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artificial intelligence

What are AI data centers and how are they different from conventional data centers?

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The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence has ushered in a new era of specialized infrastructure: the AI data center.

These facilities are a far cry from their conventional predecessors, meticulously engineered to meet the extraordinary computational demands of AI workloads.

Understanding the distinctions between these two types of data centers is crucial to grasping the future of AI development and deployment. [Read more…] about What are AI data centers and how are they different from conventional data centers?

Humanoid robots forecast to see ‘14-fold market expansion in five years’

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The global market for humanoid robots, widely categorized as “embodied AI”, is projected to grow rapidly over the next 10 years – and is expected to see a ‘14-fold market expansion in five years’ , according to IDTechEx. 

This surge is fueled by major players like Tesla and BYD, who plan to expand humanoid deployment in their factories more than tenfold between 2025 and 2026, aiming for over 25 percent cost reduction per humanoid robot.

With 2025 seen as the industry’s take-off year, IDTechEx anticipates the market for humanoid robot sensory components, including LiDAR, encoders, torque sensors, 6-axis sensors, IMUs, MEMS sensors, and cameras, to reach approximately $10 billion within 10 years. [Read more…] about Humanoid robots forecast to see ‘14-fold market expansion in five years’

Donatos and Appetronix launch fully-autonomous robotic pizza kitchen at Columbus Airport

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Travelers passing through John Glenn Columbus International Airport can now witness the future of fast food.

This week, Donatos Pizza, in partnership with robotic restaurant technology specialist Appetronix, unveiled a first-of-its-kind, fully-autonomous pizza kitchen, redefining the quick-service restaurant experience. (See video below.)

The new robotic restaurant, located at Concourse B, combines cutting-edge AI and robotics with Donatos’ celebrated art of pizza making. [Read more…] about Donatos and Appetronix launch fully-autonomous robotic pizza kitchen at Columbus Airport

Smartphone giant Honor to build humanoid robots

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Well-known smartphone manufacturer Honor has announced its official entry into the burgeoning humanoid robot market, according to a report on Bloomberg.

This strategic move is a significant part of the company’s ambitious $10 billion, five-year “Honor Alpha Plan” aimed at fostering a comprehensive AI-focused ecosystem.

The announcement signals Honor’s intent to diversify beyond its core smartphone business and leverage its growing expertise in artificial intelligence.

The company has confirmed it will be developing its own humanoid robots and will also collaborate with existing robotics firms to accelerate its progress in this competitive field. [Read more…] about Smartphone giant Honor to build humanoid robots

Toyota Group launches AI and software push with new academy and accelerator

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As the company itself describes it, five “major Toyota Group companies” have agreed to start “significant new initiatives” aimed at “bolstering their capabilities in artificial intelligence and software development”.

The push includes the establishment of the Toyota Software Academy, and the launch of the Global AI Accelerator (GAIA) to spearhead innovation.

The companies collaborating on these efforts are: Aisin, Denso, Toyota Tsusho, Toyota Motor, and Woven by Toyota. [Read more…] about Toyota Group launches AI and software push with new academy and accelerator

Saudi Arabia integrates robots into pilgrimage experience

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In a significant step towards integrating modern technology with religious tradition, Saudi Arabian authorities have unveiled the “Manara (Beacon) Robot” at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, according to a report on the Siasat website.

The AI-powered robot is designed to provide pilgrims with religious guidance and answers to their Sharia-related questions in multiple languages.

The initiative, launched by Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, President of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, aims to enrich the experience of worshippers by offering instant access to religious information. [Read more…] about Saudi Arabia integrates robots into pilgrimage experience

CMG World Robotics Tournament set for humanoid boxing showdown

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Get ready for a new era of combat sports as the CMG World Robotics Tournament prepares to unfold this Sunday, May 25th, at the Hangzhou Mech Combat Arena (also reported as the Olympic Sports Center).

The event, featuring humanoid robot boxing, is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM (GMT+8, Hong Kong time) and promises a groundbreaking display of technology and competition.

Unitree Robotics, a prominent name in the field, is the official partner for the tournament, with their G1 humanoid robots stepping into the ring. [Read more…] about CMG World Robotics Tournament set for humanoid boxing showdown

Doosan Robotics intensifies humanoid development in AI-driven strategic shift

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Collaborative robot specialist Doosan Robotics is significantly escalating its focus on humanoid robot development, marking 2025 as a pivotal year for an AI-centered strategic transformation.

The company is channelling investment into creating “practical humanoids” capable of performing complex tasks efficiently, alongside launching new “intelligent robot solutions”.

At a recent company-wide town hall meeting, CEO Kevin Kim announced a strategic shift from a hardware-centric model. He emphasized that Doosan Robotics aims to “deliver results this year through talent acquisition, organizational restructuring, and M&A” to spearhead innovation in intelligent robotics and humanoid technologies. [Read more…] about Doosan Robotics intensifies humanoid development in AI-driven strategic shift

Apple reportedly exploring new human-robot training method using Vision Pro

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Apple is investigating a more effective way to train humanoid robots by incorporating human instructors alongside robot demonstrators, a novel combined strategy the company has dubbed “PH2D”, according to a report on Apple Insider.

This development was detailed in a research paper published on Wednesday, just a week after the tech giant unveiled its Matrix3D and StreamBridge AI models, signaling a continued push into artificial intelligence and robotics.

The research paper, titled “Humanoid Policy ~ Human Policy”, addresses the shortcomings of conventional robot-training techniques and puts forward a new, scalable, and cost-effective solution. [Read more…] about Apple reportedly exploring new human-robot training method using Vision Pro

Renowned futurist Ray Kurzweil reportedly raising $100 million to build humanoid robots

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Beyond Imagination, a humanoid robot startup co-founded by acclaimed inventor and futurist Dr Ray Kurzweil, is reportedly in discussions to secure a significant $100 million investment, according to a report on the Reuters website.

The news agency, citing sources familiar with the matter, indicated that these talks are for a Series B funding round.

While the specific investors have not been publicly disclosed in the initial Reuters report, such a substantial investment would mark a significant step forward for the company operating in the burgeoning field of advanced robotics. [Read more…] about Renowned futurist Ray Kurzweil reportedly raising $100 million to build humanoid robots