Researchers have created a class of robots made from thin sheets of material that can snap into hundreds of stable shapes, allowing them to execute a wide variety of actions despite the fact that they have no motor and are made of a single, flat material. These “metabots” essentially resemble animated sheets of plastic, capable of moving around a surface or grasping objects.Researchers have created a class of robots made from thin sheets of material that can snap into hundreds of stable shapes, allowing them to execute a wide variety of actions despite the fact that they have no motor and are made of a single, flat material. These “metabots” essentially resemble animated sheets of plastic, capable of moving around a surface or grasping objects.[#item_full_content]
Researchers have developed a soft robotic skin that enables vine robots that are just a few millimeters wide to navigate convoluted paths and fragile environments. To accomplish this, the researchers integrated a very thin layer of actuators made of liquid crystal elastomer at strategic locations in the soft skin. The robot is steered by controlling the pressure inside its body and temperature of the actuators.Researchers have developed a soft robotic skin that enables vine robots that are just a few millimeters wide to navigate convoluted paths and fragile environments. To accomplish this, the researchers integrated a very thin layer of actuators made of liquid crystal elastomer at strategic locations in the soft skin. The robot is steered by controlling the pressure inside its body and temperature of the actuators.[#item_full_content]
Eightfold co-founders raise $35M for Viven, an AI digital twin startup for querying unavailable coworkers
Viven’s seed funding was led by Khosla Ventures and Foundation Capital.Viven’s seed funding was led by Khosla Ventures and Foundation Capital.[#item_full_content]
Liberate bags $50M at $300M valuation to bring AI deeper into insurance back offices
Liberate’s AI agents automate tasks for P&C insurers, working across sales, service, and claims.Liberate’s AI agents automate tasks for P&C insurers, working across sales, service, and claims.[#item_full_content]
Last year, wind energy accounted for 23.2% of all energy injected into the Spanish electricity system, according to data published by Red Eléctrica in its latest 2024 report. Although wind power leads national energy production, its dependence on weather conditions and its inherently intermittent nature present challenges. Therefore, fine-tuning wind speed prediction data for these infrastructures is a key task to optimize the management and performance of wind turbines.Last year, wind energy accounted for 23.2% of all energy injected into the Spanish electricity system, according to data published by Red Eléctrica in its latest 2024 report. Although wind power leads national energy production, its dependence on weather conditions and its inherently intermittent nature present challenges. Therefore, fine-tuning wind speed prediction data for these infrastructures is a key task to optimize the management and performance of wind turbines.Energy & Green Tech[#item_full_content]
How do computers see the world? It’s not quite the same way humans do.How do computers see the world? It’s not quite the same way humans do.Machine learning & AI[#item_full_content]
If you ask an AI service like ChatGPT or Google Gemini to recommend a destination for your next summer holiday, it will happily provide you with a list of attractive destinations. But many of them will be very familiar.If you ask an AI service like ChatGPT or Google Gemini to recommend a destination for your next summer holiday, it will happily provide you with a list of attractive destinations. But many of them will be very familiar.Machine learning & AI[#item_full_content]
The full Space Stage agenda at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: The future of tech launches here
The Space Stage agenda is full at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Join 10,000 tech leaders to hear what’s next in space tech from top voices like Baiju Bhatt, Will Bruey, Bridgit Mendler, and more. Register now to save up to $624.The Space Stage agenda is full at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Join 10,000 tech leaders to hear what’s next in space tech from top voices like Baiju Bhatt, Will Bruey, Bridgit Mendler, and more. Register now to save up to $624.[#item_full_content]
Microsoft will supply its artificial intelligence technology to every public school district and community college in Washington next year, part of a nationwide campaign to spread AI training and usage.Microsoft will supply its artificial intelligence technology to every public school district and community college in Washington next year, part of a nationwide campaign to spread AI training and usage.Business[#item_full_content]
Software giant Salesforce is planning to invest $15 billion in San Francisco over the next five years to strengthen the city’s dominance in artificial intelligence.Software giant Salesforce is planning to invest $15 billion in San Francisco over the next five years to strengthen the city’s dominance in artificial intelligence.Business[#item_full_content]
