robots

robots capable of intercepting any close object

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Short. During a public talk at the University of Nankín, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) He explained that they are designing A “fast response system” for the Tiangong Space Station. The active defense system, which has no precedents in the context of a space station, would deploy small propelled robots capable of grabbing and pushing any artifact that invades the station exclusion zone. How it works. The objective declared by the National Space Science Center is not to destroy, but to take away the intruder to protect the crew and its own infrastructure. Each tugboat would carry an autonomous propulsion system and an arm or fastening ring. Before launching a robot, the system would consider less aggressive options, such as an evasive maneuver or an altitude adjustment of the station. Only if the risk persisted, the device would be sent. After evaluating the path of the unauthorized visitor, a tugboat robot would anchor him and displace him a few kilometers outside the tiangong orbit. This does not go from space war. On July 1 and October 21, 2021, China had to perform emergency maneuvers to prevent the Tiangong Space Station collide with two satellites of the Starlink constellationwhich descended from an orbit of 550 km to 400 km, the usual altitude of Tiangong. Although SpaceX states that their satellites have automatic evasion protocols, China explained to the UN that the proliferation of large constellations “reduces the operational security margin” and makes real -time coordination difficult to protect its astronauts. Or yes? A Reuters analysis He described the Chinese initiative as a “first step towards possible orbital battles”, although he acknowledges that, if the non -lethal nature of the robots is confirmed, it would be physical deterrence rather than a weapon in its classic sense. Other countries already develop similar coupling and trailer systems to withdraw Large pieces of space garbagesuch as dead satellites, old rocket stages or damaged ships. The difference would lie in when and against whom these systems are used, taking into account The military escalation of space and The proliferation of spy ship. Does not violate space law. Although mass details, fuel or number of robots are confidential (such as the date of planned deployment), the outdoor space treaty only prohibits to place weapons of mass destruction in orbit: it does not veto conventional kinetic devices, or towing systems. If the robots limit themselves to pushing without damaging, they would fit into the principle of use for peaceful purposes. However, the potential to force the trajectory of the ship of another state can raise disputes on “harmful interference”, a concept collected in the same treaty. For now, we can leave it that China is preparing an active “orbital escort” system. Image | CSA In Xataka | Two years ago, the China Space Station did not exist. Now we have your first panoramic images

China has celebrated a kickboxing tournament between humanoid robots, and is as real as disturbing

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What is just over a decade was only science fiction today has become a real show. In 2011, the movie ‘Real Steel‘I imagined a future in which boxing fighting were starring machines. Fourteen years later, that image has ceased to belong to the cinema: China has just celebrated a Kickboxing competition starring humanoid robots. The event took place in Hangzhou and is part of the CMG World Robot Contest Series, an initiative organized by China Media Group, the largest state audiovisual conglomerate in the country. The competition was broadcast live through CCTV and other official platforms. Currently, a video summary of the tournament It is available on the Central Television website of China. As the aforementioned medium collectsIn the quadrilateral there were four G1 robots manufactured by the Asian company Unitree Robotics. They faced one against one in duels, demonstrating not only gross force, but also agility, coordination and, above all, balance. Of fist tests. Before the official fighting, each robot had its time to heat. The G1 showed their repertoire: lateral displacements, direct blows and reaction to the thrust. During the fighting, they were even able to execute a Kip-Upan acrobatic maneuver to get up from the ground without using your hands, after being demolished. The rules were clear. Three two -minute assaults. Valid blow score to the trunk or head, both with hands and feet. Penalizations if a robot could not get up in eight seconds after a fall. In case of draw, he decided the technical score. In the final, the robot controlled by an influencer called Lu Xin took the title. The competition comes a few weeks after another event that also captured worldwide attention: A Half Marathon held in Beijing where several humanoid robots ran alongside thousands of human participants. So are the G1. According to the manufacturerEach Unitree G1 measures 130 cm, weighs 35 kg and has an external cable design. It is articulated with up to 23 degrees of freedom, which are extended up to 43 in its educational version, and has advanced sensors for vision, movement and environment control. These are some of its key characteristics: Intel Realsense depth chamber D435i and 3D Lidar sensor Four microphones with noise cancellation and stereo speakers of 5 w Permanent magnet synchronous engines with a maximum torque of 120 n · m 9,000 mAh battery, approximate autonomy of two hours Displacement speed: Up to 2 m/s Eight -core CPU, Wi -Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity Possibility of adding the hand DEX3-1, with seven degrees of freedom and optional tactile sensors More than show. According to CCTV coverage, G1 have at least eight basic combat patterns and various complex combinations, such as straight punches, hooks and kicks scheduled. In addition, they have been designed to resist impacts, avoid overheating and maintain balance after receiving blows. Even when they fall, they are able to recover the vertical position in seconds. China already prepares new competitions with humanoid robots for this year, including a multi -sports event in Beijing. Meanwhile, other robotics based on the Asian giant seek to gain ground in homes. Huawei and Ubtech were recently allied to advance in the development of this type of automatons. Images | CCTV (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) In Xataka | Sam Altman is building an empire with Openai. One with some lights and with many shadows

