Christina Campodonico

I had two choices as I stood at the foot of a four-story NoPa Edwardian wearing a last-minute attempt at a Grecian gown and heels way too high for San Francisco’s hills:&nbsp;

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I had two choices as I stood at the foot of a four-story NoPa Edwardian wearing a last-minute attempt at a Grecian gown and heels way too high for San Francisco’s hills:&nbsp;

Take a short hike into Hades’ underworld on the first floor? Or scale three steep flights into a heavenly Elysium? I chose to take my chances in hell—and emerged into a black-lit dance floor bumping with bodies swathed in flowy garments and Greco-Roman-style breastplates. Stark-white masquerade face masks were strewn about the house, like the remnants of some secret ritual (had I just missed a sex party?).

Take a short hike into Hades’ underworld on the first floor? Or scale three steep flights into a heavenly Elysium? I chose to take my chances in hell—and emerged into a black-lit dance floor bumping with bodies swathed in flowy garments and Greco-Roman-style breastplates. Stark-white masquerade face masks were strewn about the house, like the remnants of some secret ritual (had I just missed a sex party?).

Immersive Theater + Party, Thibault Duchemin, and cast on Saturday, March 9, 2024. The Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice takes on a new vibe as you follow the cast, Elysian Bedroom to Stygian basement. After the show, party in the Edwardian mansion with your fellow gods and spirits.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-08.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three people in festive attire are sitting on a bed; two women and one man playing guitar, all seemingly in a joyful mood." class="wp-image-259572"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Muse&#8217;s Spring Bacchanalia party and immersive play &#8220;Lyra&#8221; invited guests to dress up in Greek-inspired attire.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-08.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three people in festive attire are sitting on a bed; two women and one man playing guitar, all seemingly in a joyful mood." class="wp-image-259572"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Muse's Spring Bacchanalia party and immersive play "Lyra" invited guests to dress up in Greek-inspired attire.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-08.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three people in festive attire are sitting on a bed; two women and one man playing guitar, all seemingly in a joyful mood." class="wp-image-259572"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Muse&#8217;s Spring Bacchanalia party and immersive play &#8220;Lyra&#8221; invited guests to dress up in Greek-inspired attire.</figcaption></figure>

But, this wasn’t any Eyes Wide Shut affair—in fact, the online invitation explicitly said “not a play party.” Rather, the elevated toga party, Spring Bacchanalia, hosted by “intentional living community” the Muse earlier this month featured interactive activity rooms alongside the usual San Francisco house party fare (beer, wine, virgin gin and tonics). You could introspectively paint a reflection of your soul while crouched on the floor, or sip hot tea in a dim and intimate lounge, or have your worldly cares worked out of your back in a red-lit massage room.&nbsp;

But, this wasn’t any Eyes Wide Shut affair—in fact, the online invitation explicitly said “not a play party.” Rather, the elevated toga party, Spring Bacchanalia, hosted by “intentional living community” the Muse earlier this month featured interactive activity rooms alongside the usual San Francisco house party fare (beer, wine, virgin gin and tonics). You could introspectively paint a reflection of your soul while crouched on the floor, or sip hot tea in a dim and intimate lounge, or have your worldly cares worked out of your back in a red-lit massage room.&nbsp;

The bash was thrown by a collection of “deep thinkers, deep feelers and deep empaths”—a loose assortment of young techies, aspiring thespians and others “focused on action and making change”—who reside at the Muse, or just use the house as a, well, muse for their intellectual wanderings and creative endeavors.&nbsp;

The bash was thrown by a collection of “deep thinkers, deep feelers and deep empaths”—a loose assortment of young techies, aspiring thespians and others “focused on action and making change”—who reside at the Muse, or just use the house as a, well, muse for their intellectual wanderings and creative endeavors.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-34.jpg?w=2500" alt="Couples dance in a room with green lighting, decorations and string lights." class="wp-image-259579"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A dance party breaks out in the Elysian common room. </figcaption></figure>

A composite image of immersive Theater + Party, Thibault Duchemin, and cast on Saturday, March 9, 2024. The Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice takes on a new vibe as you follow the cast, Elysian Bedroom to Stygian basement. After the show, party in the Edwardian mansion with your fellow gods and spirits.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-54.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Two images depict themed parties: one with toga-wearing guests in green light, the other with dancers in neon blue light." class="wp-image-259560"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">On March 9, residents and friends of the creative co-living community the Muse put on a Greek-themed immersive play and Spring Bacchanalia party, which took over two stories of the group house in NoPa </figcaption></figure>

Instead of the usual San Francisco party tricks du jour—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/24/san-francisco-vision-pro-parties-trend/">Vision Pros</a>, generative AI demos—the night began with an immersive play, called Lyra, that mashed together the great Greek love myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone, tossing in some Dante’s Inferno in for good measure.&nbsp;

Three weeks after debut, $3,500 Apple Vision Pros are already a techie party staple

Instead of the usual San Francisco party tricks du jour—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/24/san-francisco-vision-pro-parties-trend/">Vision Pros</a>, generative AI demos—the night began with an immersive play, called Lyra, that mashed together the great Greek love myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone, tossing in some Dante’s Inferno in for good measure.&nbsp;

Muse co-founder Thibault Duchemin wanted the play to set the scene for the party, which celebrated the arrival of spring, and for the party to extend the shelf life of the play.&nbsp;

