Chinese robotics companies are getting their act together lately in the development of advanced humanoids and AI-powered robots that have practical utility. These eerily intelligent bots seem lifelike and are a glimpse of what the future holds for us humans. That said, the current generation of humanoids requires a lot of technical development and self-learning algorithms to make them fit into our demanding lifestyles.The FlashBot Arm by Chinese company Pudu Robotics is a semi-humanoid AI service robot thats tailored for commercial use. The bipedal robot, which seems to be the improved version of the companys FlashBot Max wheeled bot, specializes in autonomous deliveries. The new robot gets a pair of arms and a 10.1-inch touchscreen for an interactive experience for the users. It comes with a sizeable compartment right where the belly is, to securely carry packages en route their destination.Designer: Pudu RoboticsThe intelligent robot makes good use of the dual 7-degree-of-freedom arms that have an operational radius of 6.6 feet. For precise tasks, the three-point jointed arms come with the companys PUDU DH11 hands that have 11 degrees of freedom for more precise tasks like picking up objects, pressing buttons, or making hand gestures. This allows FlashBot Arm to be quite dexterous for any demanding jobs in complex commercial environments like offices, hotels, restaurants, or healthcare facilities.According to Pudu Robotics, the robot marks a major milestone for Pudu Robotics, accelerating the commercialization of humanoid embodied AI service robots. They further add that these dexterous arms and integrated intelligence hardware and software, give the friendly humanoid enhanced product functionalities and the ability to demonstrate remarkable versatility in various applications. The real-time AI-learning model gives the FlashBot Arm capabilities to perform tasks in any kind of situation, which is a major leap compared to standard robots that have limited mobility.The AI-assisted large language model on the robot is fed by the data from the advanced sensors like RGB depth cameras, panoramic lenses, a LiDAR unit, and pressure-sensitive skin. Pudu calls it the VSLAM (visual simultaneous localization and mapping) system. The bot creates a real-time 3D map with the input to access its surroundings or avoid obstacles. Other essential hardware includes a microphone, a speaker, and visual hardware. Thus, it can handle natural conversations with the user or take delivery instructions by voice commands. It is also capable of human-like decision making and collaborative tasks, making it ideal for dynamic commercial environments.FlashBot Arm weighs 33 lb in total and lasts for around eight hours on a single charge and normal working load, before it automatically docks into the charger. It takes around 4 hours to fully charge the onboard batteries. There is no word on the pricing or availability of the robot, but we could soon have some development regarding this by Pudu Robotics.The post FlashBot Arm humanoid ushers a new era of service robots that are actually resourceful first appeared on Yanko Design.

In a world that often rushes, the Whisperwood villaby VM Projecthas been designed to pause. It is tucked away in tones of soft clay, warm woods, and gentle light. Thats why we like to say this home isnt just styled, its still. It blends the soulful minimalism of Japanese design with the functionality of Scandi-style interiors. The Whisperwood villa is a quiet reminder that our homes can be a balmcalm, grounded, and intentionally simple. So what can we learn from Whisperwood? And how do we bring this sense of stillness into our own spaces?Lets step inside.The heart of Whisperwood Villa is an open-plan living and dining space that quietly commands presence. At first glance, the space reads as minimal. But stay a moment longer and youll notice its layers: the grain of the wooden ceiling echoing the dining table below, the charcoal-toned fireplace wall balancing the softness of the shaggy cream rug, and the perfectly placed butterfly chair.The dining area is defined by a bold cork table and elegant black chairs. It feels communal without being cluttered. Above it, a trio of sculptural pendant lights create an artful dialogue with the soft daylight streaming through sheer curtains.And then theres the piano nooka quiet sanctuary within the sanctuary. Tucked into a black wood recess, it pauses to let you play.The kitchen celebrates restraint and rhythm. The cabinetry is serene in blonde wood and matte neutrals. And the walls are softly textured. There are no loud finishes hereno glossy marble or flashy hardware. Instead, the focus is on tactile and honest materials. Even the appliances retreat respectfully into the wall, letting the space breathe. Then, the island is a sleek stainless steel centerpiece. It is paired with two terracotta bar stools.The bedroom in the Whisperwood villa is a serene Japandi retreat. The bed features a minimalist headboard. A brown accent wall anchors the space, while a sleek black pendant and sconce double as decor while providing illumination. We especially love the globe lamp and the plush seating bench.This compact bedroom goes big on functionality with a small bed and a study station for the little ones. Theres also ample open shelving.The space can also be repurposed as a childs bedroom. Add on a console and a small desk, and even the toddlers will love it here!This bathroom in the Whisperwood villa features wooden accents adding warmth. A cylindrical sink is paired with a small mirror, providing functionality and adding style without taking up too much space. The LED-lit wall features add visual interest.This bathroom in the Whisperwood villa features a double vanity with stainless steel fixtures. Plywood doors segregate the vanity as well as the shower cubicle. We love the ceramic and earthy feeling.

Billionaire Tim Stokely partnered with a crypto company to bid for TikTok as the social media company faces a deadline to either sell or be banned in the US. Amazon also placed a last minute bid.

The iPhone maker spent years trying to move production of some products out of China to avoid tariffs. But now that may not matter.

The Meta chief, who was at the White House on Wednesday, has discussed the case with the president and his aides. A trial is set to start in less than two weeks.