Robots with flamethrows fight against shotguns

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That the war in Ukraine is breaking all the molds of the war tactics of conflicts of the past, is out of any doubt. Interestingly, the battle that is fought is a test field where the more advanced technologies of military artillery, with other ideas that worked in such distant contests Like World War I. In fact, to the Ukrainian application of the “Davis Canyon”, Russia has replicated with a plane of the same era. And, in the meantime, the first flamethrower robot appears. Reinvent the obsolete. As we said, Russia has resorted to such an unusual method as revealing the growing pressure that Ukraine exerts with its unmanned air attacks: adapting the old training plane YAK-52 as a rudimentary anti -Didish platform. As? Armed with A semi -automatic shotgun and a multispectral sensor under the wing. The aircraft, now called YAK-52B2, has been redesigned to detect and knock down long-range drones that fly over the Russian territory, especially those of unidirectional attack such as the AN-196 Liutyi or non -manned versions of ultraliger planes such as Airrakt A-22used by Ukraine to hit the enemy borders. This adaptation remembers the experiments of the Soviet era with the YAK-52B, a counterinsurgent version armed with guns and rockets that never reached serial production, but now finds a Luck of rebirth Forced by the new conditions of the battlefield. Improvised solution. The Appearance of YAK-52B2 It responds to the growing limitations of traditional Russian anti -aircraft systems, increasingly saturated or deployed in the front. Putin himself publicly admitted, after a wave of attacks in May 2024, that Moscow’s aerial defense worked in shape “Satisfactory” but improvable. In this context, a slow, cheap plane, with good maneuverability at low altitude and capable of operating from makeshift airfields can offer an additional layer of punctual defenseespecially useful for protecting critical infrastructures away from the front. The use of electrooptic sensors and an on -board shooting computer allows nightly or adverse climatic conditions, just when Ukrainian drones are usually launched. However, the chosen armament (A 12 caliber shotgun, probably a Semi -automatic saiga) raises serious operational doubts due to its extremely limited reach, especially In combat Aire-Airewhere shooting at such a short distance can involve collisions with debris or the premature detonation of the enemy drone. FrEE OF THE SENSOR TORRET BELOW THE YAK-52B2 WING A new phase of unmanned war. At the same time that Russia has used its modified Yak-52, an unprecedented evolution of drones has appeared. Ukraine has approved officially the Incorporation of Krampusa non -manned land vehicle (UGV), who has earned the nickname of “ruling robot” for its ability to launch thermobárica rounds RPV-16an ammunition that disperses fuel in the air and lights it, generating a devastating explosion. This authorization places it among the more than 80 designs of terrestrial drones already supported by kyiv, consolidating a tendency of technological diversification that seeks to maximize the operational autonomy of the Ukrainian army. The Krampus, of Local designit has been conceived as a robust platform for missions so much offensives as defensive against infantry and light armored vehicles, and is driven by two silent engines that allow it to cross complicated land such as thick forests, swamps or slopes, without losing mobility under extreme weather conditions. The flamethrower used RPV 16 Lethal effect With the ability to be transported in the back of a truck, this hybrid incorporates a video camera and even Four RPV-16 pitchers On a single use, which suggests that the robot can shoot those four times before requiring replenishment. Although the ministry has not revealed its operational autonomy or the amount of ammunition that it can load, it has confirmed that its control systems are designed to Resist electronic interferencewhich is crucial in a saturated front of electronic warfare. Your battery also allows you to remain in motion for several hours or stay in waiting mode For long periods, which increases its tactical utility in prolonged or ambush operations. Advantages of weight and permanence. The incorporation of krampus, what’s doubt, is an evolution (Another one) In the use of drones, traditionally focused on aerial vehicles, taking advantage of the unique advantages of the UGVas its ability to transport major explosive loadsits usefulness for mining cleaning missions, or even the evacuation of injured in extreme situations. This versatility has caused Ukrainian units to develop Your own UGV models With mounted machine guns, capable of operating at distances of up to 20 kilometers and normally coordinated with aerial recognition drones to detect mines, traps or enemy positions. Technological mutation: the past. The appearance of Russian Yak-52 “Vitaminate”together with the Krampus Ukranian They are faithful mirrors of what is happening in the front: past and future intermingle. The conversion of Yak-52 in a kind of drone hunter reflects the deeply adaptive and decentralized character of modern conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In the absence of clear technological superiority, both sides are forced to reuse available resources with creativity and urgency. As we have told before, the proliferation of Cheap and effective drones He has caused even air forces to be forced to rethink their doctrines. Technological mutation: The future. On the other sidewalk, the adoption of robots, Like Krampusit is not only a sample of technical innovation, but a direct measure for replace soldiers in the most dangerous areas of the front. In a context where human casualties accumulate and the exhaustion of personnel is a constant, the UGV represent an alternative to maintain the offensive without depending exclusively of human sacrifice. Its implementation also sends a clear message about the evolution of the conflict: the war in Ukraine is no longer only a territorial or geopolitical dispute, but an extreme laboratory where the role of military technology of the 21st century is redefined … with help of the last century. Image | Defense Ministry of Ukraine, Voidwanderer In Xataka | To hunt Russian drones, Ukraine is resorting to a revolutionary technique … from World War I In Xataka | The … Read more

