AI could create a four-day week for almost a third of workers
According to a report from independent think tank Autonomy, 8.8 million workers in the UK — just over a quarter (28%) of the workforce — could be working 32-hour, four-day weeks thanks to AI.
A further 27.9 million (88% of the country’s workforce) could have working hours reduced by at least 10%.
“Our research offers a fresh perspective in debates around how AI can be utilised for good,” said Will Stronge, director of research at Autonomy.
“A shorter working week is the most tangible way of ensuring that AI delivers benefits to workers as well as companies. If AI is to be implemented fairly across the economy, it should usher in a new era of four-day working weeks for all.”
Japan plans chip packaging R&D centre in US
Japanese chip materials maker, Resonac, will build the research centre in Silicon Valley. Resonac aims to begin operations in 2025.
The US announced, this week, a $3 billion programme to boost its packaging capabilities after becoming clear that this stage of production is vital to advancing chip technology. More Japanese chip firms are seeking ties with the US — foundry venture Rapidus plans to open a sales office in the US by the end of the current financial year.
China’s Nio partners with Changan Auto to develop battery swapping EVs
Chinese EV maker has partnered with Changan Automobile to develop battery-swapping electric vehicles and build stations to cater for these.
Battery-swapping technology allows drivers to quickly replace old battery packs with fully charged ones, reducing the dependence on traditional charging points. However, its feasibility relies on the standardisation of batteries. Some competitors also argue that battery-swapping tech is expensive.
UK unveils new satellite plan to monitor climate change
The UK Space Agency is providing £3 million for a new pathfinder satellite, joining Portugal and Spain in the Atlantic Constellation project developing a group of satellites to monitor the Earth.
The UK Space Agency said the new satellite will provide “valuable and regularly updated data” on the planet. It will also help detect, monitor and reduce the risk of natural disasters.
Andrew Griffith, minister in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, said: “Earth observation will play an absolutely vital role in tackling global challenges like climate change and disaster relief, providing the data we need at speed, while supporting key UK industries like agriculture and energy.