Some time ago, I created a tool that utilizes AI to provide feedback on countless pitch decks. Each morning, I quickly review the evaluations generated by my bot without diving into the specifics of the decks. Occasionally, the bot offers glowing praise that leaves me wondering: what if the deck isn’t as strong as it claims? Thankfully, it usually gets it right.
As creative industries face the rapid rise of AI across various artistic mediums, distinct concerns voiced by artists are starting to merge. From AI-generated Drake songs to stylized Instagram avatars, art produced by advanced AI tools is everywhere, sparking urgent discussions on how to manage this technology before it inflicts lasting damage on creative communities.
Each day, we encounter more headlines about government efforts to regulate artificial intelligence (AI). Just last week, the European Union finalized a comprehensive set of regulations, joining numerous other countries poised to manage the rapid expansion of this technology. Amid this regulatory environment, opportunities arise for innovative startups.
What is AI: Understanding Artificial Intelligence
Garry Tan, president and CEO of Y Combinator, recently addressed an audience at The Economic Club of Washington, D.C., where he emphasized that “regulation is likely necessary” for the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI). In a one-on-one interview with Teresa Carlson, a board member at General Catalyst, Tan tackled various topics, including the pathways to joining Y Combinator and the current technological landscape. He confidently stated, “There is no better time to be working in technology than right now.”
Has OpenAI developed an AI technology that poses a "threat to humanity"? If you’ve been following the latest headlines, you might think so.
Everyone has a story to tell, and a startup called Inkitt is leveraging AI to transform captivating narratives into hits, with visions to create a contemporary "Disney" around this content. Recently, Inkitt secured $37 million to fuel this ambitious endeavor.
A collective of 200 musicians has released an open letter urging tech companies and developers to refrain from undermining human creativity through AI music generation tools. This remarkable list of signatories reads like a lineup for a premier music festival, featuring renowned artists such as Billie Eilish, the Bob Marley estate, Chappell Roan, Elvis Costello, Greta Van Fleet, Imagine Dragons, Jon Bon Jovi, the Jonas Brothers, Kacey Musgraves, Katy Perry, Mac DeMarco, Miranda Lambert, Mumford & Sons, Nicki Minaj, Noah Kahan, Pearl Jam, Sheryl Crow, and Zayn Malik, among others.
Google's Gemini: The Future of AI on Android
Getty Images, the leading stock media company, unveiled an innovative new service at CES 2024 this week, showcasing its AI capabilities. Named Generative AI by iStock, this service utilizes advanced AI models trained on Getty’s extensive iStock stock photography and video libraries to create new, licensable images and artwork.
Will AI Render Resumes and Cover Letters Even Less Effective? Potentially.
Revamping the Future of News: How Particle is Innovating with AI
Want to create a movie using various Stability AI–generated video clips? Now you can!
In response to the rising threat of deepfakes, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is planning to amend an existing regulation that prohibits the impersonation of businesses and government agencies, expanding the ban to protect all consumers. Depending on the final wording of the rule and the feedback received from the public, the new regulation could also make it illegal for Generative AI (GenAI) platforms to offer goods or services that they know, or reasonably should know, are being used to harm consumers through impersonation.
Following Elon Musk's decision to open source the Grok large language model in March, he announced on Tuesday that X, formerly known as Twitter, will soon provide its Grok chatbot to a wider audience of paying subscribers. In a post on X, Musk shared that this week, Grok will be accessible to all Premium subscribers, expanding its availability beyond just the higher-priced Premium+ tier.
We often discuss the challenges posed by AI, but let’s also explore its positive potential. Imagine engaging with authors or historical figures by inputting their writings into a large language model. James Lowry may not be a widely recognized name, but his life story is an integral part of the Black experience in America. Lowry, who grew up in Chicago, served in the Peace Corps during the early 1960s, and made history as McKinsey's first Black consultant in 1968.
Bugcrowd Secures $102 Million in Funding to Enhance Bug Bounty Programs
Should artists whose work has contributed to training generative AI models like ChatGPT receive compensation? Peter Deng, Vice President of Consumer Product at OpenAI, hesitated to answer this pressing question during a session at SXSW earlier today.
