Latest news with #Robot
Daily Maverick
a day ago
- Science
- Daily Maverick
Crossed Wires: The robots are coming, the robots are here
Robots are quickly colonising every arena of human endeavour that requires physical labour or dexterity, and the convergence of new generative AI models and robotics is going to supercharge the industry. Science fiction fans will remember Isaac Asimov's prescient 1950 short story collection, 'I, Robot'. The stories in this iconic collection revolve around the memories of robopsychologist Dr Susan Calvin, 75 years old in 2057. There are many ethical themes in his stories that mirror the hot-button technology debates raging today, but Asimov's futuristic vision appears to have been a couple of decades off. The robots aren't coming some time in the future. They're already here. It is sometimes difficult to pin down why a particular subject bubbles to the top of the news cycle. AI, of course, has taken hold of the headlines and won't let go; its grip is fierce. But robotics has been around for a very long time, since the first commercial industrial robot was developed in 1961 (the 'Unimate' at General Motors), and it's been around even longer in the human imagination. The first point of interest is that there is a profound change happening in some sectors of robot production. The original robots, most of them built for industrial manufacturing, were essentially a collection of servo motors, spherical joints, pincers, cutters, drillers, welders and the like, all operating under very precise instructions, repeating the same physical actions ad infinitum — or until their instructions were modified in line with changing production requirements. This description somewhat simplifies the intelligence built into these robots, but the key point is that the instructions for physical actions over time were predetermined and cast in silicon, driven by hardened computer code. As the technologies of vision, touch, movement, location awareness and proprioception have advanced, so have the robots undertaken more ambitious (and sometimes audacious) jobs, such as critical surgery in an operating theatre. All with increasingly exquisite sensitivity of both fine and gross motor control. This brings us to the question of which countries are currently on the robotics playing field. The US, having outsourced nearly all its manufacturing requirements during the heady days of globalisation, didn't even try to take a leadership role in robotics. Surprisingly, China is not leading either — it became serious about robotics rather too late (around 2015). Until recently, the top 10 robot manufacturers have been Japanese (8) and German (2). In a remarkably unChinese move, a company called Midea Group, based in Guangdong province, acquired the German company Kuka in 2017, clearly taking note of the capitalist tactic of buying one's way into technology leadership rather than doing the hard work of building and competing. They're doing everything What are the latest machines doing? Increasingly, everything. Manufacturing, obviously, both heavy and light. Add medical robots doing everything from brain to spinal surgery; nano-robots of less than 100nm in size for targeted drug delivery (in pre-clinical development); agricultural robots for planting, harvesting, plant healthcare and packing; and military robots with a bewildering and sometimes scary array of offensive and defensive capabilities (see below — a rather alarming picture of Ghost Robotics' robodog Spot mounted with an automatic weapon). In short, robots are quickly colonising every arena of human endeavour that requires physical labour or dexterity. This leads to the question of how the robots are performing. Are they more productive? Are they taking jobs? The data are startling. Dispiriting for some and exciting for others, depending on what you do to earn your living. As with all transformative technologies, it's a mixed bag of pain and pleasure for those caught in its net. Here are some statistics: A 40× increase in global robot stock since 2000; A 15× increase in robots per worker since 2000; A 30% increase in productivity compared to human labour by 2030 (McKinsey); A 90% reduction in manufacturing defects (Foxconn iPhone production); A 3× decrease in the return on investment period since 2000 (down from 10 years to about three years); A 35% increase in crop yields (forecast); and A total of 85 million jobs lost by 2035, and only 20 million created (World Economic Forum). There is more, but the picture is clear. There is no stopping this train. To return to the profound change mentioned earlier in this column, the convergence of new generative AI models and robotics is going to supercharge the industry. The core foundation of robots following a precise set of instructions (albeit often complex) is being reshaped. Robots are now being built that can learn autonomously and continuously from their environments (sight, audio, touch, 'smell', heat, humidity). They can be addressed via vernacular human speech, learn from their mistakes, communicate to solve problems