Autonomous robot dogs assist with fusion energy facility maintenance
Autonomous robots dogs have been used to help maintain one of the world’s largest fusion energy research facilities, located in the U.K. These robotic canine helpers, deployed during a 35-day trial at the facility, can be both safer and more cost-effective, according to a spokesperson from the Atomic Energy Authority.
“This is the first time an autonomous robot has been deployed in fusion facilities for a long period of time,” Robert Skilton, head of robotics research and technology at the Atomic Energy Authority, said. “It established the reliability of robotic technology and how autonomous robots can be deployed safely inside fusion facilities.”
The robots are not affected by the challenging conditions that fusion energy facilities present, making them an ideal solution for improving efficiency while reducing risks to human operators. They have been tasked with carrying out regular maintenance inspections among the high radiation, vacuum-level pressures and extreme temperatures found at these sites.
“This work was about developing and demonstrating technology to help solve some of the fundamental challenges of maintaining future fusion power plants,” Skilton said. “It was about showing what’s possible today and building trust and confidence in the use of autonomous robotics for inspecting fusion facilities.”
Fusion energy, the same process used by the sun, is generated by smashing two atoms together to create a single, larger atom, releasing tremendous energy. While fusion holds the promise of abundant and clean energy, the technology is not yet commercially viable. Currently, fusion reactors consume more energy than they produce, which has been a key challenge for researchers.
However, advancements like the use of autonomous robots are helping reduce costs and improve operational safety. Experts believe these robotic systems could play a crucial role in making fusion energy more practical, potentially accelerating the timeline for its widespread adoption. Though fusion energy is projected to become a major part of the energy sector by 2050, further innovations are needed before it becomes a reliable and profitable energy source.
Researchers unveil first robotic leg using ‘artificial muscles’
Researchers announced on Monday, Sept. 9, the first ever robotic leg powered by artificial muscles. The Swiss-led team said it became inspired to create the new technology from the 600 muscles in the human body.
The team of scientists said they hope the breakthrough will lead to robots capable of nimbly walking and jumping across all kinds of surfaces from grass and sand to rocks and pebbles. The artificial muscles use oil-filled bags with electrodes attached to them. The liquid then contracts and expands with the help of controlled shocks.
The leg relies on a computer code to interpret two signals, one extending the joint and the other bending it. After each hop, the leg’s joint adapts its angle based on the terrain.
Researchers argue that traditional human-like robots made with motors and stiff metal joints can be dangerous and expensive. They contend that their model is safer, cheaper, lighter and requires less energy.
The scientists involved in the study said that while humanoid robots may someday be used to lift heavy object, they also have emotional support in mind. One researcher reportedly saying that they want a robot that can “also give someone a hug or shake hands.”
The team said the technology is still in the beginning stages, just six years old, with the leg capable of jumping in a circle currently. However, they hope mass production can kickstart advancements in the coming years.
President Biden to address the nation on his decision to end 2024 campaign
President Joe Biden is set to address the nation for the first time after dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. And the story of another American athlete heading to Paris hoping to bring their sport to the Olympics. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
President Biden to address the nation on his decision to end 2024 campaign
President Joe Biden will address the nation on Wednesday, July 24, to explain why he ended his 2024 presidential campaign. He’s also set to lay out what he will focus on in the six months remaining in his presidency.
Biden arrived back in Washington from his home in Delaware on Tuesday, July 23, for the first time in six days since he was diagnosed with COVID-19. He answered only one question from reporters upon his return, saying he’s “feeling well” after now testing negative for the virus.
In Wednesday night’s address, President Biden is expected to also explain why he believes Vice President Kamala Harris is the best candidate to take on former President Donald Trump in November.
Harris held her first rally in Wisconsin Tuesday, July 23, and she’ll address a historically Black sorority convention in Indianapolis Wednesday. On Thursday, July 25, she’s set to address a teachers union that endorsed her on July 22.
Vice President Kamala Harris rallied Democrats on Tuesday in Wisconsin, vowing to defeat Donald Trump by attacking him as a prosecutor. Harris listed her campaign pledges, which included expanding abortion rights and building a strong middle class. https://t.co/9nF2OMLKDQpic.twitter.com/Au3BeuipG0
Trump will rally in North Carolina Wednesday and then he and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, will hold a joint rally in Minnesota on Saturday, July 27.
This comes as the first few polls conducted after Harris launched her presidential campaign have been released.
