Articles tagged with "AI"
World’s first flying humanoid robot with jet engines debuts in Italy
Researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) have developed and successfully tested iRonCub3, the world’s first jet-powered humanoid robot capable of hovering mid-air. Equipped with four jet engines—two on its arms and two on a backpack—and a titanium spine to withstand extreme heat from exhaust gases reaching 800°C, the 70 kg robot lifted off about 50 centimeters in initial indoor tests. iRonCub3 integrates advanced AI and aerodynamic control systems to maintain stability despite its asymmetrical, human-like form and shifting center of mass, a challenge not present in traditional drones. The robot’s flight control relies on neural networks trained with simulated and experimental data, enabling it to adapt to turbulent airflows and dynamic limb movements in real time. The development of iRonCub3 involved a co-design approach optimizing both the robot’s physical structure and engine placement to maximize flight control and thermal resilience. Collaborations with the Polytechnic of Milan and Stanford University contributed to wind tunnel testing and machine learning integration
roboticshumanoid-robotjet-enginesAIflight-controltitanium-materialsaerial-mobilityUS scientists use machine learning for real-time crop disease alerts
Purdue University researchers are leveraging advanced AI and machine learning technologies to transform agriculture and environmental management. Their innovations include real-time crop disease detection using semi-supervised models that identify rare diseases from limited data, enabling faster outbreak responses and reduced chemical usage. These AI tools are designed to run efficiently on low-power devices such as drones and autonomous tractors, facilitating on-the-ground, real-time monitoring without relying on constant connectivity. Additionally, Purdue scientists are using AI to analyze urban ecosystems through remote sensing data and LiDAR imagery, uncovering patterns invisible to the naked eye to improve urban living conditions. In agriculture, AI is also being applied to enhance crop yield predictions and climate resilience. For example, machine learning ensembles simulate rice yields under future climate scenarios, improving accuracy significantly. Tools like the “Netflix for crops” platform recommend optimal crops based on soil and water data, aiding farmers and policymakers in making informed, data-driven decisions. Furthermore, Purdue developed an AI-powered medical robot capable of swimming inside a cow’s stomach to
robotAIagriculture-technologymachine-learningmedical-robotscrop-disease-detectionenvironmental-monitoringFujitsu to design Japan’s zetta-class supercomputer that’s 1000 times more powerful
Japanese technology company Fujitsu has been selected by the RIKEN research institute to design FugakuNext, Japan’s next-generation flagship supercomputer. Building on the success of Fugaku, which debuted in 2020 and achieved 442 petaFLOPS performance, FugakuNext aims to be a zetta-class supercomputer with performance approximately 1000 times greater than current systems. The project reflects Japan’s strategic focus on integrating AI with scientific simulations and real-time data, a concept known as “AI for Science,” to maintain leadership in science and innovation. The design phase, including the overall system, computer nodes, and CPU components, will continue until February 2026, with a total budget for the build expected to be around $750 million. Fujitsu will utilize its advanced CPUs, specifically the FUJITSU-MONAKA3 and its successor MONAKA-X, to power FugakuNext. These CPUs are engineered for high performance and energy efficiency and will enable the supercomputer
energysupercomputerFujitsuAIhigh-performance-computingCPUscientific-simulationsSpotify’s Daniel Ek just bet bigger on Helsing, Europe’s defense tech darling
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has led a €600 million investment round in Helsing, a Munich-based defense technology company now valued at €3 billion, making it one of Europe’s most valuable private firms. Helsing, founded four years ago, specializes in AI-driven battlefield visualization software that integrates data from military sensors, radars, and weapons systems to provide real-time, intuitive situational awareness across various military units. The company has expanded beyond software to develop strike drones, aircraft, and unmanned mini submarines aimed at enhancing naval surveillance. This investment reflects a broader European push to build strategic autonomy in defense amid growing geopolitical tensions, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and shifting U.S. defense policies under former President Trump. European governments are increasingly prioritizing digital and AI-driven military capabilities, moving away from traditional hardware like planes and tanks. Helsing’s funding round, backed by investors including Lightspeed Ventures, Accel, and Saab, is part of a larger defense tech boom in Europe, signaling a shift toward self
robotdefense-technologyAIdronesunmanned-vehiclesmilitary-technologysurveillance-systemsNew Insights for Scaling Laws in Autonomous Driving - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses Waymo’s recent research into applying scaling laws—well-established in large language models (LLMs)—to autonomous driving, specifically in motion forecasting and planning. Waymo’s study leveraged an extensive internal dataset of 500,000 hours of driving, much larger than prior AV datasets, to investigate how increasing model size, training data, and compute resources impact AV performance. The findings reveal that, similar to LLMs, motion forecasting quality improves predictably following a power-law relationship with training compute. Additionally, scaling data and inference compute enhances the model’s ability to handle complex driving scenarios, and closed-loop planning performance also benefits from increased scale. These results mark a significant advancement by demonstrating for the first time that real-world autonomous vehicle capabilities can be systematically improved through scaling, providing a predictable path to better performance. This predictability applies not only to model training objectives and open-loop forecasting metrics but also to closed-loop planning in simulations, which more closely reflect real driving conditions.
