New drone-destroying laser weapon with 1-mile-range tested for Turkey’s ‘Steel Dome’

Aselsan, a leading Turkish defense company, has successfully tested its GÖKBERK mobile anti-drone air defense system, which uses laser and electronic warfare (EW) to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system is designed to automatically track and destroy FPV drones, showcasing high-speed and precise engagement. GÖKBERK combines electronic warfare and high-energy lasers for both “soft kill” and “hard kill” capabilities, with AI enabling fast tracking … Continue reading New drone-destroying laser weapon with 1-mile-range tested for Turkey’s ‘Steel Dome’

Google-brained humanoid robot masters delicate moves, folds bags, seals snacks

Google DeepMind has introduced two AI models, Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics-ER, designed to improve robot control. Gemini Robotics integrates vision-language-action (VLA) capabilities, enabling robots to interpret visuals, understand language commands, and perform movements with enhanced dexterity and interactivity. It excels at tasks requiring fine motor skills and adapts to various environments. Gemini Robotics-ER focuses on embodied reasoning, improving spatial awareness and allowing robots to … Continue reading Google-brained humanoid robot masters delicate moves, folds bags, seals snacks

AI search engines cite incorrect sources at an alarming 60% rate, study says

A study by Columbia Journalism Review’s Tow Center for Digital Journalism revealed significant accuracy issues with AI-driven news search tools. The research tested eight AI models and found that over 60% of the queries about news sources were answered incorrectly. The error rates varied, with Grok 3 having the highest at 94%. The study highlighted a troubling trend where AI tools, instead of declining uncertain … Continue reading AI search engines cite incorrect sources at an alarming 60% rate, study says

Creepy humanoid robot moves using 1,000 eerie artificial muscles

Clone Robotics has unveiled Protoclone, a highly realistic humanoid robot with 206 polymer bones and over 1,000 artificial muscles powered by its proprietary “Myofiber” technology. Standing 6 feet tall, it mimics human movement using hydraulic-powered muscles and an advanced sensory system. While its lifelike motions have amazed some, others find it unsettling, Fox News has reported. Currently, Protoclone cannot stand independently, but Clone Robotics plans … Continue reading Creepy humanoid robot moves using 1,000 eerie artificial muscles

Watch DeepMind’s AI robot slam-dunk a basketball

Google DeepMind has integrated its advanced AI model, Gemini, into robots, enabling them to perform tasks like mini basketball slam dunks without prior demonstrations. Announced on March 12, Gemini Robotics enhances spatial reasoning and physical understanding, aiming to create intuitive, general-purpose machines. While promising, the approach raises safety concerns due to AI’s potential for errors, Nature has reported. Written by B.C. Begley Continue reading Watch DeepMind’s AI robot slam-dunk a basketball

Saudi Investment Fund pays $3.5bn to capture Pokémon Go

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is acquiring Niantic’s gaming division, including Pokémon Go, for $3.5 billion. The deal expands Saudi Arabia’s push into gaming, with Niantic joining Scopely, a company PIF bought for $4.9 billion in 2023.  Pokémon Go, still a top-grossing game with 30 million monthly players, will continue evolving under its current team, the BBC has reported. PIF, controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed … Continue reading Saudi Investment Fund pays $3.5bn to capture Pokémon Go

Chinese firm’s obstacle-clearing robot redefines mobility with dual-wheel design

The TRON 1 robot, launched by Chinese robotics firm LimX in October 2024, is designed to advance robotic locomotion with its multi-terrain capabilities and adaptive mobility. It features interchangeable foot-ends for various gaits and terrains, supporting research in algorithm validation and application development. The robot’s modular “Three-In-One” design includes a humanoid-style foot, wheeled configuration for all-terrain mobility, and point-foot for basic control. TRON 1 offers … Continue reading Chinese firm’s obstacle-clearing robot redefines mobility with dual-wheel design

New delivery robot can haul 2,200 pounds of your stuff

WeRide, a leader in autonomous driving technology, has unveiled its latest innovation, the Robovan W5, an unmanned delivery vehicle with Level 4 autonomy. With 194 cubic feet of cargo space and a payload capacity of 2,205 pounds, the W5 is designed for efficient, driverless deliveries. Equipped with 360-degree sensors, real-time route optimization, and safety features like emergency braking and collision warnings, the van operates safely … Continue reading New delivery robot can haul 2,200 pounds of your stuff

