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Chinese AI Learns To Beat Top Fighter Pilot In Simulated Combat – Forbes

A Chinese AI system has defeated a top human pilot in a simulated dogfight, according to Chinese media. The AI was pitted against Fang Guoyu, a Group Leader in a PLA aviation brigade and a previous champion in such contests.

"At first, it was not difficult to win against the AI," said Fang in a report in Global Times, a Chinese state newspaper. But as the exercise continued the AI learned from each encounter and steadily improved. By the end it was able to defeat Fang using tactics it had learned from him, coupled with inhuman speed and precision.

"The AI has shown adept flight control skills and errorless tactical decisions, said brigade commander Du Jianfeng.

The Chinese exercise of setting human pilots against AI aims to improve both. The AI gives the pilots a new and challenging opponent which thinks out of the box and can come up with unexpected tactics, while each dogfight adds to the AIs experience and helps it improve.

The AI was developed by a number of unspecified research institutes working with the aviation brigade, according to the report.

In the culmination of DARPA's AlphaDogfight exercise, the Falco AI decisively beat a skilled human ... [+] pilot in simulated combat between F-16s.

The event echoes DARPAs AlphaDogfight competition last year which featured human and AI pilots fighting it out in simulated F-16s. In the initial rounds, different AIs competed to find the best. In the final round, the winning AI, Falco from Heron Systems, took on the human champion, an unnamed U.S. Air Force pilot. The AI triumphed, scoring a perfect 5-0 win in a series of encounters.

AIs have significant advantages in this situation. One is that they are fearless and highly aggressive compared to human pilots; another term might be reckless. They can react faster than any human, and can track multiple aircraft in all directions, identifying the greatest threats and the best targets in a rapidly changing situation. They also have faster and more precise control: Falco was notably skilled at taking aim and unleashing a stream of simulated cannon fire at opponents who were still lining up their shot. Whether these advantages would carry over into a messy real-world environment is open to question further planned exercises by DARPA, the USAF and others may help settle the matter.

DARPAs ACES program, of which AlphaDogfight was part, plans to port dogfighting algorithms onto small drones and test various scenarios of one-on-one, one-versus-two, and two-versus-two encounters in the next year. At the same time they are also preparing for combat autonomy on a full-scale aircraft. This may utilize existing dumb QF-16 target aircraft, the drone versions of F-16s used for air-to-air combat practice.

The QF-16, an unmanned version of the F-16 used as an aerial target, could be upgraded to a ... [+] dogfighter with smart software

The contest for AI supremacy between the U.S. and China is attracting increasing attention, with the National Security Commission on AI (NSCAI) concluding in March that, for the first time since World War II, Americas technological predominance is under threat. China has created hundreds of new AI professorships and developed an efficient ecosystem for AI start-ups with tax breaks and lucrative government contracts on offer.

AI fighter pilots are just a tiny piece in the military balance, and not a meaningful indicator on their own. However, the fact that China chooses to publicize the latest development sends a message that they are hard on Americas heels, if not drawing ahead, in direct military applications of AI. If their AI can really learn skills that rapidly from contests with human pilots, then, like DeepMind's AlphaGo, it may now be competing with versions of itself and developing tactics and levels of skill impossible for humans.

Meanwhile, in the larger evolutionary contest between humans and AIs, the machines have just taken another tiny step forward in chipping away our superiority. The new Top Gun movie out later this year may be nostalgic on more ways than one.

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Chinese AI Learns To Beat Top Fighter Pilot In Simulated Combat - Forbes

Different Types of Robot Programming Languages – Analytics Insight

Robots are by far the most efficient use of modern science. Robots not only reduce human labor but also execute error-free activities. Many businesses are expressing an interest in robotics. Automated machines have gained popularity in recent years. Keeping the situation in mind, we shall discuss robotic computer languages.

So, in order for robots to do tasks, they must be programmed. Robot programming is the process through which robots acquire instructions from computers. A robotic programmer must be fluent in several programming languages. So lets get started.

There are about 1500 robotic programming languages accessible worldwide. They are all involved in robotic training. In this section, we will go through the top programming languages accessible today.

The easiest way to get started with robotics is to learn C and C++. Both of these are general-purpose programming languages with almost identical features. C++ is a modified version of C that adds a few features. You should now see why C++ is the most popular robotic programming language. It enables a low-level hardware interface and delivers real-time performance.

