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Humanup’s randomization improved robustness on varied terrains, achieving 78.3% get-up and 98.3% roll-over success rates. Researchers introduce a breakthrough in robot autonomy A team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has developed a machine-learning framework that allows humanoid robots to autonomously get up after falling . This is the first successful demonstration of learned fall-recovery strategies for human-sized humanoid robots in real-world conditions. Named HUMANUP , the framework is designed to enhance robot autonomy, making them more adaptable for various applications. “Hand-designing controllers for getting up is difficult because of the varied configurations a humanoid can end up in after a fall and the challenging terrains humanoid robots are expected to operate on,” said researchers in the study paper. “This paper develops a learning framework to produce controllers that enable humanoid robots to get up from varying configurations on varying terrains.”...

Nvidia has grown into the second-largest company on Wall Street, meaning its stock movements significantly impact the S&P 500 and other indexes—second only to Apple. Why do Nvidia earnings impact the US stock market? Sales of Nvidia's artificial intelligence chip, Blackwell , will be a key focus when the company releases its latest financial results late on Wednesday. Analysts are closely watching future demand, especially after Chinese firm DeepSeek claimed it could train competitive AI models using fewer resources. Wall Street expects Nvidia to report fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of 85 cents per share on revenue of $38.08 billion (€36.4bn), according to FactSet. The company's net income is projected to reach $19.58 billion (€18.7bn). Nvidia's impact on the stock market Nvidia's performance matters for the entire US stock market. The tech giant, based in Santa Clara, California, is now worth more than $3 trillion (€2.9tn). As a key player in the AI boom...

At the beginning of 2025, numerous companies have carried out large-scale workforce reductions, leaving many employees jobless. Let's explore the Top 10 jobs most at risk of being replaced by AI in 2025 and the jobs least likely to be replaced in the future. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation is no longer a distant concept but is actively reshaping the job market at an astonishing pace. The following information was shared by Kieran Gilmurray —the world’s first Generative AI Director, a 10-time global award winner, and an expert in AI , data analytics, and digital consulting—on his LinkedIn. Jobs once considered stable are now at risk of being replaced or significantly reduced. In this context, identifying high-risk industries in the face of AI advancements has become a top concern for both workers and businesses. [ pb 39 ] [photoblocks id=39] For parents planning their children's future and business leaders strategizing workforce devel...

Tesla is experiencing an uncertain start to 2025, despite its past dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Recent global sales data shows a substantial decline , reflecting growing competition, shifting customer preferences, and the impact of Elon Musk’s political involvement. Tesla's decline in key markets In California, Tesla's sales dropped by 11.6% in 2024, while other manufacturers saw growth. The Model 3, previously a best-seller, lost around 30,000 registrations. The much-anticipated Cybertruck pickup saw only 9,019 registrations across the state. In Europe, Tesla’s performance has been particularly poor. Sales in Germany and France plummeted by 60% and 63%, respectively, in January 2024. The UK saw an 8% drop in Tesla registrations, even as EV sales penetration reached 21%. No Tesla models ranked among the top 10 best-selling cars in the UK. Meanwhile, in China, Tesla’s sales declined by 11.5% due to slowing production and intensified local competition. Reas...

Apple has announced its largest-ever investment plan, committing to spend more than $500 billion in the U.S . over the next four years. This pledge continues Apple's tradition of supporting American innovation and high-tech manufacturing. The investment will focus on artificial intelligence, silicon engineering, and skills development for students and workers nationwide. “We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country’s future,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. Apple’s investment includes expanding its manufacturing capabilities, increasing R&D funding, and supporting suppliers across all 50 states. It also covers infrastructure for Apple Intelligence and Apple TV+ productions. The company remains one of the largest U.S. taxpayers, having paid over $75 billion in the past five years, including $19 billion in 2024 alone. Opening a new manufacturing facility in Ho...

A Google developer has seemingly struck gold, earning a staggering $13 million a year while appearing to do "nothing." Amit Agarwal, a developer, brings in an astonishing $1,083,333 per month, yet he spends most of his time cherishing moments with his family. Investigating his journey, YouTuber Namanh Kapur (@namanhkapur) explores how Agarwal generates his income and what his actual job entails. How did his career start? In his video, Kapur explains: “After working his first and only corporate job, Agarwal created a public-facing brand, a website on the world wide web, and that's how his blog Digital Inspiration was born in 2004. “Amit published his first blog post ever—a review of an HP printer he had recently bought—and suddenly, the article started gaining views.” As his blog's audience grew exponentially, Agarwal started earning through AdSense, forging a strong connection with Google. Kapur continues: “He became an outspoken supporter of AdSense, tweetin...

