Tools & Platforms
Method AI raises $20m to advance robotic surgery assistance technology

Method AI has raised $20m to support its development of a platform designed to overcome tumour visualisation challenges in robotic oncology surgery.
The US-based company, which spun out from the Cleveland Clinic in 2021, is developing imaging technology to visualise anatomy below the visible surface of an organ that it claims is “beyond the view” of existing surgical camera systems.
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Method’s platform aims to achieve this with the continuous delivery of 3D ultrasound imaging throughout a procedure.
The completed platform will provide a 3D subsurface map for physicians while providing them with real-time guidance comparable to AI-generated surgical plans, the company said.
Despite continuing advancements in robotic surgery, research indicates that up to 40% of oncology procedures using the tech fail in fully removing a tumour.
Method’s CEO Doug Teany explained that during complex oncology procedures, surgeons often have to remove tumours that are partially or completely embedded within the organ. He added that this reality makes it “extremely difficult” to assess a tumour’s margins during a live surgery.
Teany said: “This incomplete view of the tumour and other critical anatomy leads to cancer left behind, unforeseen complications and loss of organ function.
“Our technology can make the difference between completely removing a tumour or leaving part of it behind, which significantly impacts long-term patient outcomes.”
Method’s Series A financing round was led by an unnamed private family office and included participation from JobsOhio Growth Capital Fund and the Cleveland Clinic.
Despite its limitations, research suggests that robotic surgery provides a safer approach to tumour removal. It is most commonly used for bladder tumour removals, given the hard-to-reach nature of the organ. A 2022 clinical trial led by University College London (UCL) found that robotic surgery reduced the chance of patient readmission by 52% and reduced the prevalence of blood clots by 77% versus patients who underwent open surgery for bladder cancer.
According to a GlobalData market model, the overall global robotic surgical systems market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1% and projected to reach a valuation of $9.2bn by 2034, up from $2.9bn in 2024. The use of AI across healthcare is rapidly advancing, with the market projected to reach a $19bn valuation by 2027.
Tools & Platforms
Surge in Alibabas Volume Amid Tech Shifts and AI Investments

Nvidia dropped solidly by -3.32%, with the trading volume of 42.33B. UAE AI company G42 is seeking to diversify its chip supply beyond Nvidia, including negotiations with tech giants like Amazon AWS, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and xAI for its planned AI park. Google is reportedly leading in these discussions.
2. Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA)
Tesla dropped solidly by -3.50%, with the trading volume of 27.32B. Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk states that 80% of Tesla’s value will depend on the Optimus robot. Despite challenges in Europe, including executive resistance and competition, Tesla lowered Model 3 prices in China, marking its long-range version’s debut with a price cut.
3. Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA)
Alibaba Group Holding Limited surged by 12.90%, with the trading volume of 10.94B. Alibaba plans to invest over 380 billion yuan in the next three years to boost its computing power industry, impacting domestic AI infrastructure. Its Q1 FY 2026 financial report showed a 10% revenue growth and a 76% net profit increase, exceeding expectations.
4. Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT)
Microsoft dipped mildly by -0.58%, with the trading volume of 10.63B. UAE AI company G42 is diversifying chip supplies to reduce dependency on Nvidia, engaging with tech giants like Amazon AWS, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Elon Musk’s xAI for a planned AI park, with Google’s negotiations being the most advanced.
5. Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL)
Apple dipped mildly by -0.18%, with the trading volume of 9.16B. Apple is expanding its retail footprint in India with a new store, Apple Hebbal, set to open in Bangalore on September 2. This follows the openings of Apple BKC in Mumbai and Apple Saket in Delhi. Apple also plans to remove physical SIM card slots in more countries for the iPhone 17 series.
6. Alphabet (Nasdaq: GOOGL)
Alphabet gained mildly by 0.60%, with the trading volume of 8.44B. UAE’s AI company G42 is seeking to diversify its chip suppliers to reduce reliance on Nvidia. They are negotiating with major tech companies including Amazon AWS, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Elon Musk’s xAI, with Google likely to sign a computing power procurement deal soon.
7. Palantir Technologies (NYSE: PLTR)
Palantir Technologies dipped mildly by -0.89%, with the trading volume of 7.27B. South Korean retail investors showed significant interest in Palantir Technologies, with substantial net purchases over the past week.
8. Meta Platforms (Nasdaq: META)
Meta Platforms dipped mildly by -1.65%, with the trading volume of 6.70B. Meta and Scale AI’s partnership faced challenges as major investment leads to strained relations and data quality concerns. Additionally, Meta plans to release a smart glasses SDK, diverging from trends by opting for LCoS over Micro LED technology.
9. Broadcom (Nasdaq: AVGO)
Broadcom dropped solidly by -3.65%, with the trading volume of 6.42B. Broadcom (AVGO.US) is expected to report a 21% revenue increase to $15.82 billion for Q3, with EPS projected at $1.66. Oppenheimer reaffirmed its “outperform” rating, raising the target price to $325. The AI business could exceed $5 billion in revenue.
10. Marvell Technology (Nasdaq: MRVL)
Marvell Technology plunged by -18.60%, with the trading volume of 6.19B. Company XYZ announced plans for global expansion, focusing on emerging markets and sustainable initiatives. New partnerships aim to enhance technological capabilities, while leadership emphasizes innovation and growth potential.
Tools & Platforms
Americans Embrace AI Tech In Their Cars But Some Features Drive Them Crazy

A new JD Pwoer study reveals which AI features drivers actually love and which ones are still frustratingly confusing
31 minutes ago

