On November 9, 2024, Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force unveiled a groundbreaking 10kW-class high-power laser electronic warfare (EW) truck at South Korea’s 70th Anniversary Review Ceremony. Developed by Japan’s Defense Acquisition Agency, this mobile laser system is designed to counter aerial threats like drones and low-altitude missiles, offering a significant advancement in directed-energy weapon technology. The laser, mounted on an 8×8 truck chassis, provides rapid deployment, … Continue reading Japan’s Groundbreaking 10kW High-Power Laser Weapon Truck Enters Service with Japanese Army

Chinese scientists have developed the first AI-powered robot lifeguard, designed to operate autonomously 24/7 without human involvement. Stationed at a riverside in Luohe city, the lifeguard system uses AI, big data, and advanced tracking technologies for continuous monitoring and early drowning detection. Equipped with over 100 optical and thermal cameras, it can detect distress signals and trigger rescues using unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). These USVs … Continue reading China develops first AI robot lifeguard to stand 24-hour watch over river

A portrait of mathematician Alan Turing, created by Ai-Da, the world’s first ultra-realistic robot artist, became the first artwork by a humanoid robot to be sold at auction, fetching $1.08 million at Sotheby’s in New York. The piece, titled A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing, far exceeded its expected price of $120,000 to $180,000, with 27 bids placed. Ai-Da, developed over two years by a team … Continue reading First artwork painted by humanoid robot to sell at auction fetches $1m

Chinese EV maker Xpeng has unveiled its first humanoid robot, Iron, at its 2024 AI Day event, marking a significant step into robotics. Standing 5’8″ and weighing 154 pounds, Iron is already working on Xpeng’s production lines, assisting with the assembly of the upcoming P7+ EV. Powered by Xpeng’s Turing AI chip, the robot features 60+ joints and 200 degrees of flexibility, enabling precise and … Continue reading China’s EV maker XPENG unveils Iron robot with 60 joints to mimic human movements

Donald Trump has enhanced security at Mar-a-Lago with a Secret Service robot dog, seen patrolling the estate in recent footage. The remote-controlled robot, made by Boston Dynamics, is equipped with surveillance technology and advanced sensors to support Trump’s protection. The robot dog is part of broader efforts to safeguard the President-elect, who survived two assassination attempts during his campaign, the New York Post has reported. … Continue reading Trump beefs up security with robot dog seen patrolling Mar-a-Lago estate

New video from Mar-a-Lago shows robotic “dog” patrols monitoring the area to protect President-elect Donald Trump. The robot dogs, equipped with surveillance tech and sensors, are part of the Secret Service’s security assets, alongside armed boat patrols. The robots are operated remotely, like drones, and are used to enhance safety measures, TMZ has reported. The Secret Service first debuted this technology at a NATO summit, … Continue reading Secret Service Robot Dogs Protect Mar-a-Lago

The U.S. Space Force has deployed CHAPPIE, a quadruped robot dog designed for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) operations. Equipped with remote CBRN sensing capabilities and the Space Force’s existing detectors, CHAPPIE enhances mission efficiency and life-saving efforts. Beyond its practical uses, the robot symbolizes innovation and supports a wide range of missions across Air and Space Force bases, Tech Blog has reported. Written … Continue reading US Space Force Employs CHAPPIE, a Robot Dog Designed for Field Operations

Chinese scientists have reportedly achieved a breakthrough in developing a real-life “Death Star” energy weapon, capable of using high-powered microwave beams. The weapon combines multiple small lasers into one powerful, focused beam using ultra-precise synchronization technology, surpassing the accuracy of atomic clocks. This new system, aided by optical fibers, has passed military testing and could be used to disrupt satellite signals, including American GPS systems. … Continue reading China makes breakthrough advance in new ‘Death Star’ laser weapon

At the 2024 Hangzhou Marathon, four-legged robots made a notable debut as pacesetters, capturing public interest. The B2 robot paced the final stage of the half marathon, boasting a 4-6 hour range and the ability to carry heavy loads. Another robot, Go2, entertained runners by delivering safety tips, cheering messages, and performing actions like backflips and handstands. A humanoid robot also participated, interacting with participants … Continue reading Four-legged robot debuts as pacesetter in international marathon race

Researchers at the University of Mississippi have developed a new laser multibeam vibration sensor technology, known as LAMBDIS, for detecting landmines more efficiently than traditional methods. Presented by Vyacheslav Aranchuk at the Optica Laser Congress in Osaka, this system addresses the critical challenge of over 110 million active landmines worldwide, which pose daily threats, particularly to civilians. The new technology utilizes a matrix of laser … Continue reading New laser technology speeds up landmine detection process

Researchers have developed “Clio,” a method that enables dog-like robots to learn to play fetch using AI and computer vision. Published on October 10 in IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, Clio allows robots to map scenes in real time and focus on relevant objects based on voice commands. For instance, a Boston Dynamics Spot robot demonstrated Clio’s ability to identify and retrieve specific items in … Continue reading Boston Dynamics’ robot dog Spot can now ‘play fetch’

A remote-controlled robot has successfully retrieved a small piece of radioactive fuel from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, marking a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to decommission the site after the 2011 meltdown. The sample was collected from the molten debris in the Unit 2 reactor using the robot’s specialized arm, with hopes that it will provide valuable data for planning the plant’s … Continue reading Robot retrieves radioactive fuel sample from Fukushima nuclear reactor site