About a year ago, Boston Dynamics released a research version of its Spot quadruped robot with a low-level API that allows direct control of its joints. At the time, rumors suggested this API enabled Spot to run significantly faster. These rumors originated from the Robotics and AI (RAI) Institute , formerly known as The AI Institute and the Boston Dynamics AI Institute. At the ICRA@40 conference in Rotterdam last fall, Marc Raibert confirmed that this was not just speculation. Today, we can reveal how the RAI Institute applies reinforcement learning to enhance Spot’s performance dramatically. The same approach has also enabled an autonomous bicycle that can jump. See Spot run A recent video showcases Spot running at 5.2 meters per second (11.6 mph). Out of the box, Spot’s top speed is just 1.6 m/s, meaning RAI’s modifications have more than tripled its speed. https://youtu.be/z478hmH5OME Spot’s running style may seem unusual because it differs from that of real dogs. "The ga...

Elon Musk has not officially announced a Tesla Pi Phone for 2025, but rumors about a possible release priced under $357 have been circulating, sparking excitement among Tesla fans. A fusion of innovation and practicality If rumors are true, the Tesla Pi Phone could be no ordinary smartphone. Speculations suggest it may combine satellite connectivity, AI integration, and seamless Tesla ecosystem compatibility into a potentially game-changing device. Design: A blend of elegance and durability Built with aircraft-grade recycled aluminum, the Tesla Pi Phone is both lightweight and durable. Weighing just 190g, it is lighter than the iPhone 15 Pro Max (221g) and the Galaxy S25 Ultra (228g), making it comfortable for extended use. According to leaks and concept reports, the rumored phone may feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 3, which can withstand drops from 2m, surpassing the durability of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 found on competing devices. Concept designs suggest a nearly bezel-le...

Microsoft has introduced Majorana 1, the world’s first quantum processor powered by topological qubits . This breakthrough marks a transformative step toward practical quantum computing. Majorana 1: A new era in quantum computing Quantum computers hold the promise of revolutionizing science and society, but their full potential depends on scaling up and ensuring reliability through quantum error correction. Microsoft has announced key advancements in this journey: Majorana 1: The first Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) powered by a Topological Core, designed to scale to a million qubits on a single chip. A hardware-protected topological qubit: Research published in Nature confirms Microsoft’s ability to create a new type of qubit that is small, fast, and digitally controlled. A device roadmap to reliable quantum computation: A clear path from single-qubit devices to arrays supporting quantum error correction. A fault-tolerant quantum prototype: Microsoft is progressing toward a scal...

AI is everywhere. It’s changing the way we work, learn, and live. But what comes after ai? Google CEO Sundar Pichai has some thoughts. In a recent blog, he shared what he believes could be the next major breakthrough. “AI is bigger than the internet,” he once said. However, he knows technology won’t stop here. Pichai highlighted three key areas that could shape the future, starting with quantum computing. “Quantum computing will push the limits of what technology can do,” he wrote. This technology could help solve major challenges in healthcare, security, and science." “Quantum computing will also help scientists discover new medicines… as well as design more efficient batteries for electric cars, and accelerate progress in fusion and new energy alternatives,” said Pichai. According to him, quantum computing represents the next big paradigm shift in computing, following AI. Pichai also discussed Google’s latest quantum computing breakthrough. “Our state-of-the-art Willow qua...

Oppo’s Find N5 feels like the ultimate evolution of foldable phones. Not because it’s a turning point for the industry, but because it’s hard to see where manufacturers can go from here. This is the thinnest foldable phone in the world, measuring just 8.93mm when closed and 4.21mm when open. Oppo had to customize the USB-C port to make it fit, and if foldables are to get any thinner, USB-C may need to be removed entirely. Hardware and cameras The Find N5 is barely thicker than an iPhone 16 Pro Max or a Galaxy S25 Ultra when closed. Open, it has a larger screen than an iPad Mini while being thinner and lighter. The nearly invisible crease in the 8.12-inch display makes the device feel seamless. Battery life is impressive thanks to Oppo’s second-generation silicon-carbon battery. With a 5,600mAh capacity, it outlasts most foldables. Even after a day of heavy use in poor signal conditions, it only dropped to 50% by bedtime. The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor and a 3x telep...

