Latest news with #BigHero6
The Mainichi
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Tokyo Disney Resort teams up with Mrs. Green Apple in 'Summer Cool-off' program
URAYASU, Chiba -- Tokyo Disney Resort (TDR)'s special summer program "Summer Cool-off" began July 2 with a surprise appearance by members of popular rock band Mrs. Green Apple. Related parades and shows were revealed to the press on July 1. At Tokyo Disneyland, the program's theme song "Carrying Happiness," released by Mrs. Green Apple, played as band members rode in an open car with Mickey Mouse and friends. Later on, health care robot Baymax from Disney's animated film "Big Hero 6" appeared on two floats, with the "task" of protecting visitors from the heat. Sensing the heat was wearing guests down, Baymax sprayed water on the crowd of people, drawing loud cheers. In the evening at Tokyo DisneySea, Mickey and friends held a dance festival titled "Dockside Splash Remix" to blow away the summer heat. Fireworks and tons of spraying water energized the audience. The summer program at TDR in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, will run through Sept. 15. (Japanese original by Takashi Ishizuka, Chiba Bureau)
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Bill Gates Thinks AI Will Replace Doctors. Here's Why He's Wrong.
While AI tools are transforming healthcare, human doctors remain essential for empathy, judgment, ... More and hands-on care In just a few short years, artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT have gone mainstream. Today, AI writes emails, plans vacations and even helps predict stock market trends. AI in healthcare can answer complex medical questions, analyze lab results and even pass medical board exams. So will AI soon replace doctors? Bill Gates seems to think so. In a recent appearance on The Tonight Show, he predicted AI could eliminate the need for doctors 'for most things' within a decade, ushering in an era of low-cost, robot-led care. Think Baymax from Disney's Big Hero 6. But Gates is wrong. AI will profoundly reshape medicine in the coming years. Yet it won't replace most of what physicians actually do — at least not anytime soon. Instead, AI is becoming medicine's smartest assistant, helping doctors work more efficiently and deliver better care. What AI Can Do As Well (Or Better) Than Doctors Today The argument for replacing doctors hinges on the idea that AI is already taking on core medical tasks. It's true that AI excels with analyzing digitized data. Consider radiology, where physicians spend much of their time interpreting x-rays, CT scans, MRIs and other tests. A 2019 Lancet Digital Health review found that AI could match or outperform human radiologists in image classification tasks. Dermatology is another area at risk. Skin conditions can be photographed and analyzed by AI models that now rival or exceed board-certified dermatologists in detecting skin cancer. The same goes for pathology. A 2024 Nature meta-analysis found that AI was 96% sensitive and 93% specific in diagnosis in clinical pathology across 48 studies. When information comes in clearly bits and bytes, AI is probably already better than human doctors analyzing it. And where it's not better today, it will nearly certainly be in the near future. Why AI In Healthcare Won't Replace Most Doctors Anytime Soon Even in specialties like radiology, dermatology, and pathology, AI isn't going to fully take over. That's because these doctors do far more than interpret images. Radiologists often perform procedures like image-guided biopsies or interventions for stroke and infections. Dermatologists carry out biopsies and treat skin conditions in the clinic. Pathologists perform autopsies and provide expert input on complex cases. None of these hands-on tasks can be delegated to an AI. How about replacing surgeons? Studies have shown that AI can assist with precision — but it cannot perform procedures independently. Indeed, surgery is one specialty where the core task of procedural competence has little chance of AI taking over. Another issue is that many patients aren't ready for AI-based care, much less fully autonomous care. A 2022 Pew survey found that 60% of Americans would be uncomfortable