Muse co-founder Thibault Duchemin wanted the play to set the scene for the party, which celebrated the arrival of spring, and for the party to extend the shelf life of the play.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-18.jpg?w=2500" alt="A couple lounges in bed, one looking at a smartphone, in a warmly lit, intimate setting." class="wp-image-259575"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Muse&#8217;s Spring Bacchanalia invited guests to party and kick back in an Edwardian mansion in Greek-themed costumes.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-18.jpg?w=2500" alt="A couple lounges in bed, one looking at a smartphone, in a warmly lit, intimate setting." class="wp-image-259575"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Muse's Spring Bacchanalia invited guests to party and kick back in an Edwardian mansion in Greek-themed costumes.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-18.jpg?w=2500" alt="A couple lounges in bed, one looking at a smartphone, in a warmly lit, intimate setting." class="wp-image-259575"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Muse&#8217;s Spring Bacchanalia invited guests to party and kick back in an Edwardian mansion in Greek-themed costumes.</figcaption></figure>

“Something that I&#8217;ve always been frustrated with is that you have such beautiful decor in theater,” said Duchemin. “Then 9 p.m. you&#8217;re done.” Here “you want to fall asleep still in this universe,” he continued. “You&#8217;ve just watched an Orphic journey about love and about overcoming heartbreak. … Now, like, walk through the spaces.”&nbsp;

“Something that I've always been frustrated with is that you have such beautiful decor in theater,” said Duchemin. “Then 9 p.m. you're done.” Here “you want to fall asleep still in this universe,” he continued. “You've just watched an Orphic journey about love and about overcoming heartbreak. … Now, like, walk through the spaces.”&nbsp;

“Something that I&#8217;ve always been frustrated with is that you have such beautiful decor in theater,” said Duchemin. “Then 9 p.m. you&#8217;re done.” Here “you want to fall asleep still in this universe,” he continued. “You&#8217;ve just watched an Orphic journey about love and about overcoming heartbreak. … Now, like, walk through the spaces.”&nbsp;

The party was also an invitation for friends—and friends of friends—to connect on a deeper level, away from San Francisco’s ever-present technological advancements. “This would never be created by an AI,” Duchemin said. “Like, we never talked about AI at all during the whole play.”&nbsp;

The party was also an invitation for friends—and friends of friends—to connect on a deeper level, away from San Francisco’s ever-present technological advancements. “This would never be created by an AI,” Duchemin said. “Like, we never talked about AI at all during the whole play.”&nbsp;

See 7 more images from Spring Bacchanalia

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-see-7-more-images-from-spring-bacchanalia">See 7 more images from Spring Bacchanalia</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-see-7-more-images-from-spring-bacchanalia">See 7 more images from Spring Bacchanalia</h2>

<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="259564" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-35.jpg?w=2500" alt="Group of people in masks in a dimly lit room, some standing, one lying down." class="wp-image-259564"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spectactors in white and gold face masks watch the immersive play &#8220;Lyra&#8221; at NoPa co-living house the Muse.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="260633" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/muse-bacchanalia-163-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="People in a dimly lit room with masks sit in a circle with two women in the center, creating a mysterious vibe." class="wp-image-260633"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A scene from the Muse&#8217;s &#8220;Lyra&#8221; dramatizes a group of souls in Hades&#8217; underworld rising up in rebellion. </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="259571" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-07.jpg?w=2500" alt="A nighttime gathering of people wearing masks, with soft lighting and a tree in the background." class="wp-image-259571"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spring Bacchanalia partygoers hang out in the backyard of co-living house the Muse in NoPa.&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="259573" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-09.jpg?w=2500" alt="A dimly lit room with masked people watching a shirtless man in golden pants under greenish lighting with string lights." class="wp-image-259573"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bright green light washes over a scene from the immserive play &#8220;Lyra.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="259576" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-22.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people sit on the floor in a room with green lighting and fairy lights, chatting and relaxing." class="wp-image-259576"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Partygoers hang out in a bright green room inspired by the Greek version of heaven, Elysium.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="259577" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-24.jpg?w=2500" alt="One person in spooky attire stands in a dimly lit room with people in costume. Purple lighting sets a haunting mood." class="wp-image-259577"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A woman performs on a dance floor inspired by the underworld of the Greek god, Hades. </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="259578" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-26.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people wearing masks talk at a dimly lit party; one is seated with a drink, the other stands leaning in." class="wp-image-259578"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Masked partygoers chat in the backyard of the Muse co-living space during its Greek-themed party and play experience, Spring Bacchanalia.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-35.jpg?w=2500" alt="Group of people in masks in a dimly lit room, some standing, one lying down." class="wp-image-259564"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spectactors in white and gold face masks watch the immersive play &#8220;Lyra&#8221; at NoPa co-living house the Muse.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-35.jpg?w=2500" alt="Group of people in masks in a dimly lit room, some standing, one lying down." class="wp-image-259564"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spectactors in white and gold face masks watch the immersive play "Lyra" at NoPa co-living house the Muse.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-35.jpg?w=2500" alt="Group of people in masks in a dimly lit room, some standing, one lying down." class="wp-image-259564"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spectactors in white and gold face masks watch the immersive play &#8220;Lyra&#8221; at NoPa co-living house the Muse.</figcaption></figure>

