Israel Active

Excellent article on how AI is being used today in Israel to save lives by two of the country’s emergency services: the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority and Magen David Adom, which oversees emergency medical response. AI significantly speeds up response times.

Israel’s Cyabra (see previously) not only spots fake videos, but is also playing a key role in the fight against the surge of antisemitism online. Cyabra is using an algorithm developed by Israeli startup Final to flag antisemitic posts on social media and initiate their removal.

Israel’s EyeCan has developed a vibrating headband device that alerts swimmers in real time if they move from the center of their lane or are approaching an obstacle. EyeCan is part of the IDF’s 8200 Impact program and has received a $30,000 grant from the Israel Innovation Authority.

Israel’s TextRe (see previously) creates plastic pellets from synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon from textile waste.  The pellets are then used to make other plastic products.

New Israeli energy regulations has allowed Israel’s SodaStream (see previously) to sign a 15-year deal with Israel’s Enlight Renewable Energy (see previously) that will power all of SodaStream’s production facilities in Israel with 100 percent green electricity by the start of 2024.

Since winning the Aviram Awards competition and its $500,000 prize, Israel’s QD-SOL (see previously) has gone from strength to strength. Investment and grants are helping expand its sustainable photocatalysis hydrogen generation using water, nano particles, and sunlight.

Israel’s KikFin has produced a jetpack with fins that straps onto a swimmer’s back and propels them though the water. It can change direction with the slightest movement of the head. The hands-free operation is ideal for professional divers and rescue services. It also attaches to surfboards.

Israel’s Arrows has developed Skills Coach – a web-based application providing a safe environment to practice and improve social skills. Ideal for autistic people, AI avatars engage in conversations in scenarios from chatting with a stranger in a café to making small talk with a work colleague.

Israel’s CODA (see ) helps deaf people enjoy videos by using artificial intelligence-generated avatars to translate spoken language (English, Hebrew, French, Spanish, and Italian) into sign language almost instantaneously. Sign language gives emphasis that subtitles cannot.

Israel’s Impris has developed AI technology called HumAIns. It has been incorporated into a Siri-like in-car assistant that not only understands the vehicle but communicates with the driver just like a human. Also suitable for call-centers.