receiving diagnoses or treatment with AI involved. Yet as data emerges demonstrating the safety or even superiority of AI for some tasks, those views may change. However, a core feature of the doctor-patient relationship – empathy – is something AI simply can't replace. A 2011 study in Academic Medicine found that more empathetic physicians had patients with better diabetes control, showing that human connection improves real health outcomes. No chatbot, however well trained, can offer the same trust, nuance or emotional understanding as a human physician. AI In Healthcare Will Be The Doctor's Smart Copilot Rather than replacing doctors, healthcare AI is becoming a powerful copilot. As AI gets further integrated into care processes and use increases, it could free clinicians from many tasks to focus more on complex thinking, nuanced decisions and patient relationships. An example of effective copiloting today is that doctors are increasingly using AI tools to brainstorm differential diagnoses. For example, for rare diseases in children, AI can be useful in helping identify characteristic combinations of features to hone in on the diagnosis. Specific AI platforms, like OpenEvidence which is available only to physicians with a National Physician Identifier, can help clinicians rapidly access the latest research and evidence-based answers to challenging questions. A promising area where AI is helping to automate clinical documentation of doctor's notes. Doctors today spend nearly half their workday on data entry. In some specialities, particularly in outpatient medicine, voice-based AI assistants are easing that burden and saving time. These are all AI tools that support doctors, not replace them. What Will Determine AI in Healthcare's Future Role? AI's capabilities are expanding rapidly. But their adoption by doctors is uneven — especially in clinical settings where workflows haven't been optimized for integration. For example, in ambient AI for documentation, some doctors find it invaluable. Yet others abandon it after a short time for a variety of reasons, sometimes because the notes that the AI produces don't mesh with their specialty or require too much editing. Sometimes, doctors can't seem to fit AI into their workflow or may feel like their current process (e.g. dictation) may be working just as well. Indeed in some areas, AI has underdelivered. For example, when it comes to identifying sepsis in the hospital, algorithmically generated flags are commonly rejected or overridden by doctors, underscoring the continued importance of human judgment in a complex, dynamic conditions. AI regulation is also a work in progress. The FDA's Digital Health Precertification initiative and Europe's AI Act aim to bring clarity. But big questions remain about privacy, bias and legal liability. If an AI system misses a cancer diagnosis, who is responsible? Because of these uncertainties, many health systems are hesitant to fully deploy AI tools. How Can AI In Healthcare Be Optimized? First and foremost, AI developers need to solve real clinical problems: improving decisions or enhancing efficiency. A good example in emergency medicine is the AI tool 'Queen of Hearts" which helps interpret subtle EKG findings that may mean the patient is having a heart attack. The software has received breakthrough device designation from FDA and may be cleared for use within several months. Another issue is that AI development is happening so rapidly. Medical education needs to keep up. Some training programs, like Stanford and Harvard medical schools have started embedding AI into their curricula. But most practicing doctors and nurses aren't yet trained to work effectively with these tools. That needs to change. Ultimately, in the future AI may be able to take on some of the cognitive and administrative burden and allow doctors to do what only humans can do: connect, empathize and perform hands-on tasks that AI can't replace. Importantly, physicians will need the training to supervise, interpret and collaborate with these AI systems. So, sorry Bill Gates. The future of AI in healthcare will not be Baymax-style robot doctors. It will be smarter care, delivered by humans empowered with intelligent tools.
