Plus, Los Angeles protestors light Waymos on fire while opposing Trump’s immigration raids.
The Downloadis our weekly newsletterthat gives you a daily dose on what’s happening in the worlds of technology.
A 1980s toy robotic arm inspired modern robots
– Jon Keegan.
Growing up as the son of an electronics engineer, I spent many hours in our local Radio Shack. While my father was looking for capacitors and resistors in the toy department, I was in that section. In 1984, I found the best toy ever: the Armatron robot arm.
This robotic arm was described as a “robot arm to assist young masterminds in laboratory and scientific experiments.” It was a real robotic arm. The Armatron’s bold design and functionality made a big impression on many kids who would go on to pursue a career in robotics. Read the complete story. Check out
+ if you’re interested in robots. Why should we accept robots into our homes if they still require remote human operators for safety and effectiveness? Read the full story.
+ When you may start talking to robotsGoogle is not the first to combine large language models and robots. Here’s why this trend has major implications.
+ How AI-based models allow robots to perform tasks in unfamiliar environments. Read the full article.
+ China’s EV giants bet big on humanoid roboticsChinese electric vehicle makers have a huge head start in this sector thanks to their technical know-how and supply chains. Read the complete story.
Why AM radio is still important
Threatening the most reliable way of keeping us informed during disasters. Ariel Aberg Rier’s stunning visual story illustrates the importance of AM radio in uncertain times.
These two stories are from our most recent print magazine, which focuses on how new technology is changing creativity.Subscribe now to receive future issues before they arrive.
The must-reads
I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
Protestors set a Waymo robotaxis on fire in Los Angeles
Groups clashed over the Trump administration’s immigration raids. (LA Times $)
+ A large part of the technology used to support deportation orders has errors. Slate ($)
+ A swathe new apps are being used by immigrants to stay ahead of the deportation. Rest of World
What’s next?
A complete breakdown in relations would be worse for Musk. (NY Mag $)
+ Trump supporters are also turning against Musk. What is the biggest winner in their fallout? Jeff Bezos. The Information ($)
3 DOGE used a inaccurate AI tool to terminate Veteran Services contacts
(ProPublica )
+ The department is not deterred and continues to hire. ($Wired)
+ Unfazed, the department is on a hiring spree. It’s complex. MIT Technology Review
The shrinking forests in Europe could lead to the country missing its net-zero goals
Their trees aren’t soaking as much carbon as before. (New Scientist $)
+ Inside Apple’s controversial tree farms that are powering its carbon neutral goal. MIT Technology Review
OpenAI wants to embed ChatGPT on college campuses
What is the ultimate goal? A personalized AI account is available for each student. (NYT $)
+ Other universities are also experimenting with tech free classes. ChatGPT will change education, and not destroy it. MIT Technology Review
Six Chinese regulators are putting the brakes on autonomous cars
The new framework they’re developing to assess the safety features of autonomous vehicles is a good thing. (FT $)
+ China’s robotaxis are catching up quickly with the west. Rest of World
+ China’s robotaxis regulation. MIT Technology Review
Desalination finally becomes a reality.
One way to combat water shortage is by removing salt from seawater. (WSJ $)
+ That is, if you can get through tons of plastic. The Atlantic($)
We’re getting more effective at fighting cancer.
Deaths due to the disease have decreased by a third in the US since 1991. (Vox )
+ Why is it so difficult to use AI to detect cancer? MIT Technology Review
Teenage TikTokers skin regimes are virtually useless
and could even be harmful. The Guardian (19459039)
The battle for “Instagram Face” [MIT Technology Review]
Ten Tech’s layoff group are providing much needed support
Workers that have been laid off by their employers are forming small communities. (Insider )
Today’s Quote
Luis von Ahn is the chief executive of Duolingo and he told the Financial Timeshis company was not the only one to adopt an AI-first approach.
One last thing
How to break free from Spotify’s algorithm
Since radio’s heyday, sound branding has evolved. From broad genres such as rock and hip-hop, to “paranormal dark cabaret afternoon” and “synthspace,” streaming has become the norm.
The ritual of discovering new music is now neatly packaged into a 30-song play list. Music streaming is all about personalization.
We’ve lost curiosity in the name of convenience. But it doesn’t need to be like this. Read the whole story.
–Tiffany Ng.
You can still enjoy nice things.
A place to find comfort, fun, and distraction. (Do you have any ideas? Drop a line to me (or skeet them at me).
+ Michael J Foxcelebrates his 64th birthday today! Scientists can help you play the smallest violin in the world
+ An early JMWT Turner oil painting was rediscovered.
+ Watching robots try to kickboxcan be pretty entertaining.