Japan’s service robot market projected to triple in five years

Japan is increasingly turning to service robots to address labor shortages caused by an aging population. The country’s service robot market is expected to nearly triple by 2030, reaching ¥400 billion ($2.7 billion). With projections of a labor shortfall of 11 million by 2040 and nearly 40% of the population aged 65 or older by 2065, robots are filling critical gaps, Tech Crunch has reported. … Continue reading Japan’s service robot market projected to triple in five years

University of Utah researchers develop game-changing retinal surgery robot

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a robotic surgery device designed to improve the precision of retinal surgeries. The robot, which is capable of making movements as small as one micrometer, compensates for patient head movements and surgeon hand tremors by scaling down the surgeon’s actions. This technology, tested using pig eyes, has shown promising results in improving surgical outcomes and could support … Continue reading University of Utah researchers develop game-changing retinal surgery robot

They’re Teaching Robots How to Stunt Ride Motorcycles Now

Researchers at the Robot and AI Institute (RAI) in Massachusetts have developed a robot capable of performing motorcycle stunts using reinforcement learning. The demonstration, which showcases the robot’s ability to drive, turn, jump, and balance, has sparked concerns reminiscent of the Terminator franchise, where AI goes rogue. The project raises questions about whether scientists are prioritizing AI capabilities over potential risks, echoing the famous Jurassic Park quote: “They were so … Continue reading They’re Teaching Robots How to Stunt Ride Motorcycles Now

Mysterious unmanned warship spotted off of Washington state coast

The USX-1 Defiant, a 180-foot, 240-ton unmanned warship, was spotted in Washington state’s Puget Sound. Developed under DARPA’s “No Manning Required Ship” (NOMARS) program with Serco as the primary contractor, the vessel was launched last month for trials. Designed for autonomous naval missions, it aims to provide a cost-effective alternative for surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering. The U.S. military sees such vessels as key to … Continue reading Mysterious unmanned warship spotted off of Washington state coast

Scientists created a ‘woolly mouse’ with mammoth traits

Colossal Biosciences has genetically modified a lab mouse to exhibit woolly mammoth-like traits, including longer, wavy hair and curly whiskers. The experiment aims to test how specific DNA sequences influence traits that helped mammoths survive cold climates. Scientists edited eight genes, including those affecting hair growth, color, and body fat, using advanced gene-editing techniques, CNN has reported. The research, detailed in a preprint paper, is … Continue reading Scientists created a ‘woolly mouse’ with mammoth traits

Shape-Shifting GOAT Robot Tackles Tough Terrain Like An Animal

Engineers at Switzerland’s Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne have developed a shape-shifting robot called GOAT (Good Over All Terrains), inspired by nature’s adaptability. GOAT can morph between a rover and a sphere, allowing it to drive, roll, or even swim across challenging landscapes. Unlike typical robots that follow the shortest path, GOAT optimizes its mode of movement based on the terrain, such as swimming through … Continue reading Shape-Shifting GOAT Robot Tackles Tough Terrain Like An Animal

Chinese humanoid robot is Kung Fu fighting

Chinese robotics company Unitree showcased its G1 humanoid robot performing kung fu moves, including punches and a roundhouse kick. The child-sized robot, priced from $16,000, features up to 43 joint motors, allowing it to walk, hop, and even dance. Unlike competitors like Tesla’s Optimus, the G1 is already available for purchase. Videos show it balancing after being nudged and navigating rough terrain, Futurism has reported. … Continue reading Chinese humanoid robot is Kung Fu fighting

Beijing working on enormous aircraft carrier that rivals U.S. fleet

Satellite images reveal China is developing a massive nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that could rival the largest U.S. supercarriers, analysts told NBC News. The images of China’s Dalian shipyard suggest a new design with four catapult launch points, matching American carriers like the USS Gerald R. Ford. Experts believe this signals the upcoming Type 004 carrier, which would be larger than China’s current Fujian and likely … Continue reading Beijing working on enormous aircraft carrier that rivals U.S. fleet