with other robots and access vast stores of knowledge now available from companies like OpenAI. (For anyone looking for a glimpse of the future, watch this 2.5-minute video; take note of how the robots communicate with each other.) At this point, the ghost of Isaac Asimov might raise its head. We are already on the edge of AI systems that can set their own goals. We have already seen indications of deceptive behaviour by these systems, in both controlled and uncontrolled experiments. Bad behaviour and misinformation (such as Grok's racist outbursts) are now part of the AI landscape. Asimov's famous three laws of robotics come to mind: protect humans, obey humans, protect yourselves. They were followed by his 'Zeroth Law', which updated and replaced the others: A robot may not harm humanity, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm. It's a nice thought, but I am not sure we know how to build that into the great robot revolution. And, even if we did, it is probably too late. DM (For an in-depth but concise look at the robotics industry, check out this article.) Steven Boykey Sidley is a professor of practice at JBS, University of Johannesburg, a partner at Bridge Capital and a columnist-at-large at Daily Maverick. His new book, 'It's Mine: How the Crypto Industry is Redefining Ownership', is published by Maverick451 in SA and Legend Times Group in the UK/EU, available now.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Elon Musk's Tesla Optimus humanoid robot serving popcorn goes viral; says, ‘This will become normal in a few years'
Source: X Tesla CEO Elon Musk has once again spotlighted the evolving capabilities of the Tesla Optimus humanoid robot. In a video that went viral across social media, the robot is shown calmly serving popcorn to a human guest. This quirky, popcorn-pouring showcase might seem lighthearted, but it marks another serious step toward Musk's larger vision: a future where humanoid robots seamlessly assist in everyday tasks. From folding laundry to walking your dog, Optimus is inching closer to becoming a functional, everyday companion. The video has triggered fresh conversations around the future of robotics and automation . Elon Musk unveils Optimus robot serving popcorn at Tesla Diner The latest clip, posted by Elon Musk on X (formerly Twitter), features the Optimus robot gently filling a packet of popcorn and offering it with a polite thumbs-up and a friendly wave. While the robot's movements are deliberate and slightly slower than a human's, it manages the task without a single spill or misstep. According to Musk, this event took place at the soft opening of the Tesla Diner and Supercharger Station at 7001 W. Santa Monica Boulevard, Hollywood, Los Angeles. This seemingly simple act is a milestone in the development of general-purpose robotics, highlighting precision, motor control, and user interaction capabilities. 'This will become normal in a few years,' Musk commented in his post, emphasising that serving popcorn is just the beginning. Musk envisions Tesla Optimus as a general-purpose robot that could soon assist with household chores, caregiving, pet walking, and even babysitting. At Tesla's 2024 'We, Robot' event, he boldly predicted that Optimus could eventually 'walk right up to you and serve drinks,' becoming an integral part of everyday life, like smartphones are today. Optimus may become common in homes, says Musk The Tesla Optimus journey began in 2021 when Musk introduced the original Tesla Bot concept. Initially planned for a 2023 release, the robot's development has faced multiple delays. In 2022, Tesla presented a prototype that could walk, retrieve objects, and even water plants. However, safety concerns remained. Musk acknowledged during the bot's debut that they "didn't want it to fall on its face" during a live demo. By July 2024, Musk revealed an updated timeline, projecting commercial sales of Optimus to begin in 2026. Yet, at the 'We, Robot' event later that year, many of the robots on display were revealed to be remotely operated by humans, not fully autonomous, highlighting the ongoing technical hurdles. Popcorn Demo reveals challenges in humanoid robot autonomy Though entertaining, the popcorn video underscores the vast challenges of developing fully autonomous humanoid robots. Today's robots still rely heavily on remote operation or preset routines, especially for interactions requiring nuanced human-like responses. That said, Optimus's ability to track tasks, manipulate objects, and engage with humans in a friendly way suggests that Tesla's team is methodically refining both hardware and software. With every demo—from folding clothes to serving snacks—Tesla inches closer to delivering on Musk's ambitious promise: robots that aren't just useful but feel almost natural in our daily lives. Humanoid robot Optimus future upgrades Looking ahead, Tesla plans to gradually improve autonomous movement, task flexibility, and environmental adaptability in the Optimus line. Future upgrades may allow these bots to function effectively in homes, restaurants, offices, and even hospitals. While Musk's 2026 target for commercial rollout may seem optimistic, continued innovation and public interest suggest that humanoid robots could soon shift from science fiction to everyday reality. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