A team of former Twitter engineers is redefining the use of AI in news consumption. Particle.news, which recently entered private beta, is a groundbreaking startup that aims to deliver a personalized and “multi-perspective” news reading experience. By leveraging AI, it provides concise news summaries while also striving to ensure fair compensation for authors and publishers.
Artificial Intelligence: A New Approach from Apple
Ampere and Qualcomm Announce Strategic Partnership for AI-Focused Server Solutions
Title: Revolutionizing AI Training Data with DatologyAI
Applied Intuition, a pioneering autonomous vehicle software company, has successfully secured $250 million in a funding round that values the startup at an impressive $6 billion. This investment underscores the growing enthusiasm among investors for artificial intelligence, particularly as Applied Intuition aims to embed more AI solutions across key sectors, including automotive, defense, construction, and agriculture.
For nearly twenty years, Chris DeWolfe and Aber Whitcomb—the visionary creators of the social network Myspace and gaming enterprise Jam City—have stayed at the forefront of emerging tech trends. This year, the seasoned tech entrepreneurs have shifted their focus to the burgeoning realms of Web3 and generative AI through their latest venture, Plai Labs. Backed by a16z, this startup is dedicated to developing innovative social platforms that empower users with AI tools for collaboration and connection.
Machine learning is revolutionizing weather forecasting, offering insights from quick queries like "how long will this rain last?" to ambitious decade-long projections and even century-level climate predictions. This technology is rapidly gaining traction among climate scientists, app developers, and local news networks. However, it's important to note that these systems don't "understand" weather phenomena in the same way humans do.
As the OpenAI saga unfolds across the Atlantic, the European tech community is eagerly awaiting updates, much like fans anticipating a new season of "Succession.” The drama has drawn parallels to a Greek tragedy, with power struggles playing out above us mere mortals. With only a few large AI startups like Germany’s Aleph Alpha and France’s Mistral making waves (especially since London’s DeepMind was absorbed by Google years ago), we’ve been sitting back with popcorn, witnessing this unexpected twist in the Silicon Valley narrative.
As the AI Safety Summit prepares to kick off tomorrow at Bletchley Park near London, the U.K. government has unveiled more details about the attendees. This announcement follows weeks of speculation and criticism regarding the perceived lack of diversity in both topics and participant representation.
Ehsan Vaghefi, CEO and co-founder of Toku, was influenced by his father, who lost his eyesight to congenital glaucoma at the age of four. Growing up in Iran, Vaghefi was deeply connected to the blind community, as many of his childhood friends were either visually impaired or had blind parents. Inspired by his father’s struggles, he initially considered a career as a clinician but soon redirected his focus toward health technology. He founded Toku to delve into ocular imaging and its critical role in diagnostics.
The rise of Large Language Models (LLMs) has simplified the process for developers to create chatbots. Major companies like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft have introduced applications like ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing Chat, yet many non-tech-savvy users may still be unfamiliar with these tools. In response, Spain-based Luzia is bringing AI chatbot technology to a wider audience through a WhatsApp-based platform.
GetWhy Secures $34.5 Million Series A Funding to Revolutionize Market Research with AI
Google Enhances Safe Browsing Feature in Chrome for Real-Time Protection
The European Parliament voted on Wednesday to adopt the AI Act, positioning the bloc as a leader in establishing comprehensive regulations for a wide range of artificial intelligence (AI) software. This landmark legislation is recognized as “the world’s first comprehensive AI law” by regional lawmakers.
Onfido, a pioneer in identity verification utilizing computer vision and machine learning technologies, is set to be acquired, as confirmed. Entrust, the privately-owned company specializing in certification and verification services for payment cards, passwords, network access, and device security, is purchasing the London-based startup for a reported sum exceeding $400 million. Update: Sources have now indicated that the acquisition price is $650 million.
Klarna has officially unveiled an innovative array of features, highlighted by the AI-driven image-search tool called Shopping Lens, announced on Wednesday. Additionally, the company is expanding with new shoppable videos in Europe, in-store product scanning, a cashback program, express refunds, and more.
