Spy agencies experimenting with newest AI models

On Trump’s inauguration day, China’s DeepSeek released a powerful AI model, surprising U.S. intelligence. In response, the Biden administration pushed agencies to work with AI labs like OpenAI and Google to catch up, awarding major contracts for advanced AI. While AI is now used widely in U.S. intelligence, progress is slow due to caution over reliability and errors. Experts worry China may be advancing faster … Continue reading Spy agencies experimenting with newest AI models

AI in Wyoming may soon use more electricity than state’s human residents

Wyoming Mayor Patrick Collins announced plans for a massive AI data center near Cheyenne that would consume more electricity than all homes in the state combined. The joint venture between Tallgrass and Crusoe would start at 1.8 gigawatts—over five times the state’s household energy use—and could scale up to 10 gigawatts, doubling Wyoming’s entire current electricity generation. To meet its huge power needs, the project … Continue reading AI in Wyoming may soon use more electricity than state’s human residents

Humanoid robot swaps its own battery to work 24/7

UBTech’s new humanoid robot, the Walker S2, can autonomously swap its own battery, allowing it to operate nearly nonstop—without human intervention. Standing 5’3″ and weighing 95 pounds, the robot uses dual lithium batteries and a three-minute swap process at dedicated stations to stay powered 24/7. Already tested in Chinese car factories, the Walker S2 reflects China’s broader push for automation in manufacturing, Fox News has … Continue reading Humanoid robot swaps its own battery to work 24/7

Researchers quietly planned a test to dim sunlight

A California research team, backed by billionaire donors, planned a large-scale ocean experiment to test salt-water-spraying technology that could potentially cool the planet by creating clouds — a form of solar geoengineering. This followed a brief, aborted 2023 test on a retired aircraft carrier in Alameda, shut down by local officials due to lack of notice. Documents reveal plans for a much bigger test over … Continue reading Researchers quietly planned a test to dim sunlight

Human-like robot, developed for fighting, goes berserk

A humanoid robot named DeREK had a wild malfunction in a San Francisco lab, flailing wildly while suspended from a crane and causing it to collapse. The incident, caught on video, quickly went viral, with staff attributing the chaos to a “human error” involving faulty programming and a delayed emergency stop. DeREK, a nimble G1 model from Chinese company Unitree, is designed for robot combat … Continue reading Human-like robot, developed for fighting, goes berserk

Meta wants to replace your mouse and keyboard with this bracelet

Meta researchers have developed a wristband that uses muscle signals from your wrist to translate hand gestures into digital commands, enabling users to control devices, move cursors, and even write in the air. The device, called sEMG-RD, detects electrical signals from motor nerves and converts them into actions without needing individual calibration. It can recognize gestures like finger pinches and thumb swipes, and transcribe handwriting … Continue reading Meta wants to replace your mouse and keyboard with this bracelet

China starts construction on world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet

China has begun construction on what will be the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet, a $170 billion project aimed at boosting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. Premier Li Qiang called it a “project of the century,” emphasizing ecological protection. The dam, consisting of five cascade stations, is expected to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours annually. While China claims minimal … Continue reading China starts construction on world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet

US Army tests robot coyotes to prevent catastrophic bird strikes

The U.S. Army is testing robot coyotes as an innovative solution to keep wildlife off airfields and prevent dangerous runway incidents. Developed by the Army Engineer Research and Development Center and wildlife experts, these fast-moving, remote-controlled vehicles carry realistic coyote decoys to scare away birds and other animals. Early trials at military bases have shown success, and future versions may use AI, sensors, and cameras … Continue reading US Army tests robot coyotes to prevent catastrophic bird strikes

This tiny, furry robot is taking on invasive pythons in Florida

Researchers at the University of Florida have deployed 40 robotic rabbits in South Florida to lure and track invasive pythons. Designed to mimic the heat and movements of marsh rabbits—a common python prey—the mechanical bunnies are solar-powered, remotely controlled, and part of a conservation effort to manage the snake population. The project builds on years of research and aims to replace the use of live … Continue reading This tiny, furry robot is taking on invasive pythons in Florida

