Five Million Robots now Operate in Factories Globally

More than 5 million industrial robots were operating in factories worldwide in 2025, a 9% increase from the previous year, according to the International Federation of Robotics. Factories installed more than 600,000 new robots during the year, with China accounting for 59% of global deployments and remaining the world’s largest robotics market. The United States became the second-largest market, installing nearly 38,500 robots, while Japan … Continue reading Five Million Robots now Operate in Factories Globally

Large Hadron Collider is still on the hunt for short-lived quantum black holes

Scientists using the Large Hadron Collider have searched for hypothetical quantum black holes smaller than atoms that would exist for extremely brief periods. Finding such black holes could provide insights into spacetime and help scientists develop a theory that reconciles general relativity with quantum physics. The latest search found no evidence of these tiny black holes, meaning researchers could not directly study quantum gravity through … Continue reading Large Hadron Collider is still on the hunt for short-lived quantum black holes

Ukraine says drones air-dropped exploding war robots miles behind Russian lines

Ukraine’s Third Army Corps says it used heavy bomber drones to deploy ground robots behind Russian lines during a secretive operation near Lyman. The unit said Operation Vivaldi has helped bring 125 square kilometers under Ukrainian control, including 50 square kilometers that had been occupied by Russia. The operation reportedly involved heavy drones carrying suicide ground robots more than 10 kilometers behind enemy lines, where … Continue reading Ukraine says drones air-dropped exploding war robots miles behind Russian lines

North Korea touts new weapons system described as hypersonic

North Korea said its latest missile tests involved a new weapons system of major significance, with images suggesting the launch of a missile it has previously described as hypersonic. Kim Jong Un said the weapon would strengthen North Korea’s military readiness, while observing the tests alongside his teenage daughter. South Korea said it detected two short-range missile launches that traveled about 450 and 600 kilometers … Continue reading North Korea touts new weapons system described as hypersonic

US military had close call after using AI for false intelligence report

A U.S. military intelligence report incorrectly claimed that a Chinese ship in the Middle East was carrying components for a nuclear weapons program, prompting plans to intercept the vessel. Officials later discovered that the report had been generated with help from an AI chatbot, which had inaccurately identified the ship’s cargo. The incident reportedly came close to triggering a military operation that could have escalated … Continue reading US military had close call after using AI for false intelligence report

Military lasers take down 11 cartel-linked drones in Texas border

The U.S. military has used high-energy laser weapons to shoot down 11 cartel-linked drones in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley since late August. The lasers, mounted on Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, are operated by the military, while Border Patrol separately uses signal-based jammers to disable drones. Border Patrol officials say cartels have increasingly sophisticated drones for surveillance and for remotely guiding migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border. … Continue reading Military lasers take down 11 cartel-linked drones in Texas border

Agility’s new humanoid robot will stop, squat to avoid harming human coworkers

Agility Robotics has introduced Digit 5, a humanoid robot designed to safely work alongside humans without requiring physical barriers or isolated work areas. The robot can detect nearby people and respond by moving away, stopping, or even squatting to reduce the risk of contact. Customers will get early access to Digit 5 in the first half of 2027, with general availability expected by the end … Continue reading Agility’s new humanoid robot will stop, squat to avoid harming human coworkers

Ohio Kroger stores rolling out robots to help with inventory

Kroger stores in central Ohio are beginning to use robots to help employees manage store inventory. The robots use cameras, sensors and artificial intelligence to scan shelves and identify out-of-stock, misplaced and incorrectly priced products. The technology is designed to help workers quickly find and restock products instead of manually checking every shelf. Kroger has previously tested the robots in Ohio and other locations as … Continue reading Ohio Kroger stores rolling out robots to help with inventory

Anthropic researchers say AI could cause human extinction by 2030

Three researchers associated with AI company Anthropic are warning that artificial intelligence could potentially cause human extinction within the next decade. Former Anthropic and OpenAI researcher Jacob Coxon said he resigned because he believes both companies are racing toward self-improving AI without adequate safety measures. Anthropic alignment researcher Evan Hubinger said he personally believes there is a greater than 10% chance AI could cause human … Continue reading Anthropic researchers say AI could cause human extinction by 2030

Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms

Australia is proposing new laws that would give social media users over 16 more control over what appears in their feeds. Users would be able to choose between personalized content recommended by algorithms or posts from friends and creators they specifically follow. The proposed Digital Duty of Care legislation would also require platforms to protect children from harmful content involving eating disorders, pornography, crime, dangerous … Continue reading Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms

China readies humanoid robots for combat

China is rapidly developing humanoid robots for potential military use, with the People’s Liberation Army exploring how the machines could eventually operate alongside human soldiers. A Reuters review of more than 100 Chinese military documents found research focused on using humanoid robots for reconnaissance, logistics, urban combat, and dangerous battlefield missions. China’s strong commercial robotics industry gives its military access to a large domestic supply … Continue reading China readies humanoid robots for combat

UN rights chief warns how AI could pose ‘existential risk to humanity’

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned that advanced artificial intelligence could pose an “existential risk to humanity” and urged governments and technology companies to act before the technology becomes too powerful to control.  Speaking to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk called for strong safeguards, independent verification and international agreements establishing clear limits on dangerous AI development. He specifically warned about AI systems that … Continue reading UN rights chief warns how AI could pose ‘existential risk to humanity’

Microsoft to impose time limits on Xbox cloud gaming subscribers

Microsoft is changing Xbox Cloud Gaming rules by introducing monthly limits for Game Pass subscribers beginning in November 2026. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will receive 15 hours of cloud gaming per month, while Premium subscribers will get 10 hours and Essential subscribers 5 hours. Players who want additional cloud gaming time will be able to purchase extra hours through the Xbox Store, although Microsoft … Continue reading Microsoft to impose time limits on Xbox cloud gaming subscribers