A scene from the Muse's immersive play "Lyra" dramatizes a group of souls in Hades underworld rising up in rebellion. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/muse-bacchanalia-163-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="People in a dimly lit room with masks sit in a circle with two women in the center, creating a mysterious vibe." class="wp-image-260633"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A scene from the Muse&#8217;s &#8220;Lyra&#8221; dramatizes a group of souls in Hades&#8217; underworld rising up in rebellion. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/muse-bacchanalia-163-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="People in a dimly lit room with masks sit in a circle with two women in the center, creating a mysterious vibe." class="wp-image-260633"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A scene from the Muse's "Lyra" dramatizes a group of souls in Hades' underworld rising up in rebellion. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/muse-bacchanalia-163-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="People in a dimly lit room with masks sit in a circle with two women in the center, creating a mysterious vibe." class="wp-image-260633"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A scene from the Muse&#8217;s &#8220;Lyra&#8221; dramatizes a group of souls in Hades&#8217; underworld rising up in rebellion. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-07.jpg?w=2500" alt="A nighttime gathering of people wearing masks, with soft lighting and a tree in the background." class="wp-image-259571"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spring Bacchanalia partygoers hang out in the backyard of co-living house the Muse in NoPa.&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-09.jpg?w=2500" alt="A dimly lit room with masked people watching a shirtless man in golden pants under greenish lighting with string lights." class="wp-image-259573"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bright green light washes over a scene from the immserive play &#8220;Lyra.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-09.jpg?w=2500" alt="A dimly lit room with masked people watching a shirtless man in golden pants under greenish lighting with string lights." class="wp-image-259573"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bright green light washes over a scene from the immserive play "Lyra."</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-09.jpg?w=2500" alt="A dimly lit room with masked people watching a shirtless man in golden pants under greenish lighting with string lights." class="wp-image-259573"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bright green light washes over a scene from the immserive play &#8220;Lyra.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-22.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people sit on the floor in a room with green lighting and fairy lights, chatting and relaxing." class="wp-image-259576"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Partygoers hang out in a bright green room inspired by the Greek version of heaven, Elysium.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-24.jpg?w=2500" alt="One person in spooky attire stands in a dimly lit room with people in costume. Purple lighting sets a haunting mood." class="wp-image-259577"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A woman performs on a dance floor inspired by the underworld of the Greek god, Hades. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-26.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people wearing masks talk at a dimly lit party; one is seated with a drink, the other stands leaning in." class="wp-image-259578"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Masked partygoers chat in the backyard of the Muse co-living space during its Greek-themed party and play experience, Spring Bacchanalia.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-1 is-cropped"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-35.jpg?w=2500" alt="Group of people in masks in a dimly lit room, some standing, one lying down." class="wp-image-259564"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spectactors in white and gold face masks watch the immersive play &#8220;Lyra&#8221; at NoPa co-living house the Muse.</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/muse-bacchanalia-163-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="People in a dimly lit room with masks sit in a circle with two women in the center, creating a mysterious vibe." class="wp-image-260633"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A scene from the Muse&#8217;s &#8220;Lyra&#8221; dramatizes a group of souls in Hades&#8217; underworld rising up in rebellion. </figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-07.jpg?w=2500" alt="A nighttime gathering of people wearing masks, with soft lighting and a tree in the background." class="wp-image-259571"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spring Bacchanalia partygoers hang out in the backyard of co-living house the Muse in NoPa.&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-09.jpg?w=2500" alt="A dimly lit room with masked people watching a shirtless man in golden pants under greenish lighting with string lights." class="wp-image-259573"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bright green light washes over a scene from the immserive play &#8220;Lyra.&#8221;</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-22.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people sit on the floor in a room with green lighting and fairy lights, chatting and relaxing." class="wp-image-259576"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Partygoers hang out in a bright green room inspired by the Greek version of heaven, Elysium.</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-24.jpg?w=2500" alt="One person in spooky attire stands in a dimly lit room with people in costume. Purple lighting sets a haunting mood." class="wp-image-259577"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A woman performs on a dance floor inspired by the underworld of the Greek god, Hades. </figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240311_musebacchanaliaparty-26.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people wearing masks talk at a dimly lit party; one is seated with a drink, the other stands leaning in." class="wp-image-259578"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Masked partygoers chat in the backyard of the Muse co-living space during its Greek-themed party and play experience, Spring Bacchanalia.</figcaption></figure></figure>

Invites to the Muse’s themed and seasonal parties are by word of mouth, but you can follow the collective <a href="https://www.instagram.com/themusesf/">@themusesf</a> for updates.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Invites to the Muse’s themed and seasonal parties are by word of mouth, but you can follow the collective <a href="https://www.instagram.com/themusesf/">@themusesf</a> for updates.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Togas over tech: An SF co-living house throws a Greek tragedy party (no AI talk allowed)

Garrett Leahy

George Kelly

Clad in red shirts and holding signs reading, “Trust nurses, not AI,” hundreds of nurses from across California picketed outside Kaiser Permanente&#8217;s San Francisco Medical Center on Monday to protest the use of artificial intelligence by the major hospital system—and the greater health care industry.

Clad in red shirts and holding signs reading, “Trust nurses, not AI,” hundreds of nurses from across California picketed outside Kaiser Permanente's San Francisco Medical Center on Monday to protest the use of artificial intelligence by the major hospital system—and the greater health care industry.

Clad in red shirts and holding signs reading, “Trust nurses, not AI,” hundreds of nurses from across California picketed outside Kaiser Permanente&#8217;s San Francisco Medical Center on Monday to protest the use of artificial intelligence by the major hospital system—and the greater health care industry.

Nurses who rallied outside the hospital on Geary Boulevard as part of the protest organized by the California Nurses Association argued that the technology is untested and unregulated and said they fear it will make patient care worse.