Elon Musk has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its co-founders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, claiming they have violated their original contractual agreements by prioritizing profit over the nonprofit’s mission of developing AI that benefits humanity. Musk, who was a co-founder and early supporter of OpenAI, asserts that he was persuaded to help establish and financially support the organization in 2015 with the understanding that it would operate as a nonprofit aimed at countering Google’s competitive threats. The lawsuit contends that OpenAI was obligated by its founding agreement to make its technology "freely available" to the public.
As conversational AI continues to transform the landscape, chatbots are experiencing a significant revival. However, challenges loom on the horizon. Recently, DPD, a leading parcel delivery service, had to suspend a portion of its online support chatbot after it unexpectedly used offensive language towards a customer. This incident stemmed from a user persuading the chatbot to harshly criticize DPD in a creative haiku format.
At the Google I/O developer conference on Tuesday, Google introduced a significant enhancement to its Firebase platform, designed to simplify the development of AI-powered applications in JavaScript/TypeScript, with Go support expected soon.
It's a well-acknowledged principle in software development that the individuals who write the code should not also be responsible for testing it. For many developers, this responsibility is often unwelcome, and as is the case with effective auditing practices, those who create the work should not be the same people who validate it.
Most language-learning apps rely on traditional methods like option selection or swiping away incorrect answers, engaging users primarily through a machine interface. In contrast, Praktika offers a refreshing alternative: it enables users to create personalized, AI-powered avatars that simulate the experience of working with a private tutor. By incorporating nuances such as tone of voice and emotional expression, Praktika makes learning a new language feel more intuitive and engaging.
Sam Altman Returns as CEO of OpenAI Amid Board Reforms
Generative AI has captured the public’s attention, showcasing the ability to produce intricate and seemingly realistic text and imagery from simple verbal prompts. However, there's a notable caveat— upon closer inspection, the results often reveal imperfections. Observers frequently point out oddities such as unnatural finger placements, distorted floor tiles, and mathematical miscalculations that just don't add up.
Mistral AI has successfully concluded its highly anticipated Series B funding round, securing €600 million (approximately $640 million based on current exchange rates) through a combination of equity and debt financing, with General Catalyst leading the investment. Following this round, the company has reached a valuation of $6 billion.
Amazon's recent board changes reveal its corporate priorities and ambitions. On Thursday, the tech giant announced the appointment of Andrew Ng—renowned for his AI innovations at leading technology firms—to its board of directors. Concurrently, Judy McGrath, a prominent figure in television who played a pivotal role in shaping MTV and Viacom into media powerhouses, will step down from her director role.
Ambuj Kumar's Ambitious Journey in Cybersecurity
In a surprising twist, OpenAI has terminated Sam Altman, its CEO and board member, and appointed CTO Mira Murati as interim CEO. But who is Mira Murati?
Cap VC is set to unveil a revolutionary tool designed specifically for venture capital firms, with plans to expand the offering to startups in need of funding. Their objective? To enhance investment decision-making speed and accuracy through the power of artificial intelligence.
The human eye is not just a reflection of our emotions; its movements, known as saccades, can reveal critical insights into brain health. Recognizing this potential, neuroClues, a French-Belgian medtech startup, is revolutionizing eye-tracking technology with an AI-driven approach. Their goal? To enhance the diagnostic process for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly by empowering healthcare providers to utilize eye tracking more effectively.
Scale AI Secures $1 Billion in Series F Funding to Advance Data Labeling for AI
Google Unveils Gemini 1.5 Pro: A Major Leap for Generative AI on Vertex AI
Siadhal Magos and Shahriar Tajbakhsh, both former employees at Uber and Palantir, respectively, recognized a common challenge within corporate HR departments: the cumbersome nature of the interview process.
Jolla has officially unveiled its much-anticipated personal server-based AI assistant, the Jolla Mind2. This privacy-focused AI device, promises to cater to consumers seeking digital solutions that respect their personal data.
It has been an eventful four days for OpenAI, the leading force in generative AI behind the wildly popular ChatGPT.