Scottish Sun
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
I travelled alone in a driverless taxi – it's a game changer for single women like me
Plus, a British driverless taxi firm received a cash injection last year to bring self-driving cars closer to reality DRIVER-LESS I travelled alone in a driverless taxi – it's a game changer for single women like me A SLEEK white car approached me, gliding towards the pavement as a flashing green beacon like an old fashion police light revealed the letters 'CF'. That was the signifier that this way my driverless taxi. 5 Waymo was introduced to the public in San Francisco back in 2024 Credit: Alamy 5 I travelled in a Waymo when visiting San Francisco last year Credit: Cyann Fielding To unlock the car, I had to go back onto the app and confirm - none of the usual issue of someone battling you for the Uber you thought was yours. I was in San Francisco hailing a Waymo taxi, which was introduced to the public in the city back in 2024. The cars are littered all over the city and look like car-versions of Big Hero 6's Baymax. Once inside, the energy felt very much the same. Unlike an Uber - where I avoid the front seat at all costs - I made a beeline for it. This was the best place to be - like the front of the rollercoaster, where you can see all the action. Though in this case, it was the roads ahead, a wheel rotating on its own accord and a tablet screen showing all of the things within feet of the car. In fact, the cars sensors and cameras even stretched to the bins and people on the pavement... on the other side of the road. Without doubt, I was impressed. The apprehension I had prior to getting in the car had immediately subsided. Incredible moment Britain's first ever air taxi takes to UK skies with speeds of 150mph and room for four passengers It didn't feel like an erratic or janky journey, instead very smooth, taking each turn and speedbump with a planned approach. The reason why San Francisco is home to these vehicles - and other brands' driverless vehicles too - is mostly due to the city's proximity to Silicon Valley, it being a challenging city with lots of hills and also, it having a welcoming attitude towards new technologies. Whilst the cars cannot go on the highway, they can zip around the city with ease. Admittedly, to a lot of people they seem like a novelty. But in reality, the cars really do feel safe and like the future of taxis. In recent years, there have been a flurry of taxi driver scandals, with young women airing their grievances over creepy drivers. And in 2022, Uber was sued in the US over allegations of assault by drivers including allegations women passengers were kidnapped. I have had Uber drivers ask about my age, question my career as a journalist, ask if I am single, been on any dates recently, 'behave' appropriately on nights out - the list goes on. When I first moved to London, these kinds of incidents meant I didn't know which firm to trust - if it could happen with Ubersdrivers, it could happen with any driver from any taxi app or firm. I remember having a female driver in Texas, who drove so erratically I thought she was drunk. And a male driver in London, at 10am in the morning, interrogating me if I had been drinking - all because I had a can of Sprite in my hand. After a night out, I was stranded on two percent with no Uber accepting my trip. Whilst the app told me there were no nearby drivers, I was in central London, with many cars with Uber stickers whizzing by me. More than likely, I was being rejected by drivers because my trip was short and only would cost £5. Another night, whilst with friends, we had an Uber abandon us on the side of the road and zoom off with no reason explained. 5 Once you have ordered an Waymo and it arrives, you unlock it with your phone Credit: Cyann Fielding I have had Uber drivers ask about my age, question my career as a journalist, ask if I am single, been on any dates recently, 'behave' appropriately on nights out - the list goes on. Undoubtedly, I have had amazing drivers too - chatty or not, friendly and respectful, and ones who have offered me water or a charger. And whilst I make effort to give five stars and a tip for these drivers, I shouldn't feel the need to award someone for not being creepy. With Waymo, there is none of this anxiety. You unlock the car from your phone, get in and a safety demo is explained to you, the screen constantly shows what is around the car, the doors are locked for the duration of the journey, you can contact customer service by simply asking. 5 Once your ride is finished, you just shut the door and watch the vehicle drive off Credit: Cyann Fielding All of these safety measures are then enhanced by measures that make your ride enjoyable - a fun, upbeat voice, music options and even the joke that "you can sing as loud as you like because no one will hear you". Essentially, my experience was a safe, comforting private karaoke room on wheels. No complaints - even despite the slightly-higher-than-Uber price - just one satisfied customer. Driverless taxis don't just offer a tourist experience, they offer a haven away from questionable drivers and forced conversations. Uber self-driving robotaxis are due to come to UK roads NEXT YEAR. Last year, a British driverless car firm also raised $1bn from investors in Europe's biggest AI deal to date.
