Welcome to the latest Tech Briefs, Cardinal News’ weekly collection of items covering the digital and life sciences landscapes. The briefs go live on Wednesdays.
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What’s inside
Warner seeks comment on potential law for AI agents market
Artificial intelligence agents, autonomous systems that businesses and individuals send into action on their behalf, are becoming a larger part of the digital landscape. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., has issued draft legislation to govern them and is asking for public input before he takes it to Congress.
As the agents integrate more fully, they will be the digital go-betweens for consumers and the online services they use, Warner’s office said in a Monday email. Warner worries that dominant technology platforms could hamper competing AI agents and limit consumer choice.
Validating trustworthy agents is also key to users’ and platforms’ security. Warner’s draft legislation would require AI agents to protect users’ privacy and data.
The AI AGENT Act — the acronym stands for Artificial Intelligence Access, Gatekeeper Exchange and Nondiscriminatory Transfer — would put consumer choice, fair competition and users’ best interests into law, the news release said.
“This discussion draft is a major step toward building a clear federal framework that promotes innovation, protects consumers, and ensures the United States continues to lead the world in emerging technology,” Warner said in the news release. “I am releasing this draft to hear from stakeholders, experts, and the public so we can strengthen the legislation before it is formally introduced.”
Read the discussion draft, a shorter summary or a breakdown by section and submit feedback in Microsoft Office or an Office-readable file format.
Virginia Tech $2.8 million for a project to improve energy transmission
Virginia Tech, looking toward future efficiency on the power grid, has received a $2.8 million award from a U.S. Department of Energy agency.
U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, announced the award in a Monday news release. The funding will go toward developing a power electronics converter that is superior to traditional converters.
Virginia Tech’s work was one of 12 university projects that received awards from an Energy Department program called Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy, or ARPA-E, according to the news release. The projects will focus on developing high voltage direct current technologies that transform conventional alternating current infrastructure.
It’s part of a $35 million ARPA-E campaign to triple U.S. transmission capacity. The idea is to enable more resilient and cost-effective energy transmission.
“Virginia Tech leads projects that can transform our electric grid and deliver more reliable energy to American communities,” Griffith said in the news release. “Such projects are necessary when challenges to our electric grid persist. We must build a resilient energy system to better serve Virginia communities.”
Smyth, Washington counties receive GO Virginia grant for shared industrial park
Two lots at the Glade Highlands Regional Industrial Park site will house advanced manufacturing agriculture and logistics businesses, supported in part by a $61,409 grant from the GO Virginia economic initiative.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s office announced the award last week, with the money going to Smyth and Washington counties, which share the park off Interstate 81 at Glade Spring. The lots in question are the last ones available at the site.
“By advancing a 24-acre parcel into a pad-ready, investment-ready site, the project strengthens regional competitiveness, expands industrial capacity, and aligns with the region’s targeted industry sectors,” the governor’s office June 26 news release said.
The grant was part of $5.6 million in GO Virginia funding released for projects across the commonwealth.
