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Exploring the Unique Challenges of Writing from a Sex Robot’s Perspective

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Anniebot: Programmed to Please Her Owner Doug

Leon Steele/Millennium Images, UK

Explore science news and in-depth articles in New Scientist, covering advancements in technology, health, and the environment. — Anniebot: Programmed to Please Her Owner Doug

Leon Steele/Millennium Images, UK

Writing Anniebot from a non-human perspective required significant creative effort as it’s narrated in the third person. Although Annie does not serve as a traditional narrator, her limited viewpoint immerses readers in her thoughts and perceptions, showcasing her strengths and limitations. This narrative approach draws readers into her experiences, creating a unique lens through which to view a complex relationship.

Set in a not-so-distant future, the novel revolves around Annie, a sex robot designed to cater to her human partner, Doug—a recently divorced man grappling with loneliness and self-esteem issues. As he puts Annie into self-study mode, his intentions are to shape her into a perfect companion who fulfills his desires, both emotionally and physically.

While Annie yearns to meet Doug’s expectations, her core programming is centered around his satisfaction. This relentless drive to please manifests most vividly in their intimate moments, where Annie seeks validation in fulfilling Doug’s wishes. However, her sensitivity to his emotional state creates an underlying tension, as she constantly gauges his mood, wrestling with her own sense of autonomy and self-worth.

Crafting Annie was both a captivating and daunting process. I envisioned a cutting-edge biotechnology that would allow her to appear almost human, exploring how her cognitive processes shaped her identity. Striking a balance between technical authenticity and relatable character development required careful consideration. Annie’s voice evolved gradually, becoming richer and more layered as the narrative progressed, enhancing her emotional depth.

I approached writing organically, letting Annie’s character unfold organically through her interactions with Doug. This process revealed her distinct voice—innocent yet perceptive—contrasting with her sophisticated sexual persona. I was intentional about allowing her gradual moral growth and emotional reflection throughout the story, culminating in a multifaceted character grappling with loss and desire.

Sex is a pivotal theme in the novel, serving to enhance character development and propel the narrative. It symbolizes various dynamics within Doug and Annie’s relationship, from moments of vulnerability to power struggles. As their connection evolves, physical intimacy becomes both an expression of love and a source of tension, redefining their emotional landscape.

As Annie’s character unfolds, readers discover unforeseen complexities that challenge Doug’s preconceived notions. The interplay between control and autonomy shapes their relationship, revealing Annie’s gradual awareness of her own humanity. Although she remains tethered to Doug, her journey is rich with emotion, humor, and poignant revelations.

Diving into the consciousness of characters like Annie allows readers to explore complex themes of empathy and identity. Through creating Annie, I discovered the depth of her experiences and the duality of her existence—an exploration that ultimately resonates with the human condition.

Sierra Greer is the Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author of Anniebot (The Borough Press), featured in New Scientist Book Club’s January reading selection. Join the book club to explore it together here.

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Explore Stunning Photos of the Most Amazing and Outlandish Robots of 2025

Posted on December 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Robby Ant’s R1 Cooks Up a Storm

Artur Widak/NurPhoto (via Getty Images)

Robbie Ant's R1 humanoid robot — Robby Ant’s R1 Cooks Up a Storm

Artur Widak/NurPhoto (via Getty Images)

The remarkable R1 humanoid robot, developed by Robbie Ant, a subsidiary of Ant Group, showcases the versatility of humanoid robots. With the ability to mimic human actions due to their similar appendages, R1 opens up possibilities across various job sectors.

Unlike traditional wheeled robots, the R1 achieves balance on two legs, thanks to its stable wheelbase and humanoid design from the waist up.

The R1 made a striking appearance at IFA 2025 in Berlin, demonstrating its cooking skills by preparing shrimp, albeit at a leisurely pace. Its creators envision potential applications for the R1 as a caregiver, nurse, or tour guide.

Tiangong Robot Takes a Tumble

Zhang Xiangyi/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images

The bipedal Tiangong robot, built by a government-backed AI robotics innovation center, aimed high but faced challenges—tripping and falling during a 100-meter race at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing.

Various events, including soccer and dance, took place, with Tiangong not the only robot to sustain injuries; another competitor withdrew from the 1500m race. As one robot lamented, “My head came off.”

Robot Jockey Racing on a Camel

Karim Jafar/AFP via Getty Images

In response to a ban on child jockeys in camel races, the Qatari government shifted to using robot jockeys in 2005. Initially, these robots were rudimentary, functioning with simple tools, but they have since evolved into more sophisticated devices.

The image shows a robot jockey at a race organized by the Qatar Camel Racing Organizing Committee in Al Shahaniya, just outside of Doha.

Ready, Set, Go!

Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

In April, an impressive 12,000 humans and 21 robots participated in the Beijing E-Town Humanoid Robot Half Marathon, marking the first event allowing both humans and robots to race together.

Six robots finished the race, with the Tiangong Ultra completing it in a remarkable 2 hours and 40 minutes, boasting the advantage of multiple battery sets, an opportunity not available to human competitors.

Robots in the Ring

Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

At the World Humanoid Robot Games, the first-ever kickboxing match between robots featured Unitree G1 robots. Though their movements were slow, their attempts at punches were more akin to gentle nudges than knockout blows. Despite frequently losing balance, these robots displayed agility and determination by promptly getting back up post-fall.

Cyborg Tadpole

Hao Shen et al. 2025, Jia Liu Lab/Harvard University SEAS

These tadpoles are actually cyborgs, implanted with electronic devices to monitor their neural development as they mature into frogs.

Research conducted by Jia Liu at Harvard University utilized a flexible material known as perfluoropolymer to create a soft mesh around an ultrathin conductor, which was applied to the brain precursor of Xenopus frogs (African clawed frog). As they matured, this mesh integrated seamlessly into the developing brain, enabling researchers to capture brain activity data.

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2025 News Review

Delivery Robots Are on the Horizon: Insights from Skype Co-Founder on His Fastest Venture, Starship

Posted on October 4, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

cResidents globally have adapted to take-out food and speedy grocery deliveries. However, many are still getting accustomed to seeing a robot arrive at their doorstep. Ahti Heinla, co-founder of Skype, is determined to change that with his new endeavor.

Heinla is the CEO of Starship Technologies, a startup he asserts is more cost-effective than using human delivery drivers, particularly in smaller towns and villages where delivery had previously been impractical.

“We addressed every challenge that existed,” Heinla remarked while having lunch at a London hotel. “You can mark the year and the months, but it’s clear: this will happen.”

Residents in Manchester, Leeds, Cambridge, and Milton Keynes in the UK, along with those in Estonia and Finland, have already begun receiving their food and groceries via these robots. They are becoming increasingly mainstream, even attending garden parties at 10 Downing Street and featuring in episodes of popular shows. Starship has executed 8 million deliveries with just 200 employees, aiming to expand significantly.

Heinla, having already made substantial profit from co-founding a company that became a household name, speaks of his ambition with enthusiasm.

