From lawsuits reshaping competitive dynamics to advances in robotics, wearables, and materials science, this AI Insider saw a wide field of develops in artificial intelligence. Elon Musk is back in the legal ring, suing Apple and OpenAI over alleged anticompetitive practices, while Nvidia is powering the next generation of humanoids with its new Jetson Thor chip. Startups like Halo are betting on AI-driven glasses as the next consumer frontier, even as Anthropic settles a high-stakes lawsuit over how AI models are trained.
On the business side, big checks are still flowing. Nuro and EliseAI closed major rounds to push autonomous driving and healthcare automation, while Method AI and Nauta are tackling surgery and global logistics with fresh funding. UBS is doubling down on enterprise AI, Toyota is using machine learning to accelerate materials discovery, and Greece is preparing to host the world’s first humanoid robotics Olympiad. Together, these moves point to an industry that’s not only scaling but diversifying—into every corner of business, science, and daily life.
Industry & Enterprise
Elon Musk’s X and xAI Sue Apple and OpenAI Over Alleged Anticompetitive Practices
Elon Musk’s X and xAI filed a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI, alleging the companies are colluding to block competition in the AI market. The move escalates Musk’s feud with Sam Altman as Apple prepares to roll out ChatGPT integration across its devices.. (AI Insider)
Nvidia Releases Jetson Thor with Real-Time Reasoning in General Robotics and Physical AI
Nvidia has unveiled its Jetson AGX Thor module, calling it a major leap in on-device AI power with 7.5x more compute than its predecessor. Early users include Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics, and top research labs applying it to humanoids, logistics, healthcare, and autonomous systems. (AI Insider)
Halo Launches AI-Powered Smart Glasses with Real-Time Memory and Information Recall
Two Harvard alumni have launched Halo X, $249 AI-powered smart glasses that record, transcribe, and provide real-time prompts, backed by $1 million in seed funding. The device uses Soniox for transcription and Google Gemini and Perplexity for responses, pitched as an “infinite memory” tool. Privacy advocates warn the glasses risk normalizing covert recording despite their promise as consumer AI wearables. (AI Insider)
Anthropic Reaches Settlement in Book-Training Lawsuit with Authors
Anthropic has settled the class action lawsuit Bartz v. Anthropic over its use of books in training large language models, ending its appeal in the Ninth Circuit. The earlier ruling deemed the use fair but highlighted reliance on pirated sources, leaving Anthropic exposed to penalties. Settlement terms remain confidential, with plaintiffs’ lawyers calling it a historic outcome for authors.. (AI Insider)
Andreessen Horowitz Report Finds ChatGPT Rivals Gaining Ground in Consumer AI Market
Andreessen Horowitz’s fifth consumer AI report shows Google’s Gemini, xAI’s Grok, and Meta AI gaining ground on OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the market leader. Gemini is now the second most-used AI assistant across web and mobile, while Grok hit 20 million monthly users. The report also highlights rising competition from Chinese platforms like Doubao and Kimi, signaling a more global AI race. (AI Insider)
UBS Invests in Domino Data Lab, Deepening Strategic Partnership to Drive Next Wave of Enterprise AI Innovation
Domino Data Lab and UBS have deepened their partnership with an equity investment and a UBS board observer, extending a five-year collaboration. UBS will expand use of Domino’s Enterprise AI platform beyond RiskLab to accelerate development, deployment, and governance of AI models. The move supports UBS’s goal of becoming an AI-enabled institution while ensuring scalable and responsible adoption. (AI Insider)
Research & Innovation
Toyota and Jij Inc. Scientists Report AI Framework Accelerates Discovery of Transparent Conducting Materials
Researchers from Jij Inc. and Toyota have created an AI framework, Extended Factorization Machine Annealing, to speed up the search for transparent conducting materials. The system balances conductivity and transparency, offering an alternative to costly indium tin oxide. Next steps include experimental validation and extending the approach to other materials, underscoring AI’s role in scientific discovery. (AI Insider)
Policy & Governance
Meta Builds a California Super PAC to Shape AI Rules
Meta is launching a California super PAC to spend tens of millions backing candidates who support light-touch AI regulation, Politico reported. The move ramps up its Sacramento lobbying and could shape the 2026 governor’s race. It comes amid a surge of tech-funded PACs like Airbnb’s $15M effort and the $100M Leading the Future network, with AI safety advocates building their own counterforce. (AI Insider)
Startups & Capital
Nuro Closes $203 Million Series E Financing to Advance Its AI-First Self-Driving Technology and Commercial Partnerships
Nuro has raised $203 million in a Series E round at a $6 billion valuation, bringing total funding to over $2.3 billion. Backers include Uber, NVIDIA, and Baillie Gifford, with funds aimed at scaling Nuro’s AI-first autonomous driving and its Nuro Driver system. Recent milestones include a 20,000+ vehicle robotaxi deal with Lucid and Uber, and expanded integration with NVIDIA’s DRIVE AGX Thor platform. (AI Insider)
EliseAI Secures $250 Million Series E to Automate Healthcare and Housing
EliseAI has raised $250 billion in a Series E led by Andreessen Horowitz, pushing its valuation past $1 billion and fueling growth in healthcare and housing AI. The company surpassed $100M ARR, doubled its workforce to 300+, and now serves 10% of the U.S. apartment market and 600+ property owners. Its platform streamlines healthcare workflows and housing operations, cutting administrative overhead by up to 25%. (AI Insider)
Method AI Raises $20 Million in Series A Financing to Enhance Physician Visualization During Surgical Oncology Procedures
Method AI, a Cleveland Clinic spinout, raised $20 million in Series A funding to advance its AI-driven surgical ultrasound platform. The system combines continuous 3D imaging with AI-generated surgical plans to guide tumor removal in real time. The company aims to improve survival rates, reduce complications, and save over $1B annually in healthcare costs from incomplete tumor removal.. (AI Insider)
Aalo Atomics Announces $100 Million in Series B Funding to Build Modular Nuclear Plants Purpose-Built for Powering AI Data Centers
Method AI, a Cleveland Clinic spinout, raised $20 million in Series A funding to develop its AI-powered surgical ultrasound platform. The technology provides continuous 3D imaging and AI-generated plans to guide real-time tumor removal. It targets improved survival, fewer complications, and over $1 billion in annual healthcare cost savings. (AI Insider)
Nauta Raises $7M to Modernize Global Logistics with AI
Nauta, an AI logistics orchestration startup, raised $7M in seed funding led by Construct Capital and Predictive, with backing from Rappi’s Simón Borrero and other angels. Its platform serves as an AI control center for importers, cutting costs by up to 80% and speeding container processing by 75%. Since launching in Q1 2025, Nauta has expanded to seven countries with customers including New Balance, L’Oréal, and Moët & Chandon. (AI Insider)
Upcoming Events and Conferences
Greece Hosting First International Humanoid Olympiad in Ancient Olympia
The first International Humanoid Robot Olympiad will be held in Olympia, Greece, from August 29 to September 2, co-organized by Acumino and Endeavor Greece. The event will showcase humanoid robotics advances from 12 countries, with demos from Unitree and Booster Robotics. Alongside technical sessions, it will feature cultural programs linking the Olympic legacy with the rise of humanoid machines. (AI Insider)
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