There is a non -proliferation pact of nuclear weapons. In 2025 what we need is one that avoids murderous robots

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In 1139 Pope Innocent II prohibited The use of the crossbow. He then described it as “a detestable weapon for God and unworthy for Christians,” although he considered it valid to fight the infidels. The measure was not taken into account, and the crossbow continued to be used in later centuries. The history of weapons has always been linked to these prohibitions, and now there is a especially delicate: the one that affects the so -called “murderous robots.” Prohibited weapons. That example of the crossbows ended up being just one of the many that have surrounded the evolution of the military weapons and its application to war conflicts. In 1970 the Nuclear Non -Proliferation Treaty To avoid the use of nuclear weapons, but international law also prohibits the use of chemical, biological or antipersonnel mines. These agreements are not usually ratified by all countries of the world, but by the vast majority. Beware of autonomous weapons. As indicated In ReutersThe United Nations Organization has called a meeting to regulate the segment of autonomous weapons controlled by artificial intelligence. This type of armament is increasingly used in modern war conflicts, and experts warn: it is time to put limits to the use of this lethal technology. The Ukraine War as an example. What is being lived in the Ukraine war is a sign of how this type of autonomous weapons are being used. The drones and robots They are being used Notable form against Russian troops, and there is already drones throwing drones to attack other drones. The relevance From this type of weapons it has been even affected by the commercial war between the US and China, which makes DANGER PRODUCTION AND EXPORT of these autonomous vehicles. In The New York Times They already warned of the rise of the fearsome “kamikaze drones” and their use in this conflict. Ten years talking about prohibiting murderous robots. In Xataka we have been talking about the danger of weapons with AI and drifting towards the famous “murderous robots”. He debate On the potential prohibition of murderous robots It comes from afarand organizations like Human Rights Watch has been trying to ban them since 2015 before it’s late. The researchers themselves already They warned of that danger In 2017 and Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, claimed that these murderous robots They are “unstoppable”. However, there are many countries that They have continued developing them, and there is no consensus when putting limits in this dangerous area. Deadline. The Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, has established that 2026 is the deadline for all countries to establish clear rules in the use of weapons with artificial intelligence. His words are clear: these autonomous armament systems are “politically unacceptable, morally disgusting” and should be prohibited. “ There is no consensus. What is missing is the aforementioned consensus: Alexander Kmentt, head of armament control in the Austrian Foreign Ministry, explained it: “Time is pressing to stop the nightmares that some of the most prestigious experts warn,” he said. Some great personalities of the technological world such as Elon Musk or Demis Hassabis They already warned of the problem in 2018 and asked the UN to ban autonomous weapons. The military resists. Diplomatic efforts face military controls, which according to Reuters resist regulation because that could blur the advantages posed by these technologies on the battlefield. This last meeting of the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCWfor its acronym in English) is the last edition of some meetings that have been held since 2014. Participants have been necessary “a legally binding treaty” for UN countries. But some countries prefer to go to their rhythm. Many countries support that general agreement, but USA, Russia, China and India prefer to have national regulations or that existing international laws are applied, according to Amnesty International. A US Pentagon spokesman said in Reuters that “we are not convinced that existing laws are insufficient” and stressed that autonomous weapons could raise a lower risk for civilians than conventional weapons. And since there is no regulation, there is proliferation. The lack of these limits is causing a clear development of this type of autonomous weapons. The experts of Future of Life Institute They have monitored the deployment of about 200 autonomous weapons systems in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa. Russian forces have deployed some 3,000 kamikaze drones Veter in Ukraine, according to that data, and as we have indicated in several occasions In Xataka, that country has in these drones one of its Critical elements To attack Russian goals. Duality. As my partner Javier Jiménez said In a fantastic theme That he prepared in 2018, another of the problems with this debate is that “it is very difficult to determine what to prohibit and what not in a world as strongly computerized as the war.” The key is not so much in technological and ethical, and here we are facing a dual technology capable of being used for civil and military purposes. Here the reflection was clear: “No one is going to give a strategic military asset for an ethical issue,” he said. He added as a conclusion that “beyond alarmism, we need tools” to identify, monitor and control the development of these weapons because “neither good intentions nor self -control have worked well in the past.” A lot of money at stake. But as always, one of the factors of this industry is that there is a lot of money at stake, and more when there is a renewed fever for Increase defense budgets. Laura Nolan, of the Stop Killer Robots activist organization, made it clear that there is no guarantee that technology companies will be responsible when developing these systems: “In general, we do not trust that industries are self -regulated … there is no reason why defense or technology companies must be more worthy of trust.” In Xataka | Ukraine has found a solution to China’s veto in drones: it’s called Hell, it’s a “home” missile and … Read more

