Robots made from unlikely new material
Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed robots using rice paper, a material commonly found in Vietnamese spring rolls.
This rice paper offers a biodegradable, non-toxic, and edible alternative to silicon, which is typically used in soft robotics.
The research aims to make soft robotics experimentation more accessible and sustainable, allowing for innovation from home.
Potential applications for these rice paper robots include agricultural reseeding, reforestation in difficult areas, and culinary uses.
This breakthrough contributes to the advancing field of soft robotics, which holds promise for transforming areas like biomedicine, nuclear decommissioning, and space exploration.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Telegraph
Covid origins investigation inconclusive, says WHO
A long-running World Health Organization investigation into the origins of Covid-19 has been unable to conclude where the virus came from because of a refusal to share information by China and intelligence agencies. An independent panel found that the most likely scientific explanation for the emergence of Covid-19 was direct transmission from bats to humans, or via an intermediary animal sold at the Wuhan wet market where the first cases emerged in December 2019, the WHO announced on Friday. 'Most scientific data and accessible published scientific evidence currently supports this hypothesis, however [we] are not currently able to conclude when, where and how Sars Cov-2 entered the human population,' Dr Marietjie Venter, Chair The Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO), told a press conference. Dr Venter added that the Wuhan Huanan seafood market had played a 'significant role' in the spread of the virus, and that 60 per cent of early cases could conclusively be traced back to the site. She added that no widespread human or animal cases had been recorded anywhere else before December 2019. The pandemic killed an estimated 20 million people while shredding economies and crippling health systems, according to the WHO. Understanding its origins is seen as key to preventing future pandemics. The panel was unable to rule out the possibility that the virus emerged from a laboratory leak in Wuhan due to a lack of cooperation from Chinese authorities and other governments who had been unwilling to share intelligence reports, the health agency said. 'Much of the information needed to investigate this hypothesis has not been made available to WHO or SAGO, despite repeated requests to the government of China,' said Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, the WHO's Director General. 'Despite our repeated requests, China hasn't provided hundreds of viral sequences from individuals with Covid-19 early in the pandemic, more detailed information on animals sold at markets in Wuhan, and information on work done and biosafety conditions at laboratories in Wuhan,' he said. The CIA said in January that Covid-19 was 'more likely' to have leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, a highly secure laboratory located in the heart of the city where the first cases of Covid-19 were recorded, than to have come from animals. Germany's foreign intelligence service, the BND, believes there is an 80-90 per cent chance that coronavirus accidentally leaked from a Chinese lab, German media reported earlier this year. Dr Tedros said: 'WHO is also aware of intelligence reports performed by other governments around the world on the origins of Covid-19, we have also requested access to those reports [....] and have not had access to [them] or their underlying data.' As well as the lab leak and zoonotic spillover explanations, the committee also investigated two other hypotheses. One, which was promoted by Beijing in the early days of the pandemic, is the claim that Covid-19 was transmitted via frozen food products imported into China. Dr Venter said that 'more data is required to prove this hypothesis'. A fourth theory – popular on social media – is that the pandemic was the result of a deliberate laboratory manipulation of the virus. 'SAGO analysed the genomic structure of the virus and did not find scientific evidence supporting this hypothesis. There's also evidence that these mutations and recombinations occur in nature,' Dr Venter said. The WHO's efforts to uncover the origins of Covid have long been shrouded in doubt, largely because of China's refusal to share information with investigators. After four years of investigation, 'all hypotheses remain on the table,' said Dr Tedros. He added that the WHO continued to appeal to Beijing and other countries with information about the origins of Covid-19 to share the information openly, in the interests of protecting the world from future pandemics. The full SAGO report was published on Friday. Its authors concluded that 'although evidence exists that has improved our understanding of the early and subsequent evolution of the virus in humans and animals, significant data gaps remain which preclude SAGO from concluding with certainty how SARS-CoV-2 initially entered the human population'. The panel urged China and the global scientific community to 'prioritise further work on understanding the origins of Covid-19 and for all countries to comprehensively study future emergences of unknown pathogens'. The full SAGO report was being published on Friday.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
WHO expert group fails to find a definitive answer for how COVID-19 began
