Boston Dynamics debuts all-new electric humanoid

Atlas, Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot, undergoes a transformation from its hydraulic predecessor to a sleek electric version. The new Atlas exhibits fluid movements and a redesigned appearance, departing from its top-heavy build and armored look.  This “All New Atlas” retains its name for now, a departure from the company’s trend of renaming products for commercialization.  The robot’s movements, powered by custom actuators, showcase agility and … Continue reading Boston Dynamics debuts all-new electric humanoid

‘Quantum Internet’ Connection Achieved In Historic Breakthrough

Quantum computing is transitioning from a distant concept to a tangible reality, with recent advancements paving the way for a “quantum internet.” Researchers have achieved a breakthrough by creating an interface that enables two quantum machines to exchange information, using wavelengths compatible with current optical fiber systems. This development brings us closer to a future where data can be transmitted securely and computations executed rapidly. … Continue reading ‘Quantum Internet’ Connection Achieved In Historic Breakthrough

UK may transfer DragonFire laser weapons to Ukraine

Ukraine is poised to potentially receive prototypes of the United Kingdom’s cutting-edge “DragonFire” high-power laser weapon, as it continues to defend itself over two years into Russia’s invasion. The U.K. has been developing this directed energy weapon for over seven years, with its first successful test firing on an aerial target taking place in January. With precision akin to hitting a £1 coin from a … Continue reading UK may transfer DragonFire laser weapons to Ukraine

Tech Firm Looks to Use AI-Powered Robots for Road Repairs

A groundbreaking Autonomous Road Repair System (ARRES) has been developed by Robotiz3d, Hertfordshire City Council, and the University of Liverpool. This system comprises three innovative technologies aimed at revolutionizing road maintenance. The centerpiece of ARRES is the ARRES Eye technology, strategically installed on various vehicles like trucks and maintenance cars. These vehicles traverse city streets, employing advanced imaging to detect road surface issues such as … Continue reading Tech Firm Looks to Use AI-Powered Robots for Road Repairs

Apple’s next-generation of Mac chips will have an A.I. focus

Since introducing its in-house chips for Macs, Apple has experienced significant performance boosts across its product lineup. Following the launch of its third-generation M3 chip in October 2023, Apple is now preparing for the release of its next-generation M4 chip later in 2024. These chips are expected to power every Mac model, prioritizing increased performance and artificial intelligence capabilities. The M4 lineup will likely include … Continue reading Apple’s next-generation of Mac chips will have an A.I. focus

Apple loses top phone-maker title to Samsung

Apple has been surpassed by Samsung as the world’s top phone maker, according to data from research firm IDC released over the weekend. Apple experienced a roughly 10% drop in phone shipments in the first quarter of the year, resulting in a market share decrease to 17.3%. Increased competition, particularly from Samsung’s new flagship models, contributed to Apple’s decline, Reuters reported. Additionally, challenges in China, … Continue reading Apple loses top phone-maker title to Samsung

Tesla reveals humanoid robot technology through new patents

Tesla has recently showcased its advancements in humanoid robot technology through the filing of multiple patents related to its Optimus robot program. The new generation of the robot, called Optimus Gen 2, promises to take over repetitive tasks from humans and showed significant improvements compared to previous versions. A key change in Optimus Gen 2 is the use of Tesla’s own custom-designed actuators for the … Continue reading Tesla reveals humanoid robot technology through new patents

OpenAI and Meta ready new AI models capable of ‘reasoning’ 

DeepAI and Meta are set to launch new artificial intelligence models that will enhance machines’ ability to reason and plan, moving closer to achieving superhuman cognition. The upcoming Llama 3 from Meta and GPT-5 from DeepAI will allow for the handling of complex tasks beyond current capabilities. Companies like Google, Anthropic, and Cohere are contributing to the progress of generative AI that can create humanlike … Continue reading OpenAI and Meta ready new AI models capable of ‘reasoning’ 