China prepares its next technological assault. Huawei and Ubtech have just allying to bring humanoid robots to homes

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Humanoid robotics is ceasing to be a laboratory experiment. Bank of America Global Research CREE that its mass adoption could begin in 2028, with an industry that, if the forecasts were met, will move billions annually. Actually, the change is already underway: in 2025 about 18,000 units should be delivered and it is expected that by 2030 the million annual shipments will be reached, with a view to exceeding 10 million around 2035. While Tesla, Boston Dynamics and Figure AI develop their own humanoids in the US, in China a strategic alliance with global ambitions has been forged. As Sina points outHuawei, one of the country’s largest technological ones, and Ubtech Robotics, one of the most consolidated developers in the sector, have signed an agreement to collaborate in the development of humanoid robots for factories and homes. China steps on the accelerator in the humanoid robots sector The announcement was made in Shenzhen, a city where both companies are headded and considered by one of the main technological centers in southern China. As explained, the objective is to accelerate the transition of humanoid robotics “of laboratory innovation to the Large -scale adoption in industrial, domestic environments and other scenarios. ”Huawei will contribute its Ascend processors and Kunpengas well as cloud computing capabilities and generative AI models. The Alliance also contemplates the creation of an innovation center dedicated to the so -called “incarnate intelligence”: an approach that seeks to integrate cognitive functions into robotic bodies, which requires advanced coordination between algorithms, sensors, movement control and decision -making in real time. According to Leaderobot consultancythe Chinese domestic market of humanoid robotics could double this year and reach 5.3 billion yuan (about 665 million euros). Several of the country’s main manufacturers have already announced plans to overcome 1,000 units produced in 2025. Ubtech is one of them. Its president, Zhou Jian, confirmed it in March. Tien Kung Xingzhe, one of Ubtech’s robots This movement is part of a broader national strategy. As the New York Times detailsthe Chinese government is betting on industrial automation as part of its response to several challenges: commercial challenges, the fall in the birth and aging of the population. In factories such as Zeekr in NOBO, robots already perform tasks that previously required specialized labor. The objective is to maintain low costs and reinforce global competitiveness. And there is more. With the aim of encouraging the adoption of humanoid robots in the automobile industry, the Chinese authorities asked manufacturers to rent units, record videos in real environments and send them to the government. Even in the symbolic field there are blunt gestures: in April, Beijing organized a half marathon with 12,000 human runners and 20 humanoid robots. Only six crossed the goal, but the message was clear. Bank of America Global Research expect this sector evolve in three stages: first in factories and logistics (2025-2027), then in commercial and educational services (2028-2034), And finally in homeswith care and domestic applications from 2035. If the forecasts are met, in 2060 there could be 3,000 million humanoid robots in use worldwide. The challenge is not less. There are still technological bottlenecks, high production costs and dependence on tools and chips manufactured outside China. But with alliances such as Huawei and Ubtech, the Asian giant seems to be taking another determined step not to be left behind. What is clear is that the career to develop more advanced humanoid robots is underway. Images | Rubaitul Azad | Ubtech Robotics In Xataka | Klarna presumed that AI did the work of 700 people. Its quality is so low that it is rectuming humans

