Most Read: Squirrel AI Agent Aims to Save Dwindling Species; AWS Launches Program to Help Customers Get Started in Quantum

Here are the most-read stories on AI Business this week.

Squirrel AI Agent Aims to Save Dwindling Species

Conservationists aiming to protect the U.K.’s dwindling red squirrel population have turned to a new AI tool to identify, track and treat squirrels.

The red squirrel population has drastically declined since the introduction of gray squirrels in the 1870s, dropping from 3.5 million to a few hundred thousand. Meanwhile, the gray squirrel population has soared to an estimated 2.7 million.

Gray squirrels outcompete their red rivals for resources and carry the squirrelpox virus, which is deadly to red squirrels.

Red squirrel conservation projects are trialing a new AI tool, Squirrel Agent AI, developed by Genysys Engine, to help recover endangered red squirrel populations and inform broader wildlife management strategies.

Find out how the AI squirrel spotter is helping

AWS Launches Program to Help Customers Get Started in Quantum

AWS has launched Quantum Embark, a jargon-free advisory service program that aims to help organizations explore how quantum computing could support their business.

It consists of three modules designed to encourage customers to work backward from their most critical and compute-intensive use cases to formulate their own quantum roadmap.

Related:Squirrel AI Agent Aims to Save Dwindling Species

Use Case Discovery focuses on workshops with experts to identify tangible opportunities for introducing quantum computing. This will be used to build an executive-level whitepaper outlining the near and longer-term value of quantum technologies.

Technical Enablement offers users hands-on experience with quantum computing via its Amazon Braket quantum computing service. During a two-day workshop, attendees would learn about how quantum computers perform calculations, work with quantum programming frameworks and practice using a series of prebuilt examples to build, test and run relevant applications.

Discover the full set of features

Generative AI Material Impact Expected by CEOs: Survey

Almost all business leaders in a new industry survey said they have invested in generative AI and a further 83% had established expert or robust teams dedicated to the technology, a new report by NTT Data found. 

The study, Global GenAI Report: How organizations are mastering their generative AI destiny in 2025, surveyed more than 2,300 IT and business leaders in 34 countries and 12 industries, including logistics, manufacturing and health care. 

In the survey, 97% of CEOs said they anticipate a material impact from generative AI technology, 96% said they are considering how the technology can streamline future employee workflows and support processes and 99% are planning further investments. 

Related:AWS Launches Program to Help Customers Get Started in Quantum

Top uses cases for adopting generative AI were personalized service recommendations and knowledge management, quality control and research and development. 

Read more findings

Digital Twin of St. Peter’s Basilica Brings Interactive Experience to Homes

The Vatican has teamed with Microsoft to create an AI-powered digital twin of St. Peter’s Basilica allowing those celebrating the Holy Year in 2025 to experience it virtually, no matter where they are. 

Millions are expected to travel to Rome next year for Holy Year celebrations, making the virtual experience even more meaningful for those who cannot attend in person

Set to go live this month, the digital twin includes immersive virtual views along with an app and interaction features.

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of the basilica, told reporters at a Vatican news conference recently that by using AI technology, the projects “help people weave together the historical, artistic and spiritual meanings connected with the world's largest church.”

Find out more

XPeng Launches AI-Defined P7+ Electric SUV to Rival Tesla

Chinese automaker XPeng has launched what it says is the world’s first “AI-defined” vehicle, the new P7+ electric SUV-coupe.

The P7+, which might be considered a cheaper rival to Tesla’s Model 3, is now in showrooms across China hoping to attract customers with what are claimed to be “groundbreaking” AI-powered intelligent driving capability and smart cockpit experiences.

It’s the combination of these – both incorporating large AI models, constituting a first on a production car – that underscores XPeng’s confident claims for the P7+.

The benefit of this, says XPeng, is the capability to learn from users’ behaviors and preferences, enhancing each journey and allowing the car to provide a fully personalized, tailored experience.

See the new car