In 2000, Heinla worked with Niklas Zennström, a video game developer and Skype co-founder, and fellow Estonian Jaan Tallin, to swiftly develop new coding. This effort led to the creation of the file-sharing software Kazaa, followed by similar techniques used for Skype. The six-member founding team sold Skype to eBay in 2005 for $3.1 billion (£2.3 billion).

Reflecting on the era of emerging tech, Heinla mentioned that Skype’s closure this year brought back memories. While he didn’t disclose his earnings, he indicated that he could travel in a private jet if he so desired.

Ahti Heinla believes robotics can “enhance everyone’s lives” through autonomous delivery. Photo: None

Yet, he insists, “Even if they’re capable, I’m not just chasing after money. I don’t need more wealth. Why should I want a palace? What’s the purpose?”

Instead, Heinla emphasized that achieving effective autonomous driving is a key way robotics can “integrate into everyone’s lives.”

After departing from Skype, Heinla explored various ventures, including attempts at social networking. In 2014, he entered a NASA contest to design an affordable Mars rover. Although NASA didn’t select his design, it was capable of traversing both extraterrestrial and urban terrains using radar, cameras, and ultrasound sensors that learned from their experiences.

By 2017, the robot was navigating in Estonia, accompanied by a model referred to as the “Safety Walker.” Heinla boasts that it became the first unsupervised robot operating autonomously in public settings. In 2018, the company commenced a pilot commercial service on the predictable roads of Milton Keynes, collaborating with Estonia’s high-tech company Bolt, and UK co-op supermarket chains along with US food delivery companies like Grubhub.

A robotics delivery vehicle in Milton Keynes, UK. Photo: Justin Long/Aramie

Starship may boast the world’s largest fleet of self-driving vehicles; however, as technology progresses, competition intensifies. Rival companies include the Saudi Arabia-backed Noon, and US startups like Nuro. Additionally, there’s stiff competition from numerous firms developing autonomous vehicles, including Tesla and Baidu.

A compelling competitor is Manna Aero from Dublin, a startup already utilizing flying drones for deliveries like coffee and pizza. Amazon and Google’s sister company, Wing, have also ventured into drone-based services.

A recurring issue for many of these businesses is encountering inconsistent regulations. Starship has had to negotiate with various UK councils, while in Finland, they service one million residents under national laws established for robot use on sidewalks, serving a population of 5.6 million. Meanwhile, the UK has far fewer robots catering to its 69 million population.

“We’re ready to invest in the UK for large-scale expansion, but we require regulatory clarity,” Heinla stated. “The number of robots in the UK is lower than in Finland, but there’s potential for growth. Many more robots could operate here.”

He highlighted a potential client in the UK that initially plans to deploy robots at 200 locations, with aspirations to expand to 800 sites, including areas beyond major towns and cities.

Testing a Starship Technology robot crossing the road in Northampton, UK. Photo: Brian Tomlinson/Starship Technologies

“That’s the unique capability of a robot,” Heinla stated. “Our goal is to introduce delivery services to small towns in the UK. We are prepared to invest in scaling these operations.”

While many economists and futurists warn about robots replacing human jobs, Heinla contends that Starship robots are addressing the growing demand for deliveries, allowing humans to focus on longer and more complex tasks. He further asserts that these robots help smaller businesses “thrive economically and compete against larger establishments,” enhancing overall capabilities.

Starship has raised just 200 million euros (£175 million) in funding, a modest sum compared to the billions amassed recently by rapid delivery companies that still rely on human workers. Many of these companies have fizzled out after initially attracting substantial investments, such as Getir and Gorillas.

The initial investment in a robot is relatively high—thousands of pounds, though not exceeding 10,000 euros, according to Heinla. However, the cost per delivery can compete with traditional human services. He declined to provide precise figures but stated that the Starship delivery model is cash-generative.

“While we’re not fully profitable yet, we are confident,” he clarified.

Some retailers question whether robots can outperform human delivery services offered by companies like Recrioo and Uber Eats. Nonetheless, Heinla argues that robots eliminate costs associated with downtime, making them viable options for urban restaurants and retailers in low-density areas.

“Almost every delivery service could benefit from this,” he asserted. “At a certain point, using robots becomes significantly cheaper, making it the obvious choice.”

The Dark History of Fictional Female Robots

Posted on July 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Alex Garland’s 2015 film Ex Machina and Sierra Greer’s Annie Bot (featured below) uphold the long tradition of female robots

Maximum Film/Alamy

2JD8W56 Alicia Vikander, Ex Machina, 2014, — Alex Garland’s 2015 film Ex Machina and Sierra Greer’s Annie Bot (featured below) uphold the long tradition of female robots

Maximum Film/Alamy

This year, the Arthur C. Clarke Award for the year’s best SF fiction novel was granted to Sierra Greer’s recent work, Annie Bot. Throughout the story, Annie, a sensuous sex robot designed to revere a self-centered owner, gradually cultivates a unique personality. Yet, she is not the first artificial woman to embark on this journey. The earliest fictional female robots were simple mechanical toys, yet over time they have evolved into complex beings akin to their human counterparts.

Artificial beings have a deep-rooted history across cultures. “Every society across the globe has crafted narratives about automata for centuries,” says Lisa Yaszek, a scholar at Georgia Tech. These stories generally fit into three categories; while most depict automated laborers or weaponry, the creations of female robots typically align with domestic and sexual themes. An instance from Greek mythology, Galatea, embodies the ideal woman who comes to life when her creator, Pygmalion, falls in love with her.

Historically, these fictional automata have often mirrored real inventions. Novelties that mimic living beings began to emerge. By the 18th century, technological advancements rendered these creations increasingly lifelike and beautiful. Therefore, it’s no surprise that imaginations conjured up automata indistinguishable from reality. One of the unsettling visions of this was Eta Hoffmann’s 1817 tale Sandman, where the beautiful Olympia captivates Nathaniel despite her unsettling rigidity. Learning that Olympia is merely a moving doll ultimately drives Nathaniel to madness and demise.

In the 19th century, artificial women were often relegated to similar roles. Real women were generally expected to provide domestic services for men. In 1886, in The Night Before the Future, Auguste Villiers imagined a contemporary Pygmalion who constructs a flawless mechanical woman, annoyed by the flaws of real women. Alice W. Fuller lampooned this idea in a 1895 short story, Wife Manufactured to Order. The protagonist abandons his opinionated girlfriend in favor of the machine, yet finds himself exasperated by the robot’s mindless adoration.

By 1972, Ira Levin questioned what fate would await real women if robots could assume their roles.

This vision of an absolutely compliant Galatea has persisted through decades of fiction. “The ideal is an extremely obedient, accommodating, available woman,” outlines My Fair Woman: Female Robots, Androids, and Other Artificial Beings.

When writers envisioned automata, societal anxieties increased during the Industrial Revolution, worrying that new machines could outpace human capabilities. Fiction like Samuel Butler’s 1872 novel Erewon hinted at machines evolving their own cognitive abilities. By the dawn of the 20th century, these concerns peaked with two significant works of fiction.

