Plus : Robotaxi riders are experiencing new forms of harassment
The Download: Anduril’s latest humanoid robot project and the most trustworthy humanoid robotics
This is the daily edition of The Downloadour weekday newsletter, which provides a daily dose on what’s happening in the worlds of technology. Will we ever be able to trust robots
?
It might seem that the world is on the cusp of a humanoid robot heyday. New breakthroughs in artificial-intelligence promise the type capable, general-purpose robotics previously only seen in science fiction. Robots that can do such things as assemble cars, take care of patients, or clean our homes without having to be given specialized instructions.
This idea has garnered a lot of attention, capital and optimism. Recent progress is arguably more about style than substance. AI advancements have made robots easier for humans to train. However, they still haven’t enabled them to “think” about what to do next or carry out their decisions as some viral videos may suggest.
However, on the road to winning our trust in humanoid robotics, one question is more important than any other. How much can they do on their own? How much will they still depend on humans? Read the complete story. This story comes from the upcoming magazine edition of MIT Technology Review. It will be available on January 6th. It’s about the exciting breakthroughs that are happening around the world. Subscribe to receive future issues.
If you’re interested in the future of robots, why not check out:
The must-reads
I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
Anduril has been in talks with OpenAI and SpaceX to form a consortium.
This consortium will bid on US government defense contracts to try to break the stranglehold that traditional suppliers have. (FT $)
+ Elon Musk’s DOGE project may encourage similar partnerships. Reuters
+ A demo of the AI system that powers Anduril’s war vision was shown. MIT Technology Review
Robotaxi passengers are the targets of a new type of harassment
Riders who feel unsafe are left with no human driver to intervene. (WP $ )
+ The future of robotaxis.MIT Technology Review
This covid season will be the most unpredictable ever
Deaths have decreased. But that doesn’t necessarily mean we can relax. (The Atlantic $ )
– 4 WhatsApp has won a legal case against NSO Group.
WhatsApp claims that its spyware exploited an error to spy on users. The case has been in the works for five years. [WP $]
+ NSO Group claimed it was not liable because its software had been used to investigate crimes. The Verge
Why Elon is turning his attention towards right-wing UK Politics
Elon Musk’s focus has shifted from the White House and the mainstream British political parties to the extreme end. How serious should we take Elon Musk (The Guardian)? New Yorker $ (
]+ Donald Trump reminded activist that he is President-elect and not Musk. It remains to be determined how useful Musk will be to Trump in the future. The Atlantic $
YouTube finally cracks down on clickbait
It has been rewarding the creators of misleading videos for years. (NY Mag $).
+ Did you hate that video? YouTube’s algorithm may suggest another video that is similar. MIT Technology Review
What happens when AI meets crypto
After the NFT boom is something even more scammy stirring. (The Information $ )
+ How will bitcoin fare now that the skeptics are now believers? The Atlantic $]
and We don’t know how AI will impact the economy. How to fine-tune AI to prosper. MIT Technology Review
Beware of AI Scams during the Holidays
From fraudulant text messages to sneakily-targeted ads. (WSJ $).
+ Five ways that criminals use AI. MIT Technology Review
Nine The highs and the lows of 2024’s viral moments
They won’t have a place in my space. (The Guardian)
The fastest NASA probe is heading towards the sun’s atmospheric layer
The probe will endure temperatures of more than 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit Christmas Eve. (Wired $ )
+ This will be the closest probe has ever been to the sun. – (Engadget).
– Quote of the Day
“I don’t hate these people. I just hate being in their stupid group.”
– Jessica, a participant in an online group chat for aspiring musicians, tells Insider that leaving the group by the end of the year is her top priority.
Big story
Indian health-care staff use WhatsApp to save women who are pregnant
In India, a cadre of 1,000,000 community health-care worker women is responsible for making public healthcare accessible to people in remote areas and marginalized groups. These workers provide advice to pregnant women and ensure that they receive the best possible health care. WhatsApp is used by many to combat medical misinformation, which is widespread in the country, and to navigate sensitive medical situations. Their approach has surprising results. Read the complete story.
–Sanket Jain.
You can still enjoy nice things.
A place to relax, have fun, and distract you from your daily routine. (Do you have any ideas? (Got any ideas?
– In 2009, Rage Against the Machine topped the UK music charts for Christmas. Here’s what they did when asked to censor live on BBC.
– Ever wished there were more films like Home Alone? You’re in luck.
How to make a perfect latke.
No one has ever witnessed a flying reindeer. But that doesn’t make it impossible.
