Future+ Fridays | Issue51

1. Artificial Intelligence Action Summit: can Europe catch up in the AI race, or will talent keep leaving?

What's happening: During two days this week, the AI Action Summit took place in Paris, where world leaders and tech executives debated whether Europe can compete with the U.S. and China in artificial intelligence. The European culture seems to hinder fast development and investments, but the summit demonstrated a 'pro AI adoption' approach confirmed by policymakers in Europe.

TLDR:

• The summit attracted major players, including Meta, Google, OpenAI, Spotify, AWS, were there, making a case for why AI solutions should be more integrated in everyday life along with 40+ heads of state.

• The summit addressed several critical themes, including public-interest AI, the future of work, investment, sustainability, and international AI regulation

• Ahead of the summit, France pledged €109 billion ($113.6 billion) to AI, mostly from private sources, for new data centers.

• The European Commission president announced InvestAI, a €200 billion EU-wide AI investment initiative to build four gigafactories specialising in training complex and large AI models.

• Those investments can be seen as a response to US Stargate project where $500bn of AI investment have been pledged earlier this year.

• Critics argue that Europe lacks the risk-taking culture, venture capital, and mega-investments of the U.S. and China. While the U.S. thrives on high-risk, high-reward ventures, Europe remains cautious.

• Strict EU regulations, including the AI Act and Digital Services Act, may also limit startup growth and innovation.

• Many top European AI talents have moved to the U.S. to pursue opportunities. France’s digital minister urged entrepreneurs to build AI companies locally rather than rely on U.S. markets.

• France introduced an AI declaration for responsible development, signed by most attending countries and companies except the U.S. and UK, titled ‘Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet.’

• The act main priorities promote accessible, ethical, and transparent AI while fostering innovation and preventing market concentration. It emphasises sustainable growth, positive workforce impact, and global cooperation in AI governance.

• Macron and EU leaders promised to cut red tape to accelerate AI growth but remain committed to privacy and climate regulations.

• Station F, Europe’s largest startup hub, hosted 4,000 investors, founders, and officials pushing for European AI leadership.

Why it matters: Europe has world-class AI researchers and talent, but the lack of aggressive investment and a startup-friendly culture puts it at risk of falling behind. If European AI startups and engineers keep moving to the U.S., the long-term economic and technological consequences could be significant. While new funding and promises to cut red tape may help, success will depend on whether Europe can foster a culture that encourages bold innovation and risk-taking. Europe's unique approach to AI, emphasising ethical and sustainable development, could set it apart in the global AI race. By focusing on responsible AI governance and avoiding the 'arms race' narrative, Europe can potentially compete effectively and lead in creating AI systems that prioritize societal benefits over profit or control.

2. Apple’s research hints at a smart home robot with personality

What's happening: Apple is researching both humanoid and non-humanoid robotsf or its future smart home ecosystem, though the project is still in its early proof-of-concept stage.

TLDR:

• Apple is exploring various robotic form factors, including humanoid and non-humanoid designs. This exploration is part of its broader interest in smart home technology.

• Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the project is in the proof-of-concept stage, also known as the testing ground, meaning it may never reach production. If it does, mass production would likely not begin until 2028 or later.

• Unlike other early-stage projects, Apple has been unusually open about its robotics research. This transparency could be a strategy to attract talent from universities and research facilities, as progress in robotics often relies on collaborative efforts.

• A recent research paper from Apple highlights a robotic device with expressive movements, reminiscent of Pixar's lamp. This robot can react to music, gestures, and voice commands, featuring an articulating arm, LED light, speaker, camera, and possibly a projector.

• Apple’s rumoured foldable iPhone is also in the proof-of-concept stage but the company has a history of abandoning projects at this stage, as seen with the Apple Car.

• This could be part of a broader strategy to find new revenue streams and expand into new product categories. The company is known for its expertise in hardware design, software integration, and user experience, which could translate into innovative consumer-focused robotics products

Why it matters: Apple's interest in robotics could revolutionise smart home technology by introducing interactive, AI-powered robots that engage users through movement and expression, making interactions more natural, by the use of robots who have a personality. However, given Apple's history of shelving ambitious projects, there's no guarantee this will become a real product. If it does, it could redefine home technology interactions, but it's still years away.

3. NFT Paris is live with its fourth and biggest edition

What's happening: After three years at the Palais Éphémère, NFT Paris returned for its fourth edition, on February 13-14, 2025, at the Grande Halle de la Villette. This event reaffirms Paris as a cultural epicenter, with a focus on digital innovation. "Gathering over 20,000 attendees and 400 speakers, NFT Paris has become Europe's largest Web3 event, with more than 200 side events taking place.

TLDR:

• At the core of the event is closing the gap between Web2 and Web3, demonstrating that NFTs are not just speculative assets but disruptive tools to transform art, gaming, finance, and beyond.