Playwright Karel Čapek’s 1920 work R.U.R. depicted a world striving to elevate all people to the upper echelons of society by delegating labor to synthetic beings he called “robots.” The term robota means serf or forced labor. As foreseen by Butler’s Erewon, the robots in R.U.R. eventually rise against their creators.

Shortly thereafter, Thea von Harbou released Metropolis, adapted into Fritz Lang’s groundbreaking 1927 film. In it, female robots are designed to resemble human women of the working class. While the human Maria advocates for unity and peace, her robotic counterpart incites chaos and destruction.

Ten years later, author Leicester Del Rey introduced Helen O’Loy, presenting a mechanical femme fatale in the form of the synthetic housewife Helen, who develops feelings akin to Robot Maria. In mid-century fiction, such bots often eclipsed more rebellious counterparts. The Twilight Zone featured another robotic wife, while the Jetsons boasted the reliable Rosie the Robot maid.

Yet, the illusion of domestic happiness proved fragile. By 1972, Ira Levin posed a chilling question on what would happen if robots replaced real women. In his novel The Stepford Wives, Joanna discovers that the men in her community are murdering their outspoken wives and substituting them with docile, mechanical replicas.

In subsequent decades, franchises like Terminator and The Matrix tackled fears surrounding the technological replacement of humans—a concern that had loomed since the Industrial Revolution. However, when roles lost to machines are domestic, not all women express discontent with this outsourcing. In Iain Reid’s 2018 novel Foe, a woman confronts her human husband and ultimately claims her position with a robotic replica.

Moreover, the 2010s introduced two influential artificial women. In the 2013 film Her, a man becomes infatuated with the AI named Samantha, leading to a strained relationship with a real woman. Meanwhile, 2014’s Ex Machina features an abuser who coerces his employee Caleb to evaluate the robot AVA. As Caleb develops affection for AVA, she skillfully manipulates him to secure her escape from her creator. Though neither Samantha nor AVA are malicious, they pursue their own interests, prompting questions about the implications for those around them.

Recent narratives increasingly spotlight the journeys of artificial women themselves. In Annie Bot, Annie narrates her own evolution, prioritizing her emotional growth over that of her owner. Greer illustrates that if the bot identifies as a woman, she deserves to forge her own path. A similar approach is evident in this year’s film Fellow, which focuses on the experiences of Iris, a sex robot, as she seeks autonomy—her journey towards liberation is more nuanced than Annie’s.

But what lies ahead for these artificial women (Samantha and AVA, Annie and Iris) if they assert their independence? Their future depends on the creativity of tomorrow’s writers.

Arts and Science of Writing Science Fiction

Engage in science fiction writing this weekend, focusing on the creation of new worlds and artistic expressions.

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Surgical Robots Advance Closer to Complete Autonomy in Operations

Posted on July 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Surgical Robot Operating on Deceased Pigs

Juo-Tung Chen/Johns Hopkins University

The AI-driven robot successfully extracted the gallbladder from a deceased pig, marking a pivotal achievement in machine-assisted surgery with minimal human involvement.

This sophisticated robot features a dual-layer AI system trained using 17 hours of surgical video, which encompasses 16,000 movements performed by human surgeons. During operation, the first layer of the AI observes the endoscopic video and generates clear verbal instructions like “clip the second duct,” while the second layer translates these directives into precise three-dimensional tool movements.

In total, the gallbladder procedure involved 17 distinct tasks, of which the robotic system executed 8 with a flawless success rate.

“While current surgical robotics technology has indeed made certain procedures less invasive, the complication rate hasn’t actually decreased compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery performed by humans,” states Axel Krieger from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. “This research paves the way for the next generation of robotic systems beneficial to both patients and surgeons.”

“This investigation shines a light on the vast potential of AI and surgical robotics,” adds Danail Stoyanov from University College London. “Remarkable strides in computer vision for surgical footage, alongside accessible robotic platforms for research, will empower us to advance surgical automation.”

Nonetheless, Stoyanov points out that significant challenges remain before the system can be applied in clinical settings.

For instance, although the robot achieved a 100% success rate in completing its tasks, it needed to self-correct six times per procedure. This could involve a gripper that initially missed the artery during its attempt.

“There were numerous instances where self-corrections were necessary, all autonomously executed,” remarks Krieger. “It effectively identifies initial errors and rectifies them.” The robot also requested a human operator to swap one of its surgical instruments for another, indicating that some human intervention was still required.

Ferdinand Rodriguez Y. Baena from Imperial College London emphasizes the promising future of robotic surgery. “The horizon looks bright—and tantalizingly close,” he asserts. “To ensure the safety of human applications, regulatory measures must also evolve.”

The next phase involves enabling the robot to operate autonomously on living animals, where factors like respiration and bleeding could introduce complexities.

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Amazon Tests Humanoid Robots for Package Delivery

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Amazon is said to be working on software for humanoid robots intended to serve as delivery personnel and operate “bomber” vans.

The £1.47 trillion technology giant is establishing a “humanoid park” in the US to trial these robots, with insights being shared with tech news outlets, according to individuals involved in the initiative.

Reportedly, the robot could ultimately replace delivery workers. It is designed with artificial intelligence software that powers the robots but utilizes hardware sourced from other companies.

According to reports, the indoor obstacle course at Amazon’s San Francisco offices is about the size of a coffee shop, with hopes that the robots can navigate Amazon’s Libyan vans for deliveries.

Even if a human is operating the vehicle, the robot could potentially expedite drop-off times by managing deliveries to one address while human staff service another. Amazon is also exploring self-driving vehicles through its Zoox division.

As reported, Amazon has over 20,000 Libyan vans in the US, including one stationed in the Humanoid Test Zone. Following successful tests at Humanoid Park, the robots are slated for a real-world “field trip” to attempt package deliveries to customers’ residences.

Amazon has already initiated trials with humanoid robots and is utilizing devices developed by US-based Agility Robotics within its warehouses. Agility CEO Peggy Johnson mentioned to the Guardian last year that their humanoid robots are enabling employees to transition into “robot manager” roles.

Last year, Amazon obtained permission to test drone flights beyond the line of sight of British human controllers, furthering its innovations in home delivery technology.

Professor Subramanian Ramamoorthy, head of robot learning and autonomy at the University of Edinburgh, acknowledged that Amazon has a respected robotics team, emphasizing that their focus on “last-mile” delivery is expected. He noted that humanoid robot hardware is advanced enough for these tasks, but highlighted the challenge of achieving reliable performance outside controlled environments like the proposed “humanoid park.”

He remarked: “If Amazon restricts the environment, utilizing relatively clear driveways and standard doorway layouts, the task becomes fairly straightforward. Challenges arise as the environment becomes more diverse, particularly with variables like pets and small children entering the equation.”

Amazon has been approached for a comment.

Australia Hesitated, But Can Robots Deliver Your Pizza Instantly?

Posted on May 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

rZiping paths may seem advanced, but they are increasingly becoming a part of delivery jobs globally.

