Jun 19th, 2026 Signal’s Whittaker on Big Tech’s Privacy Threat "Three companies... can make decisions that fundamentally harm our collective cybersecurity." Signal President Meredith Whittaker tells Mishal Husain why she believes AI and big tech pose a major threat to privacy.
This section contains press releases and other materials from third parties (including paid content). The Globe and Mail has not reviewed this content. Please see disclaimer. Volvo AB (0HTP) Gets a Buy from J.P. Morgan In a report released today, Jose Asumendi from J.P. Morgan maintained a Buy rating on Volvo AB, with a price target of SEK360.00. Claim 55% Off TipRanks - Unlock powerful investing tools and data-driven insights with TipRanks Premium for more confident investment decisions. - Discover top stock picks and new investment opportunities through TipRanks' Smart Investor Newsletter. According to TipRanks, Asumendi is a 3-star analyst with an average return of 2.1% and a 50.30% success rate. In addition to J.P. Morgan, Volvo AB also received a Buy from UBS’s Andre Kukhnin in a report issued on June 16. However, yesterday, Deutsche Bank maintained a Hold rating on Volvo AB (LSE: 0HTP). The company has a one-year high of SEK354.00 and a one-year low of SEK244.90. Currently, Volvo AB has an average volume of 3.44M. Read More on GB:0HTP: Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue - Volvo upgraded to Buy from Hold at Pareto - Midday Fly By: SpaceX IPO oversubscribed, Chewy reports in-line Q1 - Volvo sees $3B autonomous truck business in five years, Bloomberg says - Volvo says demand strong in North America, good in Europe, Reuters reports - Lawmakers seek to end 12% excise tax on heavy duty trucks, Reuters reports This article contains syndicated content. We have not reviewed, approved, or endorsed the content, and may receive compensation for placement of the content on this site. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
In the 1970s, Airbus pioneered ‘fly-by-wire’ technology. The latest watchword is ‘fly-by-code’. The company is investing in an R&T-led digital transformation that will turn its aircraft into hyper-connected software platforms. The shift aims to make the business of flying even safer and more efficient, in the air and on the ground. The automotive industry has adjusted to the reality that vehicles are no longer just engines and metal. They are computers on wheels. Aerospace is on the edge of an equally profound transformation, even if its R&T and certification cycles are longer. The sector is moving towards a generation of products designed to be networked digital natives, where code plays a more and more prominent role. These are software-defined aircraft, capable of natively processing and intelligently interpreting terabytes of data to support and protect pilots and operators. In the air: scaling up modular software into an ecosystem To understand the software-defined aircraft, it helps to look at modern platforms such as the Airbus A350. It already features modular digital systems that consolidate separate hardware units hosting multiple applications. These applications are concentrated on the aircraft’s core operational systems. Modular avionics is small in scale, typically managing only 20 to 30 functions such as maintenance diagnostics, cockpit displays, cabin environment and engine control. In addition, for most commercial aircraft, digital capabilities are rigidly stuck at the factory gate. Upgrading or retrofitting a system demands heavy physical modifications and costly downtime. Airbus’ emerging Next-Generation System Platform – NGSP – breaks the ceiling. Rather than limiting software to a few distinct tasks, this major R&T programme is scaling up digital aircraft architecture to an ecosystem that bridges safety, flight operations and ground operations. The NGSP folds all three domains (including access to Skywise’s data lake for predictive aircraft maintenance and more) into a
The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) recently held a meeting with Lumo, an Emirati company specializing in smart mobility and autonomous transport solutions, to discuss mechanisms for implementing the first autonomous public transport bus trial in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The trial builds on the ongoing collaboration to jointly develop smart mobility solutions and autonomous driving systems in Abu Dhabi, following the engagement initiated during GITEX Global 2025. Partnership to advance Abu Dhabi’s leadership in smart mobility During the meeting, Abu Dhabi Mobility and Lumo reviewed global best practices and international experiences in the field of autonomous public transport. They also explored opportunities to implement pilot projects and technical studies related to such advanced technologies, thereby contributing to the development of smarter, more efficient and more sustainable mobility solutions, while strengthening the emirate’s readiness to adopt the latest future transport technologies. “This collaboration reflects the Integrated Transport Centre’s commitment to advancing Abu Dhabi’s leadership in smart mobility and autonomous transport systems through the deployment of innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency of the public transport network and improve quality of life,” said His Excellency Hamad Adel Al Afeefi, Executive Director of the Intelligent Transport Systems Sector at Abu Dhabi Mobility. “The autonomous bus trial represents a strategic milestone towards a future driven by advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in the operation and management of transport services, fully aligned with the emirate’s ambitions for sustainability and innovation,” he added. Abu Dhabi targets 25 percent of total trips to be smart and autonomous by 2040 The initiative comes as part of Abu Dhabi Mobility’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of smart mobility technologies and autonomous systems, in support of the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Smart and Autonomous Mobility Strategy, which aims for smart and autonomous mobility