Graphite platform levitates without power

Scientists at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have developed a low-cost material that can levitate above magnetic surfaces without the need for an external power source. The material, made from silica-coated graphite particles mixed with wax, prevents energy loss that would cause the levitating object to fall due to eddy damping. This innovation enables objects to levitate over magnetic surfaces for extended periods. … Continue reading Graphite platform levitates without power

FBI warns China hackers ready to ‘wreak havoc’ in USA

FBI Director Christopher Wray gave a speech warning of China as the biggest threat to national security, stating that the country is becoming more aggressive in its efforts to steal secrets and undermine the US security and economy. He emphasized that China’s hacking program is larger than that of any other major nation, and that their cyber personnel far outnumber FBI agents. Wray detailed China’s … Continue reading FBI warns China hackers ready to ‘wreak havoc’ in USA

Apple Vision Pro users suffer black eyes, headaches, neck pain

Some users of the Apple Vision Pro virtual-reality headset, including Emily Olman and Ian Beacraft, have experienced physical discomfort such as black eyes, soreness, neck pain, and headaches after using the device for extended periods. Apple’s high-tech wearable has received mixed reviews, with some users reporting issues like eye strain, back aches, and puffy or dry eyes. Experts like Jeremy Bailenson have pointed out that … Continue reading Apple Vision Pro users suffer black eyes, headaches, neck pain

MIT Engineers Aim to Advance Household Robots With AI Integration

Advancements in artificial intelligence are propelling household robots beyond their traditional roles as simple vacuum cleaners. MIT engineers are developing methods to enhance the intelligence and adaptability of these robots, integrating them with large language models (LLMs) to navigate and respond intelligently to unexpected challenges. Experts anticipate a future where robots can autonomously adapt to new situations, revolutionizing efficiency in homes and businesses. Nadia Figueroa, … Continue reading MIT Engineers Aim to Advance Household Robots With AI Integration

Oura’s experimenting with a feature to detect early changes in your health

Starting today, Oura Ring users can access a new feature called Oura Labs, allowing them to try experimental features. The first offering is Symptom Radar, which detects early signs of physiological strain. Unlike illness detection, it notifies users of significant changes in biometric trends such as temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate variability. Users can adjust their activity goals or enable Rest Mode in response. … Continue reading Oura’s experimenting with a feature to detect early changes in your health

Elon Musk predicts AI will overtake human intelligence next year

Elon Musk predicts that artificial intelligence (AI) will surpass human intelligence by the end of next year, provided there’s enough electricity and hardware to support the technology’s increasing power. He anticipates that within five years, AI capabilities will exceed those of all humans. This forecast is ahead of previous schedules, including Musk’s own prediction of achieving “full” artificial general intelligence (AGI) by 2029. Recent AI … Continue reading Elon Musk predicts AI will overtake human intelligence next year

Insurers Using Drones to Spy on Homes

Insurance companies in the U.S. are using aerial images of homes to identify properties deemed as higher risk, leading to nonrenewal notices for many homeowners. This practice, which involves drones, airplanes, and balloons capturing images without owners’ knowledge, aims to assess risks such as damaged roofs or undisclosed features like swimming pools. Despite concerns from consumer advocates about accuracy and privacy intrusion, insurers defend the … Continue reading Insurers Using Drones to Spy on Homes

‘Social Order Could Collapse’ in AI Era, Companies Say

Japan’s largest telecommunications company, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT), along with the country’s leading newspaper, Yomiuri Shimbun Group Holdings, have jointly issued a call for urgent legislation to regulate generative artificial intelligence (AI). Their manifesto, to be released soon, emphasizes concerns over unchecked AI, warning of potential threats to democracy and social stability. The proposal, echoing similar moves in the European Union, highlights growing apprehensions … Continue reading ‘Social Order Could Collapse’ in AI Era, Companies Say