In January, Google stirred excitement in the music industry by unveiling research on AI-powered music creation software that generates tunes based on textual prompts. Today, Google DeepMind has taken this innovation further by introducing Lyria, a new music generation model designed to integrate seamlessly with YouTube. Accompanying Lyria are two experimental tools: Dream Track, which allows users to create music specifically for YouTube Shorts, and Music AI, a suite of tools facilitating the creative process by transforming simple vocalizations into full songs. Additionally, DeepMind is adapting SynthID, originally developed for marking AI-generated images, to watermark AI-generated music as well.
OpenAI continuously refines its models and pricing, with today being no exception. The company has introduced several new models while reducing API access costs—these changes are particularly significant for developers but also indicate potential shifts in consumer options.
A budding Dutch startup aims to help businesses accurately extract data from vast arrays of complex documents, prioritizing both accuracy and security. Backed by Google’s Gradient Ventures, Send AI is positioning itself against established players in the document processing sector, such as UiPath, Abbyy, Rossum, and Kofax, by offering a customizable platform that enables companies to tailor AI models to their specific data extraction requirements.
The European Union has issued a warning to Microsoft, stating that the tech giant may face fines of up to 1% of its global annual revenue under the Digital Services Act (DSA) due to its failure to respond to a request for information (RFI) about its generative AI tools.
When news surfaced last year about a significant partnership between AI powerhouse OpenAI and media giant Axel Springer, it signaled potential collaboration between content creators and tech firms that leverage their work in developing and training artificial intelligence models. This agreement came shortly after OpenAI established a similar partnership with the Associated Press.
Volkswagen is entering the world of AI with ChatGPT integration. The German automaker announced its plans on Monday at CES 2024 in Las Vegas to incorporate an AI-driven chatbot into all Volkswagen models featuring its IDA voice assistant.
The global landscape is increasingly recognizing the immense potential and inherent risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI). A pressing question looms regarding the implications of AI missteps on future advancements. Recently, the United Nations (UN) established a new AI advisory board comprising 39 experts from government, academia, and industry. This initiative aims to conduct thorough analysis and provide recommendations to enhance international governance of AI.
Elon Musk’s AI venture, xAI, has successfully secured $6 billion in a recent funding round, aiming to strengthen its position in the competitive landscape dominated by rivals such as OpenAI, Microsoft, and Alphabet.
It's hard to challenge Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's assertion that “Building foundation models for general humanoid robots is one of today’s most thrilling challenges in AI.” Currently, the humanoid robot sector is a hotbed of debate, amassing significant venture capital while fostering skepticism in equal measure.
Humane, the company behind the highly anticipated Ai Pin, which faced criticism following its launch last month, is reportedly seeking a buyer, according to a Bloomberg report citing anonymous sources.
For the next few weeks, the Actuator newsletter will feature Q&As with leading experts in robotics. Don't miss out—subscribe here for updates.
Agility Robotics announced on Thursday that it has laid off a "small number" of employees as part of its strategic shift towards commercialization efforts. The Oregon-based company emphasized that this decision aligns with its commitment to enhancing the development and market positioning of its bipedal robots.
The robotics industry thrives on vibrant discussions, and recently, one of the most lively debates revolves around humanoid robots. This topic has been relevant for decades, but the surge of startups like 1X and Figure, along with initiatives from established companies like Tesla, has brought humanoid robotics back into the limelight.
When automation is mentioned, the conversation often turns to its effects on employment. While opinions on this topic vary widely, there is a consensus that robotics and AI will undeniably reshape the landscape of human jobs in the coming years.
It’s incredibly encouraging to see our job list nearly double since our last update. Although the tech sector continues to face ongoing layoffs, there has never been a better time to specialize in Robotics and AI.
Nestled among the warehouses of the South Boston Waterfront, MassRobotics is not only an incubator but also an import hub for the city’s burgeoning robotics community. Excitingly, it is soon to launch the MassRobotics Accelerator, enhancing its support for startups in this dynamic field. This morning, the nonprofit announced that applications for the new program are officially open.