Nurses who rallied outside the hospital on Geary Boulevard as part of the protest organized by the California Nurses Association argued that the technology is untested and unregulated and said they fear it will make patient care worse.

“There are some uses of AI that are not acceptable,” Michelle Gutierrez Vo, a family medicine nurse, said during the demonstration.

“There are some uses of AI that are not acceptable,” Michelle Gutierrez Vo, a family medicine nurse, said during the demonstration.

The action coincided with the start of the <a href="https://international.kaiserpermanente.org/program/2024-integrated-care-experience-2/">KP International Integrated Care Experience</a> conference in the Bay Area. The three-day event includes discussions on the use of advanced analytics and AI in health care, according to a public itinerary posted online.

The action coincided with the start of the <a href="https://international.kaiserpermanente.org/program/2024-integrated-care-experience-2/">KP International Integrated Care Experience</a> conference in the Bay Area. The three-day event includes discussions on the use of advanced analytics and AI in health care, according to a public itinerary posted online.

According to the union, Kaiser Permanente is one of the earliest adopters of AI in the health care industry. The California Nurses Association, which represents 24,000 Kaiser nurses, is demanding that workers and unions be involved in the development of the technology and decisions on how AI is used in patient care.

According to the union, Kaiser Permanente is one of the earliest adopters of AI in the health care industry. The California Nurses Association, which represents 24,000 Kaiser nurses, is demanding that workers and unions be involved in the development of the technology and decisions on how AI is used in patient care.

Michelle Gutierrez Vo, a family medicine nurse at Kaiser Permanente in Fremont and nurses' union president, said using AI in hospitals will lead to worse patient care.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_1364.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman speaks at a podium." class="wp-image-269463"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michelle Gutierrez Vo, a family medicine nurse at Kaiser Permanente in Fremont, says using AI in hospitals will harm patients.</figcaption></figure>

“Nurses are all for tech that enhances our skills and the patient care experience,” Gutierrez Vo said in <a href="https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/cna-demand-patient-safeguards-against-artificial-intelligence">an earlier statement</a>. “But what we are witnessing in our hospitals is the degradation and devaluation of our nursing practice through the use of these untested technologies.”

“Nurses are all for tech that enhances our skills and the patient care experience,” Gutierrez Vo said in <a href="https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/cna-demand-patient-safeguards-against-artificial-intelligence">an earlier statement</a>. “But what we are witnessing in our hospitals is the degradation and devaluation of our nursing practice through the use of these untested technologies.”

Cathy Kennedy, a neonatal intensive care nurse at Kaiser Roseville, said nurses understand that the new technology “is here to stay,” but she and her colleagues are concerned that Kaiser is using AI to cut costs and boost profits, rather than to improve patient care.

Cathy Kennedy, a neonatal intensive care nurse at Kaiser Roseville, said nurses understand that the new technology “is here to stay,” but she and her colleagues are concerned that Kaiser is using AI to cut costs and boost profits, rather than to improve patient care.

&#8220;We need to pause and really take time to say, is this truly what you want to do?&#8221; Kennedy told The Standard in a phone interview ahead of the protest. &#8220;We&#8217;re questioning the validity of whether it&#8217;s that important to continue increasing the amount of technology they are asking us to utilize as we&#8217;re trying to take care of patients.&#8221;

"We need to pause and really take time to say, is this truly what you want to do?" Kennedy told The Standard in a phone interview ahead of the protest. "We're questioning the validity of whether it's that important to continue increasing the amount of technology they are asking us to utilize as we're trying to take care of patients."

&#8220;We need to pause and really take time to say, is this truly what you want to do?&#8221; Kennedy told The Standard in a phone interview ahead of the protest. &#8220;We&#8217;re questioning the validity of whether it&#8217;s that important to continue increasing the amount of technology they are asking us to utilize as we&#8217;re trying to take care of patients.&#8221;

Kennedy, who has worked as a nurse for four decades, said some existing technologies already cause care delays, like electronic records that link staffing needs to real-time charting. If nurses don&#8217;t log records immediately, the next shift could be short-staffed.

Kennedy, who has worked as a nurse for four decades, said some existing technologies already cause care delays, like electronic records that link staffing needs to real-time charting. If nurses don't log records immediately, the next shift could be short-staffed.

Kennedy, who has worked as a nurse for four decades, said some existing technologies already cause care delays, like electronic records that link staffing needs to real-time charting. If nurses don&#8217;t log records immediately, the next shift could be short-staffed.

California regulators propose new rules for how companies can use AI

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In a statement emailed to The Standard, Kaiser said the company uses AI tools to empower nurses and that the technology does not have the power to make health care-related decisions.

In a statement emailed to The Standard, Kaiser said the company uses AI tools to empower nurses and that the technology does not have the power to make health care-related decisions.

“We have consistently invested in and embraced technology that enables nurses to work more effectively, resulting in improved patient outcomes and nurse satisfaction, and we will continue to do so,” the statement said. “As an organization dedicated to inclusiveness and health equity, we ensure the results from AI tools are correct and unbiased; AI does not replace human assessment.”

“We have consistently invested in and embraced technology that enables nurses to work more effectively, resulting in improved patient outcomes and nurse satisfaction, and we will continue to do so,” the statement said. “As an organization dedicated to inclusiveness and health equity, we ensure the results from AI tools are correct and unbiased; AI does not replace human assessment.”

But Gutierrez Vo said Kaiser currently gives patients the option to talk to an AI chatbot in lieu of calling an advice nurse. The problem with that is the chatbot uses medical jargon as keywords to sort and prioritize patients, so if patients describe symptoms indicative of a heart attack but not with medical terms the AI is trained on, they might not be directed to seek emergency care in a situation when a real nurse would.