- Owners are proving particularly receptive to smart climate control systems.
- Genesis took out top honors for innovation for the fifth consecutive year.
- There is also growing demand from buyers for in-car payment systems.
Artificial intelligence has been steadily weaving its way into everyday life, from the phones in our pockets to the services we rely on daily. The auto industry has been no exception, and AI-driven features are now shaping how people interact with their cars.
Α new study from J.D. Power has found that while some of these features are being well-received by consumers, there are many others that need work before they actually start adding to the ownership experience.
Read: JLR Is Now Using The AI Damage Scanners That Hertz Customers Hate
As part of an expansion of its annual U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, J.D. Power looked at seven AI-based technologies that should, in theory, enhance the driving experience. Among them, one of the clear successes is smart climate control, which automatically manages heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to balance comfort and efficiency.
Smarter Comfort in Action
The study found that owners using these systems are now reporting 6.3 fewer problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) than before, a meaningful improvement. These systems also provide a much-needed workaround for the growing number of cars that have moved climate settings into touchscreen menus instead of physical buttons. J.D. Power’s broader studies back this up, noting that smart climate controls are now boosting both vehicle quality scores and customer satisfaction overall.
Other AI-based systems are also showing promise, such as smart ignition and driver preference modes. In-vehicle shopping and payment systems also drew attention, with 62 percent of owners expressing interest. So far, the most common uses are paying for fuel, tolls, parking, or EV charging, but past designs have struggled with clunky menus and limited apps.
According to the study, the next generation could succeed if automakers focus on simple, quick purchases tied directly to the driving experience.

Blind spot cameras stand out as one of the most appreciated technologies, with 93 percent of drivers saying they use them regularly and 74 percent wanting the feature in their next vehicle. Models equipped with blind spot cameras also tend to sell faster than those without, underlining just how valuable the technology has become.
Features That Miss the Mark
By comparison, several other AI features could be improved. For example, J.D. Power concluded that car wash modes becoming increasingly prevalent across the market have lots of room for improvement. These models automatically prepare a vehicle to go through a car wash, but it was found that this mode is often buried within the infotainment system, and 38 percent of owners say they need better instructions on how to use it.
Similar, recognition technologies remain a sticking point, posting the highest problem rates in the study. Biometric authentication alone averaged more than 29 issues per 100 vehicles, while touchless or hidden controls and direct driver monitoring each saw more than 19.
Which Brands Are The Best For Tech?
The study also compared automakers on their overall use of technology. Genesis once again led the pack, taking the top spot for the fifth year in a row, with Cadillac and Lincoln following behind.
The premium segment’s average score was lifted to 671 with Tesla and Rivian included, but both were excluded from the rankings since they did not meet the study’s award criteria. Even so, Tesla posted a standout score of 873 and Rivian followed with 730, according to J.D. Power.

In the mass-market category, Hyundai claimed the highest score for innovation, followed by Kia and, perhaps more surprisingly, Mitsubishi, which ranked ahead of GMC, MINI, and Toyota.
At the other end of the spectrum, Stellantis brands such as Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler landed at the bottom, while Jaguar held the lowest position among premium marques. And if you’re wondering about Tesla, while giving it a huge score at 873, JD Power said it


JD Power
Tools & Platforms
AI-powered cameras aim to make Gulf Shores’ roads safer

GULF SHORES, Ala. (WALA) – The City of Gulf Shores is using the power of Artificial Intelligence to track events and make the city safer. It’s the only city in the state and one of just 40 in the country to use this particular AI system to monitor intersection activity.
“So, it tells me that this is a near-miss where a car cut another car off,” said Gulf Shores City Engineer, Jenny Wolfschlag as she referenced her computer monitor. “The first car was going southeast, and the second car was going westbound. It left a dot where the accident would have happened if they would have been traveling at a little bit different speed and actually hit each other.”
Wolfschlag has a new, high-tech tool to help her department analyze problems with traffic patterns and make decisions on the best safety-related changes to make. Gulf Shores is the first city in Alabama to put the DERQ-AI platform to work on the street and Wolfschlag said it’s already proving its worth.
“The data that we’re getting out of that system is fantastic,” Wolfschlag said. “One thing that it does that’s really interesting, it produces hot spot maps, so we can pull up a heat map and see in particular, where pedestrians are crossing illegally.”
The integrated camera system does far more than monitor traffic flow in real time. It is also tied into the city’s Centrac’s software platform, allowing on the fly adjustments to signal timing based on the amount, and direction of traffic. It can even track pedestrian traffic, something Wolfschlag sees as a valuable feature.
“For example, if you have a group of one or two people crossing the street, it will set a set time. It might give them twenty seconds to cross the street, but if it recognizes a person with a mobility aid, it can automatically adjust that and maybe give them twenty-five seconds to cross the street,” Wolfschlag explained.
Those driving around or walking to the beach would never know Artificial Intelligence was at work making the trip quicker and safer. Those I pointed it out to were impressed and happy to learn of the city’s investment into this technology.
“AI is changing so we might as well adapt to certain situations, but I think it will be good,” Austin Nguyen of Fairhope said.
“I think it’s a great idea,” agreed Mo Rhazi of Baton Rouge. “I think it’s always great to collect data and improve the safety and make sure that you can avoid. Always, a proactive solution is always better than reactive.”
Right now, the only intersection covered by this new AI technology in at Hwy. 59 and E/W Beach Blvd., but that will soon change. The goal is to have an AI device at every intersection between there and Fort Morgan Road.
“Since this really integrates that pedestrian with the vehicle movement, we thought it would be a good place to start. We’re also going to put in in the light at our new high school that is getting ready to open in August of next year,” added Wolfschlag.
It costs the city around $40,000 per intersection to install the DERQ – AI platform. The hope is that they’ll be able to transition at least one intersection per year until the goal is reached.
Copyright 2025 WALA. All rights reserved.
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