Latest news with #Wilhelm
The Irish Sun
24-07-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Meet the battle-ready cyborg cockroaches that humans can control for SPY missions
FIRST there were spy bees, now there are battle-ready cockroaches. Technology is changing, and therefore, so is warfare. 3 A human-controlled spy cockroach could go on secret spy missions to expose information about enemy positions Credit: SWARM Biotactics 3 The bio-robotic startup secured €10 million in seed funding last month to help get its bugs onto the battlefield Credit: Reuters It might feel plucked out of science fiction, but German military tech company SWARM Biotactics is working on cyborg cockroaches that can spy behind enemy lines. The insects - hailed for being remarkably durable - are equipped with miniature backpacks fitted with cameras and other tools to gather data on enemies in real time. Human operators will be able to control them by zapping their tiny brains with electrical pulses. Each zap allows humans to control the insects' movements remotely, meaning they don't have to enter hostile environments themselves in order to gather information. READ MORE ON FUTURE TECH "Our bio-robots - based on living insects - are equipped with neural stimulation, sensors, and secure communication modules," Swarm Biotactic's CEO Stefan Wilhelm told "They can be steered individually or operate autonomously in swarms." For example, a human-controlled spy cockroach could go on secret spy missions to expose information about enemy positions. The bio-robotic startup secured €10 million in seed funding last month that will help get its bugs onto the battlefield. Most read in Tech "Conventional systems fail where control is needed most - denied zones, collapsed infrastructure, politically complex terrain," said Wilhelm. "SWARM is the first company building an entirely new category of robotics: biologically integrated, AI-enabled, and mass-deployable systems for persistent intelligence in places no drone or ground robot can reach. Watch terrifying 'terminator' robot dogs with AI-targeted rifles being tested by US Marines "This funding moves us from deep tech to deployment - delivering the infrastructure democracies need to operate more smartly, more safely, and with total tactical awareness.' But SWARM aren't the only ones trying to bio-hack insects. A team of While the device is strapped to a bee's back, three needles are pierced into the bee's brain. Operators can then send electronic pulses into the bee's brain and command it to fly in whichever direction they want. During tests, published in the Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering earlier this month, the bees obeyed their operator's commands with 90 per cent accuracy. Beyond warfare, mind-controlled bugs could be used to help disaster relief operations. UKRAINE WAR SHIFT Wilhelm believes Europe is entering a decade where "access, autonomy, and resilience define geopolitical advantage". And Russia's invasion of Ukraine seemed to spark that shift, dozens of sources from across business, investment and government told Reuters. Sven Weizenegger, who heads up the Cyber Innovation Hub - the tech accelerator for the German armed forces, said the war in Ukraine removed a stigma towards working in the defence sector. "Germany has developed a whole new openness towards the issue of security since the invasion," he told the outlet. The country has been shaped by the trauma of Nazi militarism and a strong post-war pacifist ethos that has been reflected in its relatively small and cautious defence sector, Reuters noted. But Germany plans to nearly triple its regular defence budget to around €162 billion ($175 billion) per year by 2029. Much of that money will go into reinventing the nature of warfare, Reuters reported, citing sources. Sources also claimed that Chancellor Friedrich Merz sees artificial intelligence (AI) and start-up technology as key to its defence plans. The German leader is reportedly slashing red tape to connect startups directly to its military. 3 A digital illustration released by Swarm Biotactics shows what they describe as a cyborg cockroach, equipped with a specialized backpack that enables real-time data collection via cameras. SWARM Biotactics/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES Credit: Reuters
Scottish Sun
24-07-2025
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Meet the battle-ready cyborg cockroaches that humans can control for SPY missions
Human operators will be able to control them by zapping their tiny brains with electrical pulses BUGGING OUT Meet the battle-ready cyborg cockroaches that humans can control for SPY missions Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FIRST there were spy bees, now there are battle-ready cockroaches. Technology is changing, and therefore, so is warfare. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 A human-controlled spy cockroach could go on secret spy missions to expose information about enemy positions Credit: SWARM Biotactics 3 The bio-robotic startup secured €10 million in seed funding last month to help get its bugs onto the battlefield Credit: Reuters It might feel plucked out of science fiction, but German military tech company SWARM Biotactics is working on cyborg cockroaches that can spy behind enemy lines. The insects - hailed for being remarkably durable - are equipped with miniature backpacks fitted with cameras and other tools to gather data on enemies in real time. Human operators will be able to control them by zapping their tiny brains with electrical pulses. Each zap allows humans to control the insects' movements remotely, meaning they don't have to enter hostile environments themselves in order to gather information. "Our bio-robots - based on living insects - are equipped with neural stimulation, sensors, and secure communication modules," Swarm Biotactic's CEO Stefan Wilhelm told Reuters. "They can be steered individually or operate autonomously in swarms." For example, a human-controlled spy cockroach could go on secret spy missions to expose information about enemy positions. The bio-robotic startup secured €10 million in seed funding last month that will help get its bugs onto the battlefield. "Conventional systems fail where control is needed most - denied zones, collapsed infrastructure, politically complex terrain," said