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Yes, robots are literally folding laundry right now. In San Francisco, customers of Tumble's wash-and-fold service are having their clothes folded by Isaac, a robot built by Weave Robotics. It's slow—about two minutes per item—but it's proof that the "AI-hard problem" of handling deformable fabrics is being solved. Similar systems from Physical Intelligence, Figure, and others are rolling out across laundromats and pilot programs. The global laundry folding robotics market is expected to jump from $5.4 billion in 2024 to $23.3 billion by 2033, driven by breakthroughs in vision-language models and tactile sensing.

What's getting automated versus what stays human:

Real-world impact beyond the hype: Agricultural robots are already transforming farming by reducing pesticide use by up to 50%, cutting farm labor costs by 50%, and using 90% less water while producing 20x more crops per acre. In Kenya and Rwanda, Zipline's medical delivery drones deliver 75% of blood supply outside major cities, proving autonomous systems can solve real humanitarian challenges. These aren't just efficiency gains—they're addressing food security, healthcare access, and environmental sustainability.

The global picture: While the World Economic Forum projects 170 million new jobs will be created this decade through technology, the ILO warns that automation could disproportionately impact workers in the Global South. In regions where 60-80% of work is informal—street vendors, domestic workers, market traders—AI is actually creating new opportunities by enabling digital reputations, breaking down language barriers, and connecting workers to clients through smart matching platforms.

Key resources for the full picture:

On autonomous driving: We're in the "slow boil" phase. Full autonomy won't happen until around 2060, but targeted deployments in controlled environments—autonomous buses in dedicated lanes, robotaxis in mapped city zones, and driver-assist for long-haul safety—are already improving access and reducing accidents. The social impact opportunity lies in prioritizing public transit integration and ensuring equitable access rather than creating another luxury service.

The bottom line? Robots are moving from "factory cages to human spaces," handling the dirty, dull, and dangerous while humans focus on care, creativity, and connection. The challenge isn't whether automation will happen—it's ensuring it reduces drudgery and amplifies human potential rather than simply displacing workers

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I’m a power user of Boardy, an AI super‑connector that’s helped me make warm, double‑opt‑in intros across impact, startups, and education. It’s practical and human: short chats, clear asks, and intros that lead to real outcomes.

What I’ve seen work:
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How many AI safety researchers does it take to change a lightbulb? We can't tell you—it's an information hazard. 💡🔒

📰 News

Renewables Surpass Coal as Top Electricity Source
In 2025, solar, wind, and hydropower generated more electricity globally than coal-fired plants for the first time, according to a BBC-commissioned analysis—signaling a watershed in the energy transition and underscoring rapid decarbonization trends in major economies.

Is AI Closing the Door on Entry-Level Job Opportunities?
The World Economic Forum's "AI Jobs Barometer" highlights how automation of routine tasks is displacing entry-level workers and creating an emerging "AI precariat," urging comprehensive upskilling initiatives and AI-augmented job designs to safeguard workforce inclusion.

AI Models Predict Sepsis in Children, Enabling Preemptive Care
A multi-center study in JAMA Pediatrics demonstrates AI models using the first four hours of pediatric ER data can predict sepsis onset within 48 hours with high accuracy—marking a major advance in precision medicine and promising earlier intervention for a leading cause of child mortality.

AI Venture Funding Continues Surge Despite Market Uncertainty
Crunchbase data reveal Q3 2025 saw record levels of AI startup investment, with global funding up 25% year-on-year and key players like Anthropic raising multi-billion-dollar rounds—underscoring sustained investor confidence even amid economic headwinds.

Humanity AI Launches $500M Philanthropic Coalition for People-Centered AI Future
A coalition of ten foundations led by the Kapor Foundation announced Humanity AI, a five-year, $500 million initiative to fund organizations ensuring AI advances strengthen communities, bolster democracy, and enhance human creativity rather than concentrate power in corporate hands.

💼 Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

Work on Climate – A curated platform connecting professionals with opportunities in clean energy, carbon removal, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and environmental data science at mission-driven organizations worldwide.

👤 LinkedIn Profiles to Follow

Timnit Gebru – Founder and Executive Director of the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR), pioneering advocate for equitable AI development and algorithmic justice.

🎧 Today's Podcast Pick

AI for Good Podcast – "AI Meets Food Safety"
Examining how AI enhances global food safety through real-time risk detection, supply-chain monitoring, and data-driven policy insights, featuring case studies from regulatory bodies and industry leaders.