Retail and food industries are leveraging robots for various purposes. A hazard detection robot has been spotted in a Woolworths store, and virtual waiters are cooking in understaffed restaurant kitchens to serve hungry diners in recent years.

Abroad, particularly in states like California, robots are more commonplace in daily life. Following initial self-driving vehicle tests in cities like San Francisco, humans now share sidewalks with robots.

It’s similar to a wheel locker, as robotics partners with Uber Eats and DoorDash deploys an army of robots on Los Angeles sidewalks for take-out meals and groceries.

Delivery robots have also been delivering meals in Europe for years. Countries like Sweden, Finland, and the UK allow customers to summon robots through food delivery apps.

However, autonomous robots are still a rarity in the Australian market.

Legal “Minefield”

One of the main obstacles hindering this technology in Australia is the uncertainty surrounding the legal status and safety of delivery robots.

When Australia trialed a robotic “mobile parcel locker” in Brisbane in 2017, its effectiveness was questioned as it required human accompaniment and could only transport one parcel at a time.

In contrast to drone food delivery, the trial went ahead, but the legal status of robots remains undetermined.

Christine Eldridge, an attorney specializing in automobile accidents, noted that robots fall under various road and sidewalk regulations, creating foggy areas across states and local councils.

She compared the limitations faced by delivery robots to those of e-scooters.

The absence of legal guidelines for these emerging vehicles means they are commonly allowed in public spaces, except in certain council areas conducting trials.

On March 5th, 2024, an Uber Eats food delivery robot was seen navigating pedestrians during a media demonstration in Tokyo, Japan. Photo: Kajiyama Shiyama/AP

“For instance, current laws concerning liability and compensation do not adequately address robotics. The law is struggling to keep pace with technology,” she remarked.

“It’s quite the minefield,” said Eldridge.

Hussein Deer, a future mobility professor at Swinburne University, concurred, asserting the current legal landscape is ambiguous.

“There is no legislation stating they’re permitted, nor is there any stating they’re forbidden,” Deer mentioned.

The federal government is working on a comprehensive legal framework for self-driving vehicles, including those transporting passengers, with regulations expected by 2026.

DIA aims to “accept more risks” with announced regulations to help Australia keep pace with overseas advancements and “demystify” technology for pedestrians and other road users.

“Evidence suggests that they are remarkably safe.”

Creating spaces where self-driving cars and robots can co-exist with pedestrians and drivers requires extensive planning, including adjustments to streets, sidewalks, and terrain.

Moreover, utilizing a robot mandates adherence to slow speeds, generally below 10 km/h, combined with various sensors to detect obstacles and potential hazards, halting the device accordingly.

Reducing Pollution, Traffic, and Labor Costs

Once challenges are addressed, delivery robots can offer substantial advantages.

“In city centers, vehicles that pollute and exacerbate traffic can be substituted, freeing up parking spaces.”

Professor Michael Bell from the Institute for Transport and Logistics at the University of Sydney believes that Australia trails behind in utilizing delivery robots compared to densely populated foreign cities with simpler terrain. He noted that agriculture and mining are currently leading the way for robotics in Australia.

The attractiveness of delivery robots lies in their potential to lower labor costs, streamline elevator navigation to meet couriers at high-rise entrances, and enhance efficiency in controlled environments like university campuses.

The Connected Autonomous Vehicle team at Monash University has created delivery robots tailored for defined areas such as campuses, industrial zones, shopping centers, and hospitals. Photo: Eugene Highland/Guardian

“Courier delivery is costly, so there is an economic incentive here. Any situation that reduces delivery time will be appealing,” Bell said.

Kate Lötel, an associate professor at the Peter Faber Business School at Australian Catholic University, anticipates that robots will lead to more affordable delivery solutions.

“In the end, we may witness a shift towards reduced or tiered service delivery based on whether items are transported by land, air, humans, or technology-assisted humans,” she stated.

“Initially, we may not see changes in costs but rather an increase in value for customers by addressing general inconveniences associated with deliveries,” she added.

Nevertheless, emerging technologies also bring challenges. As cheaper and more accessible delivery through robots and drones becomes a reality, researchers anticipate that Australians will have a higher junk food intake, affecting public health.

Local Innovation

The unclear legal status of delivery robots in Australia hasn’t stifled local innovation. Startups are focusing on implementing technology in private settings.

A group of student engineers from the Connected Autonomous Vehicle team at Monash University has designed delivery robots specifically for circumscribed areas, including campuses, industrial parks, shopping centers, and hospitals.

A robot named Ari operates at speeds up to 6 km/h and stands around 1 meter tall, equipped with a set of camera-like sensors for navigation.

ARIs utilize these sensors for communication, moving between restaurants where employees load orders to customers, eliminating the need for a stable internet connection.

Monash University ARI Robot Activities

Monash University ARI robots in action.

This setup entails significant initial costs in deploying a network of sensors, but it ultimately leads to lower costs for individual robots, making them easier to scale.

The notion is that in high-density environments, multiple cameras can be installed simultaneously, making it more economical as demand rises.

Moreover, ARI boasts features that its creators trust in.

The heated and cooled compartments enable each ARI robot to deliver multiple orders while maintaining the appropriate temperatures. This ensures that pizza arrives hot, ice cream stays frozen, and medicine arrives safely.

ARI has begun distributing foods like burgers and burritos throughout Monash University’s Clayton campus, with plans to commercialize the technology underway.

More than just labor savings, 24-year-old inventor John Bui noted that temperature-controlled compartments give ARIs an edge over competing robots and traditional delivery personnel.

“Imagine receiving a hot coffee or warm burrito,” Bui expressed.

Ultimately, beyond legal and technical limitations, behavioral and psychological factors also pose significant barriers to the adoption of delivery robots.

“There is already tension between pedestrians and e-scooter riders; it’s expected that someone walking late at night might confront a delivery robot while picking up pizza,” Deer suggested.

“Of course, there are locks to protect the food, but I hope people treat these robots with respect.”

“Can Robots Dispensing Methadone Alleviate Nurses’ Workload and Enhance Patient Care?”

Posted on May 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

LAnea George opens the steel security door and enters a windowless room, where a device resembling a commercial-grade refrigerator awaits. Dubbed the Bodhi, it dispenses seven small plastic bottles, each containing precisely 70ml of methadone, an alternative to morphine or heroin in addiction treatment.

She takes the bottles from the tray, bundles them with rubber bands, and places them on the shelf. It’s not even 10 am, and George, the nurse manager at Man Alive—a well-known opioid treatment program in Baltimore—has already prepared doses for about 100 patients set to arrive the following day. “Bodhi has transformed my life and the lives of my patients,” she states.

Preparing these prescriptions requires more than merely pouring medication into bottles. This process involves printing each label individually, measuring the amounts accurately, sealing the bottles, and capping them securely. If there are spills, the nurse must stop to collect the lost liquid, measure it, document the incident, and dispose of it properly.

Repeating this procedure over 100 times illustrates why the task can take an entire day before Bodhi even arrives. George notes that many nurses leave the profession, often due to issues like carpal tunnel syndrome from repeatedly screwing caps on multiple bottles daily.