In a head-to-head matchup, an NPR poll found Trump at 46% and Harris with 45% of support among registered voters. However, a Reuters poll has Harris ahead with 44% compared to Trump’s 42%.
Trump’s campaign to hold indoor rallies in aftermath of assassination attempt
Former President Trump’s campaign will reportedly now stop holding outdoor rallies on the Secret Service’s advice after he was wounded in an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally. The campaign says current plans are to hold indoor events and maybe smaller outdoor ones, but only in more controlled settings.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle stepped down Tuesday, July 23, after calls for her resignation in the wake of the assassination attempt.
CAMPAIGN CA$H: "Kamala Harris is in the process of committing the largest campaign finance violation in American history." Why the Trump campaign says the Harris campaign is violating finance laws: https://t.co/DeWSsaDYtDpic.twitter.com/qE22Rnf98f
The Trump campaign has also filed a complaint with the FEC in an effort to block President Biden’s campaign from transferring $91 million to Vice President Harris’ campaign. Trump’s team says Harris improperly took over the cash after the Biden campaign account changed its name to “Harris for President.”
Harris’ campaign spokesperson has dismissed the filing.
Mass protest at U.S. Capitol ahead of Netanyahu speech
Dozens of demonstrators showed up to the U.S. Capitol Tuesday, July 23, to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the U.S. The protest was organized by the group Jewish Voice for Peace.
Tuesday’s demonstration had a similar message as other high profile war protests, with demonstrators chanting “free Palestine,” “not in our name” and “stop genocide.” They protesters staged a sit-in at a congressional office building. Capitol police arrested more than 200 people.
The protest came as Netanyahu is in Washington meeting with U.S. lawmakers. Multiple other protests are already planned for Wednesday as Netanyahu is set to deliver a speech to Congress.
Netanyahu is expected to meet with President Joe Biden Thursday, July 25. He’ll also meet with Vice President Kamala Harris Thursday and former President Donald Trump on Friday, July 26, as he looks to lock in support for Israel from both candidates ahead of November’s election.
Looking forward to seeing Bibi Netanyahu on Friday, and even more forward to achieving Peace in the Middle East! DJT@realDonaldTrump Donald Trump Truth Social 10:06 PM EST 07/23/24 pic.twitter.com/duBKAOiFyD
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 24, 2024
The law originally passed last year but was then placed on hold. In June, Iowa’s Supreme Court ruled there was no constitutional right to an abortion in the state, lifting the hold.
🚨 BREAKING: Iowa’s extreme 6-week abortion ban will go into effect on Monday, July 29 at 8 a.m.
Iowans will lose the ability to make private medical decisions even though most of us believe abortion should remain legal. We will never stop fighting for reproductive freedom.
Previously, abortion in Iowa was legal for up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. Iowa will now join three other states that ban abortions after about six weeks.
Menendez resigning from Senate after federal bribery conviction
New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, D, will be resigning. He’s stepping down after his conviction earlier this month on 16 counts. The charges include including bribery, extortion, wire fraud, obstruction of justice and acting as a foreign agent.
Menendez’s resignation will take effect Aug. 20, giving his staffers time to find new jobs. The New Jersey lawmaker was facing mounting pressure to step down or face being expelled from the Senate.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, D, is expected to appoint a replacement to fill the remainder of Menendez’s term, which ends on Jan. 3.
Tesla earnings down amid weak electric vehicle sales
Tesla’s profit is down more than 40% for the second quarter of this year and that can mostly be attributed to weak auto sales. From April to June, the company’s revenue from its electric vehicles is down more than $1.3 billion compared to the same time last year.
Experts say Tesla is facing a double whammy of more competition from big automakers and an overall decline in EV sales.
However, Tesla owner Elon Musk is focused on the company’s future. He announced this week Tesla will have its humanoid robots “in production to be used within the company next year.”
Tesla has been working up robot models for several years as part of its efforts to expand into robots and artificial intelligence.
U.S. athletes hope showcase launches beach handball into Olympics
This is the third installment in our weeklong series taking a closer look at Team USA members and their sports ahead of the start of the Paris Olympics.
When the Olympic Games open on Friday, July 26, in Paris, viewers be able to watch beach volleyball at the Eiffel Tower Stadium.
But for USA’s Christine Mansour, Ebiye Udo-Udoma and Drew Donlin, their attention will be on another beach sport 15 miles away — beach handball.
“It’s a dream come true,” Udo-Udoma told Straight Arrow News. “There are still some preparations. I don’t think the magnitude of playing in Paris has hit me because I’m still focused on training.”