But Gutierrez Vo said Kaiser currently gives patients the option to talk to an AI chatbot in lieu of calling an advice nurse. The problem with that is the chatbot uses medical jargon as keywords to sort and prioritize patients, so if patients describe symptoms indicative of a heart attack but not with medical terms the AI is trained on, they might not be directed to seek emergency care in a situation when a real nurse would.

“The AI might direct them to the pharmacy, not to a doctor,” Gutierrez Vo told The Standard.

“The AI might direct them to the pharmacy, not to a doctor,” Gutierrez Vo told The Standard.

Kaiser nurses are arguing that any new technologies need to be properly evaluated before they are deployed. The union is planning to invoke bargaining rights to negotiate the hospital system’s use of any new AI tools before they are rolled out.

Kaiser nurses are arguing that any new technologies need to be properly evaluated before they are deployed. The union is planning to invoke bargaining rights to negotiate the hospital system’s use of any new AI tools before they are rolled out.

Nurses at other health care systems in California said AI tools at their hospitals are making their jobs harder, not easier.

Nurses at other health care systems in California said AI tools at their hospitals are making their jobs harder, not easier.

Melissa Beebe, a nurse who takes care of cancer patients at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, said the hospital currently uses AI to monitor patients’ vitals. The&nbsp; “bio button” tool alerts nurses if there are irregularities like an abnormal heart or breathing rate, but it often issues false alarms, Beebee said.

Melissa Beebe, a nurse who takes care of cancer patients at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, said the hospital currently uses AI to monitor patients’ vitals. The&nbsp; “bio button” tool alerts nurses if there are irregularities like an abnormal heart or breathing rate, but it often issues false alarms, Beebee said.

Melissa Beebee, an Oncology nurse at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, said AI tools make her job harder. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_1400.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman holds a sign at a protest." class="wp-image-269460"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Melissa Beebe, an oncology nurse at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, says AI tools are already making her job harder. </figcaption></figure>

“The AI will say the respiratory rate is odd, but then I’ll look, and it’s fine,” Beebe said. “It’s not doing what it’s supposed to do, and we’re having to do double work.”

“The AI will say the respiratory rate is odd, but then I’ll look, and it’s fine,” Beebe said. “It’s not doing what it’s supposed to do, and we’re having to do double work.”

UC Davis Medical Center spokesperson Steve Telliano told The Standard Beebe’s concerns amounted to “fear-mongering,” saying that tool was introduced in <a href="https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/uc-davis-health-announces-collaboration-to-advance-remote-care-options/2022/05">May 2022</a> and allows patients’ vitals to be monitored while they are outside the hospital and to alert nurses of abnormal vital signs.

UC Davis Medical Center spokesperson Steve Telliano told The Standard Beebe’s concerns amounted to “fear-mongering,” saying that tool was introduced in <a href="https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/uc-davis-health-announces-collaboration-to-advance-remote-care-options/2022/05">May 2022</a> and allows patients’ vitals to be monitored while they are outside the hospital and to alert nurses of abnormal vital signs.

“The concern is that this [technology] will take jobs, it will not,” Telliano said. “It will make their jobs easier.”

“The concern is that this [technology] will take jobs, it will not,” Telliano said. “It will make their jobs easier.”

But Beebe had another idea for how the hospital could make her job easier—and improve patient care.

But Beebe had another idea for how the hospital could make her job easier—and improve patient care.

“They could set up another oncology unit,” Beebe said. “But that wouldn’t save money.”

“They could set up another oncology unit,” Beebe said. “But that wouldn’t save money.”

‘Trust nurses, not AI’: Workers protest use of artificial intelligence at Kaiser hospitals

Jon Gambrell

The CEO of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI&nbsp;said Tuesday that the dangers that keep him awake at night regarding artificial intelligence are the “very subtle societal misalignments” that could make the systems wreak havoc.

The CEO of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI&nbsp;said Tuesday that the dangers that keep him awake at night regarding artificial intelligence are the “very subtle societal misalignments” that could make the systems wreak havoc.

Sam Altman, speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai via a video call, reiterated his call for&nbsp;a body like the International Atomic Energy Agency&nbsp;to be created to oversee AI that&#8217;s likely advancing faster than the world expects.

Sam Altman, speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai via a video call, reiterated his call for&nbsp;a body like the International Atomic Energy Agency&nbsp;to be created to oversee AI that's likely advancing faster than the world expects.

Sam Altman, speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai via a video call, reiterated his call for&nbsp;a body like the International Atomic Energy Agency&nbsp;to be created to oversee AI that&#8217;s likely advancing faster than the world expects.

“There’s some things in there that are easy to imagine where things really go wrong. And I’m not that interested in the killer robots walking on the street direction of things going wrong,&#8221; Altman said. &#8220;I’m much more interested in the very subtle societal misalignments where we just have these systems out in society, and through no particular ill intention, things just go horribly wrong.”

“There’s some things in there that are easy to imagine where things really go wrong. And I’m not that interested in the killer robots walking on the street direction of things going wrong," Altman said. "I’m much more interested in the very subtle societal misalignments where we just have these systems out in society, and through no particular ill intention, things just go horribly wrong.”

“There’s some things in there that are easy to imagine where things really go wrong. And I’m not that interested in the killer robots walking on the street direction of things going wrong,&#8221; Altman said. &#8220;I’m much more interested in the very subtle societal misalignments where we just have these systems out in society, and through no particular ill intention, things just go horribly wrong.”