Solar-powered robot zaps weeds without chemicals

In California, solar-powered, AI-guided weeding robots are helping farmers control weeds more sustainably. The Aigen Element robot uses solar energy and advanced cameras to remove weeds without herbicides, cutting fuel costs and environmental impact. It’s already in use on crops like cotton, soy, and sugar beets, reducing labor needs and freeing workers for skilled tasks, Fox News has reported. The robots also collect data on … Continue reading Solar-powered robot zaps weeds without chemicals

Humanoid robot ‘graduates’ at Chinese high school ceremony

A humanoid robot named Shuang Shuang participated in a high school graduation ceremony in Fujian, China, showcasing the country’s rapid progress in robotics. At the July 1 event, the robot walked on stage, exchanged a handshake with a teacher, received a certificate in its tote bag, and posed for photos, delighting the audience. The ceremony highlighted how humanoid robots are moving from labs into public life. China … Continue reading Humanoid robot ‘graduates’ at Chinese high school ceremony

Perplexity launches AI-powered web browser for select group of subscribers

Perplexity AI on Wednesday unveiled Comet, an AI-powered web browser designed to compete with Google and Microsoft. Available to Perplexity Max subscribers ($200/month) with invite-only access rolling out this summer, Comet lets users ask complex questions via voice or text and connect to enterprise apps like Slack. Known for its AI search engine with source links and a publisher revenue-sharing model, Perplexity is also reportedly seeking … Continue reading Perplexity launches AI-powered web browser for select group of subscribers

Germany accuses China of laser targeting aircraft in EU mission

Germany has accused the Chinese military of targeting one of its aircraft with a laser during an EU mission over the Red Sea. The incident, which forced the German plane to abort its mission and land safely in Djibouti, occurred during Operation Aspides, a defensive EU effort against attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Germany summoned the Chinese ambassador to protest, calling the laser targeting unacceptable … Continue reading Germany accuses China of laser targeting aircraft in EU mission

Kawasaki and Foxconn build robot nursing assistant to tackle hospital scutwork

Foxconn and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have unveiled “Nurabot,” a robotic nursing assistant based on Kawasaki’s existing Nyokkey design. Equipped with two arms, a storage compartment, and self-driving capability, Nurabot is designed to help nurses transport samples, deliver medicine, and guide patients in hospitals. With Taiwan facing a nurse shortage, the companies aim to ease workloads and plan to begin selling the robot in 2026, The … Continue reading Kawasaki and Foxconn build robot nursing assistant to tackle hospital scutwork

Beijing hosts China’s first fully autonomous 3-on-3 AI robot soccer match

Humanoid robots competed in a 3-on-3 soccer tournament in Beijing, delivering a comical display of stumbles, pileups, and slow-motion collisions. Despite the slapstick spectacle, the robots were fully autonomous, using AI and advanced sensors to navigate and play without human control. The event highlighted China’s serious investment in robotics, with its market projected to reach $108 billion by 2028. The match also previewed the 2025 … Continue reading Beijing hosts China’s first fully autonomous 3-on-3 AI robot soccer match

Ukraine approves new ‘Murakha’ ground robot for combat use

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has approved the Ukrainian-made “Murakha” (“Ant”) unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) for combat use, it announced on June 28. Designed to support front-line units in tough conditions like enemy artillery fire and minefields, the tracked robotic platform can carry over half a ton of cargo across long distances and navigate rough terrain and shallow water. It also has multiple control channels to maintain … Continue reading Ukraine approves new ‘Murakha’ ground robot for combat use

Microsoft is retiring the infamous ‘blue screen of death’

Microsoft is retiring the infamous “blue screen of death” that has frustrated Windows users for decades. In its place, Windows 11 devices running the 24H2 update will see a new black-colored screen during unexpected restarts. The redesigned screen is part of Microsoft’s effort to “streamline the unexpected restart experience” and will begin rolling out later this summer, CNN has reported. The update will also reduce … Continue reading Microsoft is retiring the infamous ‘blue screen of death’