robotautonomous-vehiclesAImotion-forecastingscaling-lawsdeep-learningWaymoA comprehensive list of 2025 tech layoffs
The article provides a detailed overview of the ongoing wave of tech layoffs in 2025, highlighting the significant impact on the industry and workforce amid increasing adoption of AI and automation. It tracks layoffs across numerous companies, noting that tens of thousands of employees have been laid off each month so far this year: over 24,500 in April, 16,234 in February, and 10,397 in May, among others. The article emphasizes the human cost of these cutbacks while acknowledging that innovation continues to drive structural changes in the sector. Specific company layoffs are detailed, including major reductions at Microsoft, which announced over 6,500 job cuts in May and additional layoffs affecting software engineers, product managers, and other roles in June. Amazon has reduced its workforce by approximately 27,000 since 2022, recently cutting around 100 employees from its devices and services division. Other notable layoffs include Chegg cutting about 22% of its staff due to declining web traffic amid AI competition,
robotIoTenergylayoffstech-industryautomationAIworkforce-reductionWeek in Review: WWDC 2025 recap
The Week in Review covers major developments from WWDC 2025 and other tech news. At Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, the company showcased updates across its product lineup amid pressure to advance its AI capabilities and address ongoing legal challenges related to its App Store. Meanwhile, United Natural Foods (UNFI) suffered a cyberattack that disrupted its external systems, impacting Whole Foods’ ability to manage deliveries and product availability. In financial news, Chime successfully went public, raising $864 million in its IPO. Other highlights include Google enhancing Pixel phones with new features like group chat for RCS and AI-powered photo editing, and Elon Musk announcing the imminent launch of driverless Teslas in Austin, Texas. The Browser Company is pivoting from its Arc browser to develop an AI-first browser using a reasoning model designed for improved problem-solving in complex domains. OpenAI announced a partnership with Mattel, granting Mattel employees access to ChatGPT Enterprise to boost product development and creativity. However, concerns about privacy surfaced with
robotAIautonomous-vehiclesdriverless-carsmachine-learningartificial-intelligenceautomationPreparing for kick-off at RoboCup2025: an interview with General Chair Marco Simões - Robohub
RoboCup 2025 is set to take place in Salvador, Brazil, from July 15-21, marking a significant event for the international robotics and AI community. The event, hosted at the Salvador Convention Center, is expected to attract around 150,000 visitors, surpassing the 100,000 attendees from the last time Brazil hosted in 2014. Organizers anticipate participation from 300-400 teams and approximately 3,000 competitors. Efforts have been made to facilitate visa processes to increase international attendance, especially from teams previously hindered by travel restrictions. New global league partners, including Chinese companies Unitree, Fourier, and Booster Robotics, will showcase advanced humanoid and four-legged robots, enhancing the competition and public exhibitions. Over the past decade, Brazil has seen substantial growth in its RoboCup community, rising to become one of the top countries in terms of team participation. This growth is largely attributed to the development of RoboCupJunior, a program aimed at engaging younger
robotroboticsRoboCupAIautomationhumanoid-robotsrobotics-competitionMotional names Major president, CEO of self-driving car business
Laura Major was appointed president and CEO of Motional, a leading autonomous vehicle company, in June 2025 after serving as interim CEO since September 2024. She succeeded Karl Iagnemma, who left to lead Vecna Robotics. Major has been with Motional since its founding in 2020, initially as CTO, where she spearheaded the development of the IONIQ 5 robotaxi, one of the first autonomous vehicles certified by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and created a machine learning-first autonomous driving software stack. Her leadership emphasizes leveraging AI breakthroughs and partnership with Hyundai to advance safe, fully driverless transportation as a practical part of everyday life. Before Motional, Major built expertise in autonomy and AI at Draper Laboratory and Aria Insights, focusing on astronaut, national security, and drone applications. She began her career as a cognitive engineer designing decision-support systems for astronauts and soldiers and later led Draper’s Information and Cognition Division. Recognized as an emerging leader by
robotautonomous-vehiclesAImachine-learningroboticsself-driving-carsautomationGecko Robotics reaches unicorn status with latest funding
Gecko Robotics, a Pittsburgh-based company specializing in robotic technology for critical infrastructure, has reached unicorn status following a $125 million Series D funding round that doubled its valuation to $1.25 billion. The new capital will fuel the company’s expansion and focus on sectors such as defense, energy, and manufacturing—areas increasingly prioritized by governments and corporations. Recent strategic partnerships include collaborations with NAES to modernize the energy sector, L3Harris on an Extended Reality product, and ongoing work with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Gecko’s CEO, Jake Loosararian, highlighted the company’s AI-powered operating platform, Cantilever, which ensures data integrity and enables advanced diagnostics and modernization of physical infrastructure worldwide. Gecko Robotics employs a variety of robots capable of climbing, flying, and swimming to collect high-fidelity data on complex built environments, including U.S. Navy warships and power plants. Cantilever’s AI-driven decision-making framework can predict infrastructure failures, optimize operations, and improve efficiency
