Autonomous Vehicles

Unitree G1 Humanoid Robots Showcase Agility in Onstage Concert Performance In a stunning display of robotic agility, six Unitree G1 humanoid robots from Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics performed as backup dancers at a Wang Leehom concert in Chengdu, China. Dressed in silver sequin outfits, the advanced robots executed complex, synchronized dance routines and a collective backflip, perfectly timed to the music. This AI-powered performance, praised by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, marks a significant milestone in demonstrating the real-world capabilities and commercial potential of humanoid robotics. Industry observers highlight the event as a major leap forward in robotic dynamic balance and power systems. The G1 robot features 3D LiDAR and depth cameras for advanced perception and boasts a wide range of motion with its 23-43 joint motors. ...

AI and Human Collaboration Boosts Self-Driving Lab Performance by 150% Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago have developed a new shared control framework for self-driving laboratories, where human scientists and AI collaborate on the discovery process. This innovative approach has already yielded a 150% increase in mix conducting performance for MIECPs over previous methods. In this model, the AI advisor suggests potential actions, but the human researcher makes the final decision. The team’s future goal is to create a tighter feedback loop where the AI can learn directly from human choices, refining its own decision-making models to better mimic expert intuition. ...

Robotics & Autonomous Vehicles Researchers Unveil World’s Smallest Programmable Micro-Robots Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan have created the world’s smallest programmable, autonomous robots. These microscopic swimming bots, barely visible to the naked eye, can be programmed with light pulses to move in complex patterns and sense their environment. Each robot, measuring approximately 0.2 by 0.3 millimeters, has its own unique identifier for receiving individual commands. The current models are equipped with sensors that can detect temperature variations, which could be used to monitor the health of individual cells. This breakthrough in micro-robotics opens up new possibilities in fields such as medicine and micro-scale manufacturing. ...

BNP Paribas Deploys Internal AI Tool to Streamline Investment Banking BNP Paribas has introduced a proprietary AI-powered tool, IB Portal, to streamline the creation of client pitches for its investment banking division. The tool operates as a sophisticated search engine, scanning the bank’s historical pitch materials to identify relevant slides and analyses, aiming to reduce repetitive tasks. According to the bank, this innovation can shorten research time by days, enabling teams to focus more on strategic development. The system is built on the bank’s internal “LLM as a Service” platform, which leverages multiple large language models within a secure, private infrastructure. All information generated by the tool requires human review to ensure accuracy and the proper handling of sensitive data. ...

GMO AI & Robotics Acquires Various Robotics to Spearhead Humanoid Robot Development in Japan GMO AI & Robotics Trading Co., Ltd. has acquired all shares of Various Robotics Inc., a developer of advanced robot solutions, as of Monday, December 15, 2025. This strategic move aims to strengthen GMO AIR’s presence in physical AI by uniting some of Japan’s top robotics engineers. The acquisition is set to accelerate the adoption of humanoid robots to address critical social challenges like labor shortages. The companies will jointly develop advanced robot solutions focusing on AI control, manipulation, and autonomous movement. Following the acquisition, Various Robotics will be renamed ‘GMO Various Robotics, Inc.’. The industry has designated 2026 as the ‘Year of Humanoids,’ signaling a significant push to deploy these robots in sectors like factories, logistics, hotels, and hospitals. ...

OpenAI’s GPT-5.2 Release Redefines Professional AI Capabilities OpenAI has released GPT-5.2, its latest and most advanced AI model, specifically engineered for professional knowledge work and enhancing economic value. The new model demonstrates significant improvements in tasks like creating spreadsheets, building presentations, and writing code. GPT-5.2 also showcases enhanced capabilities in image perception, understanding long contexts, and managing complex, multi-step projects. According to OpenAI, the model sets a new standard across numerous benchmarks, outperforming industry professionals in specified knowledge work tasks across 44 different occupations. This release is a strategic response to recent advancements from competitors like Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude, intensifying the AI landscape competition. The model is being rolled out in tiers, starting with paid plans in ChatGPT, and is available to all developers via the API, marking a significant step in OpenAI’s strategy to accelerate AI adoption in creative, analytical, and operational roles. ...

OpenAI Warns Future AI Models Pose ‘High’ Cybersecurity Risks OpenAI has issued a stark warning that its upcoming frontier AI models could present ‘High’ level cybersecurity risks. The company stated that these advanced models might be capable of automating the discovery and exploitation of significant cyber vulnerabilities, including the development of functional zero-day exploits. To mitigate these potential threats, OpenAI is implementing a ‘defense-in-depth’ strategy. This includes training its models to refuse harmful requests while remaining useful for defensive and educational purposes. The company is also establishing a Frontier Risk Council, an advisory board of cybersecurity experts, to help manage these advanced AI risks. Furthermore, OpenAI is developing a trusted access program to provide enhanced AI capabilities to qualified cybersecurity professionals for defensive operations. ...

Google DeepMind to Launch AI-Powered Automated Science Lab in UK for Superconductor Research Google DeepMind will establish its first automated research laboratory in the UK in 2026, expanding its partnership with the UK government. The lab will utilize AI and robotics to accelerate scientific discovery, with an initial focus on developing new superconductor materials. This advanced facility will be fully integrated with Google’s Gemini AI. The partnership aims to reinforce the UK’s position as a global leader in science and technology. As part of the collaboration, UK scientists will receive priority access to some of DeepMind’s cutting-edge AI models, including AlphaGenome for DNA sequencing. The initiative will also explore using AI for cleaner fusion energy, developing safer AI educational tools, and enhancing public service efficiency. ...

Okibo’s EG7+ Robot: AI-Powered Drywall and Painting Automation Arrives in the US Okibo has officially launched its EG7+ robot in the United States, introducing an autonomous, AI-guided system for commercial painting and drywall finishing. This battery-powered robot is engineered for high-wall projects, boasting a reach of up to 24 feet for sanding, painting, and achieving a level 4 finish. A standout feature is its patented AI-driven 3D scanning and real-time modeling algorithm, which enables navigation without external markers or BIM tools. The EG7+ can cover an average of 1,000 square feet per hour, significantly boosting productivity and reducing physical strain on construction workers. The robot made its debut at the Federal and AEC Innovation Day hosted by Hensel Phelps, where it garnered positive feedback from industry leaders. ...

Waymo Recalls Self-Driving Software Over School Bus Safety Concerns Waymo, the autonomous ride-hailing company, is filing a voluntary software recall after its self-driving vehicles were reported to have illegally passed stopped school buses on multiple occasions. The issue drew public attention following a viral video in September showing a Waymo vehicle bypassing a stopped school bus in Atlanta. Furthermore, the Austin Independent School District reported at least 19 similar incidents. ...