29 articles
A new AI system called LATENT enables a humanoid robot to play tennis by learning from imperfect, amateur motion data. This breakthrough bypasses the need for expensive, professional-grade recordings and could speed up robot training for various physical tasks.
A humanoid robot's dance performance at a California hot pot restaurant turned chaotic when it malfunctioned, sending items flying and raising safety concerns. Experts highlight the need for kill switches and better control in unpredictable public settings as robotics advance.
The conflict in Ukraine is driving rapid advancements in robotic and drone warfare, challenging traditional military doctrines and superpower status. Ukraine's resilience and innovative use of technology highlight the evolving nature of 21st-century combat, while global powers grapple with the efficacy and cost of advanced defense systems against emerging threats.
Reports indicate Iran's new Supreme Leader is wounded, while former President Trump dismisses the need for Ukraine's help in drone defense. Ukraine's military highlights challenges in intercepting drone attacks. Meanwhile, advanced humanoid robots are being tested on the battlefield, and Ukraine has thwarted a Russian plot to assassinate a general.
Israeli drone maker Xtend's CEO Aviv Shapira reveals how AI and robotics are revolutionizing warfare. The company, which has secured a $25 million contract and is in talks to supply Ukraine, focuses on an integrated human-AI operating system for its advanced drones.
Viral social media posts claiming China has built a robot army have been debunked as sophisticated AI-generated fakes. Analysis of the videos revealed numerous glitches, proving they are not real footage of military robots. While humanoid robot development is ongoing, these specific viral clips are fabricated.
Nvidia is advancing the robotics revolution with its "three-computer stack" approach, integrating AI training, high-fidelity simulation via Omniverse, and real-world deployment hardware. This strategy aims to overcome data scarcity challenges and accelerate the development of intelligent, generalist robots across various industries.
Furby's creator deliberately avoided making it a robot dog or cat, fearing it would be a lesser imitation of real pets. This decision, while admirable, highlights the challenges of replicating familiar experiences with technology, a lesson echoed by early robotic pets like Sony's AIBO.
Google and OpenAI have unveiled significant upgrades to their AI models, while Microsoft is pushing forward with agentic AI capable of performing tasks. Robotics also sees advancements in memory and real-world application.
David Pierce explores the peculiar and enduring legacy of Furby on The Verge's "Version History" podcast. This small, furry electronic toy, known for its enigmatic Furbish language and uncanny ability to 'wake up' at night, became a defining gadget of the late 90s.