The Irish Sun
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
I travelled alone in a driverless taxi – it's a game changer for single women like me
A SLEEK white car approached me, gliding towards the pavement as a flashing green beacon like an old fashion police light revealed the letters 'CF'. That was the signifier that this way my driverless taxi. 5 Waymo was introduced to the public in San Francisco back in 2024 Credit: Alamy 5 I travelled in a Waymo when visiting San Francisco last year Credit: Cyann Fielding To unlock the car, I had to go back onto the app and confirm - none of the usual issue of someone battling you for the Uber you thought was yours. I was in San Francisco hailing a Waymo taxi, which was introduced to the public in the city back in 2024. The cars are littered all over the city and look like car-versions of Big Hero 6's Baymax. Once inside, the energy felt very much the same. Read more on taxis Unlike an Uber - where I avoid the front seat at all costs - I made a beeline for it. This was the best place to be - like the front of the Though in this case, it was the roads ahead, a wheel rotating on its own accord and a tablet screen showing all of the things within feet of the car. In fact, the cars sensors and cameras even stretched to the bins and people on the pavement... on the other side of the road. Most read in News Travel Without doubt, I was impressed. The apprehension I had prior to getting in the car had immediately subsided. Incredible moment Britain's first ever air taxi takes to UK skies with speeds of 150mph and room for four passengers It didn't feel like an erratic or janky journey, instead very smooth, taking each turn and speedbump with a planned approach. The reason why San Francisco is home to these vehicles - and other brands' driverless vehicles too - is mostly due to the city's proximity to Silicon Valley, it being a challenging city with lots of hills and also, it having a welcoming attitude towards new technologies. Whilst the cars cannot go on the highway, they can zip around the city with ease. Admittedly, to a lot of people they seem like a novelty. But in reality, the cars really do feel safe and like the future of taxis. In recent years, there have been a flurry of taxi driver scandals, with young women airing their grievances over creepy drivers. And in 2022, Uber was sued in the US over allegations of assault by drivers including allegations women passengers were kidnapped. I have had Uber drivers ask about my age, question my career as a journalist, ask if I am single, been on any dates recently, 'behave' appropriately on nights out - the list goes on. When I first moved to London, these kinds of incidents meant I didn't know which firm to trust - if it could happen with Ubersdrivers, it could happen with any driver from any taxi app or firm. I remember having a female driver in Texas, who drove so erratically I thought she was drunk. And a male driver in London, at 10am in the morning, interrogating me if I had been drinking - all because I had a can of Sprite in my hand. After a night out, I was stranded on two percent with no Uber accepting my trip. Whilst the app told me there were no nearby drivers, I was in central London, with many cars with Uber stickers whizzing by me. More than likely, I was being rejected by drivers because my trip was short and only would cost £5. Another night, whilst with friends, we had an Uber abandon us on the side of the road and zoom off with no reason explained. 5 Once you have ordered an Waymo and it arrives, you unlock it with your phone Credit: Cyann Fielding I have had Uber drivers ask about my age, question my career as a journalist, ask if I am single, been on any dates recently, 'behave' appropriately on nights out - the list goes on. Undoubtedly, I have had amazing drivers too - chatty or not, friendly and respectful, and ones who have offered me water or a charger. And whilst I make effort to give five stars and a tip for these drivers, I shouldn't feel the need to award someone for not being creepy. With Waymo, there is none of this anxiety. You unlock the car from your phone, get in and a safety demo is explained to you, the screen constantly shows what is around the car, the doors are locked for the duration of the journey, you can contact customer service by simply asking. 5 Once your ride is finished, you just shut the door and watch the vehicle drive off Credit: Cyann Fielding All of these safety measures are then enhanced by measures that make your ride enjoyable - a fun, upbeat voice, music options and even the joke that "you can sing as loud as you like because no one will hear you". Essentially, my experience was a safe, comforting private karaoke room on wheels. No complaints - even despite the slightly-higher-than-Uber price - just one satisfied customer. Driverless taxis don't just offer a Last year, a British driverless car firm also raised $1bn from investors in Europe's biggest AI deal to date. 5 Driverless taxis in London could change the future of getting a ride Credit: Alamy
