China On Target to Launch National Power Market by End of Year
China is on target to launch a unified national power trading market by the end of this year, according to its main electricity grid operator.
State Grid Corp. of China's President Pang Xiaogang is confident the platform will be ready by then, he said Tuesday during a panel at the World Economic Forum conference in Tianjin, known as Summer Davos.
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Fox News
27 minutes ago
- Fox News
Humanoid robots handle quality checks and assembly at auto plant
Kepler Robotics has officially introduced its Forerunner K2 "Bumblebee" humanoid robot at the SAIC-GM automotive plant in Shanghai, marking a significant moment in the real-world deployment of advanced robotics. In a recently released video, the K2 is seen moving confidently through the plant, performing detailed quality checks, and handling assembly operations that demand both strength and precision. This debut signals the beginning of scenario-based testing for Kepler's humanoid robots across a variety of industrial settings, where their capabilities can be evaluated in live production environments. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join. The K2 "Bumblebee" robot is built for the demands of modern factories. At SAIC-GM, it has already demonstrated its ability to perform intricate inspections, navigate complex factory layouts, and manage heavy automotive components with impressive autonomy. The robot can load stamped parts, manipulate mechanical fixtures, and adapt to new tasks using a combination of imitation and reinforcement learning. Its presence in the factory highlights a shift toward smarter, more efficient production lines, where robots and humans work side by side to achieve higher standards of quality and safety. Kepler's Forerunner K2 is a notable step up from its predecessor, the K1, thanks to extensive improvements in both hardware and software. The K2 features a reinforced limb structure for greater durability and easier maintenance, tactile manipulators with an impressive 11 degrees of freedom per hand, and flexible fingertip sensors that boost its dexterity. Its integrated battery allows for up to eight hours of continuous operation, supporting the long shifts required in industrial settings. On the intelligence side, the K2 leverages a cloud-based cognitive system that enables it to learn new tasks quickly and coordinate its movements with full-body awareness. Enhanced perception, task planning, and improved human-robot interaction algorithms allow the K2 to operate independently while collaborating smoothly with human coworkers. Kepler's ambitions for its humanoid robots extend far beyond automotive manufacturing. The company envisions these robots playing active roles in education, research, security, logistics, and hazardous outdoor operations. In classrooms, the K2 can support interactive learning and real-time coaching, while in research labs, it can help with data gathering and experimental tasks. For security applications, the robot's advanced sensors enable it to patrol complex areas, detect emergencies, and assist in rescue operations. In logistics, the K2 is designed to automate goods handling and warehouse management, increasing both accuracy and efficiency. Its robust design, waterproofing, and resistance to extreme temperatures make it suitable for challenging environments, including areas with radiation or explosive hazards. The K2's autonomous navigation and real-time monitoring capabilities help reduce risks and boost productivity, especially in high-risk conditions. The Forerunner K2 stands out for its precision, endurance, and adaptability. With advanced manipulators and flexible sensors, the robot can handle delicate and complex tasks that require a human-like touch. Its eight-hour battery life supports continuous operation during long industrial shifts, and its learning algorithms enable it to adapt to new tasks and environments with minimal retraining. Kepler also emphasizes the cost efficiency of the K2, stating that it can match or exceed the workload of multiple human workers in certain scenarios, making it a practical addition to high-demand workplaces. The company has set the base price for the Forerunner K2 at around $30,000, positioning it as an accessible option for manufacturers seeking to boost productivity and efficiency with intelligent robotics. The introduction of advanced humanoid robots like Kepler's K2 naturally raises questions about the future of human employment in manufacturing and other industries. It's true that automation and robotics have the potential to change the way work is organized on the factory floor. Some worry that robots could replace jobs traditionally held by people, especially in roles that involve repetitive or physically demanding tasks. However, experts and industry leaders point out that the story is more nuanced. While certain jobs may be automated, new opportunities often emerge alongside technological advancements. For example, the rise of robotics is expected to create roles in robot maintenance, programming, AI training, and oversight, jobs that require different skills but are essential to supporting and managing these new systems. Many analysts believe that robots like the K2 are likely to complement human workers by taking over monotonous or hazardous duties, which allows people to focus on more complex, creative, or supervisory tasks. Collaborative robots, or "cobots," are specifically designed to work alongside humans, enhancing productivity and safety rather than simply replacing labor. This collaborative approach can lead to new forms of teamwork and innovation on the factory floor, making work environments safer and more efficient. Ultimately, the integration of humanoid robots is expected to shift the workforce rather than eliminate it, opening up new possibilities for both businesses and employees as they adapt to a more automated future. Kepler's K2 humanoid robot making its debut at SAIC-GM is a big step forward for robotics in real-world workplaces. Watching these robots take on challenging tasks alongside people shows just how much potential there is for collaboration between humans and machines. As more companies explore what humanoid robots can do, it's going to be fascinating to see how these partnerships shape the future of work and industry. Despite what experts and industry leaders say, does it concern you that as robots like Kepler's K2 take on more tasks, human workers will be replaced? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Washington Post
27 minutes ago
- Washington Post
D.C. elected these noncitizens to office. Congress could oust them.