India Today
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Elon Musk confirms popcorn-serving Tesla Optimus robots are coming soon to a diner near you
Elon Musk has been steadily demonstrating the expanding abilities of Tesla's Optimus humanoid robots, and the latest showcase has popcorn involved. From folding T-shirts and playing rock-paper-scissors to dancing and walking in human-like motion, Optimus continues to pick up new tricks. In the most recent video shared on X (formerly Twitter), an Optimus robot is seen politely serving popcorn to a will become normal in a few years Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 20, 2025advertisementIn the video, the robot holds a packet, fills it up in two precise pours, then hands it over with a thumbs-up and a wave. While the process seems a bit slower than human speed, it's impressively tidy, no spills, no fumbling, and a satisfied watching this video, a user asked where it was happening. To this, Grok replied, "The Tesla Optimus robot is serving popcorn at the soft opening of the Tesla Diner and Supercharger station at 7001W. Santa Monica Boulevard, Hollywood, Los Angeles." Moreover, Musk wrote in the post, 'This will become normal in a few years.' His claims reinforce his long-standing vision of humanoid robots becoming a regular part of our daily has often described the Optimus bot as a general-purpose companion capable of performing a wide range of tasks. Speaking at the We, Robot event last year, he boldly claimed these machines can 'do anything,' and envisioned a near future where they'll 'walk right up to you and serve drinks.' Beyond that, Musk believes they'll be able to walk your dog, mow the lawn, babysit children, and assist in countless other Tesla's humanoid robotics journey has been far from smooth. The idea was first introduced in 2021 when Musk unveiled the Tesla Bot concept, later rebranded as Optimus. Initially slated for release in 2023, the project has seen delays, with the robot still under active 2022, Tesla revealed a walking prototype capable of basic tasks like object retrieval. During its first untethered public demonstration, Musk noted the safety concerns, quipping, 'We didn't want it to fall on its face.' The bot was shown successfully lifting objects and even watering July 2024, Musk shared an updated roadmap, suggesting Tesla could begin commercial sales of Optimus by 2026. Yet, just a few months later at Tesla's 'We, Robot' event in October 2024, it became clear the project was still evolving. The event witnessed many of the robots, which were remotely operated by humans, underscoring that the tech hasn't reached full autonomy the setbacks, Tesla appears determined to keep pushing the envelope. With each quirky demo, popcorn now included, Optimus is inching closer to Musk's grand vision of a future where humanoid robots are as common as smartphones.- EndsTune In
Hans India
19-07-2025
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 19th July 2025
Human touch inevitable in AI era This has reference to the article 'Why drones and AI can't quickly find missing flood victims'. Over the decades all types of calamities are handled by human beings. As a result, there has been a repeat of the sequences and methods. During such calamities, the government and social service organizers do their best to bring such situations to normal. However, the mental agonies of people who lose their properties and kin continue as no one can heal it. When Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones must work efficiently they shall be fed with a lot of information which is time-consuming. Human Intelligence had been in vogue for over centuries and suppressing human intelligence is unwise. Technical experts need to test and experiment the AI and drones that are used during calamities. Those found with a success rate that is above 70 per cent shall be certified for use. One should know that in Shankar's film 'Robot' all such practical problems are duly addressed. Let us welcome the efficient machinery for all pericytial works. Gudipati Anirudh, Secunderabad-11 Hyd's clean city ranking is a sham I am not only amused but also shocked that Hyderabad has secured the sixth rank in the Swachh Survekshan 2025-25 cleanest city list as evolved by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The report card mentions 100 per cent in door-to-door collection of waste which is a totally bogus claim. Residents are paying anywhere between Rs 100 and 150 (in some places it may be Rs 50-75) to waste collectors but they are mostly irregular and sometimes absent for more than two days. After GHMC had done away with garbage bins at various points, the situation has worsened as residents have no idea where to put waste accumulated during their absence. On such days, street