robotAIcritical-infrastructureenergyindustrial-automationrobotics-technologyinfrastructure-maintenanceNEXCOM NexCOBOT unit joins NVIDIA Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab - The Robot Report
NEXCOM Group’s NexCOBOT unit has joined NVIDIA’s Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab to collaboratively advance the safe development of humanoid and AI robots. This partnership aims to streamline the complex and resource-intensive process of achieving functional safety certifications for robotic systems. NexCOBOT, specializing in safe robot controls and based in New Taipei City with offices in Fremont, California, will integrate its products with NVIDIA’s IGX Thor platform and the expanded Halos platform. This integration is designed to create a unified development environment that encompasses AI, motion control, and functional safety, thereby accelerating innovation and simplifying robot design verification and certification processes. NVIDIA’s Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab is notable as the first ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited lab that combines functional safety, cybersecurity, AI, and regulatory compliance into a single safety framework. NexCOBOT’s participation reflects its long-standing commitment to functional safety, leveraging international standards such as IEC 61508 and ISO 13849-1 to help
robotAIfunctional-safetyroboticsNVIDIAmotion-controlhumanoid-robotsMeta V-JEPA 2 world model uses raw video to train robots
Meta has introduced V-JEPA 2, a 1.2-billion-parameter world model designed to enhance robotic understanding, prediction, and planning by training primarily on raw video data. Built on the Joint Embedding Predictive Architecture (JEPA), V-JEPA 2 undergoes a two-stage training process: first, self-supervised learning from over one million hours of video and a million images to capture physical interaction patterns; second, action-conditioned learning using about 62 hours of robot control data to incorporate agent actions for outcome prediction. This approach enables the model to support planning and closed-loop control in robots without requiring extensive domain-specific training or human annotations. In practical tests within Meta’s labs, V-JEPA 2 demonstrated strong performance on common robotic tasks such as pick-and-place, achieving success rates between 65% and 80% in previously unseen environments. The model uses vision-based goal representations, generating candidate actions for simpler tasks and employing sequences of visual subgoals for more complex tasks
roboticsAIworld-modelsmachine-learningvision-based-controlrobotic-manipulationself-supervised-learningFrom surveillance to public service: the rise of drone swarms
The article discusses the evolving role of drone swarms from primarily surveillance tools to vital assets in civil protection and public service. As climate-related disasters increase and urban environments become more complex, drone swarms—autonomous aerial systems capable of decentralized collaboration and real-time adaptation—offer faster, smarter, and more reliable responses to crises. The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of this innovation, developing AI-driven drone swarms that mimic natural behaviors to self-organize and perform tasks such as searching for survivors, mapping hazards, and assessing infrastructure damage during emergencies. Beyond disaster response, these swarms also support crisis prevention by monitoring traffic, air quality, and structural integrity in smart cities, aligning with digital governance goals like resilience and sustainability. TII’s work is closely tied to the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031, emphasizing ethical AI development and positioning drone swarms as tools for public good rather than surveillance or militarization. Despite their potential, public perception remains a challenge,
robotautonomous-dronesdrone-swarmsAIsmart-citiesdisaster-responsepublic-safetyElon Musk says Tesla robotaxis could launch in Austin on June 22
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced a tentative launch date of June 22, 2025, for Tesla’s robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, though the date may shift due to ongoing safety evaluations. The initial fleet will consist of 10 to 20 modified Model Y SUVs operating within geofenced zones under remote human supervision, powered by Tesla’s latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. Musk emphasized a cautious approach to safety, highlighting that the rollout depends on passing final safety checks. Tesla has been testing these vehicles on Austin streets and plans to enable cars to drive autonomously from the factory directly to buyers starting June 28. If successful, Tesla aims to expand the robotaxi service to other cities such as Los Angeles, San Antonio, and San Francisco by the end of the year. This robotaxi initiative represents a significant strategic pivot for Tesla, focusing on full self-driving technology rather than more affordable electric vehicles, potentially redefining the company’s business model. However, Tesla faces multiple challenges, including slowing electric vehicle sales amid rising competition, ongoing Model Y redesigns, and political controversies surrounding Musk that could impact regulatory approvals. Industry skepticism remains high given Musk’s history of repeatedly delaying fully autonomous vehicle promises. Nonetheless, the Austin launch marks a critical test for Tesla’s ambitions in the autonomous vehicle market.