Tord Olav Dønnum discusses how robotics, automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping foodservice operations and how autonomous kitchens can help operators improve profitability while preserving the human side of hospitality. June 19, 2026 by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media Tord Olav Dønnum, chief business officer of Shin Starr Presents, will be among the featured speakers at the 2026 Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show, scheduled for Dec. 14-16 in Miami Beach, Florida. ARKI is an annual conference and trade show that brings together leaders in self-service technology, automated retail, kiosks, smart stores, unattended foodservice, vending and digital customer engagement. The event features educational sessions, keynote presentations, networking opportunities and an exhibition floor showcasing the latest innovations in kiosks, robotics, AI, payments, digital signage, micro markets and autonomous retail. A Norwegian entrepreneur based in Silicon Valley, Dønnum joined Shin Starr after building and exiting a technology venture focused on connecting startups with investors. Shin Starr's autonomous kitchen technology uses robotics to move ingredients from refrigerated storage through the cooking process, producing freshly prepared meals with minimal labor while maintaining consistency and reducing food waste. The company's OLHSO brand has already demonstrated the concept through autonomous Korean barbecue food trucks and is now targeting airports and other high-traffic venues. While automation often sparks concerns about labor displacement, Dønnum argues that the technology should be viewed as a tool to enhance hospitality rather than replace it. He believes the industry's future depends on finding a balance between robotics and human interaction, particularly as operators face rising labor costs, shrinking margins and growing demand for fresh food around the clock. During a recent interview with Vending Times, Dønnum discussed how robotics, automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping foodservice operations and why he believes autonomous kitchens can help operators improve profitability while preserving the
Volvo Autonomous trucks begin hauling freight for AVI-SPL in Texas Volvo Autonomous Solutions has added another commercial customer to its growing autonomous trucking portfolio, launching freight operations for technology solutions provider AVI-SPL between Dallas and Houston. The operation uses the autonomous Volvo VNL powered by the Aurora Driver and will move a range of audio-visual electronics, including new products and end-of-life equipment collected through AVI-SPL’s electronic recycling program. The announcement marks another step in the commercialization of autonomous freight hauling on the busy Dallas-Houston corridor, one of the industry’s most closely watched autonomous trucking lanes. “AVI-SL is a leader in its industry, moving high-value goods where speed and responsiveness are essential,” said Sasko Cuklev, head of on-road solutions at Volvo Autonomous Solutions. “This collaboration shows how autonomous transport can help reduce transit times, improve service, and meet the demands of time-sensitive, high-value freight.” AVI-SPL said it is exploring autonomous transportation as part of a broader strategy to improve supply chain resilience, scalability and efficiency. “Autonomous transportation has the potential to significantly reshape the future of logistics,” said Tim Riek, chief strategy officer at AVI-SPL. “This collaboration allows AVI-SPL to explore innovative technologies that can help improve operational resilience, support long-term scalability, and strengthen the overall customer experience.” Have your say This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances. Absolutely incredible
DP World is expanding its Low Carbon Truck Programme (LCTP) in the UK with a new initiative to allow fleets to trial electric HGVs through a dedicated rental initiative at Southampton port. The second phase of DP World’s Low Carbon Truck Programme, known as the Electric Vehicle Introduction and Transition Accelerator (Evita) trial, builds on a successful pilot launched in January in partnership with the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Sustainable Road Freight and Project Jolt. Beginning in July and running until 2029, the programme enables hauliers to use electric HGVs with costs aligned to diesel vehicles, for a period of 12-weeks in real-world operating conditions. There are now more than 1,500 trucks registered to the Low Carbon Truck Programme, supporting more than 60 UK fleets. The Evita trial aims to help members understand how electric HGVs perform across their own routes and supply chains in comparison to traditional