Hyundai aims to automate 40% of his new plant in the US. THE KEY TO GET IT: ATLAS HUMANoid Robots

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Robots have been in the automobile industry for decades. They have welded, pressed and assembled pieces without rest. But despite that long career, many tasks were still in human hands. That is starting to change. Robots are less and less clumsy: They are more skilled, more versatile and, most importantly, much cheaper to manufacture. And that opens the door to a new phase. Hyundai wants to be in charge of that change. On your new plant HMGMA (Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America), located on the outskirts of Savannah (Georgia, USA), the company has proposed to automate 40% of the vehicle assembly process before the end of 2025. According to Nikkei Asiathe objective is to transform this factory into an intelligent environment, where artificial intelligence and data are key from logistics to the final assembly. A connected and flexible ecosystem. The plant is designed not only as a assembly line, but as a demonstration of everything Hyundai is able to do with technology. The brand defines it as “a highly connected, automated and flexible manufacturing system”, prepared to adapt to changes in demand and optimize each phase of the process. That is why it is no coincidence that starts focused on the production of electric and hybrid vehicles, with an estimated initial capacity of 100,000 units a year, which will grow to 500,000 when it is at full performance. The Metaplant aspires to become one of the referents of the automobile industry of the present and the future. Atlas enters the scene. In that technological deployment, the focus is on a very concrete protagonist: Atlas, Boston Dynamics’s humanoid robot. It is not any robot. It is a completely electric model, designed to move as a human and work in the same space as humans. Atlas is the successor of the famous hydraulic model that we saw mortal somersaults. But this time, the approach is another. It is prepared to lift heavy objects, install parts and adapt to what happens around you in real time. Hyundai describes it As a robot with “athletic intelligence”, and that translates into sensors, algorithms and a structure designed for complex tasks that one person could only do. Boston Dynamics is already part of the Hyundai group. This movement makes sense because Boston Dynamics is not just any partner: It is part of the Hyundai group since 2021. Since the company was made, the South Korean firm has been integrating its technology within its vision of “progress for humanity.” A vision that includes autonomous cars, urban air mobility, robotics in logistics and, of course, new ways of manufacturing. Boston Dynamics has been working with biped and quadruped robots for years, and now faces the challenge of taking them to the commercial field. If Atlas works in this plant, it will mark a before and after. Because it is no longer just impressing in a viral video: it is about a robot being useful and productive on a large scale. What tasks will the robots perform? Hyundai has not detailed all the works that Atlas will assume, but, according to the aforementioned Asian newspaper, it has confirmed some: move heavy objects, install doors in vehicles and collaborate in physical tasks that require strength and precision. The objective is clear: to free human operators from repetitive or demanding works. Now, that does not mean that Atlas is just as agile as an expert operator. For now, it is not. Just see some assembly line videos To ask ourselves if robots will be as skilled as humans. Atlas will not be the only one in the plant. They will also deploy The well -known spotdog -shaped robots that also manufactures Boston Dynamics. Its function will be to monitor production lines, inspect bodies and identify possible structural defects. And next to you they will live more classic automation systems: welding robots, presses and heavy machinery. A context marked by the tariff war. This deployment does not happen in a vacuum. It arrives in the middle of the commercial war between the United States and China. The administration Trump has imposed a 145% tariff To many products from China and maintains a base rate of 10% for most commercial partners, including South Korea. That is why Hyundai has decided to bet on American territory. Has announced An investment of 21,000 million dollars in the United States over the next four years. A strategy that seeks to protect its position in the North American market and, at the same time, gain margin of maneuver against geopolitical uncertainty. Of course, automating more does not necessarily mean hiring more. Hyundai’s expansion is accompanied by strong robotization. And that raises questions about employment. Will less operators be hired? Will new roles emerge within factories? The advance is indisputable, although it does not guarantee new jobs. Images | Hyundai In Xataka | Duolingo inaugurates a new era: when human talent is no longer essential

