Key facts
- China launched the world's first wind-powered underwater data centre off the coast of Shanghai.
- The underwater data centre uses green energy and natural cooling.
- A China-led team developed an AI system to track space hurricanes.
- The AI system detects space hurricanes using ultraviolet images.
- Space hurricanes can disrupt satellite signals and communications.
- The AI advancement may enhance analysis of data from a new China-Europe satellite.
- Demand for AI-driven components is increasing costs for memory and storage chips.
- Tech leaders warn of potential price hikes for consumer electronics.
- Consumer electronics like iPhones and gaming consoles may see price increases.
China has unveiled the world's first wind-powered underwater data center off the coast of Shanghai. Developed by HiCloud Technology and China Communications Construction, the facility is designed to reduce energy and water consumption compared to traditional land-based data centers. It leverages green energy sources and natural cooling methods provided by the ocean.
In a separate development, a China-led research team has created a new artificial intelligence system capable of automatically detecting and pinpointing "space hurricanes." These are phenomena occurring in Earth's upper atmosphere that can interfere with satellite signals and communications. The AI system analyzes ultraviolet images and is expected to improve the analysis of data from a new China-Europe satellite.