This work discusses a closed-loop control strategy for complex systems utilizing scarce and streaming data. A discrete embedding space is first built using hash functions applied to the sensor measurements from which a Markov process model is derived, approximating the complex system's dynamics. A control strategy is then learned using reinforcement learning once rewards relevant with respect to the control objective are identified. This method is designed for experimental configurations, requiring no computations nor prior knowledge of the system, and enjoys intrinsic robustness. It is illustrated on two systems: the control of the transitions of a Lorenz 63 dynamical system, and the control of the drag of a cylinder flow. The method is shown to perform well.

The next wave of artificial intelligence (AI) will likely be used by hedge funds making long-term macro plays around things like oil prices, involving more data than an analyst could crunch in a lifetime. Although habitually secretive, the use of machine learning and AI among the hedge fund community has been well publicised. Bridgewater Associates, the world's largest hedge fund with about 154 billion ( 109bn) under management, has been vocal about its use of AI. And it's not uncommon to hear about investment firms hiring data scientists with PhDs in neural networks, or physicists and astronomers who can remove the noise from data signals. Publicis.Sapient AI leader Josh Sutton, who has worked in financial services for 15 years and has some hedge funds among his clients, expects to see a confluence of causal analytics and long-term macro strategies.

The latest buzz about Panama Papers has shaken the world. As we all know the Panama Papers is a set of 2.6 TB of data that includes 11.5 million confidential documents with detailed information about more than 214,000 offshore companies listed by the Panamanian corporate service provider Mossack Fonseca. The Panama Papers has set an excellent example for the world about the importance of data science when it comes to analyzing big data. This leak makes us realize that appropriate approaches are needed to handle the challenges of data management for the present and the future. Let's take a deep dive into the Panama Papers and dig down the secret behind the biggest leak ever This leak contains 4.8 million emails, 3 million database entries, 21.5 million PDFs, around one million images and 320,000 text documents.

The digital investment today is focused on mobility and the Internet of Things (IoT), with analytics and IoT predicted to lead the way over the next three-five years. To begin with, oil and gas companies are increasingly leveraging cloud technologies to more rapidly unlock the value of other digital technologies--especially analytics, IoT and mobility. The fastest growth areas are predicted to be in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, drones and wearables, the report said. Over half (53%) of the respondents believe digital technologies have added high (36%) to significant (17%) value, while 72% of the respondents believe cost reduction is an important (27%) or the most important (45%) challenge digital can help address. Despite the low oil price environment, the report said, the majority of oil and gas companies will continue to invest at least the same amount or more in digital technologies over the next three-five years.

Gone are the days when archaeology was just a whole load of sand, dust and bones. These days the real explorers are all about the robotics. As technology has progressed, archaeological tools have become more sophisticated, including the potential to undertake scientific investigation with zero disturbances of the surrounding material. With the use of "non-invasive archeology" amazing discoveries can be made, such as the recent ground penetrating survey that appeared to indicate Shakespeare's skull might not be in his tomb. While these developments are all very useful, non-invasive technologies cannot, and never will, provide perfect resolution of the features within hidden spaces.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - Apr 7, 2016) - Databricks, the company behind Apache Spark, today announced that DNV GL, a provider of classification and technical assurance along with software and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas and energy industries, has selected Databricks for large-scale energy data analytics. With Databricks, DNV GL utilizes innovative machine learning techniques to quantify the relationship between smart meter and weather pattern data. Through predictive models, it is able to accurately predict energy demand based on massive amounts of historical weather data, a process sometimes referred to simply as "weather normalization." This new analytics capability enables millions of households to quantify their energy savings. DNV GL delivers testing and expertise to companies throughout the energy value chain.

So for the last few months we've been in the lab figuring out ways for teams to be able to order Taco Bell even more quickly to help them keep on keepin' on. And soon you'll be able to order Taco Bell whenever the mood strikes through the magic of artificial intelligence. From there connect your ta.co account, choose your pickup location and order up your favorite Taco Bell item. Think your Slack team is ready to contribute to TacoBot's artificial intelligence?

Today on In Case You Missed It: Scientists at UCLA have made concrete by first extracting greenhouse gases from power plant smokestacks. An EV prototype to wirelessly charge cars is making the rounds, and the group's big plan is to design a 50 kilowatt charger that can juice up cars as they drive. You could put that future charger inside your garage where a new opener comes with extra modules that can detect obstacles and about 10 other things. Finally, we were tickled by the idea of a robot that can best you at Settlers of Catan, so please check that out. As always, please share any great tech or science videos you find by using the #ICYMI hashtag on Twitter for @mskerryd.

While many tech firms are working to develop drones to carry goods, one firm believes a giant ball may be more suitable. FreeMotionHandling is a sphere-shaped autonomous vehicle filled with helium that can suck up objects using a'tongue'. The firm says it can pick ups and drop off items up to 400g. While many tech firms work to develop clunky drones to carry goods, one has designed a sphere-shaped autonomous vehicle filled with helium that sucks up objects. It uses an adaptive drive system to thrust itself in directions of rotation and craters for'dynamic flying behavior in all spatial direction. To get from one place to another, FreeMotionHandling uses and indoor tracking system of 10 infrared cameras.

Business leaders all over the world are waking up to the fact that artificial intelligence is no longer confined to science fiction movies but could in fact disrupt their industry. A recent survey of the world's top CEOs indicated that 50% believe AI will revolutionise their business in the next 3-5 years, making now a crucial time to plan and implement a roadmap to integrate AI solutions into many businesses. The AI Summit 2016 is the world's only event dedicated to the practical implications of Artificial Intelligence for enterprises and is aimed at providing business leaders with a forum to learn about the latest developments in intelligent solutions that threaten to disrupt their industry. The event brings together senior business leaders from 35 countries and offers a comprehensive overview of all the technologies under the AI umbrella including Machine Learning, Deep Learning, NLP, Voice/Image/Video Recognition and Cognitive Computing; focusing on how these are implemented across industries to help increase productivity while reducing costs. Speakers from around the world include CIOs/CTOs, Chief/Head Data & Analytics Officers, Innovation Heads from BT, Harvard, AIA, AIG, American Airlines, Tesco, VISA, BDP, TVH, Deutsche Bank, MetLife, UK Government, Petrobras, Engie, Toyota, UBER and Goldman Sachs.