C++ is the most mature programming language for getting the greatest results from a robot. C++ allows you to code in three different ways. The Constructor, Autonomous, and OperatorControl methods are among these. In this constructor mode, the initializing code runs to build a class. It will execute at the start of the program in this scenario.

It aids in the initialization of sensors and the creation of other WPILib objects. The autonomous approach guarantees that the code is executed. It only works for a set amount of time. The robot then moves on to the teleoperation section. The OperatorControl technique is used in this case.

Python is a powerful programming language that may be used to create and test robots. In terms of automation and post-process robotic programming, it outperforms other platforms. You may use this to build a script that will compute, record, and activate a robot code.

It is not necessary to teach anything by hand. This enables rapid testing and visualization of the simulations, programs, and logic solutions. Python uses fewer lines of code than other programming languages. It also includes a large number of libraries for fundamental functions. Pythons primary goal is to make programming easier and faster.

Any item can be created, modified, or deleted. In addition, we may code the robots motions in the same script. All of this is accomplished with very little code. Python is among the finest robotic programming languages as a result of this.

Java is a programming language that enables robots to do activities that are similar to those performed by humans. It also provides a variety of APIs to meet the demands of robots. Java has artificial language characteristics to a high degree.

It enables you to construct high-level algorithms, searching, and neural algorithmic algorithms. Java also allows you to run the same code on many computers.

Java is not built into machine code since it is an interpretative language. Rather, in execution, the Java virtual computer interprets the commands. Java has become quite popular in the field of robotics as a result of this. As a result, Java is preferable to alternative robotic programming languages. Java is used by modern AIs such as IBM Watson and AlphaGo.

Microsofts .NET programming language is used to create apps with Visual Studio. It provides a good basis for anyone interested in pursuing a career in robotics. .NET is primarily used by programmers for port and socket development.

It supports various languages while allowing for horizontal scaling. It also offers a uniform environment and makes programming in C++ or Java easier. All of the tools and IDEs have been thoroughly tested and are accessible on the Microsoft Developer Network.

In addition, the merging of languages is smooth. As a result, we can confidently rank this among the best robotic programming languages.

In robotic engineering, MATLAB and its open-source cousins like Octave are extremely popular. In terms of data analysis, it is considerably ahead of many other robotic computer languages. MATLAB is not really a programming language in the traditional sense. Yet, engineering solutions based on complex mathematics can be found here.

Robotic developers will learn how to create sophisticated graphs using MATLAB data. It is quite helpful in the development of the complete robotic system. It also aids the development of deeply established robotic foundations in the robot business. Its a tool that lets you apply your methods to simulate the outcome. Engineers may use this simulation to fine-tune the system design and eliminate mistakes.

There have been cases when MATLAB has been used to build a complete robot. As a result, it must be included among the top ten languages. Kuka kr6 is one of the greatest instances of MATLAB application. MATLAB was also used to create and simulate this robot by the developers.

One of the first robotic computer languages was Lisp. It was introduced to the market to allow computer applications to use mathematical terminology. Lisp is an AI domain that is mostly used for creating Robot Operating Systems.

Tree data structures, automated storage management, syntax highlighting, and elevated-order characteristics are among the features available. As a result, it is simple to use and aids in the elimination of implementation mistakes after an issue have been identified.

This problem-solving procedure takes place at the prototype stage, not the manufacturing stage. It also includes capabilities like the read-eval-print loop and self-hosting compilation.

One of the earliest programming languages to hit the market was Pascal. Its still quite useful, especially for newcomers. It is based on the Fundamental programming language and teaches excellent programming skills. Pascal is being used by manufacturers to create robotic programming languages.

ABBs RAPID and Kukas KRL are two examples. Nevertheless, most developers consider Pascal to be obsolete for everyday use. Theyve also highlighted its significance for newcomers.

It will assist you in learning other robot programming languages more quickly. This is only recommended for complete novices. When youve gained some expertise in robotics programming, you can transition to another language.

And its a wrap. We hope that you found this article helpful regarding robotic programming languages. Weve covered all of the pros and cons of the top robotic programming languages. You can choose the most appropriate language for your needs. Even now, robotics has a promising future. So now is the ideal moment to get started.

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Different Types of Robot Programming Languages - Analytics Insight

Premier League: The London-based firm behind controversial gambling sponsors – The Athletic

What do these gambling firms have in common?

They are all based in Asia and access the UK market via the white-label system.