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslarobotaxiself-driving-carsAItransportation-technologySam Altman thinks AI will have ‘novel insights’ next year
In a recent essay, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman outlined his vision for AI’s transformative impact over the next 15 years, emphasizing the company’s proximity to achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI) while tempering expectations about its imminent arrival. A key highlight from Altman’s essay is his prediction that by 2026, AI systems will likely begin generating “novel insights,” marking a shift toward AI models capable of producing new and interesting ideas about the world. This aligns with OpenAI’s recent focus on developing AI that can assist scientific discovery, a goal shared by competitors like Google, Anthropic, and startups such as FutureHouse, all aiming to automate hypothesis generation and accelerate breakthroughs in fields like drug discovery and material science. Despite this optimism, the scientific community remains cautious about AI’s ability to create genuinely original insights, a challenge that involves instilling AI with creativity and a sense of what is scientifically interesting. Experts like Hugging Face’s Thomas Wolf and former OpenAI researcher Kenneth Stanley highlight the difficulty of this task, noting that current AI models struggle to generate novel hypotheses. Stanley’s new startup, Lila Sciences, is dedicated to overcoming this hurdle by building AI-powered laboratories focused on hypothesis generation. While it remains uncertain whether OpenAI will succeed in this endeavor, Altman’s essay offers a glimpse into the company’s strategic direction, signaling a potential next phase in AI development centered on creativity and scientific innovation.
AIartificial-intelligencescientific-discoverymaterial-scienceenergy-innovationAI-agentsnovel-insightsChina’s AI system builds Intel-class chips with zero US software
China has developed an AI-powered chip design system called QiMeng, created by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and affiliated institutions, to accelerate semiconductor development and reduce reliance on Western software amid escalating US-China tech tensions. QiMeng uses large language models to automate complex chip design tasks, significantly shortening development times—for example, producing an autonomous-driving chip in days instead of weeks. The platform is structured in three layers, integrating processor models, design agents, and chip design applications to support automated front-end design, hardware description language generation, OS configuration, and compiler toolchain creation. Researchers have already built two processors with QiMeng: QiMeng-CPU-v1, comparable to Intel’s 486, and QiMeng-CPU-v2, similar to Arm’s Cortex A53. The launch of QiMeng directly responds to US export restrictions that limit Chinese access to leading electronic design automation (EDA) software from companies like Synopsys, Cadence, and Siemens EDA, which previously dominated China’s EDA market. By open-sourcing QiMeng and publishing detailed documentation, China aims to improve design efficiency, reduce costs, and enable rapid customization of chip architectures and software stacks. While China still faces challenges in fabrication technology and ecosystem diversity, QiMeng represents a strategic step toward automating the full chip design and verification process and advancing China’s broader goal of semiconductor self-reliance in the face of ongoing geopolitical pressures.
AIsemiconductorchip-designprocessorautomationtechnology-independenceChinese-Academy-of-SciencesGoogle rolls out Android 16 to Pixel phones, unveils AI-powered edit suggestion for Google Photos
Google has officially rolled out Android 16 to its Pixel smartphone lineup, introducing several notable features aimed at enhancing communication, security, and user customization. Key updates include the addition of group chat support for RCS messaging with options for custom icons and notification muting, improved accessibility features, and enhanced controls for Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio devices. Android 16 also brings HDR screenshots, adaptive refresh rates, and forced notification grouping to reduce clutter. Later this year, Android 16 will extend to tablets with desktop-style windowing and customizable keyboard shortcuts. Additionally, Google Photos gains AI-powered edit suggestions that can erase, move, or “reimagine” parts of images, while Google Wallet now supports corporate badges and public transit payments via Wear OS devices. Alongside Android 16, Google launched its June Pixel Drop feature update, which adds a “Pixel VIPs” widget to track interactions with favorite contacts across calls, messages, and WhatsApp, plus enhanced video captions that describe subtle sounds like whispering or yawning. Users can create custom stickers via text prompts on Gboard, and the Recorder app now supports AI-generated summaries in French and German. Australian users gain Emergency SOS satellite connectivity, while Pixel 8a and newer models receive a battery health indicator. Accessibility improvements include a Magnifier app feature that highlights objects based on user descriptions, providing haptic feedback. Enterprise users benefit from storing corporate badges in Google Wallet and integrating Google’s Gemini chatbot in Google Docs for summarization, insights, and translation. Chrome on Android also improves PDF handling with linked document viewing. These updates began rolling out on Tuesday, marking a comprehensive enhancement to Pixel devices and Android’s ecosystem.
IoTAndroidAIBluetooth-Low-EnergyGoogle-PhotosWear-OSMobile-DevicesSpot robot dog gets AI boost to detect equipment failures early
Boston Dynamics has enhanced its Spot robot dog through an upgraded version of its Orbit intelligent automation platform, aimed at advancing predictive industrial maintenance. The new system enables Spot to autonomously inspect industrial sites, capturing consistent visual data that Orbit analyzes using vision-language prompts to quickly identify hazards such as overheating motors, air leaks, safety risks, corrosion, and equipment deterioration. This approach addresses traditional gaps in condition-based monitoring by providing repeatable, detailed inspections and transforming visuals into actionable insights, including numerical data and descriptive text. A notable addition is the Site View feature, which creates a lightweight visual history of facilities using 360° images, supporting remote monitoring and condition tracking over time. The updated Orbit platform also introduces centralized fleet management dashboards for enterprise users, allowing oversight of multiple robots across sites with customizable user permissions and detailed activity logs. Privacy is maintained through an automatic face-blurring function in images captured by Spot’s cameras. Software updates can be deployed over the air to multiple robots simultaneously, and Orbit can be hosted on-premise or in the cloud as a virtual machine. Integration with third-party systems is facilitated via APIs, webhooks, and a low-code beta for automated work order generation. Additionally, a dynamic thermal thresholding feature helps automatically detect temperature anomalies by analyzing statistical data, reducing the need for expert intervention and enhancing early failure detection in industrial environments.