Wilhelm. "SWARM is the first company building an entirely new category of robotics: biologically integrated, AI-enabled, and mass-deployable systems for persistent intelligence in places no drone or ground robot can reach. Watch terrifying 'terminator' robot dogs with AI-targeted rifles being tested by US Marines "This funding moves us from deep tech to deployment - delivering the infrastructure democracies need to operate more smartly, more safely, and with total tactical awareness.' But SWARM aren't the only ones trying to bio-hack insects. A team of scientists in China claimed they have created the world's lightest mind control device for bees. While the device is strapped to a bee's back, three needles are pierced into the bee's brain. Operators can then send electronic pulses into the bee's brain and command it to fly in whichever direction they want. During tests, published in the Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering earlier this month, the bees obeyed their operator's commands with 90 per cent accuracy. Beyond warfare, mind-controlled bugs could be used to help disaster relief operations. UKRAINE WAR SHIFT Wilhelm believes Europe is entering a decade where "access, autonomy, and resilience define geopolitical advantage". And Russia's invasion of Ukraine seemed to spark that shift, dozens of sources from across business, investment and government told Reuters. Sven Weizenegger, who heads up the Cyber Innovation Hub - the tech accelerator for the German armed forces, said the war in Ukraine removed a stigma towards working in the defence sector. "Germany has developed a whole new openness towards the issue of security since the invasion," he told the outlet. The country has been shaped by the trauma of Nazi militarism and a strong post-war pacifist ethos that has been reflected in its relatively small and cautious defence sector, Reuters noted. But Germany plans to nearly triple its regular defence budget to around €162 billion ($175 billion) per year by 2029. Much of that money will go into reinventing the nature of warfare, Reuters reported, citing sources. Sources also claimed that Chancellor Friedrich Merz sees artificial intelligence (AI) and start-up technology as key to its defence plans. The German leader is reportedly slashing red tape to connect startups directly to its military.
Calgary Herald
23-06-2025
- Calgary Herald
Calgary officer who assaulted intoxicated detainee spared any jail time
Article content Beating up an intoxicated and handcuffed Indigenous man after twice pulling his hair won't mean jail time for a Calgary police officer. Article content Justice Mark Mastel agreed with defence counsel Cory Wilson that the period behind bars being sought by the Crown wasn't necessary to send a message to other officers that police are not above the law. Article content Crown lawyer Dane Bullerwell had suggested a 30-day jail term, to be served intermittently, was needed. Article content Article content 'The sentence that has been repeated several times is that police officers are not above the law,' Mastel noted, in handing Const. David Wilhelm a 12-month conditional sentence to be served in the community. Article content Article content Wilhelm, who is currently suspended with pay, must also serve an additional 12 months on probation. Article content The house arrest will mean Wilhelm will miss his daughter's high school graduation and a planned trip to Greece in August to help her get ready for bible school. Article content Wilson had asked Mastel to allow exceptions for those two events, but the judge declined. Article content 'I don't see that there's a reason for either occasion to grant an exemption,' Mastel said. Article content He said a conditional sentence 'can't be served as a convenience.' Article content Article content Wilhelm pleaded guilty last December to assault in connection with a March 20, 2022, incident at the Calgary Police arrest processing area and his initial contact with Ace Bigchild, while investigating a complaint about an intoxicated individual in the city's northwest. Article content Body-worn camera video captured Wilhelm holding Bigchild's long hair, forcing his face skyward, before he was placed in a police van. Article content Video from the arrest processing area showed Bigchild staggering into a wall before Wilhelm again grabbed him by the hair and led him to a nearby bench. Article content Before Bigchild, who was detained on outstanding warrants, sat down, Wilhelm kicked the back of his legs, punched and kneed him in the abdomen and then kicked his legs out from under him, causing the detainee to fall to the floor, striking his head. Article content Wilson argued an informed member of the public knowing the circumstances of Wilhelm's case, including job-related PTSD and his early guilty plea, as well as his years of public service would not think he was getting special treatment as a policeman. Article content
The Star
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Malaysian teen with Down syndrome aims to run 84km to raise RM50,000 for charity
Alexander Wilhelm, 15, picked up running as a hobby during the pandemic and since then, the activity has become second nature to him. To date, he has completed 17 'fun runs', covering distances between 2km and 5km. Now, Alexander, who has Down syndrome, is lacing up his shoes for a greater cause. Running teaches Alexander important life lessons like perseverance. In January, he and his father, Bruno Wilhelm, launched Run Alex Run (RAR) – a fundraising initiative in support of the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation National Centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The centre holds a special meaning for the family as it was where Alexander received early intervention and support during his formative years. To encourage his fundraising efforts, Fitness First Malaysia has pledged RM10,000 to the centre if Alexander runs the equivalent of a full marathon distance of 42km by June. In the last five months, Alexander has already clocked a total of 30km, with another 12km to achieve by next month. But that's not all. Alexander aims to go beyond that and complete 84km by December, and raise RM50,000 for the foundation. Plans are underway to start a public crowdfunding campaign to help reach this target. Fostering inclusion Through RAR, Wilhelm, 52, wants to create awareness, inclusion and hope. 