diesel trucks. Several hauliers have already received their new electric HGVs as part of the latest initiative, including Williams Shipping and ATL Haulage. The vehicles are fitted with tracking systems that allow participating customers to analyse their performance, efficiency and environmental impact. Initially, electric HGVs from Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and MAN will be available, increasing to four vehicles from October. Delivered in partnership with Hireco, the programme is expected to provide up to 100 trial opportunities for hauliers over its three-year duration. Ensure you always get Fleet News insight. Make us your preferred source on Google John Trenchard, vice president, sustainable supply chains Europe at DP World, said: “More than 80% of UK freight is transported by road, so decarbonisation initiatives that empower hauliers to take action on their own supply chains are key for the UK energy transition. “With the Evita trial, DP World is demonstrating its commitment to enabling the
Saemangeum and Jeonbuk are positioning themselves as central hubs for the physical artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, gathering government, academic, and industry leaders to discuss innovative technologies. The "Joint Launch Event for South Korea's Physical AI Hub: Saemangeum and Jeonbuk," hosted by the Jeonbuk Provincial Residents Association, took place on June 18 at Seoul City Hall. The event aimed to showcase the infrastructure competitiveness of Jeonbuk and Saemangeum in the physical AI industry, which integrates AI technology with robotics, autonomous driving, and smart manufacturing, elevating it to a national agenda. More than 500 attendees, including politicians from Jeonbuk and representatives from major companies such as Hyundai Motor Group, SK Telecom, Doosan Robotics, and NCSoft AI, participated in the launch. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, in his congratulatory speech, stated, "Physical AI is a key technology that enhances productivity in industries such as robotics, mobility, and logistics while creating new added value. The government will spare no effort in building infrastructure, improving regulations, and supporting workforce development to ensure Jeonbuk grows into the heart of global future mobility and advanced industries beyond South Korea." Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young, who also chairs the Jeonbuk Physical AI Special Committee, emphasized, "The vast reclaimed land of Saemangeum and Jeonbuk's solid machinery and manufacturing base are unique assets that no tech valley in the world can replicate. In the global competition for technological supremacy, the only way for South Korea to survive is through the convergence of hardware and AI. We will accelerate the entry of major corporations and advanced research institutions, transcending political boundaries with strong policy drives." Kwak Young-gil, president of the Jeonbuk Provincial Residents Association, echoed this sentiment, saying, "The fervent desire of Jeonbuk residents gathered here today is for Jeonbuk to stand tall as a key player in South Korea's future industries. We
Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA) issued a software update for hundreds of thousands of in-service commercial trucks in order to comply with new federal guidelines regarding Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) inducements. On June 18, 2026 DTNA announced that software updates were rolled out to approximately 330,000 in-service vehicles with DD15 engines (model years 2021-2025) and DD13 engines (model years 2022-2025) since February, with updates to continue through 2026. The software updates increase the speed limit in DEF inducements from 5 m.p.h. to 25 m.p.h., and the time to reach final inducement for component-related issues has been extended. “This gives operators more time to complete repairs while helping minimize unnecessary downtime. Emissions compliance remains mandatory, and vehicles must still be repaired to ensure environmental standards are met. The logic to trigger final inducements related to DEF tank level remains unchanged,” the DTNA said. The latest Freightliner and Western Star vehicles equipped with Detroit engines are already shipping with the updated software, company officials said. DTNA is rolling out the software updates in order to comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance issued in August 2025 meant to provide relief for truckers and farmers from the sudden speed and power loss (also known as “limp mode”) that occurs when DEF runs out or a system sensor fails. “For too long, small businesses like farmers, truckers, and construction workers have borne the cost of unreliable DEF systems through expensive repairs and needless downtime. This is why the SBA has been calling on OEMs to implement recent EPA guidance. The SBA welcomes Daimler Truck North America’s decision to equip vehicles with updated DEF inducement software, a common-sense step that gives operators greater reliability while reducing costs. This is exactly the kind of relief that the hardest working Americans deserve,” said U.S. Small
