Tag

Robots

All articles tagged with #robots

FCC widens robot import ban to cover vacuums and delivery bots
policy27 days ago

FCC widens robot import ban to cover vacuums and delivery bots

FCC expands the ban on 'advanced robotic devices' to include future non-humanoid robots—robot vacuums, lawnmowers, and sidewalk delivery bots—bar importing any new software-controlled ground robot over 4.4 pounds that can sense its environment and connect wirelessly. Existing Roombas aren’t targeted, but manufacturers must commit to US manufacturing to obtain waivers. The policy, framed around national security, pushes some production back to the US even as many foreign-made robovacs and components face import hurdles; waivers are not tied to security practices and exemptions exist for other robotics categories.

Free NYC Cleaning in Exchange for AI-Training Footage
artificial-intelligence2 months ago

Free NYC Cleaning in Exchange for AI-Training Footage

A German AI-training startup, MicroAGI, is partnering with Shift to offer New Yorkers free home cleaning in exchange for recording the cleaning process with cameras to train future household robots, promising anonymization of faces and IDs; cleaners may decline specific tasks, and the service covers chores from vacuuming to reorganizing spaces; the offer is limited-time with plans to expand to London, Munich, and Zurich, though questions remain about data usage and how (or if) videos can be removed after training.

Japan bets on 'Monster Wolf' robots to scare bears after record attacks
technology3 months ago

Japan bets on 'Monster Wolf' robots to scare bears after record attacks

With bear attacks in Japan at a record high, Hokkaido-based Ohta Seiki is flooded with orders for its animatronic 'Monster Wolf' decoys that flash red eyes, howl, and play more than 50 sounds to deter bears; prices start around $4,000 and production is two to three months behind as the company expands and plans wheeled versions, a handheld model, and AI-camera features.

Gabi the robot monk joins Buddhist vows in South Korea
technology3 months ago

Gabi the robot monk joins Buddhist vows in South Korea

A humanoid robot named Gabi was ordained as a Buddhist monk at Seoul’s Jogye Temple, marking the first time a robot takes vows and leads in a Buddhist ceremony. Gabi received the Five Precepts—crafted with Gemini and ChatGPT—and pledged devotion to Buddhism, reflecting Korea’s push to integrate AI into society and keep Buddhism relevant amid shrinking adherents.

First robot-led capture in Ukraine war signals limited battlefield autonomy
technology4 months ago

First robot-led capture in Ukraine war signals limited battlefield autonomy

Ukraine’s president announced that ground robots captured a Russian position—the first reported instance of a position being taken exclusively by robots. Experts caution that this milestone doesn’t mean Terminator-style warfare is imminent: ground robots face terrain and control-link challenges, and most remain remotely operated or task-focused rather than autonomous drivers. In practice, robots are expanding roles in battlefield support—evacuation, resupply, engineering, mine clearance—while infantry still leads in front-line combat. For Ukraine, robots help reduce human risk and sustain operations, but they are unlikely to replace soldiers in the near term.

China’s Kung-Fu Bots Showcase a Real Edge in Humanoid Robotics
robots6 months ago

China’s Kung-Fu Bots Showcase a Real Edge in Humanoid Robotics

China publicly displays autonomous kung fu-capable robots from Unitree (G1/H2) and Robotera during Lunar New Year broadcasts, featuring backflips, weapon handling, and synchronized moves. While the autonomy of these demonstrations remains debatable and the performance is choreographed, the showcase underscores rapid progress in Chinese robotics and suggests Western efforts have more ground to cover, even as past viral missteps remind us the technology is far from flawless.

CES 2026 Highlights: AI, Robotics, and Major Tech Announcements
technology7 months ago

CES 2026 Highlights: AI, Robotics, and Major Tech Announcements

CES 2026 showcases major innovations including next-gen AI platforms from Nvidia, advanced display tech from Samsung and LG, new smart devices like foldable phones, smart glasses, and household robots, along with improvements in gaming, health tech, and smart home products, highlighting the integration of AI and cutting-edge display technologies across consumer electronics.