Artificial intelligence is expanding faster than ever. From self-driving cars to AI-powered church translations, the technology is becoming part of daily life across the world.
During a recent “Tech Gumbo” discussion with Haggai Davis and Brian Haldane, several major AI topics took center stage. The conversation ranged from flooded self-driving cars to warnings from Pope Leo XIV about protecting human connection in the digital age.
Waymo Self-Driving Cars Face Flooding Problems
One of the biggest stories involved Waymo autonomous vehicles struggling during heavy rain and flooding in cities like Atlanta and San Antonio.
According to Davis, the issue comes from the vehicle’s LIDAR systems. The technology sends out light beams to detect surroundings. However, standing water can reflect the signal away instead of sending it back. That makes it difficult for the vehicle to recognize flooded streets.
The problem becomes more serious in cities prone to flooding and potholes, including places like New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
Waymo is reportedly hiring weather-focused software engineers as the company expands into regions with heavier rain and more unpredictable weather patterns.
Pope Leo XIV Calls for Humanity in the AI Era
The larger discussion focused on Pope Leo XIV and his recent statements about artificial intelligence.
The pope described AI as a powerful tool that can benefit society. However, he warned people not to lose their humanity while using it. His message encouraged people to maintain real relationships, meaningful conversations, and compassion instead of replacing those connections with technology.
Davis explained that the pope’s encyclical focused heavily on protecting human dignity while embracing innovation responsibly.
The Vatican is even using AI technology itself. A new AI-powered translation system now helps visitors at St. Peter’s Basilica hear Mass translated into their native language in real time.
AI Ethics Become a Global Concern
The conversation also touched on growing concerns about social media addiction, bots, and emotional manipulation online.
Haldane and Davis discussed how internet platforms trigger dopamine responses through likes, follows, and notifications. They warned that many people are becoming emotionally dependent on online interaction, even as bots continue to spread across social media platforms.
Leaders in the artificial intelligence industry are also beginning to raise concerns. Representatives from Anthropic reportedly joined Vatican discussions surrounding AI ethics and responsible development practices.
The Future Could Include AI Data Centers in Space
The discussion ended with a look at future AI infrastructure projects.
China is reportedly developing underwater data centers designed to use ocean cooling and renewable energy. Meanwhile, SpaceX is exploring the possibility of placing data centers in orbit where solar power and space temperatures could help manage energy demands.
As artificial intelligence continues evolving, debates about ethics, responsibility, and human connection are becoming just as important as the technology itself.