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For years, autonomous trucking has been discussed as a future possibility. Today, that future appears closer than ever. Several companies are already testing and operating highly automated commercial trucks on highways in states such as Texas, Arizona, and Florida. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Washington are considering legislation that could create the first national framework governing autonomous commercial vehicles. Supporters say autonomous trucks could help address driver shortages, reduce transportation costs, and improve roadway safety. Critics argue that important questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding oversight, cybersecurity, emergency response, and liability after a crash. As autonomous trucking technology advances, the legal and safety issues surrounding these vehicles are becoming just as important as the technology itself. New Federal Rules Could Shape the Future of Autonomous Trucking In May 2026, members of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee introduced the BUILD America 250 Act, a major transportation bill that includes provisions addressing autonomous commercial motor vehicles. The legislation would establish the first federal regulatory structure specifically designed for self-driving commercial trucks operating in interstate commerce. Industry groups have long argued that the current system creates uncertainty because autonomous trucking companies must navigate a patchwork of state laws and regulations. Supporters of the bill say it could provide clearer safety standards while allowing the technology to expand across state lines. The proposed legislation would require federal regulators to address issues including safety certification, incident reporting, inspections, remote operations, and oversight of automated driving systems. It would also establish specific requirements for certain higher-risk operations, including continued human involvement in some circumstances involving hazardous materials and the transportation of minors. While the legislation has not yet become law, it signals that federal policymakers are beginning to prepare for a transportation system in which autonomous trucks play a larger role. Are Autonomous Trucks Safer Than Human
The U.S. Army is expanding the use of autonomous vehicles in logistics operations, deploying self-driving trucks to transport supplies more efficiently while reducing risks to personnel. The U.S. Army is integrating autonomous vehicles into logistics operations, using self-driving trucks to improve efficiency, reduce risk to soldiers, and accelerate the adoption of emerging battlefield technologies. ADVERTISEMENT
Fort Worth, Texas, June 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AVI-SPL, a leading global technology solutions provider, and Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.) today announced that they have started commercial autonomous freight operations between Dallas and Houston using the Volvo VNL Autonomous powered by the Aurora Driver. The operations will support AVI-SPL’s transport of various audio-visual electronics, including a mix of new products and end-of-life equipment from which AVI-SPL reclaims precious metals as a part of its Electronic Recycling Program. The collaboration reflects AVI-SPL's continued investment in operational innovation and supply chain strategies designed to improve scalability, reliability, and long-term efficiency. “AVI-SPL is a leader in its industry, moving high-value goods where speed and responsiveness are essential,” said Sasko Cuklev, Head of On-Road Solutions at V.A.S. “This collaboration shows how autonomous transport can help reduce transit times, improve service, and meet the demands of time-sensitive, high-value freight.” As freight demand continues to increase across the United States, the transportation industry faces growing challenges related to a shortage of qualified drivers and delivery capacity constraints. Autonomous transport technologies are emerging as a strategic solution to help organizations strengthen logistics operations while supporting safer and more sustainable freight movement. “Autonomous transportation has the potential to significantly reshape the future of logistics,” said Tim Riek, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at AVI-SPL. “This collaboration allows AVI-SPL to explore innovative technologies that can help improve operational resilience, support long-term scalability, and strengthen the overall customer experience.” The collaboration marks an important step in demonstrating how autonomous trucking can be applied in real-world logistics operations where speed, consistency, and reliability are critical. As demand for freight capacity continues to grow, autonomous transport has the potential to strengthen supply chains through greater uptime, improved asset utilization, and enhanced cargo security. LINK to high resolution image For further information, please