A white-label is a site that is operated by someone other than the brand owner.

The companies set up UK-facing websites via firms in offshore jurisdictions such as Malta or the Isle of Man, and then apply to access the UK market via a white-label. This gives them the right to advertise to TV-watching consumers in Asia via Premier League football shirts.

Many of these firms advertise on UK shirts and stadium billboards in Chinese Mandarin, despite the fact that gambling is largely prohibited in China.

The UK Gambling Commission has admitted to concern that some of the companies running white-label websites may not have effective anti-money-laundering controls or carry out sufficient due diligence to ensure there are no links to criminal activity.

When The Athletic approached multiple football clubs earlier this year about their arrangements with white-label firms, virtually none could answer basic questions about the companies, such as what countries they are based in.

Dr James Noyes, senior fellow at the Social Market Foundation, said: We do not know enough about where these companies are based, who owns them or where their wealth comes from.

SportQuake is a sports marketing agency with offices in London, Madrid, Beijing and Hong Kong. It works with football clubs, national teams, competitions, leagues, players and media outlets to help brands secure sponsorship deals.

On its website, it mentions recent high-profile deals including between Cristiano Ronaldo and Garena, a mobile game, and FC Barcelona and FBS, the clubs official trading partner.

Last May The Athletic revealed how Bournemouth ended their deal early with M88 after the Gambling Commission opened an investigation into the firm. M88 is the Asian-facing arm of Mansion Group and previously sponsored Tottenham Hotspur. The north London club now have a deal with Fun88, which also sponsors Newcastle.

LoveBet sponsored Burnleys shirts for the last two seasons as well as having a deal with PSG. Earlier this year The Athletic revealed how the firm was ditched by Burnley mid-season.

Footballs relationship with gambling firms has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks following Norwich Citys deal with BK8 imploding after it emerged the firm was using sexualised content in some of their marketing. Norwich used Singapore-based Outlast Sports and Entertainment to broker their 5 million shirt sponsorship agreement.

BK8 said in a statement after the deal was terminated: We apologise for the social media content published by affiliates of BK8 which has caused offense, and have taken immediate steps to change the way we market the brand.

The UK government is undertaking a review into gambling laws that promises to look closely at white labels.

The Athletic approached SportQuake for comment and has repeatedly contacted the white-label gambling firms, via the relevant offshore intermediary firms, but has never received a response.

A spokesperson from the Gambling Commission said: Before we licence an operator we investigate the suitability of a company to hold a licence... We also require operators to tell us websites they will be using under their licence and this includes white label websites.

"We do not currently investigate marketing partners as part of an application, but we would if an issue was brought to our attention.

We expect licensees to ensure that when agreeing commercial deals with sports clubs, that all parties are aware of, and compliant with, the relevant advertising and sponsorship rules and regulations.

(Photo: Visionhaus)

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Premier League: The London-based firm behind controversial gambling sponsors - The Athletic

An introduction to different kinds of social media marketing strategies with Aaron Branch – Deccan Herald

Social media marketing is the requisite step in today's day and period for business growth. The endless space created by the internet has the potential to accumulate countless amounts of information. Aaron Branch, one of the top entrepreneurs in the digital marketing sphere, has argued about choosing social media for promotional activities. Through his dissertation that he developed as a senior in university, he highlighted the critical importance of social media marketing. He takes in the example of a singer trying to sell his record to a production house. He instead suggests using digital marketing to enhance brand awareness among people.

Aaron Branch is the CEO and a successful author of the book - the first 365. He initiated his social media marketing agency, Social Agendas, to assist people with undertaking promotional activities on various social media platforms. The company's excellent services and personalized assistance make it stand out from the crowd of marketing businesses. Business outreach is the quintessential part of the operation, therefore to help initiate growth, one must optimize it using marketing tools.

Moreover, Aaron started an initiative to help individuals with relevant start-up ideas to commence their operation. 'Start and Scale Agency Program is an excellent mentorship project available to those who have the potential to build a great business.

The market features frequently change, giving rise to opportunities in various sectors. Rise and fall in seasonal demand to initiate business expansion and many can be best achieved using social media marketing. While discussing the same, Aaron has given his profound insights regarding the types of social media marketing.

Content marketingThis method requires effort and consistency to produce favorable results. The brand or the business often creates posts and content registered under their niche to attract their targeted audience. Its all about publishing good quality content using appropriate marketing strategies.