Quest to set a 450mph speed record could pioneer frictionless travel on water

Richard Noble, former land speed record holder (1983-1997), is now aiming to inspire the next world water speed record (WSR) breaker at age 79. Motivated by childhood memories of John Cobb’s Crusader, Noble acknowledges the extreme dangers of WSR, with seven out of 13 challengers since 1930 perishing. The current record of 317 mph, set by Ken Warby in 1978, remains unbeaten. Noble’s team, Thrust … Continue reading Quest to set a 450mph speed record could pioneer frictionless travel on water

Sanctuary AI integrates tactile sensors into Phoenix general purpose robots

Sanctuary AI has integrated new tactile sensors into its Phoenix robots, improving dexterous manipulation for teleoperated tasks. The sensors enhance precision by providing real-time touch feedback, reducing reliance on video alone. Sanctuary, a leader in general-purpose robotics, has raised $140 million and ranked third globally for U.S. patents by Morgan Stanley. The company’s hydraulic-actuated hands now feature seven-cell touch sensors with near-human sensitivity, enabling fine … Continue reading Sanctuary AI integrates tactile sensors into Phoenix general purpose robots

Robot utilizes AI to construct walls in 1 day

PulteGroup, one of the largest U.S. homebuilders, used AI and robotics to rapidly construct a home in Florida. The pilot test featured Hadrian X, an AI-guided construction robot from Australian firm FBR, at TerraWalk in Babcock Ranch, the nation’s first solar-powered town. Hadrian X can build structural walls in a day using a robotic arm and specialized adhesive. PulteGroup says the technology improves efficiency, safety, … Continue reading Robot utilizes AI to construct walls in 1 day

China arms combat robots with thermobaric weapon in urban warfare drill

Chinese scientists linked to the PLA are exploring equipping ground robots with deadly thermobaric weapons for urban warfare. These robots would work alongside drones to detect and neutralize threats, particularly in underground complexes. Thermobaric weapons create intense explosions that can vaporize bodies and destroy bunkers, raising concerns about potential war crimes if used in civilian areas. A recent study suggests drones would authorize strikes, with … Continue reading China arms combat robots with thermobaric weapon in urban warfare drill

Meet Concert, the robot that wants to revolutionize construction

The U.S. construction industry is facing a severe labor shortage, with a need for half a million workers in 2025. To address this, states have implemented apprenticeship programs, while some companies are turning to robots to perform dangerous or repetitive tasks. A standout innovation is “Concert,” a modular construction robot developed by the Italian Institute of Technology. Able to perform tasks like drilling, insulation spraying, … Continue reading Meet Concert, the robot that wants to revolutionize construction

Russian cybercrime gang leaves taunting message for Kash Patel on dark web

The Russia-based ransomware gang LockBit has reportedly offered FBI Director Kash Patel alleged “classified information” that it claims could “destroy” the agency if made public. In a post on its dark web blog, the group congratulated Patel on his appointment and promised to share an archive of sensitive data exposing FBI corruption. LockBit, described as one of the world’s most harmful cybercrime groups, appears to … Continue reading Russian cybercrime gang leaves taunting message for Kash Patel on dark web

Orlando could soon resemble ‘The Jetsons’ with flying cars from airport as soon as 2028

Orlando International Airport is moving toward a future with flying cars, seeking partners to develop a vertiport, a landing pad for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The airport aims to complete the project by 2028, with potential locations in the East Airfield or near the train station. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer envisions the airport becoming a multimodal hub, with flying cars and other … Continue reading Orlando could soon resemble ‘The Jetsons’ with flying cars from airport as soon as 2028

Microsoft Shows Off AI That Can Control an Entire Robot

Microsoft has launched a new AI model called Magma, capable of autonomously controlling robots and processing multimodal data such as text, images, and video. This AI can plan and act in the visual-spatial world, allowing it to complete tasks like UI navigation and robotic manipulation. While Magma has shown impressive results in tests, such as handling a robotic arm and assisting humans in real-world tasks, … Continue reading Microsoft Shows Off AI That Can Control an Entire Robot

AI robot malfunctions, “attacks” people at Chinese festival

A video from a festival in China shows an AI-powered humanoid robot malfunctioning and attempting to strike people in the crowd before being stopped by security. Initial assessments suggest the behavior was caused by a software glitch rather than intentional aggression. This incident follows a similar case where an AI-controlled drone targeted its human operator, mistaking them for an obstacle to its mission, Shafaq News … Continue reading AI robot malfunctions, “attacks” people at Chinese festival