Avride, a robotics company spun out from Yandex, has unveiled a new, energy-efficient, four-wheeled delivery robot designed to enhance Uber Eats deliveries in Austin and South Korea. The updated design reduces friction and battery drain, thanks to an innovative wheel arrangement for better maneuverability and precision. Equipped with Nvidia’s Jetson Orin platform, a modular cargo area, and a friendly LED display with digital eyes, the … Continue reading Avride rolls out its next-gen sidewalk delivery robots

Tesla CEO Elon Musk predicts humanoid robots could outnumber humans by 2040, estimating around 10 billion in use worldwide. Tesla’s own humanoid robot, Optimus, is expected to cost between $20,000 and $30,000, with limited production beginning next year and full volume by 2026. At recent events, Optimus demonstrated simple tasks but relied on remote assistance. Musk envisions Optimus as Tesla’s largest product, potentially turning the … Continue reading Elon Musk says there will be more humanoid robots than people in less than 20 years

Rev Lebaredian, VP of Omniverse and Simulation Technology at Nvidia, emphasized the importance of robotics in AI deployment at the 2024 World Congress on Innovation and Technology in Armenia. He predicted that AI-powered humanoid robots will soon be affordable and integrated into everyday homes and workplaces, much like electric cars. Lebaredian argued that humanoid designs are essential for these robots to coexist in environments built … Continue reading AI-powered humanoid robots are closer than we think, says Nvidia exec

The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced that Iron Beam systems will be integrated into the country’s air defense network within a year. This follows an armament agreement with contractors Rafael and Elbit to expedite the development of the Iron Beam directed-energy weapon. Designed to complement the Iron Dome, Iron Beam will enhance defenses against various aerial threats, including rockets, drones, and cruise missiles. The agreement … Continue reading Israel says it will field Iron Beam air-defense lasers in a year

Apple has launched its artificial intelligence (AI) tools for iPhones, but availability is limited to users of the latest devices, including all iPhone 16 models and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Announced in June, the suite, called Apple Intelligence, includes features like notification summaries, writing assistance, and an upgraded interface for Siri. While these tools are now accessible on iPhones, they have arrived … Continue reading Apple’s AI features roll out on iPhones – but not for all

New research from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reveals that Houston has recorded the highest number of laser strikes in Texas this year, totaling 265 incidents. Recently, a man was arrested for shining a high-intensity light at a Harris County sheriff’s deputy mid-flight. Deputies report being struck by lasers two to three times a month, posing serious risks during critical flight phases. Pilot David Rhen … Continue reading Houston ranks No. 1 in number of laser strikes recorded in Texas this year, research shows

Researchers at KAIST have unveiled the WalkON Suit F1, a wearable robot designed for individuals with complete paralysis, enabling them to put it on independently from their wheelchairs. This new model addresses the limitation of previous versions, which required assistance for wearing. The robot can walk to the user and maintain balance, allowing hands-free movement. Developed by Professor Kyoungchul Kong, the WalkON Suit F1 incorporates … Continue reading Wearable walking robot allows disabled persons to don it from their wheelchairs

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Virginia is now displaying Robonaut 2, NASA’s first human-shaped robot to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). Built in partnership with GM, Robonaut 2 arrived on the ISS in 2011 via the shuttle Discovery, aiding astronauts with tasks like inventory and cleaning. This exhibit marks the start of expanded robotic roles in future space missions, especially … Continue reading Smithsonian displays 1st humanoid robot to go to the International Space Station

The Prospr robot, created by New Zealand agritech company Robotics Plus, is an electric, autonomous solution for spraying orchards and vineyards, unveiled at the FIRA agricultural robotics show last September. Currently in commercial use in New Zealand, Australia, and the US, the Prospr features a refillable spray tank, multiple spray fans, a diesel generator, and independently driven electric motors for each wheel. It operates on … Continue reading Crop-spraying robot is designed to reduce emissions and use less herbicide

New Sentry Robots, developed by DEKA Research and Development Corporation, are now patrolling the Cobb County Jail to enhance security. Standing about six feet tall, these robots are equipped with cameras, microphones, and heat sensors, allowing them to detect contraband, medical emergencies, and violence. Sheriff Craig Owens announced that for the next 90 days, three robots will monitor the facility, while a human operator will … Continue reading Georgia’s Cobb County Sheriff’s Office piloting robot patrol program at jail

Building a road involves a complex team effort, requiring engineers to determine optimal routes, navigate terrain, manage costs, and select materials for durability. However, the future of road construction may shift towards automation. In China, a 98-mile section of road has been built with minimal human intervention, using automated robots supervised by a small team. This project, part of the Beijing-Hong Kong Expressway, was led … Continue reading China Unveils First 98-Mile Road Built Entirely by Robots

The U.K. has successfully tested a new air defense laser, achieving 100% accuracy in intercepting infrared heat-seeking missiles during a live trial in Sweden. The laser, part of the DragonFire program, offers a cheaper alternative to costly air defense missiles, with a per-shot cost under $13. This directed-energy weapon can target airborne threats like drones and missiles, and is being considered for British military jets, … Continue reading NATO Ally’s New Jet-Fitted Laser Shield Downs ‘100%’ of Missiles

Chinese robotics startup Robot Era has launched STAR1, the world’s fastest humanoid robot, surpassing Tesla’s Optimus and Boston Dynamics’ Atlas. Standing 5.6 feet tall and weighing 143 pounds, STAR1 can sprint at 8 miles per hour, outperforming the previous record of 7.4 mph. Powered by high-torque motors and AI processing 275 trillion operations per second, STAR1 smoothly navigates various terrains, including sand and grass, First … Continue reading Chinese robotics startup Robot Era unveils STAR1, the ‘fastest’ humanoid in the world