Rental car damage? AI decides now

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HERTZ IS USING AI TO ASSESS RENTAL CAR DAMAGE 🚗

Q: What kind of car does a sheep drive?

A: A Lamb-orghini. 😎

What happened? Hertz is rolling out AI-powered scanners to inspect rental cars for damage before and after rentals, aiming to install them at 100 U.S. locations by the end of 2025.

How does it work? Partnering with tech company UVeye, Hertz’s new system uses cameras and machine learning to automatically scan a car’s exterior, tires, glass, and undercarriage for damage. The technology replaces manual inspections, promising faster, more accurate, and more consistent assessments. The system instantly flags even small scratches or dents, generating detailed reports that inform customers of any identified issues. Early deployments have already started at major locations like Atlanta’s airport.

Why is this important? In theory, this system could make rental returns more transparent and reduce disputes over damage claims. But early reports suggest potential downsides, including steep fees for minor damage and limited customer service options to contest charges. In one incident, a renter was charged $440 for a 1-inch scuff on a wheel. As AI takes a larger role in everyday services, its fairness and accountability remain key concerns for consumers.

ANTHROPIC WINS COPYRIGHT CASE AGAINST AUTHORS 📕

Q: Why do writers always wear sweaters?

A: All those drafts. ✍️

What happened? A federal judge ruled that Anthropic’s use of legally purchased books to train its AI models qualifies as fair use—but pirated books will face a separate trial.

Want the details? In a landmark decision, Judge William Alsup ruled that Anthropic’s practice of buying physical books, scanning them, and using them to train AI models is legally protected as fair use because it’s “transformative.” He compared the training process to teaching students how to write, which ultimately promotes creativity. However, the judge rejected Anthropic’s defense for copying millions of pirated books from the internet, saying a separate trial will determine if that action violated copyright laws.

Why is this significant? This ruling sets a precedent in the fast-evolving debate over AI and copyright law. It gives AI companies some legal cover when using legitimately acquired materials for training, while also signaling that using pirated content remains a serious legal risk. The outcome may influence many pending AI copyright cases.

PUTTING SELF-DRIVING SEMI-TRUCKS ON THE ROAD 🚛

Dear semi-trucks, please stay in the right lane! 😡

What’s up? A new company called PlusAI is getting ready to put self-driving big rigs on the road.

Want some details? PlusAI, created through a merger between Plus Automation and Churchill Capital, has built advanced software called SuperDrive that lets trucks drive themselves. The system uses AI that learns from real-world driving, not just programmed rules. So far, Plus trucks have safely driven over five million miles during testing in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. In many tests, the trucks have even operated with no driver behind the wheel.

Why is this significant? The trucking industry desperately needs more drivers and faster deliveries, but there aren’t enough people to do the job. Self-driving trucks could help by running longer hours, saving companies money, and keeping goods moving. However, there are still big questions about safety. Self-driven cars tend to be safer on the highway than on more complicated roads, which aligns well with most semi-truck routes—but putting AI in charge of a 35,000lb truck going 70 mph is unnerving. Nonetheless, if PlusAI can prove its trucks are safe and reliable, it could change how freight moves across the world.

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