Navigating without a map is a difficult task for robots, especially when they can’t reliably determine where they are. A new AI-powered solution helps robots overcome this challenge by training them to make movement decisions that also protect their ability to localize. Instead of blindly heading toward a target, the robot evaluates the visual richness of its surroundings and favors routes where it’s less likely to get “lost.”Navigating without a map is a difficult task for robots, especially when they can’t reliably determine where they are. A new AI-powered solution helps robots overcome this challenge by training them to make movement decisions that also protect their ability to localize. Instead of blindly heading toward a target, the robot evaluates the visual richness of its surroundings and favors routes where it’s less likely to get “lost.”Robotics[#item_full_content]
Research conducted at the University of Vaasa paves the way for smart packaging that indicates product condition through color-changing printing inks. Doctoral researcher Jari Isohanni investigated how machine learning could be most effectively utilized in color recognition for smart packaging.Research conducted at the University of Vaasa paves the way for smart packaging that indicates product condition through color-changing printing inks. Doctoral researcher Jari Isohanni investigated how machine learning could be most effectively utilized in color recognition for smart packaging.Hi Tech & Innovation[#item_full_content]
Soft robotics, which uses flexible and deformable materials, is an emerging field in autonomous systems. It has recently been applied to next-generation tasks such as deep-sea sampling with soft robotic grippers—requiring strong adhesion and autonomous detachment. Bioinspired adhesion offers a promising solution.Soft robotics, which uses flexible and deformable materials, is an emerging field in autonomous systems. It has recently been applied to next-generation tasks such as deep-sea sampling with soft robotic grippers—requiring strong adhesion and autonomous detachment. Bioinspired adhesion offers a promising solution.[#item_full_content]
Terraton wants to be the McDonald’s of biochar
Terraton sees promise in biochar, but the technology has struggled to scale. The startup thinks a franchise model could be what unlocks biochar’s potential.Terraton sees promise in biochar, but the technology has struggled to scale. The startup thinks a franchise model could be what unlocks biochar’s potential.[#item_full_content]
Mirror founder Brynn Putnam to unveil her gaming hardware startup at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Seven years after unveiling Mirror at TechCrunch Disrupt 2018, Brynn Putnam is returning to the stage where it all began.Seven years after unveiling Mirror at TechCrunch Disrupt 2018, Brynn Putnam is returning to the stage where it all began.[#item_full_content]
Batteries, like humans, require medicine to function at their best. In battery technology, this medicine comes in the form of electrolyte additives, which enhance performance by forming stable interfaces, lowering resistance and boosting energy capacity, resulting in improved efficiency and longevity.Batteries, like humans, require medicine to function at their best. In battery technology, this medicine comes in the form of electrolyte additives, which enhance performance by forming stable interfaces, lowering resistance and boosting energy capacity, resulting in improved efficiency and longevity.Energy & Green Tech[#item_full_content]
Within five days of ChatGPT’s release in 2022, the artificial intelligence chatbot gained more than a million users. Today, more than half of all adults under age 30 and nearly half of adults ages 30–49 say they’ve used it, according to Pew Research Center.Within five days of ChatGPT’s release in 2022, the artificial intelligence chatbot gained more than a million users. Today, more than half of all adults under age 30 and nearly half of adults ages 30–49 say they’ve used it, according to Pew Research Center.Consumer & Gadgets[#item_full_content]
Assort Health nabs $50M to automate patient phone calls, sources say
The startup, now valued at $750 million, is one of three that recently raised funding to use AI agents for helping healthcare practices answer patient calls.The startup, now valued at $750 million, is one of three that recently raised funding to use AI agents for helping healthcare practices answer patient calls.[#item_full_content]
How will AI affect American workers? There are two major narratives floating around. The “techno-optimist” view is that AI will free humans from boring tasks and create new jobs, while the “techno-pessimist” view is that AI will lead to widespread unemployment.How will AI affect American workers? There are two major narratives floating around. The “techno-optimist” view is that AI will free humans from boring tasks and create new jobs, while the “techno-pessimist” view is that AI will lead to widespread unemployment.Business[#item_full_content]
Recently, defect detection systems using artificial intelligence (AI) sensor data have been installed in smart factory manufacturing sites. However, when the manufacturing process changes due to machine replacement or variations in temperature, pressure, or speed, existing AI models fail to properly understand the new situation and their performance drops sharply.Recently, defect detection systems using artificial intelligence (AI) sensor data have been installed in smart factory manufacturing sites. However, when the manufacturing process changes due to machine replacement or variations in temperature, pressure, or speed, existing AI models fail to properly understand the new situation and their performance drops sharply.Engineering[#item_full_content]