Uber Eats launches new robot delivery service in Atlanta

Uber Eats has launched autonomous robot deliveries in Atlanta through a partnership with Serve Robotics. The service is now available in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and downtown, with plans to expand. The robots travel up to 4 mph with a 48-mile range and can handle Atlanta’s weather. Customers can choose robot delivery from restaurants like Rreal Tacos, Ponko Chicken, and Shake Shack, tracking and unlocking the … Continue reading Uber Eats launches new robot delivery service in Atlanta

Canada’s first-ever beach cleaning robot just hit Lake Simcoe shores

Canada’s first beach-cleaning robot, BeBot, has been launched on Lake Simcoe’s shores. This sand-sifting, remote-operated robot collects debris like plastic, glass, metal, and paper to prevent pollution in the Great Lakes. Unveiled at Sibbald Point Provincial Park, BeBot is part of the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup project, which operates at over 225 locations and has removed nearly 244,000 pieces of plastic so far, CTV News … Continue reading Canada’s first-ever beach cleaning robot just hit Lake Simcoe shores

Humanoid robot achieves controlled flight using jet engines and AI-powered systems

The Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) has achieved a breakthrough with iRonCub3, the world’s first jet-powered flying humanoid robot designed for real-world use. After two years of research, including wind tunnel tests and AI-driven aerodynamic modeling, iRonCub3 successfully lifted off about 50 cm while maintaining stability. Equipped with four jet engines and a titanium-reinforced frame, the 70 kg robot can hover and perform controlled flight … Continue reading Humanoid robot achieves controlled flight using jet engines and AI-powered systems

Doctor uses robot to remotely perform surgery on patient thousands of miles away

Dr. Vipul Patel in Florida successfully performed a prostate cancer surgery on a patient in Angola using transcontinental robotic telesurgery, marking a medical milestone. The operation, part of an FDA-approved clinical trial, used advanced fiber-optic technology to eliminate any delay in remote control. Patel’s team was on-site in Africa as backup, The Independent has reported. This breakthrough offers significant potential for expanding access to advanced … Continue reading Doctor uses robot to remotely perform surgery on patient thousands of miles away

Adobe made a mobile app for its Firefly generative AI tools

Adobe has launched its Firefly generative AI app for iPhone and Android, allowing users to create images and videos from text, edit photos with AI tools, and access third-party models like Google’s Imagen and OpenAI’s image generator. The app syncs with Creative Cloud and includes features like Generative Fill and Expand from Photoshop. Adobe also expanded its Firefly Boards platform, adding new video generation tools … Continue reading Adobe made a mobile app for its Firefly generative AI tools

Denmark tests unmanned robotic sailboat fleet with tensions high in the region

Denmark has deployed four uncrewed robotic sailboats, called “Voyagers,” for a three-month trial to boost maritime surveillance in the Baltic and North Seas amid rising tensions since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Built by U.S. firm Saildrone, these 10-meter, wind- and solar-powered vessels are equipped with advanced sensors and AI to monitor threats like sabotage, smuggling, and undersea cable damage. The trial supports NATO’s push … Continue reading Denmark tests unmanned robotic sailboat fleet with tensions high in the region

Aerial robot with ‘elephant trunk’ developed for complex mid-air manipulation tasks

Professor Peng Lu and his team at the University of Hong Kong have developed the Aerial Elephant Trunk (AET), a groundbreaking aerial manipulator inspired by an elephant’s trunk. Unlike traditional drone arms, the AET is highly flexible, capable of changing shape and grasping objects of various sizes using its entire body. This innovation allows it to perform complex tasks in tight or cluttered environments, such … Continue reading Aerial robot with ‘elephant trunk’ developed for complex mid-air manipulation tasks

Tesla accuses a former employee of stealing its Optimus robot tech

Tesla is suing former engineer Zhongjie “Jay” Li, accusing him of stealing trade secrets from its Optimus humanoid robot program and launching a rival startup, Proception Inc., just days after leaving the company. Tesla claims Li copied key designs, including advanced robotic hand technology, and used them to create a nearly identical product, the “ProHand.” The lawsuit seeks damages and an injunction to stop the … Continue reading Tesla accuses a former employee of stealing its Optimus robot tech