electric trains, video calls and vacuum robots

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Imagining what the civilization of the future will always be something interesting. In the cinema of the 70s and 80s we saw it a lot, with works such as’ Blade Runner ‘or’Robocop‘imagining a future with Ciborgs and Flying cars. Yes, now we are closer to having Human ‘Improved’ as of the A kind flying cars, But what they didn’t imagine was something like Internet. That is because it is much easier to visualize a future with improved elements of our present or that they solve a problem of the time. For example, if in the 70s they had cars, because in 30 years those cars would be flying. Something similar happened in La France of 1899. The toyr Armand Gervanis commissioned Jean-Marc Côté and other artists a series of illustrated cards for the 1900s World Exhibition of Paris. In them, artists should imagine what life would be like in 2000. It is very curious to see the designs of their creations, the problems of their time they wanted to solve and their mentality. In some designs, they approached reality. In others they did not give abut they are really interesting because they allow us to see the reasoning of the time and, in the end, the known solutions that applied to problems, tasks and the daily life of their time. In some cases it may seem that they were short of sight by not inventing something like the computer and that all designs are intrinsically linked to both the machinery of their time and fashion, but they are still a great sample of Paleofuturo. Mobility and … an electric train The cars in 1899 were more than surpassed. There were motor vehicles for a few years and, although they were not for personal use for the masses, there were … they existed. Mass manufacturing began in 1908 with the assembly chain of Henry Ford and the Ford tbut come on, cars didn’t get so much attention. At least these French artists. What they wanted were both aquatic and aerial buses. Commercial flights were nothing more than a fantasy at that time (The Wright brothers They would not make the first motor flight until 1903 and the flights with passenger planes were unimaginable). What they had more by hand were the airships and the submarines. What did they do? Create a boat with two huge bags to go both by air and by sea and an underwater bus. To go where? We will see it later, since underwater life was something they were passionate about. Also peculiar is the electric train with Paris-Pekín path (there is nothing, only more than 8,000 kilometers in a straight line). Apart from a cabin that looks like that of a rocket, attracts attention that seems not to have wheelsbut an magnetized system like the one we can see in the magnetic levitation maglev. And we can also see personal and electrical skates. It sounds like electric scootersof electric skateboard and even the sandals to walk 250% faster. Text voice system, audio and video call notes Did something like smartphone take off from ingenuity? Well … no, really, but what these French artists had on hand was the phone, the cinematograph of the Lumière brothers Invented a few years before, the phonograph and the gramophone. They were quite recent inventions and were great in these futuristic cards. His combination is also magical. In the designs, we can see how in the first card a person receives a message per roll to listen to him in his gramophone (such as WhatsApp voice notesbut much less snapshots and faces), news heard through the radio (something that was already brewing) on ​​the second card, a man dictating a message to a machine that seems to make text into the third photo and … a video call system in the fourth photo? It seems that the image of a person is being screened on a screen through a projector, the man is listening with the gramophone and is speaking at the same time. It is curious that this process needs an operator that controls machinery. It could not really be intricate, but with the media of the time, imagining something similar to a video call is very striking. Heavy tasks with remote control Two segments that continued to have manual tasks were field and agriculture. Even today, with all the advances we have, they are very physical works, so it is logical that, in 1899 they would imagine futures in which everything was automated. In some cases they were not unchanged, such as that harvester that is controlled at a distance (ours we must handle them from within, but well, it is similar) and something more fanciful is the card that shows an operator inside a cabin controlling a complex robotic system that is raising a house. It is not only the electric crane, but the arms that put the bricks or chisel part of the facade. Something they did not imagine was a GPS -controlled robot cutter Segway Navimowbut something is something. The Roomba, the Robopeluquero and the 3D printer And masons are not the only robots. In these cards we can see other ideas such as robopeluquero, or robobarbero, which really is not something we currently havebut well, there are razor. What is curious is that they invented the Robot vacuum cleaner Century and peak before it existed and popularized with an assistant robot that seems to be plugged in to a remote cable or control that controls the human. It is funny because it has both the brush and the cushion in which the dirt is collecting, but I do not finish seeing that cane as a remote control. And something very ingenious is the machine that takes the measures to make a suit and transfer the information to a machine that expels the garment already made. It is like an early version of a 3D printer. Rare things Now, although all cards are tremendously imaginative, … Read more

China has organized a half marathon in which 21 robots participated. We have questions

