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

Microsoft Claims Quantum Computing Breakthrough by Creating New State of Matter

Microsoft unveiled its first quantum computing chip, Majorana 1, after nearly two decades of research. The chip uses eight topological qubits made from indium arsenide and aluminum. To create this quantum chip, Microsoft developed a new state of matter, referred to as a topological state, requiring precise atom-by-atom material alignment. Unlike other companies, Microsoft is manufacturing the chip itself and plans to scale up to … Continue reading Microsoft Claims Quantum Computing Breakthrough by Creating New State of Matter

Watch drone, robot dog face off in futuristic-like pyrotechnics battle

A viral video from China showcases a sci-fi-like battle between a robotic dog and a drone, both equipped with firework launchers. The two machines engage in a rapid-fire pyrotechnic showdown, with the robot dog firing at the drone, which retaliates from the air. The event, hosted by Kuaimantang Intelligent Equipment Co., took place in Wuhu, Anhui Province, before the Spring Festival, USA Today has reported. … Continue reading Watch drone, robot dog face off in futuristic-like pyrotechnics battle

Musk’s xAI releases artificial intelligence model Grok 3

Elon Musk’s xAI unveiled its new AI model, Grok 3, claiming it outperforms OpenAI and DeepSeek based on early tests in math, science, and coding. Musk described it as “an order of magnitude more capable” than its predecessor, Grok 2. The company also introduced “Deep Search,” a next-generation search engine. Grok 3 is available to premium X subscribers and through separate subscriptions for web and … Continue reading Musk’s xAI releases artificial intelligence model Grok 3

Huawei launches $3,660 trifold phone outside of China

Huawei launched its Mate XT trifold smartphone outside China, priced at 3,499 euros ($3,660). The device, which was first released in China last year, has three folding points allowing it to display content on a single, double, or triple screen. Huawei’s market share has significantly declined globally due to U.S. sanctions, but it has recently rebounded in China. The Mate XT is aimed at wealthy … Continue reading Huawei launches $3,660 trifold phone outside of China

Robotic exoskeletons help Chinese tourists climb the country’s most punishing mountain

Mount Tai in China has introduced AI-powered exoskeletons to assist hikers, especially seniors and those with mobility issues, during their climb. These robotic legs, co-developed by Taishan Cultural Tourism Group and Kenqing Technology, provide synchronized support to ease the strain of hiking. Launched during Chinese New Year, the exoskeletons were trialed by over 200 users for a fee and received positive feedback, though some users … Continue reading Robotic exoskeletons help Chinese tourists climb the country’s most punishing mountain

Meta plans ‘major investment’ into humanoid robots

Meta has announced plans to invest significantly in AI-powered humanoid robots, with a focus on household chores. The company is forming a new team within its Reality Labs division to develop the necessary hardware, AI, sensors, and software. While Meta will not initially build its own branded robots, it aims to provide technology for robots to be manufactured and sold by other companies, Yahoo Finance … Continue reading Meta plans ‘major investment’ into humanoid robots

Pathfinder 1: The airship that could usher in a new age

Pathfinder 1, an airship developed by Sergey Brin’s company LTA Research, achieved its first untethered flight in October 2024 at NASA’s Moffett Field in California. This marks a significant milestone in the revival of rigid airships, a design last used in the 1930s. Despite past disasters like the Hindenburg crash, LTA Research aims to safely mass-produce large airships using modern materials and technology, the BBC … Continue reading Pathfinder 1: The airship that could usher in a new age

MIT builds swarms of tiny robotic insect drones that can fly 100 times longer than previous designs

MIT scientists are developing robotic insects that could revolutionize pollination by boosting crop yields without harming the environment. Previous designs lacked endurance, speed, and agility, but a new version detailed in Science Robotics on Jan. 15 flies 100 times longer, is lighter, and has improved wing flexibility. Unlike earlier eight-wing models, the new design features four single-wing units, enhancing lift and stability while allowing room for batteries, … Continue reading MIT builds swarms of tiny robotic insect drones that can fly 100 times longer than previous designs

Apple’s new Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds get heart rate sensors, improved design

Apple’s Beats brand launched the Powerbeats Pro 2, its first earbuds with built-in heart rate monitoring, set to release on Feb. 13 for $249. They feature improved audio, battery life, and redesigned ear hooks for a better fit. The heart rate sensors use LED optical technology and sync with fitness apps but won’t support Apple Fitness+ at launch. The earbuds include active noise canceling, transparency … Continue reading Apple’s new Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds get heart rate sensors, improved design

Hackers leak cop manuals for departments nationwide

Hackers leaked over 8,500 files from Lexipol, a Texas-based company that provides policy manuals and training for first responders. The leaked data, shared with DDoSecrets, includes police, fire, and EMS policies, as well as customer records containing names, emails, and hashed passwords. Lexipol has faced criticism for its influence on policing, resistance to reform, and policies that allegedly enable racial profiling and excessive force. The … Continue reading Hackers leak cop manuals for departments nationwide