Generative AI (genAI) is quickly transforming healthcare, according to a survey by consultancy McKinsey & Co. released today. The survey of 150 healthcare industry organizations found 85% are exploring or had already adopted genAI.The organizations, which included insurers, health systems, and health services and technology (HST) groups, found that 40% or more from each group had already implemented genAI. Not surprisingly, HST organizations have the highest rate of genAI implementations at 57%. The least? Healthcare providers with a 40% implementation rate.GenAI has already been proven in studies using historical patient data to be more accurate at diagnosing illnesses and other conditions. For example, OpenAIsGPT-4 Turbo model not only outperformed physicians, but also outdid every single AI system developed for healthcare over the last 50 years, according to the lead doctor in one study at Beth Israel Medical Center in Boston. And it did so without any medical training.Healthcare stakeholders are also using genAI to explore ways to create value and reduce costs, despite ongoing challenges such as evolving regulations and capability gaps.Of the respondents that have already implemented genAI tools, 64% reported that they anticipated or had already quantified positive ROI, suggesting high expectations for genAI technology, McKinsey said.Many organizations are also forming partnerships to access external talent while customizing AI solutions, and partnerships with hyperscalers could ensure successful implementations, McKinsey said.Early genAI use cases have focused on improving administrative efficiency, dealing with IT gaps, and boosting clinical productivity. As capabilities grow, other uses could expand to patient engagement and quality-of-care improvements. Leaders recognize the importance of AI risk management and governance for safe implementation.Organizations that have developed their genAI capabilities are seeing success with large-scale implementations, b ut future success will depend on a value-driven strategy, strong execution, and effective management, McKinsey said.Most respondents reported their organizations had implemented or were developing genAI use cases, with more in the implementation phase than the proof-of-concept stage. However, 15% had not started proof-of-concept work.Other prominent findings include:Nearly half (47%) of payers, health systems and HST groups havealready rolled out genAI tools.About three-quarters of healthcare leaders believe the technology could help most with administrative efficiencies and clinical productivity and more than half (55%) believe it has value for patient/member engagement and IT/infrastructure.Sixty-one percent of payers and providersexpect to collaborate with partners on building out their genAI capabilities; 20% said theyd build their own; 19% said theyd buy a program.GenAI may create tremendous value in areas that could fundamentally improve patient experience and streamline operations to generate cost savings, the report said.

Closeout deals on last-gen MacBook Pro models are available as April starts strong, with M3 Pro models falling to as low as $1,499.Save up to $1,700 on MacBook Pros.Save $600 on the standard M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro at B&H and Best Buy today. This $1,499 special is available in both the Space Black and Silver finish, with free expedited delivery within the contiguous U.S. Select stores have models available for store pickup, but inventory is extremely limited.The base M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro with 18GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD isn't the only configuration that's marked down heavily. Apple resellers are clearing inventory out like mad, with discounts of up to $1,100 off upgraded models. We've highlighted our favorite deals below, but you can find a full list of the offers in our Mac Price Guide. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

After delaying a US-imposed ban on TikTok earlier this year, the Trump Administration has a new plan to keep the wildly popular short-form video platform in the US.TikTok on a smartphoneThe yet-unannounced plan would be to create a new company, called "TikTok America" and divvy ownership up in a way that favors US investors. TikTok America would be 50% owned by new US investors, 30% by existing investors, and 19.9% by ByteDance, the company that created TikTok.As The Information points out, it's not clear whether or not the Chinese government has agreed to this plan. It's also unclear what Bytedance thinks of the idea. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Nintendo is seemingly trying to prevent Japanese buyers of the Switch 2 from just buying the console for the sake of exporting it to other countries. Spotted by ResetEra user ZeroDS, the company is seemingly charging a 20,000 premium for a Switch 2 that features multiple languages in Japan.While a regular Japanese Switch 2 has a price tag of 49,980, the version with support for multiple languages is instead priced at 69,990. The decision was likely made to deter illegally exporting the console after buying it at a lower price in Japan.It is worth noting that, while the premium on having additional language support on the Switch 2 is quite high in Japan, this pricing will likely only affect a small minority of potential buyers. The company can use this pricing to continue serving the Japanese market at a lower price without having to worry about stock shortages because of scalpers.The Switch 2 will be hitting store shelves on June 5. The new console will be launched alongside a number of games, as well as the option for players to upgrade some of their Switch games to make better use of the Switch 2s hardware.

While Nintendo will be selling Switch 2-enhanced versions of some of its titles, it looks like players that already own the original Switch versions of the game can simply grab an upgrade to the Switch 2 edition at a fraction of the games price.As caught by ResetEra user Uzupedro, the Japanese website for Nintendo eShop indicates that players that already own Switch versions of games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Party Jamboree or Kirby and the Forgotten Land can get a copy of the Switch 2-enhanced versions for 1,000 or 2,000.Where both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdoms upgrades are priced at 1,000 each, upgrades that add more content to the game are seemingly priced higher. Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Super Mario Party Jamboree, for instance, are priced at 2,000 for the upgrade.Nintendo had announced its plans to release Switch 2-enhanced versions of Switch titles during its recent Direct. During the show, the company confirmed that the Switch 2-related enhancements include improved performance and better visuals as well. The Switch 2 Editions for games will be released at various points over the coming year, kicking things off with both The Legend of Zelda titles getting their upgrades at launch on June 5.