Mansour, fresh off getting her MBA, means business when it comes to giving beach handball its due.
“I always view it as a startup sport,” Mansour said. “Not that many people know about it, especially in the States. It’s so interesting because once I explain this sport to people and show them a clip, the interest is immediately piqued.”
Just like the sport itself, Udo-Udoma is better known outside the U.S., often referred to internationally by his nickname “Handball Ninja.”
“I remember shaking hands with an opponent,” Udo-Udoma said. “I said, ‘My name’s Ebiye.’ He said ‘Ninja, you don’t have to introduce yourself, we all know who you are.’ I just chuckled.”
Unlike the indoor version, beach handball is not yet an official part of the Olympics. But this year in Paris, beach handball is an exhibition sport played alongside the Olympic Games.
Mansour and Udo-Udoma are among 64 of the world’s best athletes from 18 different countries playing in a showcase with hopes for the sport to be granted a permanent spot.
“It’s very important to me that you have these mediums in life like sport where you can transcend barriers whether they are political, social or geographical,” Udo-Udoma said. “It’s nice to have something to connect you to other human beings independent of superficial restrictions.”
After playing Division 1 basketball at Harvard, Mansour found beach handball while living in California and excelled — becoming the top scorer in the 2022 World Championship, moving to the Netherlands and creating a dual-nation team. Now she is being named the only female player from North America for the showcase.
“We’re all entrepreneurs in the sense,” Mansour said. “We’re all doing our part to build this community and build this sport, build awareness, so we can continue to reach higher levels and with that the ultimate goal is reaching the Olympics.”
Mansour said one of the big differentiators setting this sport apart from others is the points for spectacular goals, including the alley oops and the spin shots.
It was those moves that first caught the attention of the future “Handball Ninja.” Udo-Udoma played at Oregon State University and joined the national team a decade ago.
“For really a couple decades worth of work to culminate into something like getting the opportunity to play under the rings, the flood of emotion that initially hit me was immense,” Udo-Udoma said.
Olympic gold is not the goal this year for these Americans. They are just out to prove beach handball belongs at the Olympics and they’re not going to miss their shot —spinning or not — to showcase that.
“So to have this opportunity as we shoot to get it on the program for Los Angeles 2028, Brisbane 2032, and to be an integral part of the history of something; that’s something that has even more value on top of what I accomplish as an individual athlete or as a competitor — to be part of something bigger than me,” Udo-Udoma said.
“For me to be part of an Olympic showcase of a sport that I’m obsessed with, that I love, and I wish the whole world knew about is the greatest honor,” Mansour added.
Musk says Tesla will be using humanoid robots by next year
Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot project, spearheaded by CEO Elon Musk, faces delays and skepticism despite making significant progress from its theatrical debut to functional prototypes. On Monday, July 21, Musk announced widespread implementation of the Optimus robots would be delayed again, at least until the end of 2024.
Tesla shareholders responded to the delay with cautious optimism. The company’s stock rose 3% on Monday after the announcement.
Tesla’s Optimus project has made significant strides since its introduction in 2021. The humanoids can now fold t-shirts and handle eggs without breaking them. However, ongoing challenges continue for development teams as the company struggles to meet ambitious timelines for widespread deployment. Two Optimus robots are currently working on Tesla’s factory floor, although Musk did not share what tasks the robots complete.
In the humanoid robotics space, Tesla already faces stiff competition from established players like Boston Dynamics. The robotics company already achieved significant milestones with its humanoid, Atlas, like running, moving objects and navigating obstacles in real-time.
As Tesla prepares to introduce humanoid robots to factory settings, Musk began to address ethical and safety implications of using robot-human interactions. He emphasized the need for safety measures, including an off-switch. Musk said Tesla aims to use Optimus to address labor shortages and automate repetitive tasks across various sectors.
Musk projected the robots will hit the open market by late 2025 at an estimated price of $20,000 to $30,000.
New ‘living skin’ advances humanoid robot technology
Humanoid robots aren’t just science fiction anymore; in fact, they’re almost ready to enter the workforce. Amazon has been exploring replacing some of its warehouse staff with robots, and Elon Musk is also considering the potential of robotic helpers.
The latest developments come from scientists at the University of Tokyo, who have created a type of skin from human cells. This pink, gooey material can stretch into what resembles an awkward smile.
Researchers use a special gel loaded with skin-forming cells to sculpt a “living layer” that adheres to robotic surfaces, bringing biology into play when the robot smiles.