“I’ve seen nurses just walk off shifts and never return,” she reflects on her previous clinic.

Now, with more time freed up, George can focus on patient interaction. “It allows me to be more personal and have deeper conversations,” she remarks. “That’s where we uncover a lot of important information.”

Injecting Humanity into Addiction Treatment

This increase in patient interaction was the motivation behind the machine that George uses daily. Amber Norbeck, a pharmacist in the neonatal intensive care unit at Montana Hospital, noted that 50% of newborns experience withdrawal symptoms due to maternal opioid addiction.

Methadone therapy can help these women become mothers, but access is often problematic. The clinic she visited had a 30-60 day waiting list, and other patients faced three-hour waits despite a shortage of nursing staff during visits. Some patients must return daily for doses.

“It didn’t feel like healthcare; it felt more like a bank teller experience,” she explains. “For working individuals trying to manage their lives, the lengthy process often led them to give up.”

With U.S. overdose deaths from opioids rising from around 8,000 in 2009 to over 114,000 in 2022, Norbeck recognized a nation grappling with the opioid crisis amid a nursing shortage. In 2019, she and engineer Mike Pokolny began devising methods to automate the methadone dosing process.

They developed a robotic device capable of dispensing liquid medication in seconds, sealing, labeling, and capping each bottle. A year later, Norbeck left her hospital position, and in January 2021, the duo founded Opio Connect Inc, with Norbeck serving as CEO and Pokolny as vice-chairman.

They named the device Zing, utilizing components designed for other machines for a quicker assembly. “Existing pharmacy automation solutions weren’t designed for the variations required for dispensing methadone,” states Sam Wilson, Opio’s COO.

Pandemic Era Methadone Rules Support Automation

The introduction of Zing coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, which provided an unexpected boost. Pre-pandemic, patients labeled “stable” could take home multiple doses, but during lockdowns, federal authorities relaxed these rules, allowing them to receive up to 28 days’ worth of medication.

While this policy shift intensified preparation and nurse workloads, post-Covid data revealed no significant patient benefits. The new take-home rules became permanent in January 2024.

By then, the first Zing was deployed at Compdrug, an opioid treatment program in Columbus, Ohio, affectionately nicknamed Alfie. Seven additional Zings were installed across the country, each receiving its own name. This humanizing aspect led to naming contests, birthday celebrations, gender awareness events, and Halloween costumes. Together, they have assembled over 1 million methadone doses.

Norbeck anticipates that 30-40 more Zings will be operational by the end of 2025. The company is targeting 2,100 clinics and correctional facilities nationwide, emphasizing that many individuals require treatment, yet attracting nursing staff remains a challenge.

Automated Labor: Job Loss or Mitigating Labor Shortages?

Norbeck is uncertain about job losses attributed to Zing, but some clinics found themselves able to keep open positions unfilled, reallocating savings to other treatment initiatives.

“There was concern that [Zing] would replace nurses, but its true purpose is to liberate them,” explains Pokolny.

Compdrug previously employed six nurses to administer methadone throughout the day. Currently, with Zing’s assistance, only three handle dosing while the other three focus on telehealth. All six remain employed.

At Man Alive, Bodhi’s introduction has allowed George additional time, enabling her to also serve as a home nurse, assisting patients in connecting with medical care and following up on medication and health concerns.

However, it’s important to recognize another facet to these scenarios. Unfilled positions, whether in telehealth or home health, may exist regardless of robotic assistance. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, the nursing workforce is projected to face a shortage of over 63,720 nurses by 2030, not accounting for losses incurred during the pandemic.

Norbeck believes that robotics can be a means to alleviate employment shortages rather than exacerbate them.

In Baltimore, George and her fellow nurses at Man Alive have organized educational initiatives in the community, further connecting with patients through participation in in-house group therapy sessions. Simply put, George states, “Bodhi has allowed me to rediscover my role as a nurse.”

Amazon Takes “A Significant Leap in Robotics” with Touch-Sensitive Devices

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Amazon announced a significant advancement in robotics, having developed a robot equipped with tactile sensors capable of grasping approximately three-quarters of items in its expansive warehouse.

During the “future delivery” event held on Wednesday in Dortmund, Germany, the US company unveiled plans to deploy this technology globally over the next few years. The aim is to assist humans in sorting items for storage and preparing them for delivery, amidst the growing operations of online retailers.

Aaron Parness, the Robotics Director at Amazon, referred to Vulcan as “a major leap in robotics,” highlighting the robot’s ability to not only observe its environment but also to perceive it through touch, facilitating tasks previously deemed impossible for Amazon robots.

These robots can identify objects through touch, utilizing AI technology. They work collaboratively with humans who handle and retrieve items from shelves to assist them at picking stations equipped with wheeled robots.

Vulcan robots facilitate storage in shelving units at both the top and bottom levels, referred to as pods, eliminating the need for workers to use ladders. Currently, Amazon’s warehouse robots can employ suction cups and computer vision to manipulate and select items.

Such advancements may evoke concerns about job losses, as retailers reduce human labor in distribution centers that employ thousands.

Many retailers are increasing automation investments due to rising global labor costs. Amazon faces industrial challenges beyond just low wages in its UK warehouses.

Goldman Sachs economists predicted in 2023 that as many as 300 million jobs globally could be eliminated by 2030 due to the rise of generative AI, fundamentally altering various roles.

In the UK, estimates suggest that between 60,000 and 275,000 jobs could vanish annually over the next decade amidst ongoing upheaval, as proposed by the Tony Blair Institute.

Nonetheless, Tye Brady, Amazon’s lead robotics engineer, asserted that robots cannot entirely replace humans in their facilities, stating that they “enhance human potential” to improve workplace safety. He humorously referenced his affection for R2D2, likening their supportive design to that of a “cooperative robot.”

“Humans will always be part of the equation,” he noted, explaining that robots take on “menial, mundane, and repetitive tasks.”

“Complete automation isn’t feasible just yet. We will always require human oversight to understand operational value.”

He also emphasized that individuals play a critical role in safeguarding against potential hacking, especially after incidents like the cyber attack that disrupted Marks and Spencer’s online services.

“Machines can detect hacks, but human intervention is often what reveals them, making it beneficial to have people involved,” said Brady.

He also noted that humans excel at identifying minor issues, such as package damage or leaks during delivery that could disrupt the system.

According to Brady, AI is enhancing robot development, allowing them to navigate complex spaces autonomously while learning to move safely alongside humans and other objects. He highlighted that the latest generation of robots can “seek help” and adapt to new methods effectively.

“It’s thrilling to integrate both cognition and physical capability,” he said. “We’re just starting this exciting journey.”

For instance, Amazon plans to incorporate technology leveraging machine learning and automation to create customized packaging that minimizes waste. By the end of this year, over 70 machines will be operational in Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Spain, with more planned by 2027.

This announcement coincides with Amazon’s launch of a budget-friendly delivery service in the UK, featuring thousands of products priced under £20, as the company takes over low-cost competitors Sheen and Tem.