robotAIpredictive-maintenanceindustrial-automationBoston-Dynamicsfacility-inspectionautonomous-robotsWeek in Review: Why Anthropic cut access to Windsurf
The article "Week in Review: Why Anthropic cut access to Windsurf" covers several key developments in the AI and tech sectors over the past week. Central to the discussion is Anthropic’s decision to cut access to its AI model Claude for Windsurf, explained by Anthropic’s Chief Science Officer Jared Kaplan. He stated that it would be unusual for Anthropic to sell Claude to OpenAI, its largest competitor, especially as OpenAI is acquiring the AI coding assistant Windsurf. This competitive dynamic is the primary reason for the access cut. Beyond this, the article highlights other notable tech news: DeepSeek, a Chinese lab, released an updated AI model R1 that performs well on math and coding benchmarks, with speculation it may be related to Google’s Gemini AI family. Apple’s WWDC 2025 is set to start soon, promising new features including a redesigned interface, a dedicated gaming app, and updates to Mac, Watch, and TV platforms. ChatGPT is expanding its business utility by integrating connectors to popular cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive, enabling it to access user data across platforms for improved responses. Additional updates include the wipeout of data from an Indian grocery delivery startup with a sizable customer base, Google’s image editing app arriving on its operating system with advanced features, Tesla’s renewed trademark efforts for “Tesla Robotaxi,” and Anduril’s significant $2.5 billion funding round doubling its valuation to $30.5 billion. The article also touches on Toma’s AI phone agents helping car dealerships reduce missed calls, and a public spat between Elon Musk and Donald Trump that could have wider implications for the tech industry. Overall, the piece provides a broad overview of recent tech and AI industry news with a focus on competitive strategy, product updates, and funding milestones.
robotTesla-RobotaxiAIautonomous-vehiclesroboticstrademarktechnology-innovation432 robots move 7,500-ton building in China to make way for construction
The 100-year-old Huayanli complex in Shanghai, a 7,382-ton traditional shikumen-style building set covering 13,222 square feet, is being temporarily relocated about 10 meters per day using 432 small walking robots. This unprecedented engineering project aims to clear space for constructing a three-story underground facility beneath the complex, which will house 173,885 square feet of cultural and commercial zones, a parking garage with over 100 spaces, and a transport hub connecting Metro Lines 2, 12, and 13. The dense, historic Zhangyuan area, featuring narrow alleys and tightly packed buildings, necessitated innovative robotic solutions, including drilling and earth-moving robots capable of operating in confined spaces as narrow as 1.2 meters. Advanced technologies such as AI-driven deep learning, building information modeling (BIM), and point cloud scanning were employed to create detailed 3D models of the site, enabling precise planning of movement routes and soil removal paths. A factory-line-style conveyor belt system was implemented to efficiently remove soil with minimal disruption. Once the underground construction is complete, the Huayanli complex will be returned to its original location, integrating preserved historical architecture with modern underground infrastructure, thereby revitalizing the Zhangyuan area while maintaining its cultural heritage.
robotsroboticsconstruction-technologyAIcivil-engineeringbuilding-relocationautomationEurope tames ‘elephant flows’ in 1.2 Tbit/s supercomputer trial
Europe achieved a record-breaking 1.2 terabit-per-second (Tbit/s) data transfer across 2,175 miles (3,500 kilometers) in a supercomputing trial involving CSC (IT Center for Science), SURF, and Nokia. The test demonstrated a quantum-safe, high-capacity fibre-optic connection between Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Kajaani, Finland, transferring both real research and synthetic data directly disk-to-disk. The data traversed five production research and education networks, including NORDUnet, Sunet, SIKT, and Funet, leveraging Nokia’s IP/MPLS routing and quantum-safe optical technology. Nokia’s Flexible Ethernet (FlexE) was key to managing “elephant flows,” or very large continuous data streams, proving the feasibility of ultra-fast, long-distance data transport critical for AI and high-performance computing (HPC). This milestone highlights the importance of resilient, scalable, and secure cross-border connectivity to support the exponential growth of research data, especially for AI model training and supercomputing workloads. The trial supports Europe’s ambitions for supercomputing infrastructure, such as the LUMI supercomputer in Kajaani and AI projects like GPT-nl, enabling seamless workflows across distributed data centers. The success of this multi-domain, high-throughput network test underscores the value of strategic partnerships and advanced digital backbones in driving scientific progress and preparing for future AI and HPC demands. Overall, the trial sets a new benchmark for operational long-distance data networks, providing critical insights into data transport and storage infrastructure. Stakeholders emphasized that despite geographical distances, reliable and scalable data connections are achievable and essential for Europe’s research ecosystem. Nokia and its partners are committed to continuing support for global research and education networks, ensuring they can scale confidently to meet the next generation of discovery and innovation.