Microsoft claims that quantum computers could be built within years rather than decades , thanks to a new breakthrough. The company has developed a chip that could accelerate the development of quantum computing, similar to how semiconductors revolutionized modern electronics. This chip is powered by the world’s first topoconductor , a material that creates a new state of matter beyond solids, liquids, or gases. A peer-reviewed paper in Nature states that this innovation allows for quantum systems to fit onto a single chip smaller than a hand, improving reliability. Paul Stevenson, a physics professor at the University of Surrey, believes Microsoft could become a major competitor in the quantum computing race if it continues to advance this research. However, he remains cautious, stating that while the development is promising, the next steps are challenging. George Booth, a theoretical physics professor at King’s College London, called the achievement impressive but noted that its...

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, a powerful and affordable addition to the iPhone 16 lineup. It features the A18 chip and Apple C1 modem, ensuring smooth performance and extended battery life. Built for Apple Intelligence, it enhances privacy while delivering smart capabilities. The iPhone 16e has a 48MP Fusion camera with 2x Telephoto for high-quality zoom. It includes satellite connectivity for emergency situations. The device is available in matte black and white, with pre-orders starting February 21 and availability on February 28. Apple emphasizes durability with an IP68 rating, Ceramic Shield front, and tough back glass. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display offers an immersive experience for video, gaming, and reading. Battery life surpasses previous models, lasting up to 12 hours longer than the iPhone SE. Performance is powered by the A18 chip, featuring an 80% faster CPU and advanced GPU for console-level gaming. The 16-core Neural Engine accelerates AI tasks, enhanci...

South Korea has accused the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek of sharing user data with ByteDance, the owner of TikTok. The South Korean data protection regulator confirmed communication between the two companies, leading to DeepSeek’s removal from local app stores over privacy concerns. DeepSeek gained significant attention earlier this year, but its success raised alarms about data protection, especially after a cybersecurity company alleged potential data sharing with ByteDance. Despite DeepSeek’s popularity, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) in South Korea discovered links between the app and ByteDance, although the full extent of the data sharing remains unclear. Other countries, including the US, have also expressed concerns about Chinese laws potentially compromising data privacy. South Korea’s PIPC advised users to avoid sharing personal information with the app, following bans in several other countries on government devices.

Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, has launched its latest AI model, Grok 3 , along with new features for its iOS and web apps. Grok, xAI’s response to OpenAI’s GPT-4o and Google’s Gemini, can analyze images and answer questions. It also integrates with Musk’s social network, X. Grok 3 has been in development for months and was initially set for release in 2024 but missed the deadline, according to TechCrunch. Vast training dataset XAI trained Grok 3 using a massive data center in Memphis, equipped with around 200,000 GPUs. In a post on X, Musk claimed that Grok 3 was built with ten times more computing power than its predecessor, Grok 2. Additionally, it was trained on a more extensive dataset, including legal documents. Not all features of Grok 3 are available yet, as some are still in beta. However, the rollout has begun. According to Musk, Grok 3 is significantly more capable than Grok 2. He described it as an AI that seeks truth to the maximum, even when that truth challenges polit...

Geely has launched the Galaxy L7 EM-i, an AI-powered hybrid vehicle featuring a sleek design with a through-type LED headlight and a closed front panel. It boasts a WLTC fuel consumption of 1.05-1.3 liters per 62 miles and a cruising range of 770 miles, with fast charging enabling a 30% to 80% charge in just 20 minutes. The new model comes with two hybrid powertrain options: a 1.5L engine paired with a 160 kW electric motor, and a 1.5T engine combined with a 107 kW electric motor. Both variants feature lithium iron phosphate batteries offering a 115 km pure electric range and an advanced Flyme Auto intelligent cockpit powered by the Snapdragon 8155 chip. Geely is advancing AI integration in smart cars through its partnership with DeepSeek, leveraging the R1 LLM model to enhance AI-driven car control functions. The company’s ‘Smart Geely 2025’ strategy focuses on expanding AI applications in NEVs, including voice interaction, digital chassis, and intelligent driving systems.