'We want to break the taboo around disability and show that children with Down syndrome are capable of contributing meaningfully to society. 'Traditionally, people see disability as a burden, but Alexander proves otherwise. He is fit, determined and he is running to make a difference,' said Wilhelm, a businessman, in an interview in Kuala Lumpur. Alexander also bakes breads and muffins to raise funds for different organisations. Photo: Ashley Pang Wilhelm, a Swiss national who has been living in KL for over two decades, also wants to encourage parents by showing that children with special needs are capable of reaching greater heights. 'Society often assumes that people born with disabilities can't reach the same potential as neurotypical individuals. But we hope the public will start seeing people with different abilities as part of the community, just like anyone else. 'My wife and I also want to create awareness of the importance of inclusion and early intervention programmes. Our goal is to transform our society,' says Wilhelm, who accompanies Alexander on his runs. The father of two has seen many positive transformations in Alexander since he started running. For example, his coordination and stamina have improved a lot. Wilhelm says what matters more are his son's self-esteem, and the endurance training he does for each run. 'It is not easy even for a typical youth, what more for a special needs youth like him. Running gives him a goal to achieve. Running teaches him to never give up no matter how difficult it is until one arrives at the final destination. This is a very important life lesson too. He understands this and is using it in his daily life. His motto is 'Better Every Day'. 'Alexander says running helps to keep him fit and he gets to run at different places. The music, warm-up dances, ambience and friendly runners of each race make it fun and special for him.' To build his stamina, Alex-ander trains at the gym and runs around their neighbourhood in KL. Wilhelm adds that his son works with a personal trainer to strengthen his endurance, mobility and agility. 'To keep him motivated, I take videos and pictures of him, documenting his whole race. I will then compile it into a video clip for him. He loves it very much. After each run, I'd take him for a nice breakfast. 'Tell me how not to be motivated?' he quips. Giving back This isn't the first time Alexander is doing something for charity. During the pandemic, his mother, businesswoman Ashley Pang, 49, started Project Kindness, a pay-it-forward initiative. She set up Alex's Bakery, a home-based effort where Alexander bakes breads and muffins to raise funds for different organisations, including welfare homes, children's hospice, soup kitchens and non-profit schools. Pang (top) is proud of her son's dedication to the disabled community. Photo: Ashley Pang Wilhelm said the aim of Project Kindness is to connect people for a common cause. Through this simple project,the family has been able to spread the ripples of kindness, love and hope within the community. 'We completed 38 projects from 2021 to 2024. We are very fortunate to have very kind and supportive patrons. When we were raising funds, we received good responses. When we were collecting pre-loved books and clothes for welfare homes, many dropped off boxes for us. 'We have created a network for a kinder and caring community. This is our mission,' says Wilhelm. As recognition for his contribution and positive impact to society, Alexander was given the 2024 Tuanku Bainun Young Change-makers Award under the 'individuals aged 13-18 category'. 'This recognition is very important for him and the special needs community,' Wilhelm adds. Through the Project Kindness initiative, Wilhelm hopes to inspire parents of special needs children by showing that with patience and consistency, children of all abilities can shine in their own unique way. 'Some of them become our family friends and some become our big supporters. 'Our message to them is, 'You are not alone. Let's walk together hand in hand in the journey of creating a better and kinder world'.'
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Yahoo
Williamson County authorities crack down on distracted driving with safety operation
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Williamson County officers launched a safety operation to stop distracted driving as part of a state-wide safety campaign to remind drivers about Tennessee's distracted driving law. 'The goal is to educate and inform motorists [on] the dangers and hazards of distracted driving,' Greg Wilhelm, lieutenant in the Williamson County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit, said. RELATED | 'Operation Hands Free' kicks off across Tennessee Multiple law enforcement agencies in Williamson County participated and used an unmarked bus to spot distracted drivers along Interstate 65. Wilhelm told News 2 that the problem goes beyond just cell phones. During Wednesday's operation, News 2 saw one driver get pulled over for eating while driving. 'Eating while you're driving — using two hands to eat a cheeseburger — if you're putting the makeup on in the mirror while you're driving, that is distracted driving,' Wilhelm said. The only exception to Tennessee's hands-free law is if you are communicating with law enforcement during an emergency. 'We just have this nature — since the uptick in technology over the last two decades — that we have to do it right then and there,' Wilhem said. 'It's at our fingertips at any moment, so everybody feels compelled to address it right there.' Wilhelm said most people who get pulled over are understanding and apologetic. 'It can wait. That's the biggest message that I would like to push out to everybody,' Wilhelm added. JANUARY 2024: Harsher penalties for teens texting and driving now in effect in TN Last year in Williamson County, there were about three times as many crashes caused by distracted driving compared to impaired driving, according to the WCSO. 'Today's operation really is about keeping people safe. It's not about tickets,' WCSO public information officer Becky Coyle said. 'Nobody's keeping a tally of how many people we can ticket. … It really is about keeping our community safe.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