energysupercomputingAIdata-transferoptical-networksquantum-safe-technologyhigh-capacity-connectivityAutonomous trucking developer Plus goes public via SPAC - The Robot Report
Plus Automation Inc., a developer of autonomous driving software for commercial trucks, is going public through a merger with Churchill Capital Corp IX, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). The combined company will operate as PlusAI, with a mission to address the trucking industry’s driver shortage by delivering advanced autonomous vehicle technology. Founded in 2016 and based in Santa Clara, California, Plus has deployed its technology across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, accumulating over 5 million miles of autonomous driving. Its core product, SuperDrive, enables SAE Level 4 autonomous driving with a three-layer redundancy system designed specifically for heavy commercial trucks. Plus achieved a significant driver-out safety validation milestone in April 2025 and is conducting public road testing in Texas and Sweden, targeting a commercial launch of factory-built autonomous trucks in 2027. Plus emphasizes an OEM-led commercialization strategy, partnering with major vehicle manufacturers such as TRATON GROUP, Hyundai, and IVECO to integrate its virtual driver software directly into factory-built trucks. This approach leverages trusted manufacturing and service networks to scale deployment and provide fleet operators with a clear path to autonomy. Strategic collaborations with companies like DSV, Bosch, and NVIDIA support this effort. Notably, Plus and IVECO launched an automated trucking pilot in Germany in partnership with logistics provider DSV and retailer dm-drogerie markt, demonstrating real-world applications of their technology. The SPAC transaction values Plus at a pre-money equity valuation of $1.2 billion and is expected to raise $300 million in gross proceeds, which will fund the company through its planned commercial launch in 2027. The deal has been unanimously approved by both companies’ boards and is anticipated to close in Q4 2025, pending shareholder approval and customary closing conditions. This public listing marks a significant step for Plus as it scales its autonomous trucking technology to address industry challenges and expand globally.
robotautonomous-trucksAImachine-learningcommercial-vehiclesLevel-4-autonomytransportation-technologyHow to Make AI Faster and Smarter—With a Little Help From Physics
Rose Yu, an associate professor at UC San Diego, has pioneered the field of physics-guided deep learning by integrating physical principles, especially from fluid dynamics, into artificial neural networks. Her work began with addressing real-world problems like traffic congestion near the USC campus, where she modeled traffic flow as a diffusion process analogous to fluid flow, using graph theory to represent road networks and sensor data. This innovative approach allowed her to capture dynamic, time-evolving patterns in traffic, improving prediction accuracy beyond traditional static image-based deep learning methods. Yu’s research extends beyond traffic to other complex systems involving turbulence and spread phenomena. By embedding physics into AI models, she has accelerated simulations of turbulent flows to better understand hurricanes and developed tools to predict the spread of Covid-19. Her ultimate vision is to create AI Scientist, a collaborative framework where AI assistants, grounded in physical laws, partner with human researchers to enhance scientific discovery. This physics-informed AI approach promises to make AI both faster and smarter, enabling breakthroughs in diverse scientific and practical domains.
AIdeep-learningphysics-guided-learningtraffic-predictionturbulence-simulationdigital-lab-assistantsscientific-discoveryCongratulations to the #AAMAS2025 best paper, best demo, and distinguished dissertation award winners - Robohub
The 24th International Conference on Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems (AAMAS 2025), held from May 19-23 in Detroit, recognized outstanding contributions in the field with awards for best paper, best demo, and distinguished dissertation. The Best Paper Award went to the team behind "Soft Condorcet Optimization for Ranking of General Agents," led by Marc Lanctot and colleagues. Several other papers were finalists, covering topics such as commitments in BDI agents, curiosity-driven partner selection, reinforcement learning for vehicle-to-building charging, and drone delivery systems. The Best Student Paper Award was given to works on decentralized planning using probabilistic hyperproperties and large language models for virtual human gesture selection. In addition, the Blue Sky Ideas Track honored François Olivier and Zied Bouraoui for their neurosymbolic approach to embodied cognition, while the Best Demo Award recognized a project on serious games for ethical preference elicitation by Jayati Deshmukh and team. The Victor Lesser Distinguished Dissertation Award, which highlights originality, impact, and quality in autonomous agents research, was awarded to Jannik Peters for his thesis on proportionality in selecting committees, budgets, and clusters. Lily Xu was the runner-up for her dissertation on AI decision-making for planetary health under conditions of low-quality data. These awards underscore the innovative research advancing autonomous agents and multiagent systems.