Relational marketingThe following strategy aims to build a long-term relationship between the consumer and brand, even when the client has used and exhausted his product or services. This kind of marketing ensures that the business amasses a loyal circle of customers.

Conversational marketingSocial media caters as the pivotal platform in fabricating a relationship between the business and the user. It is based on initiating conversations that can implore customers to engage with the brands for a long time. Publishing valuable content, generating community with its users will bring you closer to success.

BrandingBranding is all about creating brand awareness in public. Social media platforms help businesses develop or improvise a particular brand image that can be imprinted in peoples minds. Branding, which is often conceived as only limited to product information, is based on introducing various aspects of the business to the consumer. It is also essential that the brand recognizes customer needs and installs the necessary devices to achieve customer satisfaction.

Permission MarketingThis technique is undertaken on a personal level between the consumer and the brand. As your customers sign-up for email marketing or other personalized hacks, they present you with consent to initiate a personal relationship with them. Businesses must identify customers interests and engage with them accordingly.

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An introduction to different kinds of social media marketing strategies with Aaron Branch - Deccan Herald

Goodwill ~ Redwood Empire Partners with Facebook Elevate and Coursera for Social Media Marketing Training – IT News Online

PR.com2021-06-19

Santa Rosa, CA, June 19, 2021 --(PR.com)-- Goodwill ~ Redwood Empire is thrilled to be part of a new initiative launched by Goodwill Industries International, Facebook Elevate and Coursera to help job seekers master social media marketing skills. As the COVID-19 pandemic accelerates a shift in the workforce toward positions that require digital skills, this vital partnership will help thousands of job seekers, including many in Sonoma County, gain skills to prepare for career transitions.

While many social media marketing roles require technical training previously learned through advanced degree programs, Facebook Elevate, along with Coursera, a global leader in online learning, launched a five-course program designed for learners with no prior industry experience to earn a Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate. This self-paced online program is designed to be completed within 20 weeks and includes 100 hours of hands-on, project-based training. After completing the program, learners will receive an industry-recognized certificate that they can use to apply for entry-level social media marketing roles.

This groundbreaking new training is intended to increase diversity and eliminate barriers to entry in this rapidly growing field of work. Facebook Elevate is funding Goodwill, North Americas leading workforce development nonprofit, to distribute 6,000 scholarships, covering the full costs of the training program. As part of Facebook Elevates commitment to diversity, the grant will enable Goodwill to offer holistic support to learners, providing eligible participants with services including career planning, rsum building and other supports as needed.

Goodwill ~ Redwood Empire is pleased to be one the Goodwill organizations participating in this important new initiative, said Brandy Evans, President & CEO. Every day, we meet people in our community who are determined to get back to work, and these scholarships will allow many of them to learn the new skills they need.

Facebook Elevate is a community and learning platform created to accelerate the growth of businesses of color and celebrate creators who break barriers and turn dreams into realities. In 2020, Facebook Elevate announced they will reach 1 million members of the Black community and 1 million members of the Latinx community in the U.S. over the next three years.

Companies across the globe are rapidly changing and seeking diverse talent with digital skills. The new Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate Program is a helpful tool for job seekers to grow their digital skills and prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow, said Judy Toland, vice president and head of scaled solutions, global business marketing at Facebook.

Contact:Tracey Feick, Director of Mission ServicesGoodwill ~ Redwood Empire707-523-0550 tfeick_@_gire_._org

Goodwill ~ Redwood Empires mission is Changing Lives and Strengthening Communities through the Dignity and Power of Work. Goodwill has been supporting the Redwood Empire since 1974 to empower those with barriers to employment including poverty, disability, lack of work history, and recent incarceration to prepare for, find and retain meaningful employment. Community donations fund our retail stores to provide job training for those building job skills and employment history, as well as other job readiness, training and employment programs. In the past year, we have delivered 218,865 hours of job skill training and our Donated Goods Program has helped the planet by diverting 7+ million pounds of materials from landfills. Learn how you can support your local Goodwill to ensure everyone in our community has the opportunity to thrive atwww_._gire_._org or 707-523-0550.

Contact Information:Goodwill ~ Redwood EmpireTracey Feick(707) 523-0550Contact via Emailgire.org

Read the full story here: https://www.pr.com/press-release/838751

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Goodwill ~ Redwood Empire Partners with Facebook Elevate and Coursera for Social Media Marketing Training - IT News Online