Tech360

Engineer Nathaniel Nifong has developed Stringman, an open-source, ceiling-mounted robotic claw designed to tackle one of family life's constant challenges, household clutter. The system uses cables suspended from a room's four corners to move a robotic gripper, locating and collecting items such as toys, clothing, and other household mess. Powered by LeRobot-based firmware, Stringman can identify objects, pick them up, and transport them to designated drop-off points.

AI expert Andrew Ng delivered a reality check on the AI industry, stating that while hype has exceeded expectations, the true transformation lies in how small, empowered teams utilise AI agents to rebuild enterprise data architecture. Ng stated he is forming teams of one to ten engineers—generalists with high context who use AI not just for coding but also for drafting marketing copy, terms of service, and product definitions, within the broader context of rebuilding enterprise data architecture.

The United Arab Emirates has established a minimum age of 15 for social media use. This makes it the first Arab country to introduce such a restriction, addressing growing global concerns about online platforms' impact on children. Under the approved resolution, children younger than 15 are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal social media accounts. They will also be unable to post content, comment, share, or join public groups.

Alibaba Cloud has launched its first data centres in France, expanding its European footprint amidst increasing calls for data sovereignty across the continent. The cloud computing services unit of Alibaba Group Holding stated this expansion responds to increasing customer demand in the region.

Chinese authorities have introduced draft regulations to curb the misuse of subsidies by food-delivery platforms, aiming to address intense competition within the sector. The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) identified several banned practices in a recent statement. The proposed rules prohibit platforms from using subsidies to disrupt the market or selling goods at a loss. They also ban "long-term, large-scale" subsidies that hamper market competition or disrupt market order.

Scientists in South Korea have developed experimental contact lenses that appeared to improve depression-like behaviour in mice. The lenses are designed to send electrical signals through the retina into brain regions linked to mood. This work is still at an early stage, with findings so far limited to a single mouse study. The eye is a useful access point for medical technology, with light passing through the cornea and lens before reaching the retina.

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are developing their own smart-driving chips, making custom silicon a key element in the country's competitive automotive market. This strategy aims to give carmakers more control over computing hardware while reducing dependence on external suppliers. Li Auto unveiled its Mach M100, a 5-nanometre artificial-intelligence chip tailored for autonomous driving. This chip is for the carmaker's new L9 Livis SUV model.

Chinese artificial intelligence models are leading the global technology race, even in key US allied countries, according to a new poll by London-based consultancy Public First. However, the survey also revealed that China lags significantly in trust regarding its AI models. The poll, which covered more than 18,000 people across 15 countries, found that respondents from 11 nations acknowledged China’s AI leadership.

A new materials laboratory, established through a collaboration between the National University of Singapore and the University of Toronto, is now operational. This facility aims to expedite the creation of recipes for next-generation semiconductor chips and affordable clean hydrogen, moving these technologies closer to real-world application. The laboratory intends to bridge the gap between academic findings and industrial manufacture.

Tesla has presented self-published safety statistics, which traffic-safety researchers describe as misleading marketing, to regulators in Sweden and the Netherlands while seeking European approval for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. This comes as the electric vehicle (EV) maker aims to regain market share in the region. A news agency examination found that Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk and other leaders have cited statistics claiming FSD is up to 10 times safer than human drivers.