One arrived in the United States as a middle-schooler, his family granted asylum from Ethiopia. Another arrived in her 20s from Mexico for a job at an embassy and quickly fell in love with D.C.'s vibrant history. A third arrived as a college freshman from China with dreams of working in economic development.
Skift
30 minutes ago
- Skift
Mumbai Airport Operator Secures $1 Billion Financing for Upgrades
Adani landing two big funding deals back-to-back says a lot about how easily the group can tap into global money. And it's happening just as India's trying to catch up on airport infrastructure. Indian airport operator Adani Airport Holdings has raised $1 billion to support the growth and improvement of Mumbai International Airport. The funding comes just weeks after the airport company secured $750 million from a group of global banks to upgrade six other airports across India. Adani Airport Holdings manages seven Indian airports and is the country's largest airport infrastructure company, accounting for 25% of passenger footfalls and 33% of the country's air cargo traffic. The $1 billion is a mix of a $750 million bond sale and the option to raise another $250 million later. The funds will go toward 'transforming the airports infrastructure through continued investments in modernization, capacity expansion, digitization, and technology integration,' Adani said in a statement. It added that the investment will also support sustainability goals, including a target for Mumbai Airport to hit net-zero emissions by 2029. This is the first time a private company in India's airport sector has raised money through an investment-grade bond. Adani Airport said it expects the bond to receive a BBB- rating, which is a medium-grade score. Adani Airport raised the money using a structure called 'project finance,' which ties the loan directly to Mumbai Airport's income rather than backing it with the broader Adani Group. Apollo, a US-based investment firm, led the deal, with other participants including BlackRock and Standard Chartered. Calling it the 'largest private investment-grade project finance issuances,' Arun Bansal, CEO, Adani Airport, said: 'With participation from Apollo-managed funds and leading institutional investors, we are proud to deepen our access to global pools of capital.' The Earlier Funding This new round of funding follows a $750 million loan Adani Airport took earlier this month from a consortium of international banks, including First Abu Dhabi Bank, Barclays, and Standard Chartered. The company said the loan would support upgrades at six regional airports: Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati, and Thiruvananthapuram. Adani Airport had said it would also use the money to grow non-aviation services like retail, food and beverage, and duty-free shopping inside airports, all of which are becoming big revenue sources for airport operators. Last year, reports quoting Jugeshinder Singh, the group's chief financial officer, said Adani Enterprises is planning to list Adani Airport Holdings by fiscal 2028. Rise of Indian Aviation Together, these two fundraising deals suggest Adani Airport is pushing ahead with its plan to modernize and expand capacity across its network. The company served 94 million passengers in the last financial year and aims to handle 300 million annually by 2040. The upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, also managed by Adani, is being developed for $2 billion and is expected to ease congestion at the current Mumbai airport. The aim is to position the city as a global transit hub. The airport's opening has now been pushed from May this year to August. The first phase will add capacity for 20 million passengers, with eventual expansion up to 90 million. Airlines like IndiGo have already committed to flying from the new airport as soon as it opens. Low-cost carrier Akasa Air became the latest airline to partner with Adani Airport to commence flight operations. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said earlier this month that the Navi Mumbai airport will connect to 14 international destinations at launch. India is now the world's third-largest aviation market, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). India's 174 million passengers in 2024 accounted for 4.2% of global air traffic. IATA projects India's annual passenger traffic to triple by 2044, reaching 425 million journeys per year. The airports in Mumbai, along with the upcoming Jewar airport in Delhi, will help cater to the growing demand for air travel in the country.