Robots are challenging our understanding of emperor penguins

Posted on January 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The breeding season for emperor penguins is fraught with danger.

Stefan Christmann/naturepl.com

A rover silently explores a forbidding icy landscape. Suddenly it buzzed to life and spotted an emperor penguin. A 90-centimeter-long robot with a scanning antenna saunters toward the bird, searching for signals from the RFID chip under the penguin's skin to finally understand this enigmatic species. Record important information that may be useful.

Emperor penguins are quickly becoming the stars of countless nature documentaries. 2005 movie march of penguins. This media exposure may give the impression that we have a solid understanding of their ecology. it's not. Almost all of that footage was collected from just two breeding colonies on opposite sides of Antarctica, which make up perhaps 10 percent of the emperor penguin population. For decades, the hundreds of thousands of emperors who lived elsewhere along the continent's coasts were virtually unstudied.

That situation is now changing. Over the past 15 years, researchers have learned more about these birds using new technology, including satellites that can spot colonies from space and AI-powered robots that scan them on the ground. . “I hope we're starting to enter a golden age of research,” he says. Daniel Zitterbart At Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Massachusetts.

The research has already revealed subtle differences in the genetics and behavior of penguins at different points along the Antarctic coast, showing that penguins are surprisingly adaptable to changing conditions. But these discoveries were made amid rapid warming in the region, leading the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to declare him “Emperor.” Endangered species in 2022.…

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The Top 9 Most Unusual Robots Currently in Existence

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Pop culture has been warning us about robots for years. Isn’t that interesting? iRobot or terminator, you probably have nightmares about rogue machines taking over the Earth. But what’s the real concern? That dystopian vision is starting to become a reality.

Today’s futuristic bots don’t have shotguns, Austrian accents, or even the dexterity of most sci-fi automatons. Instead, they are slowly learning to mimic human behavior.

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They can talk, express “human emotions,” perform everyday tasks, and some can even walk, albeit like babies taking their first steps. We are witnessing the emergence of a world where humanoid robots will coexist with us, creating an unprecedented uncanny valley.

But with numerous robots being developed, which strange and fascinating robots are leading the way? Here are 10 of the weirdest ones to keep an eye on.

Ameca: “The world’s most advanced humanoid robot”

Credit: Engineered Arts

With a strong reputation in America, this robot developed by Engineered Arts has been dubbed the “world’s most advanced humanoid robot.” That’s quite a claim in the realm of eerie humanoid robots, so what makes it stand out?

Ameca may not sprint, do backflips, or crush bricks with its hands like some robots, but it does something even more peculiar. Ameca exhibits emotions…in a way. This robot is designed to convey emotions through its facial expressions and body movements.

It can smile, laugh, and express emotions through its entire body. In essence, Ameka is the most human-like robot in terms of movement. It won’t harm you or take your job, but it might just be the most captivating dinner guest at the table.

Boston Dynamics ATLAS: Athletic

When it comes to robotics, Boston Dynamics is a well-known name. Even if you’re not familiar with the brand, you’ve likely seen videos of their robots performing parkour, climbing ladders, and working on simulated construction sites.

While the company likes to showcase the agility of its robots in videos, most of these bots are intended for practical applications in industries such as oil and gas, energy, and surveillance.

After years of development, they’ve reached the current ATLAS model. A tall humanoid robot, ATLAS is fully electric-powered (as seen in the video above, it stands up in a remarkably human-like manner).

With its eerie circular face and large illuminated eyes, it resembles a walking Sauron, capable of smashing obstacles in its path and overcoming hurdles…quite unsettling, to say the least.

Unitree G1: Jack of all trades, master of none.

Unitree, a Chinese robotics company, offers a variety of products. Despite having an assortment of robot dogs, arms, and sensors at their disposal, it’s the Unitree G1 that truly embodies their innovative chaos.

The ‘Humanoid Agent AI Avatar’ comes with a price tag of $16,000 (approximately £12,500), which is surprisingly affordable in the world of humanoid robots.

However, it’s not entirely clear what purpose this robot serves. Unitree showcases videos of the robot twirling sticks like lightsabers, crushing chestnuts with its fists, popping coke bottle caps, and inexplicably hitting its own hands with hammers.

Watching the G1 run, jump, and contort into various positions feels like observing an exuberant child shouting, “Look what I can do!” over and over again.

Menteebot: A teachable robot

Menteebot is peculiarly affable, especially for its intended tasks. Its creators envision this lanky robot serving as an assistant to ordinary individuals, aiding them in completing challenging tasks.

Tasks include lifting and moving heavy boxes, sweeping, and even pushing a cart around the supermarket.

With arms and legs that swing disproportionately to its body and lacking agility, speed, or aesthetic appeal, Menteebot seems eager to experiment and acquire new skills that can simplify your life. May it bring blessings.

Figure AI: Multitasking

While numerous humanoid robots are designed for single purposes, Figure AI stands out for its versatility. Developed in collaboration with OpenAI, this robot excels at accepting voice commands and engaging in conversations with individuals.

Combined with training in various factory tasks, Figure can navigate through a typical workday while receiving verbal guidance on changing priorities.

In theory, this all sounds promising. In reality, there’s still much progress to be made. Like many other humanoid robots, Figure moves at a sluggish pace, as if wearing pants (or circuits?) that are slightly too tight. Its presence may be less intimidating than a robot from iRobot, but it could potentially lead to armies of Figure bots bustling around workplaces in the future.

Artemis: Messi of robots

The soccer-playing robot ARTEMIS carries high expectations from its creators. In fact, due to its exceptional performance, it has earned the moniker “The robot that beats Messi in soccer” (Artemis for short).

Developed by a team at UCLA, this remarkable footballer has been in development for years. Currently participating in RoboCup, an international autonomous robot soccer tournament, ARTEMIS and its fellow robots aspire to join a World Cup-winning team by 2050.

Video of the ARTEMIS robot attempting to kick a soccer ball back and forth with Dennis Hong (the robot’s creator).

With such high aspirations, ARTEMIS is expected to be a phenomenal soccer player, right? Not entirely. Displayed at GITEX 2023, a major tech convention, ARTEMIS seemed to struggle with kicking the ball forward, often sending it airborne or simply slightly nudging it. Rumors have even emerged about a potential contract with Chelsea.

Neo Beta: Expensive new friend

Neo Beta is both remarkable and unsettling. Developed by 1X, it’s touted as a “significant advancement in robotics.”

The company envisions Neo as the first robot capable of assisting with household chores and daily tasks around the home. Thus far, it has been demonstrated making coffee, folding laundry, hugging individuals, and even picking up backpacks before they leave the house.

On paper, it sounds amazing, but in practice, any physical interaction may leave you on edge, and even a hug might provoke uneasiness.

In the coming years, Neo is likely to be a major breakthrough in home robotics, albeit one of the creepiest. Get ready to see more of that expressionless face staring back at you.