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Last Saturday a popular half marathon was held in Beijing in which there were some unique participants: 21 robots joined thousands of human runners to try to complete the 21,097 meters of the urban tour. The event has allowed to yield some conclusions about the Robotics art statusbut it has also generated new questions. Varied robots. In the race They participated Humanoid robots of Chinese manufacturers such as Droidvp or Noetix Robotix. The designs and sizes varied significantly, and were from 1.2 m high models to others that measure 1.8 meters. One of them remarkably imitated the human appearance in a robot that even waded his eyes or smiled. You by your side, I for mine. Although the organizers brought breast, stating that it was the first race in which humans and robots ran at the same time, in reality the Robots route was separated from that of human corridors. The robots were also accompanied by teams of engineers who monitored that their operation was correct (or that the batteries changed during the race). Slow. At the moment the performance of biped robots in the race was modest, and everyone ran clearly more slowly than human corridors. The fastest robot It was the Tiangong Ultra of the Ubtech company in collaboration with the Beijing Humanoid Robots Innovation Center. The tour ended at 2:40 hours after exchanging his batteries three times and falling on one occasion. Only six of the robots ended up crossing the finish line, and most did not last long in the test. Still far from humans. He was the only one that ended before the time limit was fulfilled to finish the test for human runners, which was 3:10 hours. The world record is in 56 minutes and 42 seconds, while a good time for human amateur runners is 1:45 hours for men and 2 hours for approximately women. Varied disasters. As they point out In Wiredthe Tiangong Ultra and the second classified, the N2 of Noetix Robotics at least managed to end at a slow but consistent rhythm. Others were a disaster. It happened with a robot named Huanhuan that moved at snail speed while moving his head uncontrollably. Another call Shennong had to be disqualified (he used small wheels) but the serious thing was that he turned on himself after starting the race and He fell next to their human operators. In some cases the operators used adhesive tape to protect the “feet” of the robots, but also to hit the head of one of them when it fell during the race. Critable autonomy. In addition, the robots were accompanied as we said of human operators. Some had control panels to go to the robots, and others went ahead to point out the way and remove obstacles from Enmedio. During the broadcast several spectators commented how operators seemed exhausted with all that operation to help robots to advance. But running is not theirs. The truth is that these robots are not designed to run, but the objective of the companies that design them is to be able to execute a variety of tasks that have nothing to do with moving quickly. Even so experts indicate that this test demonstrates the evolution of the market, because a few years ago It was difficult until they were walking. Even Elon Musk launched a job offer to “teach Tesla’s Robot Optimus to walk”. That some can already run a half marathon It is a good proof that some companies have created especially robust models. Important absences. Chinese manufacturers participated in the race, but many were absent reference companies In the market. Was not for example the Optimus of Tesla, but neither does the Atlas from Boston Dynamics, the Figure O2 of figure ai or the Apollo of Apptronik. There were also absences of large Chinese robotics companies Like Unitree (which did not officially participate, although two were used by other institutions), AGIBOTor the runner robot Star1 Robot was. Is this for something? The test organized by Chinese institutions served to demonstrate the advances of some of the robotics companies, but it was also a clear demonstration of the limitations of these robots. As we said, these companies do not design these robots with this type of purpose, and specialization is usually a key aspect of current robots. However, this half marathon serves to boost new ideas among robots developers, which should undoubtedly pursue that intensive motor capacity for their projects. Image | Xataka with Freepik In Xataka | China’s robots represent an existential threat to the US, according to semi -health experts

