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TECHSWU #38
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TECHSWU, Tequila Leday & Michael J Harrison
May 21, 2024
FORM, a swim tech brand, has won the Best Wearable Sports Technology Award in the 'Mechanical, Engineered, and Wearable' category at the 2024 Sports Technology Awards. The company recently launched its second-generation swim goggles, Smart Swim 2, which feature an integrated heart rate monitor, an in-goggle compass for open water directional guidance, and a library of guided workouts.
FORM Smart Swim Goggles are used by professional triathletes, including World and Olympic Champions Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden. FORM CEO Dan Eisenhardt expressed pride in the recognition and highlighted the team's dedication to providing high-quality products and experiences.
The Sports Technology Awards CEO Rebecca Hopkins emphasized the role of technology in driving positive change and enhancing the sports experience for athletes, fans, and stakeholders.
The future of robotics holds both challenges and opportunities that will shape society and the economy in profound ways. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are revolutionizing urban design, sustainability, and the overall quality of life for citizens around the world.
However, the rise of robotics also poses challenges that need to be addressed. One of the key challenges is the potential displacement of jobs, which could disrupt traditional employment patterns and require policymakers and entrepreneurs to redefine the nature of work.
Ethical considerations also arise as robots become more autonomous, raising questions about their use and behavior. Establishing strong ethical frameworks to govern the development and use of robotics systems is crucial.
Additionally, ensuring safety and reliability is of utmost importance, particularly in areas where human-robot interaction is intense. Despite these challenges, the opportunities presented by robotics are immense.
Robotics has the potential to increase efficiency and productivity in various industries, fuel innovation and advancements in engineering and artificial intelligence, and improve the lives of individuals through healthcare and assistive devices. By overcoming challenges and embracing the opportunities, we can create an inclusive and prosperous world powered by robotics.
Conor McGregor has received a cutting-edge gift from MMA legend Urijah Faber as he prepares for his comeback fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 303. Faber, who used to be McGregor's rival but has since become a friend, sent the Irishman a state-of-the-art training dummy equipped with AI technology.
The dummy is specifically designed for jiu-jitsu training and includes choke sensors and dislocating joints. McGregor, who has been sharing snippets of his training sessions on social media, is currently gearing up for his first fight in three years.
Faber expressed his confidence in McGregor's ability to bounce back from his injury and perform at his best, citing McGregor's pinpoint punches as a significant advantage in the upcoming fight.
Home Depot has unveiled a new AI-powered technology to combat shoplifting at its self-checkout kiosks. The technology, known as "computer vision," uses an array of cameras that are constantly monitored by artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
If there is a risk of theft, the AI system alerts staff. Home Depot initially developed the technology to keep track of stock, but has now expanded its use to combat theft.
The system can also detect untidy shelves or damaged stock. Home Depot's move follows a similar one by Target, which also uses AI-powered cameras and sensors to detect items that shoppers fail to scan.
The deployment of AI technology by Home Depot and Target comes as other major retailers, such as Walmart and Dollar General, remove self-checkout lanes due to rising theft and customer complaints.
Elon Musk has confirmed his previous threat to Tesla shareholders: give him 25% of the company or he won't build AI and robotic products at the company. Musk believes that Tesla is an AI and robotics company and without those technologies, the company is essentially worthless.
He has been making moves to ensure that Tesla is solely focused on AI and robotics, such as canceling the cheaper Tesla vehicle in favor of its upcoming Robotaxi. Musk currently owns about 13% of Tesla's shares, but if his 2018 compensation package goes through, he will have closer to 18%.
He would need another compensation package or a new share class to gain more control. The fact that the CEO of a major public company is publicly threatening to move critical products away from the company is concerning.
A new robotic hand design developed by MIT's CSAIL has incorporated sophisticated tactile sensors to mimic human touch. The GelPalm design uses a gel-based, flexible sensor embedded in the palm, which draws inspiration from the soft and deformable nature of human hands.
The sensor uses color illumination technology and a camera to generate detailed 3D surface models for precise robotic interactions. Additionally, the design includes robotic fingers, called ROMEO, which have passive compliance, allowing the robot to adjust to forces naturally.
The GelPalm design offers improved dexterity, safer interaction with objects, and potential applications in human-robot collaboration, prosthetics, and biomedical use. The researchers plan to address the challenge of integrating sufficient sensory technology without making the design bulky or complex.
They hope that their work will inspire advancements in robotic hand design in the future.
Engineers at Stanford University have developed a prototype augmented reality (AR) device that resembles a pair of ordinary glasses. The device combines holographic imaging, artificial intelligence (AI), and display technologies to overlay full-color, 3D moving images onto the real world.
Unlike existing AR headsets, this approach offers a compact and comfortable form factor suitable for all-day wear. The technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries, from gaming and entertainment to training and education.