Apple's Personas, much like the headsets they are designed for, are still evolving. The initial beta avatars were somewhat unsettling—perhaps "nightmarish" is too harsh a term? However, a recent update has refined their appearance, making them more lifelike, and Apple is committed to enhancing the 3D capture technology.
Innovative Startup Reinvents Manufacturing with AI-Powered Factories for Custom Precision Parts
Countless startups are tackling challenging robotics issues within industrial settings. However, few are venturing into the realm of home automation. One standout exception is Matic.
In recent years, I’ve posed the question “What’s next after warehouse and fulfillment?” to many industry experts in robotics. The demand for this sector surged during the pandemic, as online shopping transitioned from a luxury to a necessity.
CES 2024 is buzzing in Las Vegas, and we’re here to bring you the most exciting news and innovations from the event. While major announcements are happening, some of the most entertaining surprises can be found in the quirky corners of the show floor. With companies fully embracing the AI frenzy, expect a range of unusual gadgets and claims. Here are the 14 most eccentric tech innovations and claims from CES 2024 so far.
Sanctuary AI has announced plans to deliver its humanoid robot to a Magna manufacturing facility. Based in Canada, Magna operates auto manufacturing sites in Austria and produces vehicles for several leading European automakers, including Mercedes, Jaguar, and BMW. As is common in such agreements, the exact number of Sanctuary AI robots to be deployed has not been disclosed.
Mentee Robotics has not been entirely in stealth mode. The Israeli-based startup gained some initial media attention at the end of 2022, following Tesla’s announcement regarding humanoid robotics. As it was the startup's founding year, there wasn’t much to showcase. However, the company made headlines largely due to co-founder and chair Amnon Shashua, known for establishing Mobileye and the well-funded AI company, AI21 Labs.
Imagine you're enjoying a peaceful day at the park, sitting on a bench and scrolling through your phone. Suddenly, someone snatches your device and bolts. While Android and iOS already offer some protective measures, what happens in those critical seconds before your phone locks? Is there a way to remotely wipe it?
Samsung is set to enhance its Galaxy AI features with the upcoming One UI 6.1 update, launching in late March. This update will roll out to a range of devices, including the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, as well as the Tab S9 Ultra, Tab S9+, and Tab S9. Initially debuted in the Galaxy S24 series, these innovative AI features will soon be accessible to a broader audience of Samsung users. As the tech landscape increasingly embraces AI, Samsung's decision to expand its offerings aligns with industry trends.
Figure has announced an exciting "commercial agreement" to introduce its first humanoid robot at BMW's manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina—the only BMW plant in the United States. Since 2019, this expansive 8 million-square-foot site has achieved the highest efficiency among all BMW factories globally.
The Open Source Robotics Foundation (OSRF) has announced the formation of the Open Source Robotics Alliance (OSRA). This initiative is aimed at fostering the development and maintenance of open-source robotics projects, with a strong emphasis on the OSRF's own Robot Operating System (ROS). Established in 2007 by Willow Garage, a former Bay Area incubator, ROS has been instrumental in advancing robotics technology for years. Notably, tech giants Nvidia and Qualcomm have joined as "Platinum" members of the OSRA, alongside Alphabet's X spinout, Intrinsic.
Pilot Season for Humanoid Robotics Kicks Off: Apptronik Partners with Mercedes-Benz
Agricultural robotics have been evolving for some time now, with innovations designed to perform crucial tasks like picking apples and berries, eliminating weeds, planting trees, and transporting produce. While these functions highlight the core capabilities of automation in agriculture, one significant factor stands out across the tech landscape: data. A key aspect of these robotics' value lies in the actionable insights generated by their integrated sensors.
China has launched its third state-backed investment fund aimed at strengthening its semiconductor industry and reducing dependency on foreign nations for wafer usage and production—an initiative known as chip sovereignty. The National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund, commonly referred to as “the Big Fund,” follows two previous iterations: Big Fund I (2014-2019) and Big Fund II (2019-2024). Notably, Big Fund III has a budget of 344 billion yuan (approximately $47.5 billion), surpassing both earlier funds significantly.