However, Altman stressed that the AI industry, like OpenAI, shouldn&#8217;t be in the driver&#8217;s seat when it comes to making regulations governing the industry.

However, Altman stressed that the AI industry, like OpenAI, shouldn't be in the driver's seat when it comes to making regulations governing the industry.

However, Altman stressed that the AI industry, like OpenAI, shouldn&#8217;t be in the driver&#8217;s seat when it comes to making regulations governing the industry.

“We’re still in the stage of a lot of discussion. So there’s, you know, everybody in the world is having a conference. Everyone’s got an idea, a policy paper, and that’s OK,&#8221; Altman said. &#8220;I think we’re still at a time where debate is needed and healthy, but at some point in the next few years, I think we have to move towards an action plan with real buy-in around the world.”

“We’re still in the stage of a lot of discussion. So there’s, you know, everybody in the world is having a conference. Everyone’s got an idea, a policy paper, and that’s OK," Altman said. "I think we’re still at a time where debate is needed and healthy, but at some point in the next few years, I think we have to move towards an action plan with real buy-in around the world.”

“We’re still in the stage of a lot of discussion. So there’s, you know, everybody in the world is having a conference. Everyone’s got an idea, a policy paper, and that’s OK,&#8221; Altman said. &#8220;I think we’re still at a time where debate is needed and healthy, but at some point in the next few years, I think we have to move towards an action plan with real buy-in around the world.”

Who’s in control? Behind OpenAI’s convoluted corporate structure

ChatGPT creator Sam Altman tells San Francisco crowd he can’t be trusted

OpenAI is one of the leaders in the field.&nbsp;Microsoft has invested some $1 billion in OpenAI.

OpenAI is one of the leaders in the field.&nbsp;Microsoft has invested some $1 billion in OpenAI.

OpenAI&#8217;s success has made Altman the public face for generative AI’s rapid commercialization—and the fears over what may come from the new technology.

OpenAI's success has made Altman the public face for generative AI’s rapid commercialization—and the fears over what may come from the new technology.

OpenAI&#8217;s success has made Altman the public face for generative AI’s rapid commercialization—and the fears over what may come from the new technology.

The United Arab Emirates, an autocratic federation of seven hereditarily ruled sheikhdoms, has signs of that risk. Speech remains tightly controlled. Those restrictions affect the flow of accurate information—the same details AI programs like ChatGPT rely on as machine-learning systems to provide their answers for users.

The United Arab Emirates, an autocratic federation of seven hereditarily ruled sheikhdoms, has signs of that risk. Speech remains tightly controlled. Those restrictions affect the flow of accurate information—the same details AI programs like ChatGPT rely on as machine-learning systems to provide their answers for users.

The Emirates also has&nbsp;the Abu Dhabi firm G42, overseen by the country’s powerful national security adviser. G42 has what experts suggest is the world&#8217;s leading Arabic-language artificial intelligence model. The company has faced spying allegations for its ties to&nbsp;a mobile phone app identified as spyware. It has also faced claims it could have gathered&nbsp;genetic material secretly from Americans for the Chinese government.

The Emirates also has&nbsp;the Abu Dhabi firm G42, overseen by the country’s powerful national security adviser. G42 has what experts suggest is the world's leading Arabic-language artificial intelligence model. The company has faced spying allegations for its ties to&nbsp;a mobile phone app identified as spyware. It has also faced claims it could have gathered&nbsp;genetic material secretly from Americans for the Chinese government.

The Emirates also has&nbsp;the Abu Dhabi firm G42, overseen by the country’s powerful national security adviser. G42 has what experts suggest is the world&#8217;s leading Arabic-language artificial intelligence model. The company has faced spying allegations for its ties to&nbsp;a mobile phone app identified as spyware. It has also faced claims it could have gathered&nbsp;genetic material secretly from Americans for the Chinese government.

G42 has said it would cut ties to Chinese suppliers over American concerns. However, the discussion with Altman, moderated by the UAE&#8217;s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar al-Olama, touched on none of the local concerns.

G42 has said it would cut ties to Chinese suppliers over American concerns. However, the discussion with Altman, moderated by the UAE's Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar al-Olama, touched on none of the local concerns.

G42 has said it would cut ties to Chinese suppliers over American concerns. However, the discussion with Altman, moderated by the UAE&#8217;s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar al-Olama, touched on none of the local concerns.

For his part, Altman said he was heartened to see that schools, where teachers feared students would use AI to write papers, now embrace the technology as crucial for the future. But he added that AI remains in its infancy.

For his part, Altman said he was heartened to see that schools, where teachers feared students would use AI to write papers, now embrace the technology as crucial for the future. But he added that AI remains in its infancy.

“I think the reason is the current technology that we have is like &#8230; that very first cellphone with a black-and-white screen,” Altman said. &#8220;So give us some time. But I will say I think in a few more years it’ll be much better than it is now. And in a decade, it should be pretty remarkable.”

“I think the reason is the current technology that we have is like ... that very first cellphone with a black-and-white screen,” Altman said. "So give us some time. But I will say I think in a few more years it’ll be much better than it is now. And in a decade, it should be pretty remarkable.”

“I think the reason is the current technology that we have is like &#8230; that very first cellphone with a black-and-white screen,” Altman said. &#8220;So give us some time. But I will say I think in a few more years it’ll be much better than it is now. And in a decade, it should be pretty remarkable.”

