What’s Trending in Tech: Robots with Emotion and The Sphere in Las Vegas

Emerging Tech Roundup — October 13

The Quantious team’s top picks for timely trending news in the tech world.

This week in tech: OpenAI Reportedly Considers Making its Own Chips, New Robotic Finger Mimics the Real Thing to Grab Better, The UAE Wants to Build an Underwater Bullet Train to Mumbai, Disney Unveils Emotion-Infused Robots, Microsoft Patents AR Glasses with Modular Design, 50-Foot-High Hypervsn Hologram Launches at The Sphere in Las Vegas, and Adobe Firefly’s Generative AI Models Can Now Create Vector Graphics in Illustrator.

OpenAI is Reportedly Considering Making its Own Chips

(Engadget, October 7)

OpenAI is considering developing its own artificial intelligence chips, potentially addressing GPU shortages and reducing operational costs. CEO Sam Altman aims to enhance the speed and reliability of the company’s API by acquiring more AI chips. Analysts estimate that considering ChatGPT’s growing user base, using their own chips could potentially save OpenAI billions of dollars in GPU expenses, making the endeavor financially viable.

New Robotic Finger Mimics the Real Thing to Grab Better

(Interesting Engineering, October 7)

Scientists have developed a robotic finger called GelSight Svelte, equipped with a camera and two mirrors along its length, enabling it to grasp objects in a manner similar to a human finger. This innovative sensor’s human finger-shaped design allows for various types of grasps tailored to specific tasks, expanding the range of abilities for robots beyond simple pinch grasps. The technology promises to open up new possibilities for robots in performing a wider array of manipulation tasks.

The UAE Wants to Build an Underwater Bullet Train to Mumbai

(Interesting Engineering, October 9)

The UAE’s National Advisor Bureau Limited is exploring the possibility of an underwater train service that would connect Mumbai and Fujairah, offering travelers a new mode of transportation between the two cities. The project is part of the UAE’s history of innovative and grand initiatives, which includes the construction of iconic structures like the world’s tallest skyscraper and the Palm Islands in Dubai. As the project advances, it will seek a feasibility report to assess its viability.

Emotion-Infused Robots: Disney’s Breakthrough

(Interesting Engineering, October 9)

The Disney Research team has unveiled a remarkable robotic character that combines cutting-edge technology with artistic expression — demonstrating Disney’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of robotics. Rooted in Disney’s history of animatronics, the robot showcases a four-degree-of-freedom head and five-degree-of-freedom legs, enabling expressive and emotionally resonant movements. Beyond entertainment, this innovation has the potential for applications in healthcare, manufacturing, and other collaborative settings where robots convey emotions and intent effectively.

Microsoft Patents AR Glasses with Modular Design Including Hot Swappable Battery

(MS Power User, October 9)

Microsoft recently filed patents for innovative AR glasses featuring a modular design with a hot-swappable battery, hinting at promising developments in wearable technology. The glasses incorporate internal charge storage within the frame, allowing users to continue using them even when the battery runs low — making them ideal for extended use or situations without access to a power source. With the potential for a lightweight design and longer usage duration, these AR glasses could expand their practical applications in various fields.

50-Foot-High Hypervsn Hologram Launches at The Sphere in Las Vegas

(Inavate on the Net, October 10)

The MSG Sphere in Las Vegas has opened at last, featuring Hypervsn’s largest-ever 30 x 50-foot holographic display wall, along with lifelike humanoid robots that welcome visitors. This installation comprises 420 individual SmartV Hypervsn displays, securely mounted on a suspended rack within the atrium. These displays, which aim to create stunning 2D or 3D HD holographic visuals for immersive experiences, are seamlessly synchronized through the Hypervsn SmartV system.

Adobe Firefly’s Generative AI Models Can Now Create Vector Graphics in Illustrator

(Tech Crunch, October 10)

Adobe is introducing the Firefly Vector Model at its MAX conference, marking Illustrator’s entry into the generative AI realm. This innovative model is described as the world’s first generative AI to focus on crafting vector graphics from scratch. Leveraging data from Adobe Stock, Illustrator’s beta version now enables users to create complete scenes through text prompts, allowing for the automatic generation of multiple individual objects that can be manipulated independently within the software.