Microsoft has announced that Microsoft Research has awarded The Alan Turing Institute with 5 million in Azure cloud computing credits. The move is all part of an effort to help the Alan Turing Institute achieve more and advance the potential of data science. Thanks to the Azure Credits, the more than 100 Alan Turing Institute research staff can now use Azure cloud services to provide their data scientists with an easy and accessible platform. "Azure cloud services will provide our data scientists with an easily accessible platform where they can prototype ideas with a fast turnaround of results, complementing local computing facilities available in the institute's five founding universities, and national resources such as the supercomputer ARCHER supported by EPSRC. We are delighted that Microsoft is enabling access to Azure cloud services and supporting this crucial element of our research infrastructure" Microsoft, meanwhile, is interested in how AI, and machine learning can be applied in exemplified ways.

Corporate-backed deals to robotics startups increased dramatically in 2015 to 35 deals, from fewer than 10 the previous year. Some of the notable deals last year included an 80M round raised by Xiaomi-backed Ninebot, a 50M Series C round raised by Qualcomm Ventures-backed 3D Robotics, and a 25M Series A round raised by Samsung Ventures-backed social robot Jibo. There have been more than 25 corporate-backed deals so far this year, as of 9/23/2016. There has also been a flurry of M&A activity in the industrial robotics sector. Switzerland-based ABB's acquisition of Sweden-based SVIA is the most recent exit as of 9/23/2016.

Sebastian Thrun: Of course, you mean that ironically – but the answer is actually surprisingly simple. Human beings are the center of our world. Creativity and value systems are what make us human. And for all of us, our fellow humans are the most important elements of our life. It always revolves around the same thing: giving human beings super-human powers.

Nasa has announced that it has found evidence of flowing water on Mars. Scientists have long speculated that Recurring Slope Lineae -- or dark patches -- on Mars were made up of briny water but the new findings prove that those patches are caused by liquid water, which it has established by finding hydrated salts. Several hundred camped outside the London store in Covent Garden. The 6s will have new features like a vastly improved camera and a pressure-sensitive "3D Touch" display

The Bank of England is looking into the'flash crash' which sent the pound plunging more than 6 per cent against the US dollar overnight, while experts think computers are to blame. The value of sterling dived during the Asian trading session to 1.18, hitting fresh 31-year lows before recovering to 1.238. Experts are blaming algorithmic trading, systems of computers designed to follow a set of instructions for placing a trade. The Bank of England is'looking into' the'flash crash' (graph pictured) which sent the pound plunging more than 6 per cent against the US dollar overnight, but experts think computers are to blame With old school trading floors ancient history these days, investors - particularly big institutional players with millions or billions to invest - often depend on computers to pick winners. Automated trading systems can be set up to keep an eye on news headlines and react to potentially market-moving information.

The pound plummeted in Asian trading early on Friday. And no-one really seems to know why. Did a trader make a mistake? Did the computers go haywire? And where will the pound go next?

Healthcare is a numbers game and the figures are running wild. Every indicator shows the creaking NHS cannot cope with rising demand and dwindling resources. But the relentless gloom over hospital waiting lists, budgetary shortfalls and demographic time bombs is being challenged by a fresh approach that could revolutionise personal and national health. A wave of innovation driven by artificial intelligence (AI) is being hailed as both a saviour of traditional healthcare and the dawn of a new era in the public's engagement with their own health. "Healthcare is one of the highest cost areas for all modern economies, which makes it ripe for AI as providers look for efficiency to care for patients," says Dan Housman, chief technology officer at ConvergeHEALTH by Deloitte. "Healthcare is complex as an industry and is generating vast volumes of data from imaging, genomics, sensors, daily care and scientific research.

How did IBM's Watson get to where it is today? Here are some key events that happened along the way. IBM's Deep Blue computer beats world chess champion Garry Kasparov in a six-game match that lasts several days and receives massive media coverage around the world. It also inspires researchers at IBM to undertake an even bigger challenge: build a computer that could beat the champions at Jeopardy. Watson competes on Jeopardy and defeats the TV quiz show's two biggest all-time champions.

He's a lightning-fast learner, he speaks eight languages and he's considered an expert in multiple fields. He's got an exemplary work ethic, is a speed reader and finds insights no one else can. On a personal note, he's a mean chef and even offers good dating advice. Named after IBM's first CEO, Watson was born back in 2007 as part of an effort by IBM Research to develop a question-answering system that could compete on the American quiz show "Jeopardy." Since trouncing its human opponents on the show in 2011, it has expanded considerably.

Canadian legal AI company Kira Systems has announced deals with two more law firms following the news this week it had forged the first European law firm deal for an AI-driven cognitive system. Kira's AI software will also now be used by US firm, Fenwick & West, and Canada's Osler. The two new clients build on what would appear to be a first for the European legal market, in the shape of McCann FitzGerald adopting Kira's AI, making it the first non-UK European law firm to adopt a cognitive engine AI system. Fenwick is based in Mountain View, California and has a strong pedigree in advising technology companies. Ralph Pais, technology transactions partner, said of the deal: '[We] have invested heavily in tools and processes that make our M&A practice as fast and efficient as possible.