An expert group charged by the World Health Organization to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic started released its final report Friday, reaching an unsatisfying conclusion: Scientists still aren't sure how the worst health emergency in a century began. At a press briefing on Friday, Marietjie Venter, the group's chair, said that most scientific data supports the hypothesis that the new coronavirus jumped to humans from animals. That was also the conclusion drawn by the first WHO expert group that investigated the pandemic's origins in 2021, when scientists concluded the virus likely spread from bats to humans, via another intermediary animal. At the time, WHO said a lab leak was 'extremely unlikely.' Venter said that after more than three years of work, WHO's expert group was unable to get the necessary data to evaluate whether or not COVID-19 was the result of a lab accident, despite repeated requests for hundreds of genetic sequences and more detailed biosecurity information that were made to the Chinese government. 'Therefore, this hypothesis could not be investigated or excluded,' she said. 'It was deemed to be very speculative, based on political opinions and not backed up by science.' She said that the 27-member group did not reach a consensus; one member resigned earlier this week and three others asked for their names to be removed from the report. Venter said there was no evidence to prove that COVID-19 had been manipulated in a lab, nor was there any indication that the virus had been spreading before December 2019 anywhere outside of China. 'Until more scientific data becomes available, the origins of how SARS-CoV-2 entered human populations will remain inconclusive,' Venter said, referring to the scientific name for the COVID-19 virus. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was a 'moral imperative' to determine how COVID began, noting that the virus killed at least 20 million people, wiped at least $10 trillion from the global economy and upended the lives of billions. Last year, the AP found that the Chinese government froze meaningful domestic and international efforts to trace the virus' origins in the first weeks of the outbreak in 2020 and that WHO itself may have missed early opportunities to investigate how COVID-19 began. U.S. President Donald Trump has long blamed the emergence of the coronavirus on a laboratory accident in China, while a U.S. intelligence analysis found there was insufficient evidence to prove the theory. Chinese officials have repeatedly dismissed the idea that the pandemic could have started in a lab, saying that the search for its origins should be conducted in other countries. Last September, researchers zeroed in on a short list of animals they think might have spread COVID-19 to humans, including racoon dogs, civet cats and bamboo rats. __ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Geeky Gadgets
2 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
China's $138 Billion Bet on Embodied AI : The Future of Robots Is Here
What if robots could not only think but also move, adapt, and physically interact with their surroundings just like humans? This is no longer the realm of science fiction—it's the bold frontier of embodied AI, a field where China is emerging as a global powerhouse. With a staggering $138 billion in government funding and a manufacturing ecosystem that leads the world, China is redefining what artificial intelligence can achieve. From humanoid companions to industrial robots navigating hazardous environments, the nation's advancements in physical AI are poised to transform industries and reshape everyday life. But as these intelligent machines blur the line between human and robot capabilities, they also raise profound questions about the future of work, ethics, and global competition. In this perspective, Bloomberg Technology explore how China's strategic investments and technological breakthroughs are pushing the boundaries of embodied AI. You'll discover why this fusion of robotics and advanced algorithms is more than just a technological leap—it's a fantastic force with far-reaching implications for industries, economies, and societies worldwide. From the rise of humanoid agents in consumer homes to the deployment of robots in disaster zones, the possibilities are as exciting as they are disruptive. As we delve into this rapidly evolving field, one question lingers: how will the world adapt to a future where machines are no longer confined to virtual spaces but are fully integrated into the physical world? China's Embodied AI Leadership Understanding Embodied AI Embodied AI represents the convergence of advanced algorithms and robotics, allowing machines to physically interact with their environment. Unlike traditional AI systems that operate in virtual or digital spaces, embodied AI powers robots capable of performing tasks that require physical engagement and adaptability. These robots are already making a tangible impact across various sectors, including: Industrial Automation: Robots are optimizing manufacturing processes, increasing efficiency, and reducing operational costs. Robots are optimizing manufacturing processes, increasing efficiency, and reducing operational costs. Diagnostics and Safety: AI-driven robots are inspecting hazardous environments, minimizing risks for human workers while making sure precision and safety. AI-driven robots are inspecting hazardous environments, minimizing risks for human workers while making sure precision and safety. Consumer Applications: Humanoid robots are assisting with household tasks, providing companionship, and supporting educational activities. This fusion of intelligence and physical capability is driving innovation in both commercial and personal robotics, setting the stage for a new era of technological progress. By allowing robots to interact with the physical world, embodied AI is unlocking possibilities that were previously unattainable with traditional AI systems. China's Competitive Edge in Embodied AI China currently dominates approximately 