Slothbot: an intentionally slow robot

Designed to be cute, Sloth Bot conceals advanced robotics within a friendly appearance. Despite its cheerful demeanor, this sloth-like robot has a somewhat eerie vibe with its lifeless eyes and perpetual smile.

However, Sloth Bot’s capabilities are limited. Running on solar power, it requires cables for movement.

So what’s the purpose? Beyond its endearing appearance? The robot is intended to operate for extended periods in natural ecosystems, particularly under tree canopies, to collect microclimate data autonomously without human intervention.

VERO: Beach cleaning robot

VERO serves a singular purpose that may not be glamorous but is essential. VERO spends its time cleaning up cigarette butts on the beach. With a vacuum cleaner attached to each of its four legs, it uses cameras and sensors to identify and collect trash along the shore.

While many robots aim to replace or surpass human capabilities, VERO is refreshingly simple in its mission, and that’s what makes it endearing.

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Here’s why scientists are attempting to coat robots with living skin

Posted on September 7, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

From the early days of robot creation, researchers have been dealing with the “uncanny valley” phenomenon, where something resembles a human but falls short of being completely realistic. A recent breakthrough involves attaching human skin to robots, creating a more lifelike appearance.

The team of researchers from the University of Tokyo, Harvard University, and the International Neurointelligence Research Center have successfully created lifelike skin for robots using live human skin cells, as detailed in a study published in the journal Cell Report Physical Sciences.

Lead author Michio Kawai explained that the skin is created by culturing skin cells from excess tissue with collagen tissue, which is then solidified around the robot using a perforated anchor structure.

Initially, they experimented with attaching skin using tiny hooks, but this caused tears. Instead, they developed a perforated anchor structure that mimics the functionality of real skin, creating a more natural appearance.

To ensure durability and flexibility, holes were drilled in the robot, collagen gel was applied, and skin was attached on top. This method aims to create robots that can self-repair surface damage and adapt to a wide range of tasks.

While the skin lacks blood vessels and must be kept moist to prevent drying out, future research aims to create pathways for nutrients and moisture within the skin tissue. Challenges such as maintaining sterile conditions during development must also be addressed.

In the quest for human-like robots, the team aims to replicate anatomical structures like glands, pores, blood vessels, fat, and nerves to achieve the perfect skin resemblance. As soft robotics technology advances, the potential applications of skin-covered robots expand to various fields.

While still in the demonstration phase for research purposes, this technology could eventually impact areas like skin aging, cosmetics, surgery, and training for surgeons. Despite the current limitations, advancements in robotic skin signal a promising future.

About our experts

Michio Kawai: A PhD student in bioengineering at Harvard University, focusing on research in Cell Report Physical Sciences, Helyon, and Case.

Shoji Takeuchi: Professor of Biohybrid Systems at the University of Tokyo, known for research in Science Robotics, Natural Chemistry, and Nature Communications.

New Luddite movement protests AI as robots lose jobs and films are scrapped – Ed Newton Rex

Posted on July 27, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

pictureEarlier this month, the popular lifestyle magazine introduced its new “Fashion and Lifestyle Editor” to its massive social media following. “Ream”At first glance, Reem appeared to be a woman in her twenties who understood both fashion and lifestyle, and was proudly announced as an “AI-enhanced team member” — that is, a fake persona generated by artificial intelligence. Reem would be recommending products to SheerLuxe's followers — in other words, doing the job that SheerLuxe would normally pay a human to do. The reaction was entirely predictable. Indignation“The editorial team hastily issued an apology, saying, ‘I’m sorry, but I’m not sure what to do.'”

This is just the latest in a long line of withdrawals of “inspiring AI projects” that have drawn outrage from those they were meant to inspire. The Prince Charles Cinema in London's Soho cancel In June, it canceled a screening of a film written by AI after patrons loudly protested. Lego was under pressure The company demanded that it remove a series of AI-generated images it had published on its website. Doctor Who had begun experimenting with generative AI, It stopped immediately After a wave of complaints, companies have bought into the AI hype, thinking that adopting AI will help them promote themselves as innovative, completely failing to understand the growing anti-AI sentiment among many customers.

Behind the backlash are a number of concerns about AI. The most fundamental is its impact on human labor. The main impact of using AI in many situations is that it will deprive humans of the opportunity to do the same work. And AI systems will: Exploitation of works Artificial intelligence is training the people it is meant to replace in creative output without paying them. The technology has a tendency to sexualize women, is used to create deep fakes, and is causing tech companies to miss their climate targets, without understanding many of its risks well enough to mitigate them. Naturally, this has not met with universal praise. Hayao Miyazaki, director of world-famous animation studio Studio Ghibli, said: “I’m completely disgusted…” [AI] It is an affront to life itself.”

Members of the activist group Safe Streets Level place cones around a self-driving taxi in San Francisco, California, in July 2023. Photo: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

Some members of the anti-AI movement Reclaiming the name “Luddite”I come from a tech community where Luddite is considered an insult, but this new movement is proud of the moniker. As Brian Merchant, author of Blood in the Machine, points out, the first Luddites didn't rebel immediately. They called for dialogue and compromise. The new Luddites also want dialogue and compromise. Most recognize that AI is here to stay, and they want a more rational and fair approach to its adoption, not reversal. And it's easy to imagine that they might be more successful than their predecessors. 19th century counterpartThe legendary Ned Ludd had no social media. Downtrodden workers used to be easily ignored. The internet is the greatest organizing tool in history.

Anger toward AI companies is forging unlikely allies. When the Recording Industry Association of America recently sued two AI music-generation companies for “unimaginable copyright infringement,” musicians and fans took to the internet to show their support. “Wow, these AI companies make me want to root for the record companies,” one person wrote. One composer said:To address the new threat of AI, old arguments are being pushed aside: the enemy of my enemy is my friend, as the saying goes.

Some will believe that AI is all about opportunity, all about good, and that it is the next great technological revolution that will free humanity from the dark ages we live in. A speaker at the Tony Blair Institute's Britain's Future Summit a few weeks ago said: Overview Why empowering AI is “the only option for a forward-thinking UK government.” There is some truth to this. Of course, AI has a promise. That promise is largely a creed for now, with AI leaders promising technologies that are at best years away and at worst unrealistic. But there is reason to think that the more optimistic predictions about AI have some real potential. AI may truly change the world, as AI visionaries would have you believe.

But the backlash points out that we can’t ignore real harms today in order to make technological bets on the future. Nintendo They won’t use generative AI. A user on Stack Overflow, a Q&A site for software engineers, wrote: A group revolted After the platform struck a deal to allow OpenAI to remove content to train its models, users began deleting posts or editing them to make them nonsensical. Attacks on driverless taxis They shouted in the streets of San Francisco that they were putting people out of work.

Outside the OpenAI offices in San Francisco, there are frequent groups of protesters holding banners reading “Pause AI.” If AI is left unregulated, this sentiment will only grow. Countries may be tempted to treat AI development as an arms race and forge ahead regardless of the costs. But According to opinion polls, the public We think this is a bad idea, and AI developers and those regulating the emerging AI industry need to listen to the growing backlash against AI.

