Welcome to AI Insider’s The Week Ahead in AI. See the key developments and events we’re watching May 17- 23.
Weekend AI News Briefs
Pope Approves Creation of Interdicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence
Pope Leo XIV approved creation of an Interdicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence to coordinate the Vatican’s approach to AI policy, ethics and human development across multiple church institutions, Vatican news reports. The commission brings together seven Vatican bodies and reflects the Pope’s growing focus on AI as a societal challenge tied to human dignity, labor and the broader impacts of a new technological era. (Vatican News)
One of the Market’s Hottest Stock Themes is Buying Everything AI Can’t Replace
Investors are increasingly embracing a strategy known as HALO — short for “heavy assets, low obsolescence” — as they shift toward companies viewed as less vulnerable to AI disruption, according to CNBC. The trend has gained enough momentum that firms including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have incorporated it into research, while Roundhill recently launched a HALO-focused ETF built around businesses with durable physical assets and infrastructure that AI is seen as complementing rather than replacing. (CNBC)
Understanding China’s Robot Revolution: China’s Robotic Dominance Limited by Machine Minds, Not Human Brains
A new report from the Mercator Institute for China Studies found China dominates global robot manufacturing but remains heavily dependent on U.S. technology for the AI systems powering many of its humanoid robots. Researchers said China produced roughly 90% of the world’s humanoid robots last year but still relies heavily on Nvidia infrastructure and trails Western firms in general-purpose robotics AI models. (AI Insider)
OpenAI and Malta Partner to Bring ChatGPT Plus to All Citizens
OpenAI and the Government of Malta announced a national initiative that will provide eligible Maltese citizens with free access to ChatGPT Plus for one year after completing an AI literacy course developed by the University of Malta. OpenAI said the program is part of its broader OpenAI for Countries effort and represents an early model for national AI adoption focused on education, workforce skills and public access to AI tools. (Open AI)
How To Create Concierge-Level Experiences In An AI-Fueled World
Shep Hyken writes in Forbes that in his discussion with Sendbird CEO John Kim that AI should augment customer relationships rather than replace them, saying businesses risk becoming commoditized if human interaction disappears from customer experiences. Kim said AI can reduce repetitive work and help employees deliver more personalized service, while customer research cited in the discussion found many consumers still struggle with AI-powered self-service systems. (Forbes)
Mistral AI’s CEO Says Europe has 2 Years to Stop Becoming America’s AI ‘Vassal State’
Mistral CEO Arthur Mensch warned Europe has roughly a two-year window to build its own AI infrastructure or risk long-term dependence on U.S. technology companies, according to Business Insider. Mensch argued that control of AI increasingly depends on access to chips, energy and computing infrastructure, warning that Europe risks losing digital leverage if it falls behind in building domestic AI capacity. (Business Insider)
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt Booed During Graduation Speech About AI
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was repeatedly booed during a commencement speech at the University of Arizona after discussing artificial intelligence and its potential impact on the future, NBC reports. Schmidt acknowledged growing concerns among younger generations around AI, jobs and broader societal change, while arguing graduates still have an opportunity to shape how the technology develops. (NBC News)
Upcoming Earnings
Nvidia (NVDA)
NVIDIA is expected to report fiscal first-quarter earnings on May 20, after the market closes, with analysts surveyed by Zacks forecasting earnings of $1.70 per share, according to Nasdaq. That compares with earnings per share of $0.77 in the same quarter a year earlier, as investors continue watching demand tied to AI infrastructure and data center spending. (Nasdaq)
Upcoming Events
Google I/O 2026
May 19–20, Mountain View, Calif., plus global livestream, Google I/O 2026, Google’s flagship annual developer conference with a strong focus on artificial intelligence breakthroughs. The program includes main and developer keynotes, technical sessions, product demos, and updates across Gemini models, Android, agentic AI tools, infrastructure and developer platforms. It serves as a major platform for announcements shaping the future of AI-powered products and developer ecosystems worldwide. (Google)
AI & Big Data Expo North America + Intelligent Automation Conference & Physical AI Summit
May 18–19, San Jose, Calif., brings together enterprise leaders in San Jose to explore AI strategy, autonomous systems, workflow automation and robotics applications. The event features keynotes, panels and demonstrations focused on scaling AI across business operations, with participation from technology companies, financial institutions and industry leaders. (TechEx)
Microsoft Ability Summit
May 19–20, online, explores how agentic AI and emerging technologies advance accessibility and empower people with disabilities. The program includes sessions on inclusive design, AI-driven assistive tools, real-world impact stories and frontier developments in agentic systems that enhance independence and participation. (Microsoft)