In his 1966 book Men, Machines, and Modern Times, Etling E. Morison offered what would become a classic study of how people and organizations learn, or fail to learn, to live with innovation. One of my favorite vignettes is his account of an early World War II artilleryman acting as a “horse holder,” standing as if to calm the team of horses during firing, even though the gun was now pulled by a truck. The absurdity of that remnant of battlefields past comes to mind as leaders envisage how geospatial intelligence is produced—and leveraged—in the age of autonomy. Over the past forty-five years, I have closely followed how innovations in geospatial intelligence, or GEOINT, and its predecessor fields have served the warfighter. The field has changed over the years to follow technology trends and warfighter needs, but the current pace of change is faster, broader, and more consequential. To keep pace, a new evolution—what I call autonomous GEOINT—must emerge as the next, necessary step to continue supporting warfighting on the rapidly emerging autonomous battlefield. Building upon the definition of GEOINT in 10 US Code § 467(5), today GEOINT provides warfighters with the locations of US forces, coalition partners, adversaries, and noncombatants. It helps predict movement by accounting for natural and human-made obstacles. The advantage GEOINT affords battlefield leaders goes beyond describing what, where, and when; it also helps to address how and why. My experience with the transition from the Defense Mapping Agency to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Army’s shift from topographic engineering to geospatial engineering suggests that technology is often not the hardest problem. While both of these transitions were compelled by significant technological and warfighting changes, the harder problem was how people accepted the changes, adapted to new organizations, and created doctrine to make new capabilities
How PepsiCo is Expanding Autonomous Freight Deployment PepsiCo has expanded its use of autonomous vehicles through a multi-year partnership with technology company Gatik. The agreement represents the largest autonomous freight deployment to date. The collaboration aims to strengthen PepsiCo's supply chain operations by improving delivery consistency and adding capacity across high-volume networks. The deployment could show how autonomous technology integrates into complex distribution systems. Autonomous delivery operations "Serving our vast network of customers requires a supply chain that is safe, reliable and built for the future," says Jim Farrell, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain at PepsiCo. "Gatik is already operating inside our networks and brings the autonomous freight technology, commercial experience and scale we need to strengthen service, add capacity and move products more consistently for our customers." PepsiCo uses Gatik's autonomous vehicles for time-sensitive daily transportation requirements. The vehicles handle deliveries across surface roads and freeways. The system manages logistics for hundreds of locations without manual intervention. PepsiCo can adjust route plans by adding or removing stops to align with demand fluctuations at its various centres. According to the partnership, Gatik currently manages PepsiCo's logistics across Texas, Arkansas and Arizona. The company has achieved a 98% on-time delivery rate in these regions. Scaling commercial autonomous trucking Gautam Narang, CEO and Co-Founder of Gatik, adds: "Autonomous trucking has reached commercial scale when it operates inside one of the most demanding supply chains on the planet. "That is what Gatik is doing with PepsiCo. Our autonomous trucks are already moving products every day across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas, and this partnership is proof that Gatik is becoming central to how the world's largest companies move goods." The partnership between PepsiCo and Gatik began in 2022. That year marked PepsiCo's first deployment of a Gatik autonomous vehicle. PepsiCo has implemented additional
The artificial intelligence investment market is expanding beyond productivity software and digital assistants, with venture capital firms backing autonomous logistics technologies to address real-world labor and supply chain challenges. This market trend is notably prominent in San Francisco, with firms such as Trucks Venture Capital focusing on startups shaping the future of transportation, logistics, and mobility infrastructure. Faced with persistent driver shortages, an aging trucking workforce, and growing freight demand, investors like Trucks VC believe that autonomous trucking and AI-powered logistics platforms could become a core part of the ecosystem for maintaining the flow of goods through the global economy. Founded in 2015 by Reilly Brennan, Jeffrey Schox, and Kathryn Schox, Trucks VC’s investment strategy is centered on creating a mobility ecosystem that is safer, cleaner, and more accessible. “Since our launch roughly a decade ago, our investment thesis has been simple: we fund the entrepreneurs building the future of transportation. The $5T transportation industry is incredibly multi-disciplinary, and we continue to be amazed at the big ideas that shape the future of this industry,” the firm wrote in a blog post. One of Trucks VC’s notable investments is Mountain View, Calif.-based Gatik, an autonomous trucking company that reflects the firm’s belief that practical, commercially viable autonomy will soon emerge as a structured logistics solution that will overtake long-haul trucking or consumer robotaxi networks. The firm identified Gatik’s focus on middle-mile freight routes that offer repetitive trips between distribution centers, warehouses, and retail locations as a more structured path to commercialization. The firm participated in Gatik’s early financing rounds and later increased its position through its dedicated Trucks Growth Fund, which gained commercial traction. Gatik has secured over $600 million in contracted revenue and has deployed fully driverless, observer-free medium-duty trucks on public roads. Last week, Gatik announced a multi-year-partnership