We do not need robots that look like us. We need robots to do things for us

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Every time I see a humanoid robot dancing in an exhibition (now it is very fashionable to put them in any event, they wear a lot) or stumbled clickingly while trying to run a marathon, I cannot avoid thinking that we are chasing a mirage. A technological chimera that responds more to our cultural fantasies than to real industrial needs. As explained by Wall Street JournalChina and the United States are engaged in A race to dominate the field of humanoid robotswith the Chinese government designating it as strategic priority backed by an investment fund of 138,000 million dollars. The CEO of Nvidia, Jensen Huang, has not been cut: “The time of humanoid robots has arrived. This could be the largest industry of all. “A formidable statement supported by formidable investments. The obsession with replicating our body shape in machines seems an echo of our collective vanity, a technological narcissism very antiquate that dates back to the work ‘Rur‘by Karel čopek, who coined the term “robot” in 1920. Why do we insist on robots with two legs when the wheels are more efficient In most environments? Boston Dynamics He has invested decades and hundreds of millions to get Atlas to walk like a human, when a robot with mechanical traction would have exceeded the same obstacles with a fraction of the energy cost. Why arms and hands that mimic ours when specialized appendices could make certain tasks better? The history of industrial robotics shows us that Specialization exceeds generalization. A six -axis industrial robotic arm specifically designed for welding is infinitely more precise than any attempt to replicate human skill. The answer says more about our psychology than about pragmatic engineering. There is something atavistic in our desire to create in image and likeness. According to the article WSJ, Ubtech humanoid robots It takes four times more than a human to load a simple container (twelve seconds vs. three). A fact that should be an alarm signal for anyone with a critical sense. Perhaps we are confusing the map with the territory, aesthetics with functionality. Let’s look where something interesting is really happening: in those same Chinese factories, success does not come from the isolated humanoid, but from ecosystems where robots live in all possible formseach specialized in what he knows best. Automated guided vehicles, robotic arms, intelligent conveyor belts, interior drones … an entire artificial biodiversity that operates together. Nature did not choose a single way for all animals, why should we fall into that morphological trap? Image: Asianroboticsreview. Humanoid robots promoters argue that they will better adapt to environments designed for humans without modifying them. A reasoning that seems impeccable until we deepen: not We constantly modify our environments to adapt them to new technologies? Yes Instagram is changing cities. The history of industrialization is precisely to adapt spaces to machines, not the other way around. It is the same mirage that we still see with autonomous cars, determine to maintain that layout of seats looking at the front when there is no longer steering wheel or driver. What a waste of possibilities. Zoox, the autonomous vehicle company bought by Amazon, understood it well when he designed Its robotic taxi: Without a steering wheel, with confronted seats and an experience designed from scratch, not as a compensation of what already existed. Innovation will require that we stop contemplating the robotic navel and start thinking about specific needs and specific solutions, not anthropomorphic nostalgia. Tesla, with Your optimusneed Human operators to control their humanoids While they pretended autonomy in their October event. A perfect metaphor of how our obstinacy for human form leads us to theatricalize what we still cannot achieve. In the end the race that matters is not that of the robot that best imitates our stumbling blocks when lowering stairs, but of the one that solves problems of ways that we cannot even imagine. The real revolutionary robot may not look like us, and that will be its greatness. Perhaps we should remember that the wheel – the invention that our civilization has transformed the most – does not exist in nature. Real innovation begins when we stop imitating ourselves. In Xataka | The US robots manufacturers have asked their government for help. If you do not get China, you will win this race Outstanding image | Xataka

The US robots manufacturers have asked their government for help. If you do not get China, you will win this race

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Tesla, Boston Dynamics, Agility Robotics and other US companies that are dedicated to the design and manufacture of robots are concerned about the competitiveness of Chinese robotics companies. So much, in fact, that According to SCMP several members of its directives They have gathered just a few hours ago With legislators in Washington, DC for teach them their products and ask them to define a national strategy that seeks to reinforce US robotics companies. For Chinese administration, smart robots are a national priority. In fact, this industry is closely linked to two other strategic sectors: the production of avant -garde semiconductors and the artificial intelligence (AI). In 2015 President Xi Jinping announced The “Made in China 2025” planan initiative that pursued to take the country to a world leadership position in thirteen strategic technologies. One of them are smart robots, and, although China does not yet lead, its competitiveness in this sector is growing. The US robotics companies ask for the creation of a federal office “Automation and robotics are going through a revolution that will allow the total automation of all strategic and manufacturing industries … “I think the US has a great opportunity to win. We are leaders in AI and we are building some of the best robots in the world.” This text is signed by Dylan Patel, Reyk Knuhttsen, Niko Ciminelli, Jeremie Eliahou Ontiveros, Joe Ryu and Robert Ghilduta, six experts from SEMIANALYSISan American consultant specialized in the analysis of semiconductor industries and AI. His forecast clarifies very well the context in which the meeting that I have mentioned a few lines above between US companies dedicated to robotics and US legislators has occurred a few hours ago. Jeff Cardenas, co -founder and general director of the emerging company specialized in the manufacture of Apptronik humanoid robots, has pointed out What is at stake. “The next race in the field of robotics will be promoted by AI and will be a competition open to anyone (…) I think that the US has a great opportunity to win. We are leaders in AI and we are building some of the best robots in the world, but We need a national strategy If we want to continue moving forward and staying at the forefront “, He has pointed Cardenas. According to American businessmen, a national strategy would help robotics to climb production and promote the adoption of robots as the physical manifestation of AI. We will see if this initiative finally thrives. Image | Ubtech Robotics More information | SCMP In Xataka | Chinese scientists claim to have created something groundbreaking: the fastest and most efficient transistor that exists

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