Researchers believe this technology could enhance our understanding of facial expressions and advance treatments for facial paralysis, as well as improve cosmetic and orthopedic surgeries. In the future, stroke patients and burn victims who have undergone major surgeries could benefit from more natural skin augmentations.
While it will take many more years of testing for this technology to become an everyday reality, researchers hope it will make robots in the workforce more approachable. Although the commercial viability of humanoid robots like Boston Dynamics‘ Atlas and Tesla’s Optimus remains limited, recent advancements are starting to bridge the gap to practical applications.
At Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting, CEO Elon Musk suggested that humanoid robots could significantly increase the company’s market value to $25 trillion in the future. He also predicted that by 2025, Tesla would have “a few thousand” Optimus robots operational in its factories.
Meanwhile, Boston Dynamics has been selling its robot dog, Spot, since 2019 and hopes to one day bring its humanoid “Atlas” robot to market.
Norwegian company taking nautical tech to new depths: Weapon of the week
Around 71% of the Earth is covered by water, however, only about 5% of those waters have been explored. That’s where Blueye Robotics comes in with its X3 remotely operated vehicle (ROV) — a nautical tool that will help the U.S. military discover these new frontiers.
The X3 has been on the market since 2021 and has a proven track record. In 2022, the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea were blown up. However, at 260 feet below the surface, it was too deep for divers to inspect the damage. Instead, the X3 was used to get a closer look at the damage done.
“We feel it’s incumbent upon those of us that have access to the sea to provide that information to the world,” James Nixon, Blueye Robotics’ international sales manager, said. “So once we had the clearance to go to that space, we provided that video and information to the world so they can make their own decision about what happened.”
The X3 provides amazing images and Blueye also built the tool to be user-friendly. The controller offers a large screen with easy-to-use features, somewhat similar to a video game controller.
“We believe that if it’s easy and dependable, you’ll use it,” Nixon said. “And that’s our ultimate goal is to have folks doing the job that they would normally do but doing it in a safer and or more efficient manner.”
The X3 is capable of reaching depths of 1,000 feet and can be fitted with an array of add-ons. The tools include everything from lights, to sonar systems, grippers and more.
“The future for us is integration of more and better accessories and sensors into this platform,” Nixon said. “So we’ve integrated grippers and sonars and cathodic potential measurement tools and metal thickness tools. The future for us is developing and integrating more tools into this device. And then as our technology roadmap grows, to maybe change the form factor to make it a little more capable in different scenarios.”
Blueye is based out of Trondheim, Norway, and is making a big splash with users around the world. The company currently has 1,100 units operating in 60 countries and has its sights set on putting its tools in the hands of the American military.
“Norway is a relatively small country have five and a half million people,” Nixon said. “But the technology that they produce is well above its weight class. And so for us, bringing the best of breed to the United States military is our mission. It is to bring a highly portable, highly capable robot to the men and women who need it the most.”
The cost of the X3 ROV is likely to make this an attractive option for potential buyers. Base models start at less than $22,000 — a relatively low-cost option for operators who want to know what’s happening in the waters around them.
How China’s gun-toting robodogs are looking to change combat forever
From man’s best friend to a killing machine, robodogs with automatic rifles went through drills for a 15-day exercise between Chinese and Cambodian troops. Despite having guns mounted on their backs, these dogs didn’t bite, not firing a single shot during the drills that started on May 16.
The exercise between the two militaries in Cambodia is known as Golden Dragon. This year’s iteration is reportedly the largest between the two countries.
During the training mission, the dystopian-looking K-9s demonstrated their master of leaping, walking and lying down. The Chinese military said that the robodogs will replace some humans in combat, identifying threats, conducting reconnaissance and striking targets with the automatic rifles mounted to their backs.
The robodogs are meant to take point for infantry, sniffing out dangers before they can hurt friendly troops.
The desire by China’s People Liberation Army to show off the new tech on its heavily restricted social media could signal a breakthrough in the technology or more propaganda. Chinese state-run media said that the presence of the robodogs alongside foreign militaries shows it may be in the advanced stages of development.
China is not alone in its efforts to develop these robotic killing machines. The U.S. Air Force also demonstrated the ability of its robodogs to quickly detect enemy threats and for scouting.
This year’s Golden Dragon exercise between China and Cambodia consisted of 2,000 troops using 14 warships, two choppers and 69 armored vehicles, as well as the powerful pooches.