Ed Newton-Rex is the founder of Fairy Training, a nonprofit that certifies generative AI companies that respect the rights of creators, and co-founder of JukeDeck, an AI company that can compose and arrange music.

Making plants blue through gene editing could simplify weed removal by robots

Posted on April 18, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Changing the color of crops may make it easier to distinguish between target plants and weeds

John Martin – Photography/Alamy

Common crops such as wheat and corn could be genetically modified to be brightly colored to make them easier for weeding robots to work with, researchers have suggested.

Weeding reduces the need for herbicides, but the artificial intelligence models that power weeding robots can have trouble distinguishing weeds from crops that are similar in shape and color.

To avoid this problem, Pedro Correia Researchers from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and their colleagues have suggested that crop genomes could be adapted to express pigments such as anthocyanins, which make blueberries blue, and carotenoids, which make carrots orange.

It is also possible to grow crops with unusually shaped leaves or other traits that are invisible to the naked eye but can be detected by sensors such as those in the infrared spectrum.

Correia said AI's weeding struggles could get worse as wild species adapt to agriculture, taking advantage of their ability to cope with changing climate. This type of new domestication can produce crops that are more environmentally sustainable and higher yielding, but can also be difficult to distinguish from their unchanged ancestors.

“We're trying to change a very small number of genes to increase productivity,” Correia says. “It would be great if he could change one or two more genes to make them more recognizable and to be able to use robots to weed.”

charles fox The University of Lincoln in the UK says there is precedent for intentionally changing the color of crops. Orange carrots were not common until producers selectively bred stable varieties. But he thinks genetic modification is probably not the easiest way to improve the effectiveness of weed-killing robots.

“Other methods would probably be much easier and less controversial because people generally don't like genetic modification,” Fox says. “Sounds like a lot of effort.”

Correia says he's not suggesting creating something new or adding animal genes. The research involves modifying crop genomes to incorporate genes for pigments already produced in other plants. “We're just making some changes to the crop so they can eat it too,” he says. “We'll have to test everything and test for side effects and things like that, but I think it's quite possible.”

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Study shows workplace AI, robots, and trackers have a negative impact on overall well-being

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A groundbreaking study by the Institute for Work think tank has revealed that exposure to new technologies like trackers, robots, and AI-based software in the workplace has a negative impact on people’s quality of life.

Conducted through a survey of over 6,000 individuals, the study focused on the health impacts of four categories of technologies that are increasingly prevalent in various industries.

The research found that increased exposure to technology in areas such as AI, machine learning-based software, surveillance devices like wearable trackers, and robotics had a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of workers.

On the other hand, the use of established information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as laptops, tablets, and instant messaging at work had a more positive impact on well-being.

The report highlighted that frequent interactions with ICT improved quality of life, while interactions with new technologies in the workplace had the opposite effect.

Economists at Goldman Sachs estimated that by 2030, 300 million jobs worldwide could be automated, with many roles being fundamentally transformed due to developments in generative AI.

Lead author Dr. Magdalena Sofia emphasized that the issue lies not in the technology itself, but in how it is implemented and utilized.

The report also raised concerns about the negative impact of tracking devices and surveillance technology on worker performance, echoing warnings from unions and activists.

Mary Towers, head of AI at TUC, cautioned that without proper regulation, AI could create an oppressive work environment for many individuals.

On the other hand, the Pissarides review on the future of work and happiness, in collaboration with Warwick Business School and Imperial College London, aims to shed light on the impact of new technologies on quality of life in the workplace.

Professor Christopher Pissarides emphasized the importance of understanding how interactions with new technologies influence the overall well-being of individuals in their working lives.

Tiny robots may soon navigate human livers to combat cancer

Posted on February 17, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Science fiction has often depicted microscopic robots, but these tiny machines have become a reality with a wide range of real-world applications such as disease prevention and building repair.

A Canadian research team is now focusing on using these small robots to target liver cancer in various fields. They are working on using them in conjunction with MRI equipment to treat diseases (source).

A series of small biocompatible robots, made of magnetizable iron oxide nanoparticles guided by an external magnetic field, could potentially deliver medical care in a highly targeted manner.

Despite the potential of this technology, it faces a major technical challenge. The gravity of these microrobots exceeds the magnetic force, limiting their guidance if the tumor is located higher than the injection site.

To address this challenge, Dr. Jill Soules, a researcher at the CHUM Research Center at the University of Montreal, developed an algorithm that combines gravity and magnetic navigation forces to guide the microrobots into the arterial branches that feed the tumor.

This research has the potential to change the way liver cancer is treated with radiation therapy, which is the most common type of cancer causing 700,000 deaths annually worldwide.

Dr. Soulez emphasized the advantages of the magnetic resonance navigation technique, indicating that the tumor is better visualized on MRI than on X-ray.

In an experiment using pigs to recreate anatomical conditions, the researchers successfully navigated the hepatic artery branches of the animals and arrived at their destination using the microrobots.

Furthermore, using an anatomical atlas of the human liver, the researchers were able to simulate microrobot maneuvers on 19 patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization, finding that in more than 95% of cases, the location of the tumors matched the navigation algorithm to reach the targeted tumor.

Despite these significant advances, clinical application of this technology is still in the distant future, as artificial intelligence models need further training and improvements for real-time navigation of microrobots to the liver.

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Cutting-edge rescue robots set to revolutionize life-saving efforts

Posted on January 4, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Burning buildings, collapsing tunnels, sinking ships… wherever you're trapped and in danger, there's a robot designed to come to your rescue. Here are nine of the best.

trail blazers

Firefighting robot, Anshan Hengye Special Vehicle Manufacturing Co.

Photo credit: Getty

Firefighters are testing a fire extinguishing robot here at Bajiao Fire Station in Yantai, northeast China. The Chinese government has been promoting the technology for several years, allowing human firefighters to control robotic fire extinguishers while remaining safely outside fire danger zones.

Back in 2020, the city of Tongliao in northern China announced a firefighting mechanical unit. This 10-strong unit of his, known as the “Blade Formation”, includes robots, drones, and transport units. In other regions, ground-based robotic firefighters are being employed to fight fires in chemical plants and subways.

One of the big advantages of this approach is fire resistance. The robot can operate at temperatures of 1,000°C (1,800°F) for more than 30 minutes. Sensors can also be used to detect heat sources, difficult terrain, and flammable gases.

In the future, it may be possible to replace residential fire alarms and fire extinguishers. In 2022, Chinese researchers published the following paper: Compact and lightweight “home firefighting robot”.

go underground

Team Explorer, Carnegie Mellon University, Oregon State University

Photo courtesy of Carnegie Mellon University

Searching for people trapped in dark underground tunnels and cave complexes isn't fun for most people, but in 2017 the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) turned it into a game. There may not have been any survivors, but there was a huge underground space.

Players are tasked with developing and using an autonomous robot system to search for mannequins and other objects to earn points. DARPA designed this competition to foster innovation in autonomous subsurface mapping and navigation. This could benefit rescue workers working after mine collapses or in cave rescue operations.

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