from data like sensor readings and system logs, turning it into actionable intelligence. The Cisco Data Fabric also supports real-time search across various data sources and includes AI-native features for better productivity.
Educators explore balanced approach to AI in schools
Some educators worry about AI in schools leading to overreliance on flawed systems and diminishing human connection. However, others see AI as a valuable tool for learning and skill-building. Kristina Peterson, an English teacher, uses AI chatbots as brainstorming tools and teaches students to critically evaluate AI-generated content. She believes schools should focus on teaching students how to use AI responsibly rather than banning it. This approach helps students develop critical thinking skills and prepares them for a future where AI is common.
AI can help students improve writing skills with careful use
Jennifer Meyer, a researcher at the University of Vienna, is studying how AI can help students become better writers. Her research suggests that AI feedback is most effective when used after a student has completed a first draft. In one experiment, students who received AI feedback on their essays produced stronger revisions than those who did not. However, a single dose of AI feedback did not permanently improve writing skills. Meyer also notes that AI can be a useful tool for learning by analyzing AI-generated examples, but students must engage critically with the output.
UK and US officials discuss AI and trade ahead of Trump visit
The UK's new business and trade minister, Peter Kyle, met with US AI and tech officials in Washington D.C. The discussions focused on strengthening technology and trade partnerships between the two countries. These talks aimed to build momentum for tech and trade cooperation before President Donald Trump's upcoming state visit to the UK. Kyle also planned to visit Beijing to discuss trade with China.
JR Morell appointed VP of Federal Sales at Virtualitics
JR Morell has been appointed as the new Vice President of Federal Sales at Virtualitics, a company focused on mission artificial intelligence. In his new role, Morell will lead sales efforts for Virtualitics' AI agents and readiness platform, which helps government agencies make faster decisions from data. He previously held significant sales positions at companies like DataRobot and IBM, focusing on AI and digital transformation for federal clients.
OpenAI and Broadcom partner for custom AI chip in 2026
OpenAI is collaborating with Broadcom to develop its first in-house AI chip, expected to launch in 2026. This chip is designed for internal use to optimize large-scale model operations like those used for ChatGPT. The partnership aims to reduce OpenAI's reliance on Nvidia and improve efficiency and performance. Broadcom has already secured significant AI infrastructure orders, believed to be from OpenAI, for custom silicon solutions tailored for AI workloads.
Sunnova founder launches AI home energy management company
John Berger, the founder of the now-bankrupt Sunnova Energy International, has launched Otovo USA, a new company focused on managing home energy using AI. The firm has raised over $4 million and has a licensing agreement with Norway-based Otovo ASA. Otovo USA will offer AI software subscriptions for real-time monitoring and servicing of solar panels, batteries, and other home energy equipment. The company is initially launching in Texas with plans to expand to other markets.
Physical AI is rapidly emerging beyond virtual applications
Artificial intelligence is expanding from virtual tasks into the physical world, a development known as physical AI. In healthcare, robots are used for disinfection, logistics, and assisting in surgeries. Industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and retail are also adopting physical AI through robots for assembly, harvesting, and inventory management. The development of AI-ready data and synthetic training environments is accelerating these advancements, making robots more capable and efficient. Building trust in these physical AI systems is crucial for widespread adoption.
AI bubble expected to burst, reflecting historical tech trends
A recent study indicates that most corporate generative AI projects fail, leading to significant investment losses and speculation about the current AI boom ending prematurely. Even OpenAI's CEO acknowledges that investors are likely overexcited about AI, suggesting a potential bubble. The author argues that this is a normal part of technological revolutions, where failure is a necessary step for eventual success and innovation.
AI and training programs revolutionize travel in 2025
In 2025, travel agent training programs are significantly boosting tourism by equipping advisors with in-depth destination knowledge. Programs like the Puerto Vallarta Specialist Program empower agents to offer personalized travel experiences, increasing bookings and promoting destinations. These initiatives, often available online and in multiple languages, help travel professionals become certified experts. By enhancing customer satisfaction and fostering partnerships, these programs are revolutionizing the travel industry and driving global tourism growth.
Sources
- Cisco secure AI Factory with NVIDIA unlocks enterprise data for agentic AI | IoT Now News & Reports
- Cisco Data Fabric Transforms Machine Data into AI-Ready Intelligence
- Is There a Healthy Middle Ground on AI in Schools? Try Skeptical Optimism
- A researcher's view on using AI to become a better writer
- UK, US officials meet to discuss AI, tech and trade ahead of Trump state visit | MLex | Specialist news and analysis on legal risk and regulation
- JR Morell Named VP of Federal Sales at Virtualitics
- OpenAI collaborates with Broadcom to produce an AI chip for internal operations
- Sunnova Founder Launches Company That Uses AI to Manage Home Energy
- AI is here. Physical AI is coming fast
- The AI bubble will burst – as it should
- How AI and Destination Training Programs Are Revolutionizing Travel in 2025: Boosting Tourism and Empowering Travel Advisors