The U.S. Army plans to select a few teams by early 2025 to compete in developing its Enduring High Energy Laser (HEL) system for short-range air defense. A winner will be chosen in early fiscal 2026 to build the system, following ongoing evaluations of various laser prototypes, including 10-, 20-, 50-, and 300-kilowatt options. The Army has already deployed 50-kilowatt laser prototypes and is learning … Continue reading Army’s high-energy laser competition to kick off early next year

Robot dogs, like the “BAD One” model, may soon assist Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines by performing dangerous tasks such as spying on Russian trenches and detecting mines. Demonstrated at an undisclosed location, these agile machines use thermal imaging to scout enemy positions, reducing the risks faced by human reconnaissance soldiers. The robots can operate for about two hours, carry up to 7 kilograms … Continue reading Robot dogs to enter active war, help frontline troops in high-risk missions

Estonia’s Milrem Robotics has integrated a Starlink satellite communications system into its popular THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle, enabling remote control from thousands of kilometers away. The 3,500-pound tracked vehicle, used by 17 militaries, including Ukraine, for logistics and casualty evacuations, now benefits from enhanced control beyond line of sight, thanks to the satellite link. This integration also reduces the vehicle’s radio frequency signature, making it … Continue reading Starlink Lets Operators Control Ground Robots at Long Distances

Engineering students at Switzerland’s ETH Zurich are developing cutting-edge robotic fish, like “Eve,” to revolutionize ocean studies. Designed to blend seamlessly into aquatic ecosystems, Eve mimics the movement of real fish, minimizing disruption to marine life. Equipped with a camera, sonar, and a filter for collecting environmental DNA (eDNA), Eve gathers data on underwater species without disturbing them. The students aim to provide scientists with … Continue reading Meet ‘Eve’ the DNA-collecting robot fish

DeepMind, an AI division of Google’s parent company Alphabet, successfully trained a robotic arm to play table tennis, achieving a 13 out of 29 win rate against human opponents of varying skill levels. The robot was trained using a combination of computer simulations and real-world data, allowing it to master techniques like returning serves and hitting topspins. While the robot excelled against beginners and amateurs, … Continue reading Google’s robot beats humans at table tennis

Boston has implemented AI-driven traffic changes at four intersections, aiming to reduce congestion and emissions. The city partnered with Google’s Project Green Light, which uses AI to analyze traffic patterns and suggest signal timing adjustments. Since February, this collaboration has helped optimize hundreds of intersections. Recent changes in the Fenway-Kenmore, Mission Hill, and Jamaica Plain neighborhoods have already cut stop-and-go traffic by over 50% at … Continue reading Boston implements traffic flow changes recommended by artificial intelligence

OpenAI has raised concerns that its new ChatGPT voice mode, which sounds human-like, could lead some users to become emotionally reliant on the technology. The company highlighted the risks associated with its lifelike audio capabilities, including the potential for people to form connections with the AI, reducing their need for human interaction. While this could help lonely individuals, it might also negatively impact healthy relationships. … Continue reading OpenAI warns people might become emotionally reliant on its ChatGPT voice mode

The CrossBot, resembling a small lawnmower with a single black pole and screen, is a prototype robot designed to protect children in crosswalks and address the crossing guard shortage in the Bay Area. Created by Hovannes Kulhandjian, an associate professor at Fresno State, the CrossBot is equipped with 360-degree sensors, including Lidar, radar, and video cameras, and has the ability to speak. When traffic is … Continue reading San Jose researcher designs robot to help children cross streets safely

California-based robotics company Figure has unveiled its second-generation humanoid robot, initially targeted at commercial production lines with future plans for household use as a bipedal butler. Founded in 2022 by entrepreneur Brett Adcock, Figure aims to create a “commercially viable general-purpose humanoid robot.” The company has redesigned both hardware and software, enhancing AI systems, computer vision, battery packs, electronics, sensors, and actuators. The new robot … Continue reading Figure redesigns its humanoid robot from the ground up

Boston Dynamics has introduced a new all-electric version of its humanoid robot, Atlas, following the discontinuation of the previous hydraulic model known for its parkour and backflip abilities. In a video shared on social media, the next-gen Atlas is shown standing up from a lying-down position, a movement impossible for humans, which some viewers found “creepy” and “scary.” The company explained that the humanoid design … Continue reading Boston Dynamics unveils ‘creepy’ robot to replace Atlas

Russia has revealed new details about its ground-based laser weapon system, Peresvet, in the latest issue of “Army Digest.” Designed to protect important areas and assets from enemy reconnaissance satellites, Peresvet uses powerful laser beams to neutralize satellites at altitudes of 200 to 1,100 kilometers. The system offers 360-degree coverage and can engage targets within a 21 to 155-degree elevation angle. Its primary mission is … Continue reading New details emerge on Russia’s secret laser weapon system

Advanced Chinese-made robots with lifelike capabilities are set to enter the global market, prompting some U.S. lawmakers to call for a ban. Various Chinese companies have developed humanoid robots capable of carrying boxes, moving quickly, and mimicking human facial expressions. Unitree Robotics, a leading firm, has created a $90,000 robot that runs up to 11 mph and a $16,000 version that can withstand physical impacts … Continue reading Chinese humanoids raise alarms in Congress: ‘Stealth army on our land’