It could be used by surgeons to plan complex surgeries or by airplane mechanics to learn how to work on the latest jet engines. The researchers overcame technical barriers using AI-enhanced holographic imaging and new nanophotonic device approaches.
They project computed holograms onto the lenses of the glasses using waveguide display technologies, providing a visually satisfying and true-to-life 3D experience for the wearer.
Looking for the latest headphone reviews and discussions? Head-Fi.org has got you covered! With a user-friendly interface and a wide range of topics, this website is a must-visit for any headphone enthusiast.
From in-depth reviews of popular headphone models to discussions about the latest technology trends, you'll find everything you need to make an informed decision about your next headphone purchase. The engaging and informative tone of the reviews will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced audiophile, the Head-Fi.org community has something for everyone.
So, don't miss out on the opportunity to stay up-to-date with the latest headphone news and join the conversation at Head-Fi.
Sonos has unveiled its first Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones, called Ace, which aim to provide the ultimate cinema sound experience. The headphones have a unique feature that allows them to connect to a compatible Sonos soundbar via wifi, creating a full cinema sound experience in the privacy of your home.
The soundbar can replicate the acoustics of the room while using head tracking sensors in the headphones to create a realistic sound. Unlike rival systems, the audio swap feature works with shows, films, games consoles, and anything else connected to the TV.
Outside the home, the Ace headphones rival those from Bose, Sony, and Apple, with effective noise-cancelling and beam-forming for voice calls. They also support lossless audio playback over Bluetooth and Dolby Atmos spatial audio for films on the go.
The headphones will be available for purchase on June 5 for £449.
MIT's Mini Cheetah robot is a new and impressive example of robotics technology. The four-legged robot is springy and agile, with a range of motion that rivals that of a gymnast.
It can walk right-side up or upside down and trot over uneven terrain at double the speed of a person's walking speed. The robot weighs 20 pounds and can quickly right itself after being kicked to the ground.
Its most impressive feature is its ability to perform a 360-degree backflip from a standing position. The robot's modularity allows for easy repair and replacement of damaged parts.
The Mini Cheetah has been tested in various maneuvers, including running down hallways, performing yoga-like poses, and playing soccer. MIT plans to loan out the robot for further research and development.
A fear of robots taking over human jobs, known as "robot-phobia," is leading workers in the hospitality industry to feel increased job insecurity and stress, according to a study from Washington State University. The research found that the more experience employees had with robotics and automation in their workplace, the more insecure they felt about robots eventually making their roles obsolete.
Workers who saw robots as capable and efficient replacements for people were also more likely to say they would quit their jobs. The study warns that relying too heavily on robotic technology could backfire on employers and cause even more human workers to leave their positions.
The researchers recommend that companies be clear about the capabilities and limitations of new technologies while emphasizing the valuable role that human employees will continue to play.
The article discusses the essential tech gadgets that are a must-have for individuals working remotely from home. In today's digital world, remote working has become increasingly prevalent, and having the right tech gadgets is crucial for enhancing productivity, communication, and comfort.
Some of the top gadgets mentioned in the article include high-performance laptops with fast processors, ample RAM, and long battery life. Noise-cancelling headphones are also recommended for creating a distraction-free environment, while a high-resolution webcam is essential for clear and professional video calls.
An external monitor, wireless keyboard and mouse, reliable Wi-Fi router, portable hard drive, smart speaker, ergonomic office chair, and a desk lamp with adjustable brightness are additional gadgets that can significantly improve the remote working experience. With these tech gadgets, individuals can make their remote work setup more efficient, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology known as generative AI poses a threat to election security, according to federal intelligence agencies. Generative AI can create realistic "deepfake" videos by manipulating images, audio, video, and code, making it appear as though someone is saying something they never said.
This technology could be harnessed by both foreign and domestic actors to disrupt and interfere with the upcoming election cycle. The Department of Homeland Security has warned law enforcement partners about the potential risks and challenges associated with generative AI.
The bulletin highlighted instances such as a fake robocall impersonating President Joe Biden during the New Hampshire primary, as well as the use of AI to target election infrastructure. The agencies emphasized the importance of monitoring and countering these AI-based threats in order to protect the integrity of the elections.
Google's new supercharged computer vision AI, Project Astra, hasn't been committed to any hardware yet. To fill the gap until a physical device is available, designer Pietro Schirano created a DIY version of the AI called DIY-Astra.
Built using Google's Gemini generative AI, DIY-Astra is a chatbot with vision capabilities. It uses Google's lightweight AI model, Gemini 1.
5 Flash, to analyze live webcam feeds and generate text responses based on what it sees. It can handle basic tasks like identifying objects in the camera and solving handwritten math problems, showing potential for improved AI chatbots.
Schirano has made the instructions and files for DIY-Astra available on GitHub, although some coding skills may be required to build it.
