Artificial intelligence (AI) is often presented in binary terms in both popular culture and political analysis. Either it represents the key to a futuristic utopia defined by the integration of human intelligence and technological prowess, or it is the first step toward a dystopian rise of machines. This same binary thinking is practiced by academics, entrepreneurs, and even activists in relation to the application of AI in combating climate change. The technology industry's singular focus on AI's role in creating a new technological utopia obscures the ways that AI can exacerbate environmental degradation, often in ways that directly harm marginalized populations. In order to utilize AI in fighting climate change in a way that both embraces its technological promise and acknowledges its heavy energy use, the technology companies leading the AI charge need to explore solutions to the environmental impacts of AI.

Startup Cuberg is working on developing lighter, safer, more energy-dense batteries, and they're using a machine learning platform developed by Aionics Technologies to do it faster. "The exciting thing we do is make batteries that are very energy dense. They are much lighter than lithium ion batteries but they have much more energy in them," said Olivia Risset, PhD, senior scientist at Cuberg. The batteries that Cuberg makes are safer than lithium ion batteries because the liquid component, the electrolyte, is nonflammable as opposed to what has been used traditionally in lithium ion batteries. "Because of that," says Risset, "electric aviation is a great place for us because they are very sensitive to weight, but also to safety."

If the robotics world had a celebrity it would be Spot Mini of Boston Dynamics. Last month at the Robotics Summit in Boston the mechanical dog strutted onto the floor of the Westin Hotel trailed by hundreds of flickering iPhones. Marc Raibert first unveiled his metal menaagerie almost a decade ago with a video of Big Dog. Today, Mini is the fulfillment of his mission in a sleeker, smarter, and environmentally friendlier robo-canine package than its gas-burning ancestor. Since the early 1990s, machines have relied on rechargeable lithium ion batteries for power.

Machine learning algorithms require training data -- and a lot of it -- to get the models working correctly. But more training data alone doesn't necessarily make for smarter algorithms, according to Tolga Kurtoglu, CEO at PARC, a research and development company spun out Xerox in 2002. Looking to establish accountability across disparate project teams? Trying to automate processes or allow for lean methodology support? Hoping to enable business consequence modeling or real-time reporting?

Three major U.S. airlines have announced new restrictions on "smart luggage" because of the fire hazard posed by lithium-ion batteries in cargo holds. The airlines say any such batteries need to be removable. Three major U.S. airlines have announced new restrictions on "smart luggage" because of the fire hazard posed by lithium-ion batteries in cargo holds. The airlines say any such batteries need to be removable. Airlines including American, Delta and Alaska have announced restrictions on so-called smart luggage because the lithium-ion batteries found in many of these suitcases pose a fire risk. These kinds of bags have proliferated in recent years, including motorized suitcases you can ride and one pitched as an autonomous "robot companion" that follows you around.

It was actually about when technology goes wrong: In many ways, 2016 was the year of the exploding batteries. A little over a year ago, hoverboards topped many holiday wish lists. By December 2015, they were being recalled by the thousands. According to Popular Science, "…cheaply made hoverboards have exploded and caught fire, forcing Amazon to stop selling specific models and Overstock to discontinue all sales." Rolling into 2016, major computer companies recalled batteries for fire hazards, baby monitors were pulled from shelves and major airlines diverted flights for emergency landings when tablets caught fire onboard.

A 14-foot-tall exo-bionic racing robot could soon be tearing across the Nevada desert. Exhibitors revealed the massive Prosthesis bot at CES 2017 in Las Vegas today, and they say it can hit a top speed of roughly 50 miles per hour – and despite its imposing size, it's nearly silent when it moves. The 7,700lb'anti-robot' is controlled by a human pilot who stands at the center of the mechanical exoskeleton, using arm movements to drive it forward at terrifying speeds. Exhibitors revealed the massive Prosthesis bot at CES 2017 in Las Vegas today, and they say it can hit a top speed of roughly 50 miles per hour – and despite its imposing size, it's nearly silent when it moves The robot can run for 30 minutes to two hours at a time, using a 96V x 20kWh lithium ion battery. It's 4.2 meters tall (13.8ft) and 5 meters wide (16ft), and weighs a staggering 3500 kilograms (7,716lb).

Here are the largest device recalls in the past 20 years. This handout photo taken and released by Gwangju Bukbu Police Station on Sept. 13, 2016, shows a blown-up Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone in Gwangju, 270 kms south of Seoul. The owner claims he received burn injuries on a finger while attempting to extinguish his burning phone after he was jolted from his bed by the sound of an explosion early Sept. 13. SAN FRANCISCO -- Troubles with Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 phones put the South Korean company at the head a long line of companies that have faced major tech recalls. Some go back to the beginnings of the personal computer era, with many linked to overheating and fire danger from malfunctioning lithium ion batteries.