‘Smart’ walking stick could help visually impaired with groceries, finding a seat
For people who are blind or visually impaired, finding the right products in a crowded grocery store can be difficult without help. A team of computer scientists is trying to change that. Read More
A precision arm for miniature robots
Until now, microscopic robotic systems have had to make do without arms. Now researchers have developed an ultrasonically actuated glass needle that can be attached to a robotic arm. This lets them pump and mix minuscule amounts of liquid and trap particles. Read More
Feathered robotic wing paves way for flapping drones
Birds fly more efficiently by folding their wings during the upstroke, according to a recent study. The results could mean that wing-folding is the next step in increasing the propulsive and aerodynamic efficiency of flapping drones. Read More
Project aims to expand language technologies
Only a fraction of the 7,000 to 8,000 languages spoken around the world benefit from modern language technologies like voice-to-text transcription, automatic captioning, instantaneous translation and voice recognition. Researchers want to expand the number of languages with automatic speech recognition tools available to them from around 200 to potentially 2,000. Read More
Can the AI driving ChatGPT help to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease?
The artificial intelligence algorithms behind the chatbot program ChatGPT — which has drawn attention for its ability to generate humanlike written responses to some of the most creative queries — might one day be able to help doctors detect Alzheimer’s Disease in its early stages. Research recently demonstrated that OpenAI’s GPT-3 program can identify clues […]
Words prove their worth as teaching tools for robots
What is the best way to teach a robot? Sometimes it may simply be to speak to it clearly. Researchers found that human-language descriptions of tools can accelerate the learning of a simulated robotic arm lifting and using a variety of tools. Read More
Cheerful chatbots don’t necessarily improve customer service
Humans displaying positive emotions in customer service interactions have long been known to improve customer experience, but researchers wanted to see if this also applied to AI. They conducted experimental studies to determine if positive emotional displays improved customer service and found that emotive AI is only appreciated if the customer expects it, and it […]
Should we tax robots?
A small tax on robots, as well as on trade generally, will help reduce income inequality in the U.S., according to economists. Read More
Virtual reality game to objectively detect ADHD
A virtual reality game offers an objective assessment of attention deficit disorders and may lead to an improved therapeutic approach. Read More
New winged robot can land like a bird
Researchers have developed a method that allows a flapping-wing robot to land autonomously on a horizontal perch using a claw-like mechanism. The innovation could significantly expand the scope of robot-assisted tasks. Read More