The Golden Age of AI

Hi everyone,

I’ll keep this issue short since I was watching the U.S. election results trickle in all day.

P.S. Watch the latest episode of The Next Wave with Don Allen Stevenson III!

1) Things Are Getting Better: Affordable DIY Robots Are Here!

It’s now possible to build a basic cleaning robot for just $250 using open-source tools. Sure, it might be a bit rough around the edges, but these kinds of projects are only going to get better—and fast. The era of affordable, customizable robotics is upon us, and we’re just getting started.

Get ready: the next few years in robotics are going to be wild.

2) The Golden Age of AI

Whether you're a fan or not, it’s now confirmed: Donald Trump will be the 47th President of the United States.

This outcome may come as a surprise to many, especially those following mainstream narratives, but Trump’s alliance with Elon Musk and JD Vance signals a potentially transformative era for American AI—a Golden Age of AI that could position the U.S. as the dominant force in one of the most consequential technological waves of our lifetime: AI & Robotics.

Why This Administration Could Change the AI Landscape

During the 2024 campaign, Trump’s team spoke more directly about the critical importance of AI than any other candidate. The administration has consistently highlighted two key priorities:

• Ensuring America leads the global AI race – particularly with China as a primary competitor.

• Addressing the massive energy and infrastructure demands – AI’s growth will need major investments to power its full potential.

With Elon Musk appointed to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the focus will be on streamlining government processes and cutting red tape for businesses. A leaner, more innovation-focused government could help U.S. tech companies thrive in this rapidly evolving field.

A Win for Technological Optimism, Not Just for Republicans

This isn’t just a Republican victory—it’s a win for everyone who believes in the power of technology to transform industries, create jobs, and improve lives. Trump's partnership with Musk and Vance suggests a broader vision for America: one focused on technological innovation, robust infrastructure, and energy independence, rather than traditional political divides.

For Democrats, this could be a call to action. If the administration succeeds in fostering tech-driven economic growth, it could inspire a future where bipartisan collaboration centers on innovation and unity rather than division. Ideally, both parties will come to see the benefits of prioritizing technology, liberal values, and a focus on unifying national goals.

What This Means for American Businesses

Here’s what this AI-focused administration could mean for your business and career:

• AI Innovation at Breakneck Speed
  With strong government backing, we may see rapid advances in AI tech, from natural language processing to robotics. This support could fast-track R&D, extending AI’s benefits across more sectors, faster.

• Energy and Infrastructure to Power AI
  By addressing AI’s energy demands, the government could help reduce bottlenecks and create a more resilient, sustainable tech ecosystem.

• A New Era of American Manufacturing and Robotics
  With AI and robotics companies increasingly setting up shop in the U.S., we could see reduced reliance on overseas goods and a boost to the domestic economy.

Looking Forward

I know some may be disappointed by Trump’s win, and I understand those concerns. But I hope his decisive popular vote win serves as a wake-up call. This is an opportunity for both parties to embrace a future focused on American techno-optimism and liberal values over divisive identity politics.

With Trump’s pro-business stance and strong tech alliances, the future looks bright for those invested in American innovation. We may be witnessing the dawn of a transformative era in AI and robotics—a shift history will mark as a pivotal moment. And who better to help lead in this era than Elon Musk, one of the most successful tech entrepreneurs of our time?

3) The Next Wave With Don Allen Stevenson III

In this week’s episode of The Next Wave, we sit down with Don Allen Stevenson III—an ex-DreamWorks creative powerhouse who recently took the stage with Mark Zuckerberg at Meta Connect to showcase new AI tools.

We dive into how AI could reshape Hollywood, the role of AI agents in creative industries, and even our latest gadget obsessions. Catch this episode to learn how AI is shaping the worlds of entertainment and beyond!

Also, please subscribe to The Next Wave on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. 

4) Things I’m Learning From

• VIDEO: The AI Search Engine War (And Other AI News) - Matt Wolfe dives deep into the AI search engine war between Google, Perplexity, and now OpenAI. 

• ARTICLE: Chipmaking giant Nvidia in talks with Elon Musk over investing in xAI - Could this collaboration mean a new phase in AI power and capabilities? Here’s what experts think.

• ARTICLE: Deep Learning AI Model Identifies Breast Cancer Spread without Surgery - An inspiring example of AI’s potential to make healthcare faster and more precise, potentially saving countless lives.

That’s all for today. Please consider sharing the newsletter with your friends if you think they’d enjoy it. 🙏

Please give me feedback on Twitter. I am still figuring out the best format for this newsletter. Which part did you like? Dislike? Do you have other suggestions? Please let me know—just tweet @NathanLands.

-Nathan