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3 AI Video Tools That Are Great for Marketing Agencies

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Video isn’t just part of the marketing playbook anymore – it is the playbook. From short-form content that drives traffic to polished explainers that turn maybe into yes, video has become the loudest, clearest way to say what your brand is about.

But creating great videos at scale? That’s where most agencies hit a wall. Deadlines pile up, budgets stay tight, and clients expect Hollywood with a Canva budget.

Enter AI-powered video tools. They’re making it easier for marketing agencies to produce videos that look sharp, sound professional, and land with audiences – without needing a camera crew or a three-day shoot. [Read more…] about 3 AI Video Tools That Are Great for Marketing Agencies

The rise of embodied AI: Robots that learn by doing

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By Laura Pérez, PAL Robotics

As robotics becomes more deeply integrated into society, a new paradigm is taking shape: embodied artificial intelligence (AI).

Unlike traditional AI, which operates in abstract digital environments, embodied AI enables robots to learn by doing; connecting perception, cognition, and action through direct physical interaction with the world.

This shift toward embodied intelligence is rapidly gaining traction in both academic and industrial fields, particularly since embodied AI has become more accessible and relevant. [Read more…] about The rise of embodied AI: Robots that learn by doing

Opinion: AI’s ‘real value is in eliminating everyday inefficiencies’

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With over 40 percent of US startups now using AI to streamline operations, it’s becoming clear that the real value of artificial intelligence for small businesses isn’t just in grand visions of automation, but in “eliminating everyday inefficiencies”.

This is according to Jon Hinkle, CEO of TRG Datacenters, has highlighted four practical ways early-stage companies are already putting AI agents to work.

From reducing SaaS bloat to speeding up complex quotes, these aren’t future promises – they’re tangible results. [Read more…] about Opinion: AI’s ‘real value is in eliminating everyday inefficiencies’

Agentic AI startup Landbase raises $30 million in Series A funding

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Landbase, an agentic AI company that provides “go-to-market” (GTM – product launch) software to businesses, has raised $30 million in Series A funding.

The round was co-led by Sound Ventures – the AI-focused fund co-founded by Ashton Kutcher and Guy Oseary – and returning investor Picus Capital.

The raise also included strong participation from other existing backers, including 8VC, A*, Firstminute Capital and TheGP, underscoring continued conviction in Landbase’s growth and mission.

The new funding will support Landbase’s continued investment in GTM-1 Omni, its proprietary domain-specific AI model, and accelerate its mission to make go-to-market (GTM) faster, cheaper and better for every B2B business. [Read more…] about Agentic AI startup Landbase raises $30 million in Series A funding

From spreadsheets to industrial machinery: Overwhelming numbers of workers say AI saves time on tasks

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Approximately 90 percent of surveyed workers say AI helps them save time on work tasks – yet many businesses still underestimate how far intelligent automation has progressed in routine workflows.

The challenge: While over 80 percent of companies plan to implement AI-powered tools this year, many still invest hours in processes that modern AI systems now enhance faster, more accurately, and at greater scale. [Read more…] about From spreadsheets to industrial machinery: Overwhelming numbers of workers say AI saves time on tasks

Toyota Group launches AI and software push with new academy and accelerator

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As the company itself describes it, five “major Toyota Group companies” have agreed to start “significant new initiatives” aimed at “bolstering their capabilities in artificial intelligence and software development”.

The push includes the establishment of the Toyota Software Academy, and the launch of the Global AI Accelerator (GAIA) to spearhead innovation.

The companies collaborating on these efforts are: Aisin, Denso, Toyota Tsusho, Toyota Motor, and Woven by Toyota. [Read more…] about Toyota Group launches AI and software push with new academy and accelerator

Clerical Automation Steps Up A Gear With Agent-Based Systems

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The era of the office might be about to change yet again. Recent advances in clerical processing and software automation have upped the ante, and now many businesses are wondering whether there is any limit to productivity.

Part of this excitement is being driven by so-called “agents” – the next step is autonomous system development. Rather than merely responding to queries, these are being designed to be proactive in the world, helping their owners (i.e., businesses) complete real tasks based on initial instructions.

Experts like to explain this concept as making autonomous systems more human. Agency implies that these solutions can do things by themselves to complete the broader objectives set for them. For example, agents might be able to set up online businesses, including payment systems, without human oversight. [Read more…] about Clerical Automation Steps Up A Gear With Agent-Based Systems

Levels of intelligence: Navigating the future of AI, from robotic arms to autonomous cars

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic fantasy; it’s rapidly becoming an integral part of our daily lives, from the smartphones in our pockets to the complex systems powering industries.

As AI capabilities expand and grow more sophisticated, so does the need to understand and categorize these evolving forms of intelligence.

The concept of “levels of AI” offers a framework to discuss capabilities, manage our expectations, address safety concerns, and potentially guide regulation. [Read more…] about Levels of intelligence: Navigating the future of AI, from robotic arms to autonomous cars

Hedra raises $32 million to build ‘leading’ generative AI platform for digital characters

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Hedra, the AI video generation platform behind over 10 million lifelike videos, has raised $32 million to bring AI-powered video creation to enterprise marketers.

The series A funding round was led by Andreessen Horowitz’s Infrastructure fund (a16z Infra), with participation from existing investors, including a16z speedrun, Abstract, and Index Ventures. This round brings the company’s total funding to $44 million since its last announced fundraise in 2024.

In the fight for audience attention, video wins – but producing it remains out of reach for most companies, says Hedra. [Read more…] about Hedra raises $32 million to build ‘leading’ generative AI platform for digital characters

BMW experiments with AI for smarter vehicle quality control

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Can artificial intelligence (AI) make quality control in vehicle production more efficient, faster and more reliable?

A software solution developed at BMW Group Plant Regensburg as part of the “GenAI4Q” pilot project is making this a reality.

At its core is an AI that delivers tailored inspection recommendations for the approximately 1,400 vehicles manufactured each day. [Read more…] about BMW experiments with AI for smarter vehicle quality control