A new substance discovered by artificial intelligence could reduce lithium use in batteries. Microsoft, which is collaborating with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), said that the new “material, unknown to us and not present in nature” could potentially reduce lithium use in batteries by up to 70% and “have tremendous environmental, safety, and economic benefits.”
Right now, 60% of lithium is processed in China. The U.S. accounts for just one percent of global lithium production. Lithium mining has a significant environmental impact.
In early January, the material discovered by Microsoft was tested in a working battery prototype that powers a lightbulb.
“Microsoft’s researchers used AI and supercomputers to narrow down 32 million potential materials to 18 promising candidates in just 80 hours. A spokesperson for the company said this significantly shortened a process that would have traditionally taken decades,” Business Insider says.
Microsoft said in a blog post the discovery was the “first real-life example of many that will be achieved in a new era of scientific discovery driven by AI.” As Business Insider notes, “The discovery has the potential to address issues with lithium, such as environmental concerns around lithium mining and market shortages. The material is highly in demand and is a key component in smartphones and EV batteries. Several tech startups have been looking for cleaner ways to mine the lithium needed for EVs.“
“Lithium and other strategic elements used in these batteries are finite resources with limited and geographically concentrated supplies,” said a Microsoft researcher. “One of the main thrusts of our work at PNNL has been identifying new materials for increased energy storage needs of the future; ones made with sustainable materials that conserve and protect the Earth’s limited resources.”
Artificial intelligence also is developing highly-effective antibodies to fight disease. Doctors overseas are using artificial intelligence to detect cases of breast cancer more effectively. Artificial intelligence may help you control some of your dreams.
Robots with artificial intelligence are spreading on Japanese farms. In the U.S., farming robots now use artificial intelligence to kill 100,000 weeds per hour. Drones with artificial intelligence will make farming easier.
Scientists have developed tiny robots made of human cells to repair damaged cells. Nanorobots are also being used to fight cancer. “In a major advancement in nanomedicine, Arizona State University scientists…have successfully programmed nanorobots to shrink tumors by cutting off their blood supply,” reported Next Big Future.
Doctors recently used a surgical robot to carry out incredibly complicated spinal surgery. Doctors also recently did the first robotic liver transplant in America.
Robot waiters are increasingly being used in South Korean restaurants, which are facing a labor shortage. A U.S. restaurant chain is using robots to speed up food preparation. The world’s first humanoid robot factory is opening.
