The Obtain: water threats in Iran and AI’s influence on what entrepreneurs make

—Casey CrownhartÂ

ThisÂstory is a part of MIT Expertise Evaluate Explains, our collection untangling the complicated, messy world of know-how that will help you perceive what’s coming subsequent.ÂYou possibly can learn extra from the collection right here.Â

AI is altering how small on-line sellers resolve what to makeÂ

For small entrepreneurs, deciding what to promote and the place to make it has historically been a gradual, labor-intensive course of. Now that work is more and more being performed by AI.  Â

Instruments like Alibaba’s Accio compress weeks of product analysis and provider looking right into a single chat. Enterprise homeowners and e-commerce consultants say they’re making sourcing extra accessible—and slashing the time from product thought to launch. Â

Learn the total story on how AI is leveling the trail to international manufacturing.Â

—Caiwei ChenÂ

The gig employees who’re coaching humanoid robots at residenceÂ

When Zeus, a medical scholar in Nigeria, returns to his condominium from an extended day on the hospital, he straps his iPhone to his brow and data himself doing chores.  
 
Zeus is an information recorder for Micro1, which sells the info he collects to robotics companies. As these firms race to construct humanoids, movies from employees like Zeus have develop into the most well liked new technique to practice them.   
 
Micro1 has employed 1000’s of them in additional than 50 international locations, together with India, Nigeria, and Argentina. The roles pay effectively domestically, however increase thorny questions round privateness and knowledgeable consent. The work could be difficult—and bizarre. Learn the total story. Â

—Michelle KimÂ