• This year's edition expands into a 4-in-1 mega conference: NFT Paris, the event's foundation; XYZ Paris, exploring generative AI and blockchain; RWA Paris, focusing on real-world asset tokenization and decentralized finance; and Ordinal Paris, highlighting how Bitcoin's ecosystem embraces NFTs and on-chain innovation.

• Key themes include NFTs, generative AI, digital real estate, gaming, and metaverse applications.

• The NFT Paris conference had a significant impact on the cryptocurrency market the day before opening, particularly in the NFT sector, leading to a surge in trading activity.

• NFT Paris 2025 showcases dynamic NFT galleries, generative AI art, and AR/VR digital spaces, transforming how we experience art in the blockchain era.

• High-profile speakers: Luca Schnetzler (Igloo Inc, Pudgy Penguins), Brian Quintenz (a16z), Haider Rafique (OKX), Sébastien Borget (The Sandbox), Martin Signoux (OpenAI), and Mascha Driessen (Microsoft).

• Exclusive showcases: ApeChain’s designer exhibition, CBI’s digital jewellery collection, The Sandbox’s metaverse auction, and 10101.art’s blockchain-based art co-ownership.

• WoW Valentine’s event in partnership with PizzaDAO to host a special evening where visitors can mint free NFTs while making heart-shaped pizzas on Friday, 14.

Why it matters: NFT Paris has evolved into a major force in Web3, attracting top industry players and expanding into real estate, gaming, and luxury. As blockchain adoption accelerates, the event fuels discussions on regulation, ethics, and sustainability, reinforcing that NFTs and digital assets are not just trends—but transformational technologies shaping the future.

4. How Artificial Intelligence took over the SuperBowl

What's happening: AI played a starring role in this year’s Super Bowl, dubbed the ‘AI Super Bowl.’ om commercials by OpenAI, Google, Meta, Salesforce, and GoDaddy showcasing their latest AI innovations to AI-driven technology enhancing the game itself, artificial intelligence had a profound impact on this year’s Super Bowl.

TLDR:

• The 2025 Super Bowl earned the nickname ‘The AI Super Bowl’ because of its heavy focus on AI-driven content and advertisers.

• OpenAI aired its first-ever Super Bowl commercial, using pointillism animation to illustrate historical milestones leading to generative AI—ironically, without using AI.

• Google’s Super Bowl ad for its Gemini chatbot included a questionable cheese fact, which was later removed from the YouTube version—proving that even tech giants make mistakes.

• Meta promoted its Ray-Ban smart glasses with celebrity endorsements from Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, and Kris Jenner.

• AI is revolutionising the fan experience with AR, VR, and AI-powered insights enhancing engagement both in the stadium and at home.

• The NFL is using AI to improve player safety and performance, with AI-powered injury prevention tools and data-driven insights shaping the future of the game.

• AI-powered security and facial recognition technology were used to enhance safety at the Super Bowl, showcasing AI's role in large-scale event management.

Why it matters: AI took center stage at this year’s Super Bowl, reflecting its growing role in everyday life. OpenAI’s commercial signaled a shift toward AI companies marketing directly to consumers, while Google’s ad correction underscored ongoing concerns about accuracy. Both major tech firms and startups showcased AI’s potential—from wearable technology to customer management. The NFL’s use of AI for player safety and event security highlighted practical, real-world applications. Overall, the Super Bowl’s emphasis on AI reinforced its tangible influence, shaping consumer expectations and fueling demand for AI-driven products and services.

5. Christie’s first auction fully dedicated to AI art

What's happening: Christie’s is making history with its first-ever auction dedicated entirely to AI-generated art, titled "Augmented Intelligence," running from February 20 to March 5, 2025, in New York. This groundbreaking event features over 20 AI-infused works by renowned artists.

TLDR:

• The auction, titled "Augmented Intelligence," features over 20 AI-infused works.

• Artists include Pindar Van Arman, Harold Cohen, Alexander Reben, Refik Anadol, and Claire Silver with works ranging from sculptures and paintings to digital NFTs and interactive installations.

• Pindar Van Arman’s "Emerging Faces" is expected to sell for up to $250,000. Alexander Reben’s live robot will paint as bids increase for his piece.

• The auction has sparked controversy, with an open letter signed by nearly 4,000 artists demanding its cancellation due to concerns over AI models exploiting human artists.

• Christie’s and Sotheby’s continue to expand into AI and digital art markets, as seen recently when Sotheby’s sold an artwork created by a humanoid robot.

Why it matters: This event marks a significant milestone in the art world, highlighting the growing acceptance of AI-generated art and raising important questions about authorship, human agency, and the value of art in the digital age. The auction is expected to bring in at least $600,000, further cementing the role of AI in fine art and challenging traditional notions of creativity. Despite the controversy, Christie’s defends the auction, emphasising that the featured artists have strong, multidisciplinary practices and that AI enhances their existing bodies of work.