A network of smugglers is aiding the Chinese military in acquiring powerful Nvidia microchips, bypassing a US national security blockade aimed at limiting China’s AI advancements. The US, in its competition with China to lead the AI industry, plans to extend its export ban on semiconductor manufacturing equipment to Israel, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia. This is part of a broader effort to prevent the modernization … Continue reading Nvidia chips used to power advanced AI are finding their way to the Chinese military despite US blockade

Chinese scientists claim that lasers mounted on submarines could destroy satellites, including SpaceX’s Starlink system. American experts doubt the feasibility due to the energy demands of such weapons. However, China and other potential adversaries are exploring ways to counter the satellite-based systems that give the US military an edge. Researchers at the Chinese navy’s Submarine Academy believe submarines are the solution, proposing a design where … Continue reading Chinese scientists claim Star Wars-like laser submarines can blast US satellites 

Robot development is rapidly advancing due to the increasing demand for smart machines in various sectors, including warehouses, homes, and medical surgeries. Companies globally are competing to create robots with human-like qualities. Scientists in China, led by Professor Liu Xiaofeng from Hohai University, have developed humanoid robots capable of realistic facial expressions. They created a new algorithm to address the issue of robots’ lack of … Continue reading Robot with human-like, highly expressive facial features developed in China

Medical Microinstruments (MMI) is expanding the use of its Symani surgical system, having completed a successful preclinical study in neurosurgery. Dr. Adnan Siddiqui used the Symani system to repair a brain blood vessel in an animal model, demonstrating its effectiveness for delicate procedures. The system, which replicates human hand movements on a small scale, received FDA de novo clearance in April 2024 for soft tissue … Continue reading MMI successfully trials Symani surgical robot in neurosurgery

Purdue University and INDOT are advancing a pioneering project to create an “Electrified Roadway” in West Lafayette that will charge electric vehicles as they drive. Since 2019, the teams have been installing electric coils beneath US 231, which are now being covered with concrete. The technology will enable electric semi-trucks to charge while driving at 65 mph via a magnetic field transferring energy from the … Continue reading ‘Electrified roadway’ getting closer to being a reality in West Lafayette, Indiana

On July 30, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) demonstrated its new laser weapon designed to neutralize enemy drones. The public display, held at a test site in Taean County, showcased the weapon’s capability to down drones with an invisible directed-energy beam. During the test, a DJI Phantom 4 drone was destroyed within seconds of being targeted by the laser, which emitted no visible … Continue reading South Korea Fires Laser Weapon To Shoot Down UAV During Demo

An AI-controlled autonomous robot has successfully completed its first full dental procedure on a human patient, performing it approximately eight times faster than a human dentist. Developed by Perceptive, the robot utilizes a hand-held 3D volumetric scanner that creates detailed models of the mouth using optical coherence tomography (OCT), eliminating the need for harmful X-ray radiation. The robot accurately detects cavities and, once the treatment … Continue reading Fully-automatic robot dentist performs world’s first human procedure

China is considering a new proposal that would shift online user verification from companies to the government, introducing a national internet ID for all citizens. This ID would streamline the verification process and reduce the collection of personal information by online platforms, according to the Ministry of Public Security and the Cyberspace Administration of China. While the proposal aims to enhance privacy and combat online … Continue reading China Wants to Start National Internet ID System

Yum Brands plans to implement artificial intelligence in drive-thru lanes at hundreds of Taco Bell locations by the end of the year. The company announced its expanded rollout of voice AI technology in the U.S., with aspirations to introduce it globally. This move follows similar efforts by competitors like Wendy’s and White Castle, though Yum Brands’ approach is notably ambitious. The technology aims to improve … Continue reading Taco Bell to roll out AI drive-thru ordering

MIT researchers are working on a robotic system designed to automate the grocery bagging process at self-checkout stations. The system combines cameras, artificial intelligence, and specialized grippers to handle items efficiently. The robot uses its cameras and AI to identify products on a conveyor belt. Grippers equipped with pressure sensors then assess the nature of each item, distinguishing between delicate produce like grapes and sturdier … Continue reading MIT designing AI-powered robot that bags groceries

Figure’s humanoid robot, which has been in development with BMW for nearly six months, is showing impressive progress in its manufacturing training. A new video highlights its evolving capabilities, underscoring its potential in industrial applications. The robot, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 132 pounds, can carry up to 44 pounds and operates for up to five hours at a speed of 2.7 … Continue reading Humanoid robot gets to work in BMW assembly plant

Hiking enthusiasts with deep pockets might be interested in the MO/GO exoskeleton hiking pants, which cost $4,500 for early buyers and $5,000 later. Developed by Arc’teryx and tech startup Skip, these pants are designed to enhance hiking performance by making each step feel lighter and more efficient. The MO/GO features carbon fiber exoskeletal braces and a power pack that work to reduce impact and aid … Continue reading $5,000 Exoskeleton Pants Promise to Make You a Better Hiker

Plans by Police Scotland to introduce live surveillance cameras for scanning faces have been criticized as “deeply intrusive” and dangerous by a coalition of international privacy groups. The cameras are intended to help catch shoplifters and people violating bail conditions, with images monitored from police vans and checked against a database. Privacy advocates, including Big Brother Watch, Liberty, Privacy International, and others, have urged Justice … Continue reading Police use of ‘deeply intrusive’ facial recognition cameras sparks warning over privacy