OpenAI CEO warns artificial intelligence could go ‘horribly wrong’

Matt O'Brien

ChatGPT-maker OpenAI is looking to fuse its artificial intelligence systems into the bodies of&nbsp;humanoid robots&nbsp;as part of a new deal with robotics startup Figure.

ChatGPT-maker OpenAI is looking to fuse its artificial intelligence systems into the bodies of&nbsp;humanoid robots&nbsp;as part of a new deal with robotics startup Figure.

Sunnyvale-based Figure announced the partnership Thursday along with $675 million in venture capital funding from a group that includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos as well as Microsoft, chipmaker Nvidia and the startup-funding divisions of Amazon, Intel and OpenAI.

Sunnyvale-based Figure announced the partnership Thursday along with $675 million in venture capital funding from a group that includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos as well as Microsoft, chipmaker Nvidia and the startup-funding divisions of Amazon, Intel and OpenAI.

Figure is less than 2 years old and doesn&#8217;t have a commercial product but is persuading influential tech industry backers to support its vision of shipping billions of human-like robots to the world&#8217;s workplaces and homes.

Figure is less than 2 years old and doesn't have a commercial product but is persuading influential tech industry backers to support its vision of shipping billions of human-like robots to the world's workplaces and homes.

Figure is less than 2 years old and doesn&#8217;t have a commercial product but is persuading influential tech industry backers to support its vision of shipping billions of human-like robots to the world&#8217;s workplaces and homes.

“If we can just get humanoids to do work that humans are not wanting to do because there’s a shortfall of humans, we can sell millions of humanoids, billions maybe,” Figure CEO Brett Adcock told The Associated Press last year.

“If we can just get humanoids to do work that humans are not wanting to do because there’s a shortfall of humans, we can sell millions of humanoids, billions maybe,” Figure CEO Brett Adcock told The Associated Press last year.

For OpenAI, which dabbled in robotics research before pivoting to a focus on the AI large language models that power ChatGPT, the partnership will &#8220;open up new possibilities for how robots can help in everyday life,” said Peter Welinder, the San Francisco company&#8217;s vice president of product and partnerships, in a written statement.

For OpenAI, which dabbled in robotics research before pivoting to a focus on the AI large language models that power ChatGPT, the partnership will "open up new possibilities for how robots can help in everyday life,” said Peter Welinder, the San Francisco company's vice president of product and partnerships, in a written statement.

For OpenAI, which dabbled in robotics research before pivoting to a focus on the AI large language models that power ChatGPT, the partnership will &#8220;open up new possibilities for how robots can help in everyday life,” said Peter Welinder, the San Francisco company&#8217;s vice president of product and partnerships, in a written statement.

The financial terms of the deal between Figure and OpenAI weren&#8217;t disclosed. The collaboration will have OpenAI building specialized AI models for Figure’s humanoid robots, likely based on OpenAI&#8217;s existing technology such as GPT language models, the image-generator DALL-E and the new video-generator Sora.

The financial terms of the deal between Figure and OpenAI weren't disclosed. The collaboration will have OpenAI building specialized AI models for Figure’s humanoid robots, likely based on OpenAI's existing technology such as GPT language models, the image-generator DALL-E and the new video-generator Sora.

The financial terms of the deal between Figure and OpenAI weren&#8217;t disclosed. The collaboration will have OpenAI building specialized AI models for Figure’s humanoid robots, likely based on OpenAI&#8217;s existing technology such as GPT language models, the image-generator DALL-E and the new video-generator Sora.

That will help “accelerate Figure’s commercial timeline” by enabling its robots to “process and reason from language,” according to Figure&#8217;s announcement. The company announced in January an agreement with BMW to put its robots to work at a car plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, but hadn&#8217;t yet determined exactly how or when they would be used.

That will help “accelerate Figure’s commercial timeline” by enabling its robots to “process and reason from language,” according to Figure's announcement. The company announced in January an agreement with BMW to put its robots to work at a car plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, but hadn't yet determined exactly how or when they would be used.

That will help “accelerate Figure’s commercial timeline” by enabling its robots to “process and reason from language,” according to Figure&#8217;s announcement. The company announced in January an agreement with BMW to put its robots to work at a car plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, but hadn&#8217;t yet determined exactly how or when they would be used.

Robotics experts differ on the usefulness of robots shaped in human form. Most robots employed in factory and warehouse tasks might have some animal-like features—a robotic arm, finger-like grippers or even legs—but aren&#8217;t truly humanoid. That&#8217;s in part because it&#8217;s taken decades for robotics engineers to develop effective robotic legs and arms.

Robotics experts differ on the usefulness of robots shaped in human form. Most robots employed in factory and warehouse tasks might have some animal-like features—a robotic arm, finger-like grippers or even legs—but aren't truly humanoid. That's in part because it's taken decades for robotics engineers to develop effective robotic legs and arms.

Robotics experts differ on the usefulness of robots shaped in human form. Most robots employed in factory and warehouse tasks might have some animal-like features—a robotic arm, finger-like grippers or even legs—but aren&#8217;t truly humanoid. That&#8217;s in part because it&#8217;s taken decades for robotics engineers to develop effective robotic legs and arms.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hinted at a renewed interest in robotics in a podcast hosted by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and released early this year in which Altman said the company was starting to invest in promising robotics hardware platforms after having earlier abandoned its own research.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hinted at a renewed interest in robotics in a podcast hosted by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and released early this year in which Altman said the company was starting to invest in promising robotics hardware platforms after having earlier abandoned its own research.