Robotic craftsman provides solution for aging military systems needing repairs
Some U.S. military systems are more than 50 years old, which means the parts to fix them are not easy to find, if they still exist. The introduction of 3D printing helped with remaking replacement parts. However, it was not a perfect solution because of limitations with materials.
The Air Force looked for faster, more creative solutions. A Southern California startup, Machina Labs, created a strong contender for a solution. The Robotic Craftsman is a 3D shaper that uses robotic fingers to shape pieces of sheet metal into parts. Its benefit is that the same machine can build countless parts, instead of only building one or two.
Machina Labs said this capability is key for one-off replacement parts.
“Throughout history, metal craftsmen had this almost unlimited agility, they could pick up a different tool, learn a new craft, and make something new,” Mike Polino, Machina Labs’ vice president of product, said. “Maybe a helmet one day, a shield the next day, a tea kettle, the day after that. So in the modern manufacturing context, we needed a lot more scale. So we got rid of all that agility in favor of a fixed tooling that would help us stamp out many, many, many parts.”
The machine can quickly learn how to shape each required part. Therefore, it reduces the time a military vehicle is out of service. Machina Labs said it can deliver parts in a week that used to take a year to construct.
Machina Labs installed the first Robotic Craftsman at Warner Robins Air Force Base in Georgia in November 2023. That base is home to the Air Materiel Command’s Logistics Complex. It supplies replacement parts for everything from engines to missiles. In the last six months, the robots gathered information to create new parts even more efficiently.
“They’re absolutely leading the charge in new techniques and sustainment,” Polino said. “They’ve helped us collect requirements and been good thought partners and also just generally helped fund some of the R&D which is really important to us.”
A report from Defense One said the Air Force needs $1.5 billion in parts for the next fiscal year. These new machines help reduce repair time for the thousands of pieces of equipment currently out of service. Machina Labs said the next step for the robot is to deploy it into combat situations for even faster repairs.
“Our current version of the system actually folds up into a standard shipping container format, and can be deployed anywhere by rail or by plane,” Polino said. “Being forward, being in contested environments, being able to inspect and then reproduce parts that maybe go through battle damage is a big part of our mission.”
A robotic future: US Army considering a platoon of steel to save lives
A proposal to embed new drone and robotics platoons within brigades U.S. Army-wide is reportedly under consideration. The Army says the platoons have the opportunity to save lives by further limiting the direct combat for human troops.
The number of robotic platoons embedded within units is still being determined. However, if implemented Army-wide, Defense One reported that the Army has the capacity to outfit 16 Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) platoons.
The military has experimented with ground robots for a long time. Some are called quadruped robots, more commonly known as “robot dogs.” The kinks in the ground robots are still being worked out. According to Defense One, the ground bots had some problems sensing obstacles and didn’t entirely listen to the humans “barking” orders at them.
Currently, the Army has two RAS platoons. One platoon is in the 82nd Airborne and the other is experimental.
The robotic platoons are equipped with a number of different drones, including the Ghost-X drone. They also feature a Squad Multipurpose Transport Vehicle. This vehicle can be fitted with different tools or weapons, depending on the mission, like a Javelin anti-tank missile.
RAS platoons are capable of scouting out locations and engaging enemy forces before any friendly humans step foot on the battlefield, helping to save American lives.
Of course, there are ethical questions that still need be answered. For instance: Who should kill an enemy, a robot or human?
Right now, the decision lies in the hands of the human operating the machine — at least for U.S. armed forces. There is evidence that some drones in Ukraine could be taking autonomous lethal action.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has not said much about “robotic warfare.” In Geneva in 2021, U.N. officials reportedly discussed autonomous weapons, but tabled the talks.
When it comes to drones and international law, there is no provision specifically mentioning their use in war. The Geneva Convention has been updated in the past to restrict land mines, booby traps and incendiary weapons.
Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus Gen 2 shows major improvements
The newest Tesla bot prototype, known as Optimus Gen 2, is designed to handle boring, repetitive, and dangerous tasks, according to CEO Elon Musk. The humanoid robot has undergone significant advancements since its introduction in 2021 as Bumblebee.
At the time, the bot was barely able to walk around and wave at the crowd.
Reuters
With improvements in its profile, weight reduction, and increased walking speed, Optimus Gen 2 features human-like hands with tactile sensors capable of safely handling delicate objects.
Reuters
Despite Musk’s claim that Optimus will be more significant than Tesla’s car business, commercial production is still in the distant future, with a steep price point of $20,000.
While early versions may focus on factory tasks, Musk envisions future applications, including running errands for human owners based on voice commands like grocery shopping.