70% of the global embodied AI market, a testament to its advanced manufacturing capabilities and efficient scaling of production. The country's well-established supply chain infrastructure and expertise in robotics development provide a significant competitive advantage. This dominance is further reinforced by the ability to produce high-quality robotics at competitive costs, making Chinese innovations highly attractive on the global stage. Leading companies such as Unitary exemplify this trend by developing consumer-oriented humanoid robots like the G1 humanoid agent. These robots are designed to assist with personal tasks and enhance human-robot interaction, showcasing China's ability to combine innovative technology with practical applications. The rapid deployment of such innovations highlights the country's strategic focus on maintaining its leadership in the robotics sector. Physical AI China's Next AI Breakthrough Watch this video on YouTube. Unlock more potential in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by reading previous articles we have written. Government Investments Fueling Progress The Chinese government has allocated an impressive $138 billion to advance robotics and AI technologies, with a particular emphasis on humanoid robot development. This substantial investment is driving research, development, and commercialization efforts, making sure that China remains at the forefront of embodied AI innovation. Key government initiatives include: Encouraging collaboration between academic institutions and private enterprises to accelerate technological breakthroughs. Providing financial incentives, such as grants and subsidies, to robotics companies to enhance their market readiness. Supporting state-backed research programs aimed at exploring advanced applications of AI in robotics. These strategic measures are not only fostering technological advancements but also solidifying China's position as a global leader in embodied AI. By prioritizing innovation and commercialization, the government is creating an ecosystem that supports sustained growth and development in the robotics sector. Impact on the Job Market The rise of embodied AI is reshaping the global job market, creating new opportunities while transforming traditional roles. As demand for skilled professionals in fields like algorithm engineering, robotics design, and system integration grows, salaries in these areas are increasing. This trend reflects the expanding need for expertise in developing, maintaining, and deploying advanced robotics systems. While automation may lead to the displacement of some traditional jobs, the robotics sector is expected to generate a net positive impact on employment. Emerging career paths in this field include: AI development and programming, focusing on creating intelligent algorithms for robotics. Robotics maintenance and system integration, making sure the seamless operation of advanced systems. Design and testing of innovative robotic solutions tailored to specific industries or consumer needs. This shift underscores the importance of upskilling and adapting to the evolving technological landscape. By embracing these changes, workers can position themselves to thrive in a future shaped by embodied AI. Applications Across Consumer and Industrial Sectors Embodied AI is demonstrating its versatility and value through applications in both consumer and industrial domains. In the consumer sector, humanoid robots are being developed to assist with everyday tasks, provide companionship, and support educational initiatives. These robots are designed to integrate seamlessly into daily life, enhancing convenience and quality of living. In the industrial sector, robots like Lenovo's Daystar are being deployed for critical tasks such as inspection and diagnostics in challenging environments. These include power plants, disaster zones, and other hazardous locations where human intervention may be risky or inefficient. By addressing complex challenges and improving operational efficiency, embodied AI is proving to be a fantastic force across diverse industries. Global Implications of China's Advancements China's progress in embodied AI is poised to have far-reaching implications for the global robotics market. The country's policies promoting cost-effective production and high-value innovation are allowing Chinese robotics to penetrate international markets at competitive prices. This global integration is expected to: Accelerate the adoption of robotics technologies across industries worldwide. Enhance productivity and operational efficiency in sectors ranging from manufacturing to healthcare. Make advanced robotics solutions more accessible to businesses and consumers globally. As Chinese robotics continue to gain traction internationally, the widespread adoption of embodied AI technologies is likely to shape the future of global industries. By driving innovation and reducing barriers to entry, China is playing a pivotal role in advancing the global robotics ecosystem. Shaping the Future of Robotics China's focus on embodied AI marks a critical juncture in the evolution of robotics. By combining advanced AI technologies with physical robotics, the country is addressing domestic challenges while positioning itself as a global leader. With robust government support, a skilled workforce, and a well-developed supply chain, China is shaping the future of robotics in ways that promise to redefine industries, enhance productivity, and improve lives worldwide. These advancements underscore the fantastic potential of embodied AI, offering a glimpse into a future where intelligent machines seamlessly integrate into human environments. Media Credit: Bloomberg Technology Filed Under: AI, Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