Putin Pushes Russia To Make Consoles To Compete With PlayStation And Xbox

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has mandated the production of Russian video game consoles to compete with the likes of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. According to a report from the Russian newspaper Kommersant, the Kremlin has directed the VK Group and GS Group to organize the production of both stationary and portable game consoles. VK Group, a major Russian tech company, will oversee the … Continue reading Putin Pushes Russia To Make Consoles To Compete With PlayStation And Xbox

iRobot says its new robot vacuum and mop outperforms 600 Series Roombas for $275

iRobot has introduced a budget-friendly 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop, the Roomba Combo Essential, priced at $275. Offering 20 times more suction power than the Roomba 600 Series, it boasts improved performance on hard floors, longer battery life, and smart navigation features. Users can control it via voice commands or the iRobot Home app, with customizable settings and Clean Map reports. While not self-emptying, it’s … Continue reading iRobot says its new robot vacuum and mop outperforms 600 Series Roombas for $275

Chinese mourners turn to AI to remember and ‘revive’ loved ones

As China observes its annual tomb-sweeping festival, a new trend emerges where people are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to remember and revive their departed loved ones. Through online services, Chinese netizens can create digital avatars of their ancestors for as little as 20 yuan (£2.20). At the forefront of this trend is the use of AI to recreate deceased individuals, such as Taiwanese singer … Continue reading Chinese mourners turn to AI to remember and ‘revive’ loved ones

NSA Predicts ‘Practical’ Quantum Computing in Just Few Years

At a cybersecurity event hosted by Palo Alto Networks, Neal Ziring, the technical director of the NSA’s cybersecurity directorate, forecasted that practical quantum computing tools will become available for workforce use in approximately 3 to 5 years. These systems, which leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems exponentially faster than traditional computers, are expected to be accessible primarily through cloud-based environments due to … Continue reading NSA Predicts ‘Practical’ Quantum Computing in Just Few Years

World’s largest digital camera can ‘photograph golf ball 15 miles away’

The largest digital camera ever built, known as the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) Camera, is set to revolutionize astronomy by creating a comprehensive map of the night sky. With a staggering 3,200-megapixel resolution, this car-sized camera, located at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile’s Elqui Province, aims to unlock the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy over the next decade. … Continue reading World’s largest digital camera can ‘photograph golf ball 15 miles away’

Thwarted supply-chain hack sets off alarm bells across Washington DC

A recent attempt to compromise a widely used open-source software utility has sparked concerns about the vulnerability of the open-source supply chain and the potential involvement of foreign nation-states in covert espionage. Microsoft software engineer Andres Freund discovered malicious code hidden within two versions of a popular open-source data compression tool, Xz, which had been integrated into the Linux operating system. This discovery prompted rapid … Continue reading Thwarted supply-chain hack sets off alarm bells across Washington DC

Army Mulls Robot Platoon

During the AUSA Global Force conference, an Army leader revealed plans to potentially integrate a drone and robotics platoon into its armored brigade combat teams. Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman, director of the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team, stated that a proposal for this initiative has been submitted to the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth for consideration in the service’s force design update. … Continue reading Army Mulls Robot Platoon

NASA’s snake robot is designed to search out life in the icy oceans of a Saturn moon

Snake robots have been around for decades, offering diverse applications in automation. Their design features redundancy, allowing them to function even if parts are damaged, and their flexible bodies enable navigation in tight spaces. This versatility makes them valuable in search-and-rescue operations, plumbing, medical procedures, and even space exploration. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is exploring the use of snake robots, like the Exobiology Extant … Continue reading NASA’s snake robot is designed to search out life in the icy oceans of a Saturn moon

Astrophysicist Claims He Has Cracked Equation For A Time Machine

Ronald Mallett, a Professor Emeritus of Physics at the University of Connecticut, claims to have devised the equation for time travel after years of research, as reported by Earth.com. Inspired by his father’s sudden death when he was 10 years old, Mallett dedicated his life to exploring the possibility of time travel, finding motivation in H.G. Wells’ ‘The Time Machine.’ His breakthrough moment occurred while … Continue reading Astrophysicist Claims He Has Cracked Equation For A Time Machine