robotautonomous-agentsmultiagent-systemsdronesreinforcement-learningenergy-storageAIAMD acqui-hires the employees behind Untether AI
energyAIsemiconductoracquisitionefficiencyroboticstechnologyAmazon launches new R&D group focused on agentic AI and robotics
robotAIroboticsAmazonR&Dwarehouse-automationagentic-AIUS turns recycled scrap into 3D-printed rocket parts with AI boost
robotmaterials3D-printingAIadditive-manufacturingrecycled-materialssustainable-manufacturingAmazon preps humanoid robots for faster doorstep delivery revolution
robotdeliveryautomationAIlogisticshumanoid-robotslast-mile-deliveryHugging Face says its new robotics model is so efficient it can run on a MacBook
roboticsAIHugging-FaceSmolVLAmachine-learningrobotics-modelgeneralist-agentsUK’s Humanoid teases new robot for retail and logistics revolution
robothumanoidautomationlogisticsretailAImodular-designGoogle bets big on TAE’s cost-effective nuclear fusion reactor
energynuclear-fusionclean-powerTAE-TechnologiesGoogleAIplasma-technologyMeta strikes 20-year nuclear power deal to fuel AI and save Illinois reactor
energynuclear-powerclean-energyAIdata-centerselectricity-demandrenewable-energyEye-opening device: Self-powered AI synapse mimics human vision, achieves 82% accuracy
energyAIoptoelectronicssolar-cellsvisual-recognitionlow-power-systemsautonomous-vehiclesAI sorts 1 million rock samples to find cement substitutes in waste
materialsAIcement-substituteseco-friendly-materialsconcrete-sustainabilitymachine-learningalternative-materialsThis Robot Can Use Chopsticks Better Than You!
robotroboticsautomationAItechnologyinnovationdexterityPony.ai partners with Xihu to deploy 1k robotaxis in Shenzhen - The Robot Report
robotrobotaxiautonomous-drivingmobilityAItransportationfleet-managementIndy Autonomous Challenge coming to California - The Robot Report
robotautonomous-vehiclesAIroboticsIndy-Autonomous-ChallengetechnologyinnovationIndustry experts share their outlook on the future of AMRs - The Robot Report
robotAMRautonomous-mobile-robotsroboticsAIwarehouse-automationmulti-vendor-solutionsRecapping Robotics Summit & Expo 2025
robothumanoidroboticsAIautomationindustrial-robotstechnologyShould We Be Afraid Of Driverless Vehicles On Our Roads? - CleanTechnica
robotautonomous-vehiclesdriverless-technologyTeslarobotaxisAItransportationElon Musk is lobbying lawmakers on driverless vehicle rules
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslalegislationAIlobbyingCybercabsCircus SE acquires agentic AI company FullyAI - The Robot Report
robotAIautonomous-systemsfood-serviceintelligent-ecosystemdata-processingnutrition-technologyWhy Intempus thinks robots should have a human physiological state
robotroboticsAIemotional-intelligencehuman-robot-interactionIntempusmachine-learningRoboForce introduces Titan mobile manipulator, brings in $5M more in funding - The Robot Report
robotAImobile-manipulatorindustrial-automationroboticsfundingtechnologyTesla vs. the streets: China's real test for self-driving tech
robotself-drivingautonomous-vehiclesTeslaAIintelligent-drivingChinaARM Institute appoints Jorgen Pedersen as new CEO - The Robot Report
robotroboticsmanufacturingAIautomationworkforce-developmentARM-InstituteHyundai Motor Group & Incheon International Airport to Deliver Next-Level Convenience with AI-Powered EV Charging Robots - CleanTechnica
robotIoTenergyelectric-vehiclesAIsmart-airportfuture-mobilityHyundai deploys AI robots to charge EVs at Incheon airport
robotIoTEV-chargingAIsmart-technologyairport-innovationgreen-technologyAI Is Eating Data Center Power Demand—and It’s Only Getting Worse
energyAIdata-centerspower-demandgreenhouse-gas-emissionssustainabilityclimate-impactMbodi AI launches on Y Combinator, developing embodied AI for industrial robots - The Robot Report
robotAIautomationmanufacturingroboticstechnologyinnovationTesla’s Optimus robot takes out trash, vacuums, cleans like a pro
robotTeslaOptimusAIautomationhumanoid-robotreinforcement-learningPUR-1: First US nuclear reactor digital twin achieves 99% accuracy
energynucleardigital-twinAIremote-monitoringreactor-technologycarbon-free-electricitySimbe upgrades vision platform with AI-powered capabilities - The Robot Report
robotAIcomputer-visioninventory-managementretail-technologyautomationoperational-efficiencyOrbit 5.0 adds features to Boston Dynamics' Spot quadruped robot - The Robot Report
robotAIautomationinspectionsBoston-DynamicsSpottechnologyDuke's robot dog mimics human touch, sound to navigate forest terrain
robotAInavigationsensory-technologyquadruped-robotWildFusionroboticsAgibot’s humanoid readies for robot face-off with Kung Fu flair
robotAIhumanoidroboticsautomationmachine-learninginteractionWorld’s first AI nurse? Nurabot joins Taiwan hospitals to battle healthcare crisis