- China's securities regulator approved Momenta's plan to issue overseas shares and list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. - The Suzhou-based self-driving company could raise at least $1 billion. Chinese self-driving technology firm Momenta has won filing approval from the Chinese mainland's securities regulator, clearing a key hurdle for its initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong. The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said in a filing notice on Thursday that it had received the overseas issuance and listing filing materials submitted by Momenta Global Limited through its domestic operating entity. Momenta plans to issue no more than 43,754,060 overseas-listed common shares and list them on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The filing notice carries a publication date of June 18, 2026 and is dated June 10. The CSRC stressed that the notice only confirms the filing information for the company's overseas issuance and listing, and does not represent a substantive judgment on the investment value of the company's securities. Momenta must complete the listing within 12 months from the date the notice was issued, or update its filing materials if it intends to proceed thereafter. The development brings Momenta a step closer to a debut in the Asian financial hub. The company had earlier been reported to have confidentially filed for a Hong Kong IPO. Bloomberg reported in March, citing people familiar with the matter, that Momenta could seek to raise at least $1 billion and had begun meeting investors to gauge initial interest. The company was working with China International Capital Corp (CICC) and Deutsche Bank on the listing at the time, according to the report. The Hong Kong listing marks Momenta's abandonment of its earlier plan to list in New York. Amid rising US-China tensions, its US IPO application, confidentially filed last year, has lapsed. Momenta
Kratos completes cross-country autonomous platooning deployment Kratos Defense & Security Solutions announced the successful completion of a cross-country autonomous tractor-trailer platooning deployment. The deployment was conducted in collaboration with Champion Tire & Wheel, a logistics provider supporting NASCAR operations. The shipment of race equipment for the NASCAR Anduril 250 originated in Charlotte, N.C., and ended at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. The deployment followed one last year for the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Kratos’ autonomous truck platooning system pairs a human-driven lead tractor-trailer with an autonomous follower tractor-trailer supervised by an onboard safety rider. The system synchronizes steering, braking, and speed control. A layered autonomy approach that combines GPS, onboard sensors, and advanced vehicle controls enables operation across various road and environmental conditions. “Last year proved the concept. This year demonstrated scalable execution,” said Maynard Factor, vice president of business development at Kratos. “Our autonomous follower tractor-trailer successfully completed a cross-country logistics haul, demonstrating how platooning technology can safely improve efficiency, expand freight capacity, and help address ongoing driver shortages.” Kratos’ technologies support multiple Navy programs. The company said these deployments demonstrate the maturity of autonomous freight movement capabilities that could be used in both commercial transportation and defense logistics applications. Kratos has also worked with Ohio and Indiana on a platooning pilot program along the key Interstate 70 freight corridor. Have your say This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.
We Are Not Machines Sarah O’Connor, Allen Lane (UK); Godine (US, out 11 August) If you are a fan of translated films, you may have noticed the subtitles on streaming platforms have changed in recent years. They aren’t wrong exactly, but they can come across as a bit, well, flat. “You get the meaning, but the language? It’s not as rich,” Petr Čermoch, a translator in the Czech Republic, tells Sarah O’Connor in We Are Not Machines, which explores how artificial intelligence is changing the way we work. That lack of richness is usually because the streaming platform has used AI to translate a script, then had a professional translator like Čermoch finesse it. Agencies expect translators to do this work more rapidly and have slashed their pay rates accordingly. But this new type of job is both harder and less rewarding. The translator has to look at the original source and the machine text simultaneously, meaning more effort, not less. At the same time, the joy of the work has gone. “It’s just a tedious job – boring and bland and lifeless,” says Čermoch. Yet, as O’Connor shows in her excellent and wide-ranging book, this is the sort of future we are increasingly being told to accept. AI replacing human translators is not a new premise, but O’Connor – who is a reporter at the Financial Times and has a weekly column on work – argues that the rather lifeless translation we are getting as a result is an example of how humans are adjusting themselves to fit into an AI-led world, rather than the other way around. Her central premise isn’t that AI is coming for all of our jobs, which is a well-trodden debate, but that we are already contorting ourselves to fit AI into our lives.