“We started robots too early and so we had to put that project on hold,&#8221; Altman told Gates, noting that “we were dealing with bad simulators and breaking tendons&#8221; that were distracting from the company&#8217;s other work.

“We started robots too early and so we had to put that project on hold," Altman told Gates, noting that “we were dealing with bad simulators and breaking tendons" that were distracting from the company's other work.

“We started robots too early and so we had to put that project on hold,&#8221; Altman told Gates, noting that “we were dealing with bad simulators and breaking tendons&#8221; that were distracting from the company&#8217;s other work.

“We realized more and more over time that what we really first needed was intelligence and cognition and then we could figure out how we could adapt it to physicality,” he said.

“We realized more and more over time that what we really first needed was intelligence and cognition and then we could figure out how we could adapt it to physicality,” he said.

Humanoid robot-maker Figure partners with OpenAI and gets backing from Jeff Bezos

Gabe Greschler

At around 8 o&#8217;clock Monday morning, I received a call and heard a voice that sounded a bit like Apple&#8217;s Siri. It told me it was an artificial intelligence caller from the campaign of Peter Dixon, a candidate in a Silicon Valley congressional race.

At around 8 o'clock Monday morning, I received a call and heard a voice that sounded a bit like Apple's Siri. It told me it was an artificial intelligence caller from the campaign of Peter Dixon, a candidate in a Silicon Valley congressional race.

At around 8 o&#8217;clock Monday morning, I received a call and heard a voice that sounded a bit like Apple&#8217;s Siri. It told me it was an artificial intelligence caller from the campaign of Peter Dixon, a candidate in a Silicon Valley congressional race.

For the next 10 minutes, I had a completely automated—yet eerily human—conversation with an AI phone-banker who sounded&nbsp;female, maybe between 30 and 35 years old, cheery and upbeat. &#8220;She&#8221; began by telling me everything from Dixon&#8217;s past as a former U.S. Marine and his involvement in the tech industry to why he&#8217;s the best candidate for California&#8217;s 16th district, which covers parts of the South Bay and San Mateo County.

For the next 10 minutes, I had a completely automated—yet eerily human—conversation with an AI phone-banker who sounded&nbsp;female, maybe between 30 and 35 years old, cheery and upbeat. "She" began by telling me everything from Dixon's past as a former U.S. Marine and his involvement in the tech industry to why he's the best candidate for California's 16th district, which covers parts of the South Bay and San Mateo County.

For the next 10 minutes, I had a completely automated—yet eerily human—conversation with an AI phone-banker who sounded&nbsp;female, maybe between 30 and 35 years old, cheery and upbeat. &#8220;She&#8221; began by telling me everything from Dixon&#8217;s past as a former U.S. Marine and his involvement in the tech industry to why he&#8217;s the best candidate for California&#8217;s 16th district, which covers parts of the South Bay and San Mateo County.

Dixon is the first congressional candidate in California to use AI phone-banking from <a href="https://www.civox.com/">Civox</a>, a London-based company that promises to deliver &#8220;voice interaction with artificial intelligence technology, on behalf of political campaigns that feel like you&#8217;re talking to an actual person.&#8221;

Dixon is the first congressional candidate in California to use AI phone-banking from <a href="https://www.civox.com/">Civox</a>, a London-based company that promises to deliver "voice interaction with artificial intelligence technology, on behalf of political campaigns that feel like you're talking to an actual person."

Dixon is the first congressional candidate in California to use AI phone-banking from <a href="https://www.civox.com/">Civox</a>, a London-based company that promises to deliver &#8220;voice interaction with artificial intelligence technology, on behalf of political campaigns that feel like you&#8217;re talking to an actual person.&#8221;

I asked the Civox bot the basic questions: Why is Dixon running? Does Dixon care about issues like housing, income inequality and the environment? What does Dixon think about Donald Trump? What about abortion?

I asked the Civox bot the basic questions: Why is Dixon running? Does Dixon care about issues like housing, income inequality and the environment? What does Dixon think about Donald Trump? What about abortion?

Congressional candidate Peter Dixon, whose campaign is using an artificial intelligence phone banking service from Civox. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/port-_wwhiteshirt-56-1.jpg?w=1498" alt="A smiling man with curly hair outdoors, trees with autumn leaves blurred in the background." class="wp-image-252808"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Congressional candidate Peter Dixon&#8217;s campaign is using an artificial intelligence phone-banking service from Civox. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/port-_wwhiteshirt-56-1.jpg?w=1498" alt="A smiling man with curly hair outdoors, trees with autumn leaves blurred in the background." class="wp-image-252808"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Congressional candidate Peter Dixon's campaign is using an artificial intelligence phone-banking service from Civox. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/port-_wwhiteshirt-56-1.jpg?w=1498" alt="A smiling man with curly hair outdoors, trees with autumn leaves blurred in the background." class="wp-image-252808"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Congressional candidate Peter Dixon&#8217;s campaign is using an artificial intelligence phone-banking service from Civox. </figcaption></figure>

Search Results for: artificial intelligence

Togas over tech: An SF co-living house throws a Greek tragedy party (no AI talk allowed)

‘Trust nurses, not AI’: Workers protest use of artificial intelligence at Kaiser hospitals

OpenAI CEO warns artificial intelligence could go ‘horribly wrong’

Humanoid robot-maker Figure partners with OpenAI and gets backing from Jeff Bezos

This Silicon Valley candidate is using freakishly smart AI bots to call voters