Zhang Li's career trajectory reflects significant trends in China's technology sector. When he joined WeRide in 2018, the autonomous vehicle company was still in its infancy. In the subsequent years, China would emerge as a hotbed for three autonomous vehicle unicorns, including WeRide, which saw its valuation soar to $4.4 billion last year.
Sanctuary AI may not be as widely recognized as other humanoid robotics companies like Boston Dynamics, Agility, Figure, and 1X, but this Canadian firm has been making strides in the field for quite some time. Notably, the recently unveiled robot represents the seventh generation of its Phoenix series.
Generative AI is a recurring theme in my newsletter, Actuator. Initially, I hesitated to delve deeper into the topic. After years of reporting on technology, I’ve seen numerous hype cycles come and go—many of them leaving disappointment in their wake. Yet, effective tech reporting requires a balance of skepticism and genuine excitement for future innovations.
Ten Years of Innovation: The Evolution of Formant in Robotics
Nothing Introduces Exciting Refreshes to Earbud Lineup
The Evolution of Humanoid Robotics: From Hardware to Intelligence
When Dusty Robotics launched its FieldPrinter in 2019, it introduced an innovative solution to construction automation. This autonomous mobile robot revolutionized the industry by transforming blueprints into real-world chalk outlines on construction floors, significantly reducing guesswork in a project where precision is crucial. The company proudly reports that the first-generation FieldPrinter has successfully printed over 91 million square feet.
Navigating the job market can be challenging — but compiling this semi-regular job post always renews my optimism. Every time I share this list, the number of job opportunities grows. With 74 companies featured this time, it’s the most extensive list we've created so far. This means a bit more effort for me in organizing this information, but if it helps even a few people land an opportunity, it’s absolutely worth it.
2024 is set to be a transformative year at the intersection of generative AI, large foundational models, and robotics. The buzz around their potential applications—from advanced learning techniques to innovative product design—is palpable. Among the pioneers in this field are researchers from Google’s DeepMind Robotics, who have shared insights into their ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing how robots comprehend and respond to human needs.
CES 2024 Has Arrived!
Humane has officially launched its first product, the Ai Pin. This innovative hardware startup from the Bay Area has been developing its technology since 2017, motivated by the vision of co-founders Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri, who both previously worked at Apple. With a robust funding of $230 million, the company has concentrated on creating standalone AI devices.
Agriculture: A Frontier for Robotics Innovation
Over the past year, I've engaged in numerous discussions with robotics experts about the impact of generative AI and large language models (LLMs) on the field. It has become evident that these technologies are poised to transform how robots communicate, learn, perceive their surroundings, and are programmed.
Since our last update, Viam hasn’t exactly pivoted, but rather undergone a notable “rebrand,” as described by founder and CEO Eliot Horowitz. Six months ago, the Manhattan-based startup made a strategic move to expand its focus beyond its initial target of robotics firms. While robotics is a significant and growing field, Horowitz emphasizes that Viam's vision is much broader.
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced on Monday its proposal to invest up to $6.6 billion to establish a third manufacturing facility for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC) in Arizona. This funding will be provided through the CHIPS and Science Act, aiming to enhance domestic semiconductor production and reduce reliance on international sources. While this initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost manufacturing within the U.S., it could also heighten tensions with China.
Google I/O Keynote Day: Key Highlights You Need to Know
During my recent visit to Automate in Chicago, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of people who expressed their gratitude. It’s always rewarding to receive such positive feedback face-to-face.
Robotics is often perceived as primarily a hardware challenge, but in reality, it’s equally a software issue. While the allure of mechatronics may capture attention, without robust software solutions, expensive robots can quickly become nothing more than decorative paperweights. The path to widespread robotics adoption is riddled with unforeseen challenges that can inhibit practical implementation, creating a pressing need for innovative software solutions.
We’re about a month away from Build, but this week, Microsoft is conducting a trial run through an online-only event. Marketed as a Windows showcase, the event is heavily centered on the company’s AI initiatives, particularly highlighting Copilot. Two refreshed devices in the Surface line were unveiled, featuring the software giant’s AI chatbot prominently.