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
I travelled alone in a driverless taxi – it's a game changer for single women like me
A SLEEK white car approached me, gliding towards the pavement as a flashing green beacon like an old fashion police light revealed the letters 'CF'. That was the signifier that this way my driverless taxi. 5 5 To unlock the car, I had to go back onto the app and confirm - none of the usual issue of someone battling you for the Uber you thought was yours. I was in San Francisco hailing a Waymo taxi, which was introduced to the public in the city back in 2024. The cars are littered all over the city and look like car-versions of Big Hero 6's Baymax. Once inside, the energy felt very much the same. Unlike an Uber - where I avoid the front seat at all costs - I made a beeline for it. This was the best place to be - like the front of the rollercoaster, where you can see all the action. Though in this case, it was the roads ahead, a wheel rotating on its own accord and a tablet screen showing all of the things within feet of the car. In fact, the cars sensors and cameras even stretched to the bins and people on the pavement... on the other side of the road. Without doubt, I was impressed. The apprehension I had prior to getting in the car had immediately subsided. Incredible moment Britain's first ever air taxi takes to UK skies with speeds of 150mph and room for four passengers It didn't feel like an erratic or janky journey, instead very smooth, taking each turn and speedbump with a planned approach. The reason why San Francisco is home to these vehicles - and other brands' driverless vehicles too - is mostly due to the city's proximity to Silicon Valley, it being a challenging city with lots of hills and also, it having a welcoming attitude towards new technologies. Whilst the cars cannot go on the highway, they can zip around the city with ease. Admittedly, to a lot of people they seem like a novelty. But in reality, the cars really do feel safe and like the future of taxis. In recent years, there have been a flurry of taxi driver scandals, with young women airing their grievances over creepy drivers. And in 2022, Uber was sued in the US over allegations of assault by drivers including allegations women passengers were kidnapped. I have had Uber drivers ask about my age, question my career as a journalist, ask if I am single, been on any dates recently, 'behave' appropriately on nights out - the list goes on. When I first moved to London, these kinds of incidents meant I didn't know which firm to trust - if it could happen with Ubersdrivers, it could happen with any driver from any taxi app or firm. I remember having a female driver in Texas, who drove so erratically I thought she was drunk. And a male driver in London, at 10am in the morning, interrogating me if I had been drinking - all because I had a can of Sprite in my hand. After a night out, I was stranded on two percent with no Uber accepting my trip. Whilst the app told me there were no nearby drivers, I was in central London, with many cars with Uber stickers whizzing by me. More than likely, I was being rejected by drivers because my trip was short and only would cost £5. Another night, whilst with friends, we had an Uber abandon us on the side of the road and zoom off with no reason explained. 5 I have had Uber drivers ask about my age, question my career as a journalist, ask if I am single, been on any dates recently, 'behave' appropriately on nights out - the list goes on. Undoubtedly, I have had amazing drivers too - chatty or not, friendly and respectful, and ones who have offered me water or a charger. And whilst I make effort to give five stars and a tip for these drivers, I shouldn't feel the need to award someone for not being creepy. With Waymo, there is none of this anxiety. You unlock the car from your phone, get in and a safety demo is explained to you, the screen constantly shows what is around the car, the doors are locked for the duration of the journey, you can contact customer service by simply asking. 5 All of these safety measures are then enhanced by measures that make your ride enjoyable - a fun, upbeat voice, music options and even the joke that "you can sing as loud as you like because no one will hear you". Essentially, my experience was a safe, comforting private karaoke room on wheels. No complaints - even despite the slightly-higher-than-Uber price - just one satisfied customer. Driverless taxis don't just offer a tourist experience, they offer a haven away from questionable drivers and forced conversations. Uber self-driving robotaxis are due to come to UK roads NEXT YEAR. Last year, a British driverless car firm also raised $1bn from investors in Europe's biggest AI deal to date. 5