robotAIhealthcarenursingdigital-healthautomationTaiwanNVIDIA releases cloud-to-robot computing platforms for physical AI, humanoid development - The Robot Report
robothumanoidAINVIDIAroboticsautomationphysical-AIRealMan displays embodied robotics at Automate 2025
robotroboticsautomationAIhealthcareindustrial-manufacturinghuman-robot-collaborationNhững công nghệ tiên tiến ứng phó thiên tai ở Trung Quốc
robotUAVdisaster-responsesatellite-technologyAIemergency-managementChinaĐề xuất dùng AI bảo vệ vườn sâm Ngọc Linh
IoTAIsmart-farmingagriculture-technologycrop-monitoringdata-managementremote-managementCEO GV Asia kỳ vọng AI sẽ thay đổi ngành gọi xe
AIElectric-VehiclesRide-hailingData-OptimizationSmart-TransportationUser-ExperienceSustainable-MobilityLoạt hành động 'bất hảo' của robot
robottechnologyautomationsafetyindustrial-robotsroboticsAIRoboBusiness Pitchfire competition opens call for robotics startups
robotroboticsstartupscompetitionAItechnologyinnovationElon Musk khoe Optimus nhảy điệu giống ông Trump
robotTeslaOptimusAIhumanoid-robotautomationfuture-technologyLiên Hợp Quốc bàn về quản lý vũ khí AI và 'robot sát thủ'
robotAIautonomous-weaponsUNmilitary-technologyinternational-regulationsdefense-spendingAI-powered robots help tackle Europe’s growing e-waste problem
robotAIe-wasterecyclingautomationroboticstechnologyMô hình AI cho phép điều khiển robot bằng lời
robotAIMotionGlotmachine-learningroboticshuman-robot-interactionautomationGội đầu bằng AI
robotAIautomationsmart-technologyhair-careChinainnovationAmazon offers peek at new human jobs in an AI bot world
robotAIautomationworkforcejob-trainingwarehouse-technologyhuman-robot-collaborationStandard Bots launches 30kg robot arm and U.S. production facility
robotautomationmanufacturingAIroboticscollaborative-robotsindustrial-robotsSafety and efficiency in robotics design
robotroboticsautomationAIindustrial-robotsforce-sensingAmazon-RoboticsSafety and efficiency in robotics design
robotroboticsautomationAIforce-sensingindustrial-robotsAmazon-RoboticsSiêu máy tính 200.000 GPU của Elon Musk
energyGPUsupercomputerAITeslapower-consumptionenvironmental-impactNhóm giảng viên ứng dụng AI sáng chế robot chiến trường
robotAIautonomous-systemsmilitary-technologybattlefield-roboticssensor-technologyunmanned-vehiclesAmazon’s Vulcan robot uses force sensing to stow items
robotautomationforce-sensingAIAmazon-Roboticsmaterial-handlingoperational-efficiencyRobot Unitree H1 'tấn công' kỹ sư
robotUnitree-H1AIroboticssafety-protocolshumanoid-robottechnologyRobot Unitree H1 'nổi điên' tấn công kỹ sư
robotUnitree-H1AIroboticssafety-protocolshumanoid-robottechnologyGoogle Launches Ambitious Program To Train 100,000 Electrical Workers For The AI-Powered Future
energyAIworkforce-developmentclean-energyelectrical-traininginfrastructureinnovationTop 10 robotics developments of April 2025
roboticsautomationAIdelivery-robotsaerospace-manufacturingrobotic-systemsinnovationLG dùng AI để cải thiện hiệu suất điều hòa
energyAIsmart-sensorsenergy-efficiencycooling-systemsLG-ThinQDual-Inverter-CompressorChip não giúp chỉnh sửa video và đăng YouTube bằng suy nghĩ
robotIoTNeuralinkbrain-computer-interfaceassistive-technologyAIALSFigure AI - công ty robot hình người Mỹ bị nghi 'thổi phồng'
robotAIautomationroboticsinvestmentSilicon-Valleymanufacturing'Cơn sốt' trung tâm dữ liệu AI đang chững lại?
energydata-centersAIMicrosoftAmazonelectricity-consumptioncapacity-managementShlomo Zilberstein wins the 2025 ACM/SIGAI Autonomous Agents Research Award
robotautonomous-agentsmulti-agent-systemsdecision-makingreinforcement-learningresearch-awardAIDuolingo launches 148 courses created with AI after sharing plans to replace contractors with AI
DuolingoAIlanguage-learningeducation-technologyautomationcoursescontractorsSupio, an AI-powered legal analysis platform, lands $60M
AIlegaltechstartup-fundingventure-capitalautomationlegal-analysistechnologyAI sales tax startup Kintsugi had doubled its valuation in 6 months
AIsales-taxstartuptax-complianceautomatione-commercefundingDeepSeek upgrades its AI model for math problem solving
AImath-problem-solvingDeepSeektechnology-upgradesmachine-learningartificial-intelligenceeducation-technologyStartups launch products to catch people using AI cheating app Cluely
AIcheatingstartupstechnologyeducationanti-cheatingsoftwareThe deadline to book your exhibit table for TechCrunch Sessions: AI is May 9
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TechCrunchAIconferenceticket-salesearly-birdtechnologynetworkingAnthropic co-founder Jared Kaplan is coming to TechCrunch Sessions: AI
AnthropicJared-KaplanTechCrunch-SessionsAItechnology-conferenceartificial-intelligenceUC-BerkeleyGrouphug is a stealth-mode startup that plans use AI inside WhatsApp groups
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