Hardware is challenging, as the saying goes. New startups often experience significant hurdles with their first-generation products, regardless of the excitement and funding they generate. So, it comes as no surprise that Humane's highly anticipated Ai Pin has experienced a slight delay, moving its launch from March to mid-April, as shared in a recent video by Sam Sheffer, the Head of Media at the Bay Area startup.
If you're dreaming of relocating to the moon or Mars, you might face a housing shortage. Thankfully, NASA is forging ahead with innovative solutions, recently unveiling a groundbreaking self-assembling robotic system poised to play a key role in off-planet construction.
There are many reasons why home robots have struggled to achieve success since the advent of the Roomba. Factors such as pricing, practicality, form factors, and mapping issues have led to numerous failures in the sector. Even when these aspects are resolved, a significant challenge remains: how to manage a system when it inevitably makes a mistake.
In recent years, the kitchen has increasingly emerged as a central hub for automation technology. Companies like Miso have gained recognition for innovations such as Flippy, a robotic arm designed for cooking hamburgers, which is currently used in chain restaurants like White Castle. However, other ventures, like Zume Robotics, have not fared as well; the pizza automation firm closed its doors last year after shifting its focus to eco-friendly food packaging.
Apple Reports 10% Decline in iPhone Sales Amid Competitive Challenges
At today’s "Delivering the Future" event, Amazon revealed plans to test Agility’s bipedal robot, Digit, within its facilities. Tye Brady, Amazon Robotics Chief Technologist, emphasized that the testing is still in its “very, very early stages.” He added, “We’re taking extensive care to understand it better and assess its suitability for our processes.”
For the upcoming weeks, the Actuator robotics newsletter will feature exclusive Q&A sessions with leading experts in the field of robotics. Stay updated by subscribing here.
Before President Joe Biden enacted the CHIPS and Science Act in August 2022, Intel stood as a pivotal player in the U.S. push for enhanced domestic chip manufacturing. Recently, the White House revealed a collaborative agreement with the Department of Commerce that could allocate up to $8.5 billion to bolster U.S.-based production for the semiconductor giant.
Bird Buddy's Latest Innovation Enhances Backyard Birdwatching Experience
Why Non-Vacuum Robots Struggle in Homes—and How MIT Researchers Aim to Change That
Generative AI is making significant strides in the field of robotics, showcasing a variety of applications such as natural language processing, robotic learning, no-code programming, and design innovation. This week, Google's DeepMind Robotics team is highlighting an exciting intersection of these domains: navigation.
MIT research scientist Jerry Pratt is making waves again. After departing from Boardwalk Robotics—a humanoid startup he founded—in 2022, he joined the Bay Area robotics firm Figure as its CTO just months before the company exited stealth mode. However, last month, Pratt and Figure parted ways quietly.
Robotics startup Mytra is reshaping warehouse automation
Samsung surprised everyone at January's Unpacked event with the exciting announcement of the Galaxy Ring. This teaser hinted at significant validation for the emerging wearable technology category. While smart rings aren't a new concept, Oura has been the dominant player so far.
The first self-checkout system made its debut in 1986 at a Kroger grocery store near Atlanta. After decades of gradual evolution, these systems have now become widespread throughout the United States. With grocery stores increasingly automating their operations, it's only a matter of time before robotic bagging follows suit.
Samsung Unpacked 2024: What to Expect at the Paris Showcase
The humanoid robotics industry has largely been defined by promises and pilot projects to date. While these initiatives are crucial for the future implementation of new technologies, they often involve a limited number of robots and rarely evolve into substantial applications. However, on Thursday, Agility Robotics announced a significant step forward by formalizing a partnership with logistics giant GXO after a successful pilot program.
Robotics funding has experienced a significant slowdown since its peak in 2021-2022, yet many challenges highlighted by the pandemic continue to persist. One of the primary drivers of venture investment in robotics remains the ongoing labor shortage. Analysts at Gartner predict that by 2028, half of large enterprises will employ robots in their warehouse and manufacturing operations.
Amazon has faced significant financial losses with its Echo smart speakers—a reality that's been apparent since the launch of Alexa. This situation exemplifies a loss leader strategy that only a massive corporation like Amazon can sustain over an extended period.