Imagine a world where electronic devices work without batteries. Researchers at MIT have developed a fully flexible device that converts wifi signals into electricity , potentially powering smartphones, wearables, and medical sensors. This device, known as a rectenna, features a flexible radio-frequency (RF) antenna that captures electromagnetic waves, including wifi, and converts them into AC signals. These signals then pass through an ultra-thin, two-dimensional semiconductor, transforming into DC voltage to power circuits or recharge batteries. Unlike traditional rectennas that use rigid materials, this innovation is flexible and can be mass-produced using roll-to-roll fabrication, covering large surfaces like buildings or highways. According to MIT professor Tomás Palacios, this technology could integrate electronic intelligence into everyday structures. Early applications include wearable technology, implantable medical devices, and the internet of things. The researchers'...

Engineers are exploring new ways to integrate AI with cutting-edge technology. One of the latest innovations is a light-powered AI chip that is so small it can fit at the tip of an optical fiber, yet it is capable of processing data at the speed of light. Traditional computers rely on electronic circuits, which consume significant energy and introduce delays due to processing time. In contrast, this new AI chip utilizes a diffractive neural network, enabling it to operate more efficiently. The concept builds on University of California, Los Angeles ’s 2018 research, which first showcased the potential of diffractive neural networks. By manipulating light, this AI chip significantly accelerates data processing, bypassing the need for conventional electronic computation. A recent study published in Nature Photonics demonstrates an even more advanced version of this technology. Researchers have miniaturized the chip to fit on the tip of an optical fiber, allowing instant data process...

Perplexity AI, an AI-powered conversational search engine, is expanding its features. On Thursday, the company announced that its Deep Research tool is now free to use. This tool can perform multiple searches, analyze hundreds of sources, and generate detailed reports autonomously. Similar to ChatGPT and Google Gemini, Perplexity’s Deep Research tool is available for free users but with a daily limit on responses. "Excited to introduce the Perplexity Deep Research Agent: available for free to all users," wrote CEO Aravind Srinivas on LinkedIn. Srinivas also mentioned that paid users can access an expert-level researcher for $20 per month, allowing 500 queries daily. The tool generates full reports in under three minutes. According to Srinivas, the Deep Research Agent is significantly faster than alternatives. It completes most queries in under three minutes, matching OpenAI’s o3 agent on the Humanity Last Exam Benchmark and achieving 93.9% on the SimpleQA benchmark. ...

There is a default iPhone setting that you need to change immediately to protect your personal information from hackers. Experts warn that some iPhone settings could put your data at risk if not adjusted properly. Millions of devices may be vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. Default iPhone setting you need to change One of the most critical settings to update is the “Auto-Join” feature in your WiFi settings. This option automatically connects your device to public hotspots in places like restaurants, cafes, and bars. While this may seem convenient, it also exposes your device to hackers who can gain access to your passwords, photos, and bank accounts. Cybercriminals often set up fake WiFi networks, hoping users will unknowingly connect. Once connected, they can install malware on your phone, allowing them to access your data even after you disconnect. The National Security Agency (NSA) has strongly advised iPhone users to avoid public WiFi connections altogether. How to disa...

You might think top AI executives use artificial intelligence in highly advanced ways, but that’s not always true. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman mainly uses AI for everyday tasks like summarizing emails and documents. "I use [AI] in the boring ways," Altman said on Wharton psychologist Adam Grant's ReThinking podcast last month. "I use it for like, 'Help me process all of this email' or 'Help me summarize this document.'" Altman isn't the only one. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang also uses AI chatbots to help draft written content, as he mentioned at a Wired event in December. Similarly, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella relies on Outlook's AI features to organize and prioritize his inbox, as he shared at the Fast Company Innovation Festival 2024 . Even though these executives lead the AI industry, their personal use of AI is similar to that of many professionals. According to a Gallup survey last year, the most common AI chatbot uses include idea gener...

Apple CEO Tim Cook has teased an upcoming Apple announcement on Wednesday, February 19. Many believe this will reveal the next-generation iPhone SE 4 . Apple’s next iPhone SE launching on Wednesday – what to expect! Product name:  Apple introduced the iPhone SE in 2016, with “SE” standing for Special Edition. The last three models carried this name, but that might change this year. Rumors suggest Apple may name the new device “iPhone 6E” instead of iPhone SE 4. However, this comes from an unverified source. The new iPhone SE will feature the same chip as the iPhone 16, potentially linking it to the flagship lineup. Cook hinted at this when he said, “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family.” How it is designed:  The iPhone SE 4 is expected to adopt an iPhone 14-style design, featuring a 6.1-inch display. This marks the end of smaller iPhones, with 6.1 inches becoming Apple’s smallest screen size. While the current iPhone SE measures 4.7 inches, the shift to 6.1 inches is ...