ETIH Weekly Roundup: OpenAI workflows, AI appointments, motorsport STEM, and classroom robotics
Last week’s ETIH news covers new AI tools from OpenAI and Google, senior moves across education and technology, STEM pathways linked to motorsport, and Amazon’s autonomous lab hiring push.
ETIH’s latest weekly roundup covers AI workflows, voice models, education appointments, motorsport STEM pathways, classroom robotics and workforce AI capability.
AI remained the dominant thread. Last week, we covered OpenAI’s launch of ChatGPT Work for longer workflows across apps and files, its GPT-Live voice rollout, Google DeepMind’s new AI skill for historians, Google’s Africa Applied AI Lab, Realbotix’s humanoid classroom pilot, and AcademyAI’s work on measuring workforce AI capability.
We also had a busy On the move section, with updates from OpenAI, Microsoft, Anthropic, Purdue Global, the University of Kent, NIST and California state agencies.
And in STEM news, motorsport took center stage, with new education pathways linked to the University of Warwick, GEMS SRI, Red Bull Racing and wider Formula 1 access work, alongside Amazon’s autonomous lab hiring push.
Here are the stories to catch up on from last week.
OpenAI launches ChatGPT Work for multi-step projects across apps and files
OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Work, a new mode designed to manage longer workflows across files, apps, connected tools and the web. Education use cases include course redesign, accreditation support, research briefs, admin work, lesson planning and recurring operational tasks.
AI gets a body as humanoid robot enters New York classroom
Realbotix is testing its Optio AI teaching assistant and an M-Series humanoid robot with students at Salamanca City Central School District in New York. The first phase will support high school students taking Woz ED AI and Robotics courses, before a planned expansion to around 500 learners this fall.
Google DeepMind launches AI skill for historians working with ancient inscriptions
Google DeepMind has introduced the Predicting the Past Skill for Google Antigravity, built with Thea Sommerschield from Durham University. The tool connects Gemini with Ithaca and Aeneas so historians can restore, map and compare ancient Greek and Latin inscriptions without coding.
Google opens Africa Applied AI Lab applications for AI founders and researchers
Google has opened applications for the Google Africa Applied AI Lab, an Accra-based program supporting African founders and researchers building AI products. Selected teams will receive early access to Google DeepMind models, technical support and go-to-market guidance ahead of a December demo day.
OpenAI rolls out GPT-Live voice models for more natural ChatGPT conversations
OpenAI is rolling out GPT-Live across ChatGPT Voice on iOS, Android and web. The new voice models are designed to support more natural spoken conversations, including better turn-taking, interruptions, live translation and the ability to delegate more complex tasks to GPT-5.5 in the background.
ContentCal founder launches AcademyAI to measure workforce AI capability
Andy Lambert, co-founder of ContentCal, has launched AcademyAI, a workforce AI capability platform for organizations looking to assess how effectively employees are using AI. The platform measures six AI skills and provides role-specific micro-learning, with pilot customers onboarding ahead of a wider launch later this year.
Fidji Simo to leave full-time OpenAI role and become part-time advisor
Fidji Simo, CEO of AGI Deployment at OpenAI, has said she will leave her full-time role after medical leave and move into a part-time advisory position. Simo said her focus is now on recovery, while continuing work connected to AI and disease through OpenAI, ChronicleBio and Complex Disorders Alliance.
Phil Anthony to leave University of Kent after leading AI and digital learning work
Dr. Phil Anthony, Head of AI at the University of Kent, has announced he will leave the institution after working across practical AI training, student guidance, learning technology and digitally enhanced education. His departure comes as Kent continues to develop its AI@Kent work.
Anna Zongollowicz joins Microsoft in Asia education and workforce policy role
Dr. Anna Zongollowicz has joined Microsoft as Director of Education and Workforce Policy for Asia. Based in Singapore, she will focus on education and workforce policy across the region as AI changes how people learn, train and work.
New NIST director Arvind Raman to lead standards work across AI, quantum and cybersecurity
Arvind Raman has been sworn in as Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology. The former Purdue University engineering dean will lead work across AI standards, cybersecurity, quantum technology, advanced manufacturing and other emerging technology areas.
California places AI science advisors inside state agencies for frontier AI safety
The California Council on Science and Technology has launched an AI Science Residency Program, appointing Michael Chen and Justin Norman as AI Science Advisors inside California state agencies. The roles will support work on frontier AI safety, risk assessment, emergency response planning and public-sector AI governance.
Kristen Swanson leads Anthropic Education Labs hiring push
Kristen Swanson has announced she will lead Education Labs at Anthropic, as the company recruits an education researcher and design engineer for a team focused on AI fluency, learning research and capability-building with Claude.
Purdue Global appoints Jennie Sanders as chief academic officer
Purdue Global has appointed Jennie Sanders as Chief Academic Officer and Senior Vice President. The former Western Governors University leader will oversee academic schools, student success units, faculty support, and the development of AI-integrated learning models.
University of Warwick named first STEM Racing Centre of Excellence in Motorsport Valley
The University of Warwick has been named the first STEM Racing Centre of Excellence in Motorsport Valley, under a partnership with STEM Racing, Maaden, and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. The open-access engineering hub will give local schools access to CAD, CNC machining, aerodynamic testing, and mentoring from University of Warwick engineers.
GEMS SRI launches Dubai motorsport academy with former F1 driver Robert Doornbos
GEMS School of Research and Innovation has launched a Motorsport Academy in Dubai, with former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos joining as Ambassador. The program will combine STEM education, eSports, professional racing simulators, and track experience through partners including Build4Performance and XL Motorsport.
Amazon seeks robotics scientist to build autonomous lab for materials research
Amazon is hiring a robotics scientist to help build its first autonomous materials discovery laboratory. The role will support sustainability research using physical AI, robotic systems, foundation models, and lab automation to test new materials for packaging, alternative fuels, and construction.
Project ACCESS opens F1 STEM pathways for underrepresented students at British GP
Project ACCESS brought 15 first-time Grand Prix guests into the Formula 1 paddock at Silverstone, giving students and aspiring motorsport professionals from underrepresented groups access to Red Bull Racing & Red Bull Technology during the British Grand Prix weekend.