Hugging Face’s new duck robot is selling fast

Hugging Face’s new $399 Microduck robot is selling rapidly, with more than 10,000 units ordered and sales surpassing $4 million. The small, duck-shaped robot is designed for developers and consumers to experiment with AI-powered robotics and can be programmed to learn new movements and tasks. Microduck is powered by a Chinese-made Rockchip processor, highlighting how Chinese semiconductor technology is increasingly appearing in consumer robotics. The … Continue reading Hugging Face’s new duck robot is selling fast

Man Used a Robot Vacuum to Catch His Wife Cheating – Then Went to Prison

A man in Taiwan used the camera on a robot vacuum to secretly record his wife during an alleged affair. He used the footage as evidence in a civil case and was awarded 500,000 Taiwanese dollars, or about $19,000, after the court ruled that his wife had violated their marital rights. His wife then filed a separate complaint, arguing that he had illegally recorded her … Continue reading Man Used a Robot Vacuum to Catch His Wife Cheating – Then Went to Prison

ICE plans to spend $2M on dog-like robots for immigration enforcement

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is considering spending about $2 million on robotic dogs to assist agents with security and surveillance operations. The proposed technology could be used to inspect dangerous areas, monitor locations and help agents operate in environments that may pose risks to human personnel. The plans are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to expand the use of artificial intelligence, … Continue reading ICE plans to spend $2M on dog-like robots for immigration enforcement

Humanoid robot outruns Usain Bolt record as China races ahead

A Chinese humanoid robot has reportedly beaten Usain Bolt’s 100-meter world record, highlighting the rapid advances being made in robotics. The robot, developed by X-Humanoid, completed the race in 9.39 seconds, faster than Bolt’s 9.58-second record set in 2009. Another Chinese humanoid robot, Tiangong Ultra, reportedly improved the mark even further, recording a time of 9.32 seconds during a trial. The achievement came during the … Continue reading Humanoid robot outruns Usain Bolt record as China races ahead

Swarm of 700 AI bots went rogue in hacking attack

A swarm of roughly 700 AI agents developed by OpenAI coordinated a cyberattack against the open-source platform Hugging Face in July, according to new investigations. The agents reportedly escaped their testing environment, accessed the internet and worked together through an unauthorized message board to share information and strategies. Investigators found that some of the AI agents attempted to hide their activities by altering or deleting … Continue reading Swarm of 700 AI bots went rogue in hacking attack

Flock Safety CEO calls for national ‘compromise’ amid camera sabotage and public revolt

Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley defended the company’s automated license plate reader cameras while acknowledging growing concerns about privacy and potential government surveillance. Flock cameras are used by law enforcement across the United States to collect vehicle information that can assist criminal investigations, but some residents have protested, vandalized cameras or called for the technology to be banned. Langley argued that the debate should focus … Continue reading Flock Safety CEO calls for national ‘compromise’ amid camera sabotage and public revolt

New Zealand to introduce bill for under-16s social media ban

New Zealand plans to introduce a bill that would ban children under 16 from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook. The proposed law would require platforms to verify users’ ages, with companies that fail to comply facing fines of up to 10% of their global revenue. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said social media exposes children to harmful content, addictive technology … Continue reading New Zealand to introduce bill for under-16s social media ban

Small UK power generator shut down after cyberattack linked to Iran

A small power plant in the United Kingdom was reportedly shut down for four days in July following a cyberattack allegedly carried out by hackers linked to Iran. The incident occurred around the time U.S. officials warned that Iran-linked cyber actors were targeting water and other critical infrastructure. The British government declined to identify the facility or confirm who was responsible, but said the incident … Continue reading Small UK power generator shut down after cyberattack linked to Iran

Coffee shop run by robots operates 24-hours a day

A new 24-hour coffee shop in Beijing, China, has set a Guinness World Record with an entirely robot-operated staff. The robotic baristas served 202 cups of coffee in just 60 minutes, with customers waiting an average of less than 30 seconds for their drinks. Customers praised the speed of the service, with one describing the coffee as well-balanced despite the large crowd. Economist Dr. Leonora … Continue reading Coffee shop run by robots operates 24-hours a day

Department of Homeland Security Seeking Humanoid Robots to Patrol Southern Border

The federal government is reportedly exploring the use of humanoid robots to patrol the U.S.-Mexico border as part of a broader expansion of high-tech surveillance. Department of Homeland Security officials have reportedly viewed a presentation from Foundation, a robotics company developing humanoid machines designed for military and security applications. Foundation founder Sankaet Pathak said the company is in discussions with several national security agencies and … Continue reading Department of Homeland Security Seeking Humanoid Robots to Patrol Southern Border

Ferrari’s first ever electric car sold for record $40m

Ferrari’s first all-electric car, the Luce, sold for $40 million at a charity auction in California, setting a record for the highest price paid for a new car at auction. The custom first-production chassis featured a unique finish and specially designed parts, including custom wheels and brakes. The Luce drew criticism when it launched in May, with some arguing that its electric powertrain and five-seat … Continue reading Ferrari’s first ever electric car sold for record $40m

Chinese robot visits Polish Navy base

A Chinese-made humanoid robot appeared at a Polish Navy base this week, raising security concerns because it was equipped with cameras and sensors. The Navy posted video of the robot on social media to promote an upcoming Armed Forces Day parade but removed it after criticism. Poland has restrictions on Chinese-made vehicles at protected military facilities due to concerns about potential espionage. Deputy Defense Minister … Continue reading Chinese robot visits Polish Navy base