dogs have a field day and enter houses to look for leftover food. It is better to stop this bogus ranking system (Hyd sixth cleanest city among 40 with population of over 10 lakh) and officials who have gone to receive the award should introspect whether the city is clean. N Nagarajan, Hyderabad We need unity, not uniformity This is in reference to the article 'Hindi & politics of Regionalism' (July 18), which rightly highlights the misuse of language identity for political gains. Politicization of Hindi imposition, especially during elections, distracts from real governance issues like education, health, and employment. India's strength lies in its diversity — linguistic, regional, and cultural. The idea of promoting Hindi should never mean suppressing other languages. Language must be a bridge, not a barrier. The need of the hour is not uniformity, but unity through mutual respect and equal promotion of all Indian languages. Chetan Malvi, Raipur A welcome eco-friendly KMF initiative Nandini Milk, Karnataka Milk Federation's (KMF) popular brand, is set to transform its milk packets into eco-friendly ones in the coming days. The new biodegradable milk packets are made from corn starch, sugarcane and other plant-based materials. Unlike conventional polythene packets that take over 500 years to decompose, these eco-friendly alternatives break down naturally within 90 days and can even be converted into organic fertiliser. All the cooperative dairy farms in other states should take cue from KMF to aid a sustainable environment. Nagendra Kumar Vempalli, Bengaluru Best ranking ever for Hyd Kudos to Hyderabad for securing the sixth rank in the national Swachh Survekshan 2024 survey, its highest-ever position among over 4,500 cities across India. The GHMC has rightly earned recognition as the 'most promising clean city' of Telangana. Through consistent efforts in door-to-door waste collection, cleanliness of residential and market areas, effective dump-site remediation, and maintaining hygiene around water bodies and public toilets, the city has demonstrated remarkable improvement in urban sanitation. Additionally, Hyderabad is set to join the elite '7-Star Garbage-Free' cities, apart from having earned the 'water plus' certification for the fourth consecutive time. These achievements are a tribute to the collective dedication of sanitation workers, civic officials, and citizen participation. Dr Krishna Kumar Vepakamma, Hyderabad-45
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Will Smith reminisces about the ‘career defining' moment that changed his acting forever
'I Am Legend' actor, Will Smith opened up about the advice he received from director, Akiva Goldsman , gave him while on the set of the film, that changed the course of his career. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Will Smith recalled his time working with director, Goldsman on films such as 'Robot', 'Hancock', and 'I Am Legend'. Smith called Goldsman his "individual, greatest cinematic collaborator" before explaining a major the two had on the set of 'I Am Legend'. Smith said that Goldsman told him, "We know we have spectacular special effects, and we're going to have action sequences and Francis is going to do wonderful things with zombies and all of that. I need you to forget about it all." Smith then said that Goldsman asked him, "If we were making a stage play and we didn't have all of those things, how would you keep your performance interesting?" Smith went on to say that he still uses this piece of advice, especially for big-budget movies. 'When you're making these big sci-fi movies,sometimes we can get lost in the spectacle. Akiva refused to allow that to happen,' he said. 'I Am Legend', the most recent adaptation of Richard Matheson's 1954 novel of the same name, starred Smith as Doctor Robert Neville, a virologist who happens to be one of the only humans left in New York City after a viral outbreak that effectively led to a vampire uprising and the end of civilization as it once existed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo The film follows Neville as he tries to not only survive the vampiric clusters, but also to find a cure for the Krippin Virus, which was intended to be a "miracle cure for cancer. " Throughout 'I Am Legend', Neville meets other survivors and eventually decides to give up everything for a chance to saving the world at large. Even though there have been discussions of a sequel to 'I Am Legend' for almost 2 decades, the planned movie has continued to advance steadily despite its time in Development Hell. Smith revealed the initial idea for I Am Legend 2 and what part Michael B. Jordan would have played in the movie back in April. "What we were gonna do was the prequel, so we were gonna do the prequel. And [Akiva Goldsman] was like, 'But wait, what if we make a new version from the alternate ending, where your character is still alive and you know, Michael B. Jordan's character currently is the head of a new settlement?'" Smith explained. "He's not my son. So there's a settlement in Connecticut."
