🤩 I put the Awe in Awe-tism
In this issue we’ll explore neurodivergent systems and habits, look at deep learning puzzles, a new “mesh anything” model, and your guide to Numpy 2! Further down, we’ll chat about AI in renewable energy and have a look at a super cute happy dog and a fascinating robotic snake dress.
Late to the Party 🎉 is about insights into real-world AI without the hype.
Hello internet,
it’s been a while… Apologies. I was unwell. But let’s call it a summer break instead, to keep the vibes up!
In this issue we’ll explore neurodivergent systems and habits, look at deep learning puzzles, a new “mesh anything” model, and your guide to Numpy 2! Further down, we’ll chat about AI in renewable energy and have a look at a super cute happy dog and a fascinating robotic snake dress.
Let’s dive right in!
The Latest Fashion
- Try these deep learning puzzles!
- Numpy is turning 2.0! Here’s what you have to upgrade!
- MeshAnything promises to build digital meshes of anything like an artist would!
Worried these links might be sponsored? Fret no more. They’re all organic, as per my ethics.
My Current Obsession
Well, it happened. I broke down completely. Wasn’t able to write, and I had to take care of myself first. I was impressed that I had been so (relatively) consistent with this newsletter anyways, but unfortunately, I got into a bad place.
As a neurodivergent person, I have a lot of systems that I maintain to be able to work my normal job and somehow live my life. But it always feels like I’m hanging on by a thread. I usually need help keeping house for example, so I hire people to help. But my personal systems for keeping track of my tasks kept slipping. As we know, moving apartments, is highly disruptive anyways, so then even the things that worked without systems ended up faltering.
What a nightmare.
I am working hard to claw back my systems and slowly building up those habits again. (Unfortunately, I’m the type of neurodivergent that has to keep a list for habits, because they never become automatic.) But I did try out a gym on Tuesday, very excited to maybe find a bit of community and some healthy outlets there. I’m still sore, but in a good way, so that’s awesome! In German, we have a lovely word for this soreness called “Muskelkater”, which literally translates to “muscle cat” but actually means “muscle hangover”.
My birthday is coming up on Monday. I’m turning 35. I’m trying to use this as a push to finally get my place in order. And I asked my friends that if they gift me anything it’s something they love to relax to. Pretty sure there will be a bath bomb coming my way!
Let me know what you use for your habits and for relaxation! I’m genuinely curious.
Thing I Like
I got myself one of the OptiGrill contact grills or panini presses. Been loving it to slowly cook more for myself again!
Hot off the Press
On Socials
I posted about a NASA and IBM collaboration on remote sensing, which you read about 11 months ago. And I reshared my open-source PhD thesis, which was quite popular!
I also got the feedback that some folks were frustrated that I post so many old shares from this newsletter. I decided to take this to heart, while I try to only repost evergreen links, I have re-weighted my personal algorithm to favour newer links. I still have many links from this newsletter that I have never shared on social media, but I guess the medium lends itself to a sense of urgency, so I’ll try to post more recent things.
Python Deadlines
These call for proposals are coming up: PyCon France, PyCon Australia, and PyCon Somalia.
Machine Learning Insights
Last week I asked, What's the role of AI in achieving sustainable energy solutions?, and here’s the gist of it:
Let’s explore how AI is helping us move towards more sustainable energy solutions. It’s an exciting topic that combines technology, environmental science, and a dash of futurism.
Here are a few key ways AI is making a difference:
Optimizing Energy Production
One major way AI helps with sustainable energy is by optimizing how we produce energy. For example, in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, AI can analyze vast amounts of weather data to predict when and where energy production will be highest.
Example from Meteorology: Imagine using machine learning to look at weather forecast data to determine the best way to utilize solar panels or wind turbines. AI models can learn from past weather patterns and make accurate predictions, helping energy providers maximize their utility while minimizing waste.
Enhancing Energy Storage
Energy storage is another critical area where AI plays a role. With renewable energy sources often being intermittent—like solar energy primarily being harvested during sunny weather—AI can help manage how we store this energy.
How It Works: AI algorithms can forecast energy demand and supply, allowing energy systems to decide the best times to store energy and when to release it. This balance is crucial for ensuring that energy is available when people need it, leading to a more reliable and sustainable energy system.
Smart Grids
AI is also instrumental in creating smart grids. A smart grid uses AI to manage and allocate energy based on real-time data. It can detect outages, manage energy flows, and allow for better integration of renewable resources.
Real-World Example: When energy usage suddenly spikes due to a heat wave, AI can help predict this demand in advance by analyzing weather forecast data (just like a forecaster would!) and adjusting the energy distribution accordingly. This reduces the risk of blackouts and ensures that energy sources are used efficiently and resiliently.
Increasing Energy Efficiency
AI can also improve the efficiency of existing energy systems. For instance, AI can analyze how buildings use energy and suggest ways to reduce waste. Simple actions, like adjusting heating and cooling based on occupancy patterns, can lead to significant energy savings, especially in smart buildings and office buildings.
Engaging Example: Think of a smart thermostat that learns your daily routine. It adjusts temperatures to save energy when you’re not home while ensuring your house is comfortable when you are there. This not only saves energy but also lowers utility bills (and also feels pretty cool)!
Conclusion
In summary, AI can play an influential role in developing sustainable energy solutions, optimizing production, managing storage, modernizing grids, and increasing efficiency. We can work towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future by harnessing AI capabilities. However, we have to ensure that building these models doesn’t suddenly offset the potential savings.
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Question of the Week
- What are the key challenges in applying deep learning to real-time weather prediction?
Post them on Mastodon and Tag me. I'd love to see what you come up with. Then I can include them in the next issue!
Tidbits from the Web
- This robotic snake dress is mesmerising!
- I really wish the web today wasn’t like this….
- Isn’t this just the happiest green boi?
Jesper Dramsch is the creator of PythonDeadlin.es, ML.recipes, data-science-gui.de and the Latent Space Community.
I laid out my ethics including my stance on sponsorships, in case you're interested!