A new kind of pizzeria opened in the Beaubourg district of central Paris, and it comes with a twist: the service, from order-taking to cutting slices and putting the pizzas in boxes, is provided by robots. After "eight years of research and development, we managed to create this technology of the first pizza-making robot in the world," explains inventor Sébastien Roverso.

Paris gets a taste of pizza-making robots

'Come for the show, Stay for the Pizza': Now, robots start baking pizza in Paris

<p>After seven long years of fanfare, Japan’s SoftBank has decided to suspend production of its humanoid robot Pepper.</p>

<p>The chatty and famous Pepper robots were used in different hotels and stores to greet people. These robots were pint-sized and cost $1,790 (198,000 yen), in addition to rental fees.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/keep-your-jaw-shut-new-zealand-researchers-new-weight-loss-device-labelled-as-torture-394732">Keep your jaw shut: New Zealand researchers' new 'weight loss' device labelled as 'torture'</a></strong></p>

<p>Pepper robots increasingly became famous during the coronavirus lockdowns as many people used these artificial intelligence-laden robots to ease their pain of loneliness. Quarantine hotels, too, brought in these robots for patients with mild symptoms of COVID-19 in quarantine rooms.</p>

<p>However, the production company has decided to put a small pause on the robot facility. "We are temporarily suspending production of Pepper but are ready to restart anytime depending on inventory situations," a spokesperson for the company said. "Pepper has chiefly been a rental service and you don't need a lot of new units."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bank-accidentally-deposits-50-billion-in-us-couples-account-394719" hreflang="en">Bank accidentally deposits $50 billion in US couple's account</a></strong></p>

<p>Pepper robots were unique and were instantly famous as these were rare ‘species of robots that could even detect emotions such as happiness and sadness by reading people’s faces.</p>

<p>This news has come after the company reported the possibility of few job reductions with its European robotics unit. "We are negotiating about the cuts but it will take time to reach a deal in France," the spokesperson said.&nbsp; She also clarified that the reduction was "part of our regular efforts to optimise our businesses" and was not linked to the discontinuation of the Pepper robot.</p>


After seven long years of fanfare, Japan’s SoftBank has decided to suspend production of its humanoid robot Pepper. The chatty and famous Pepper robots were used in different hotels and stores to greet people.

After seven long years of fanfare, Japan’s SoftBank has decided to suspend production of its humanoid robot Pepper. The chatty and famous Pepper robots were used in different hotels and stores to greet people. These robots were pint-sized and cost $1,790 (198,000 yen), in addition to rental fees. Also read | Keep your jaw shut: New Zealand researchers' new 'weight loss' device labelled as 'torture' Pepper robots increasingly became famous during the coronavirus lockdowns as many people used these artificial intelligence-laden robots to ease their pain of loneliness. Quarantine hotels, too, brought in these robots for patients with mild symptoms of COVID-19 in quarantine rooms. However, the production company has decided to put a small pause on the robot facility. "We are temporarily suspending production of Pepper but are ready to restart anytime depending on inventory situations," a spokesperson for the company said. "Pepper has chiefly been a rental service and you don't need a lot of new units." Also read | Bank accidentally deposits $50 billion in US couple's account Pepper robots were unique and were instantly famous as these were rare ‘species of robots that could even detect emotions such as happiness and sadness by reading people’s faces. This news has come after the company reported the possibility of few job reductions with its European robotics unit. "We are negotiating about the cuts but it will take time to reach a deal in France," the spokesperson said. She also clarified that the reduction was "part of our regular efforts to optimise our businesses" and was not linked to the discontinuation of the Pepper robot.

Japan's SoftBank discontinues famous Pepper robots

We've seen robots perform all kinds of mundane tasks - be it cooking, serving or vacuuming. But can they help you with your beauty regime?

Tech It Out: Robot that paints nails

The Hong Kong team behind celebrity humanoid robot Sophia is launching a new prototype, Grace, targeted at the healthcare market and designed to interact with the elderly and those isolated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meet Grace, the healthcare robot COVID-19 created

<p>The merits of robot technology in space are multi-faceted. Besides limiting the danger to human life, sophisticated technology has been largely instrumental in making space exploration a reality.&nbsp;And now, Japan aims to turn up the heat! The country’s space agency - Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is sending a shapeshifting robot, first of its kind to the Moon.</p>

<p>According to The Byte, JAXA has collaborated with Sony, Doshisha University and toymaker Tomy to create a ball-shaped robot capable of transformation.&nbsp;The goal of this quirky robot will be to study the lunar soil before a crewed rover takes the stage in 2029.</p>

<p>The robot will weigh&nbsp;249 grams (8.8 ounce) and be encased in a ball which will facilitate its movement to a lunar lander. Ispace, a private robotics company will assist the development of the robot.</p>

<p>The robot’s toy-like sensibilities are reflected in how it’s expected to operate on the Moon. JAXA claims that the robot will expand and open up after landing on the lunar surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once on the surface, it’ll drive itself to its full configuration mode and capture picture of the Moon’s surface. Due to its transforming&nbsp;nature, JAXA believes the robot will come in handy in many missions that follow.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/first-instance-of-killer-robot-attacking-human-without-orders-recorded-in-libya-un-report-388344" hreflang="en">First instance of 'killer robot' attacking human without orders recorded in Libya: UN report</a></p>

<p>According to Engadget, the control tech for the robot was provided by Sony. To make the device more compact and movable, Tomy and Doshisha were employed.</p>

<p>Till 2016, the work on the robot had remained limited to paper as the rough idea&nbsp;was pitched in a study.&nbsp; But after Sony entered the scene in 2019, the mission to create robo-ball took off. In 2021, Doshisha also joined the efforts.</p>

<p>Reports suggest that the robot and its lander will be launched by Ispace in 2022. The design of the robot could change the route space exploration firms take in terms of product development.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/robot-soldiers-are-the-new-combat-weapons-in-age-of-technology-377618" hreflang="en">Robot soldiers are the new combat weapons in age of technology</a></p>


The merits of robot technology in space are multi-faceted. Besides limiting the danger to human life, sophisticated technology has been largely instrumental in making space exploration a reality.

The merits of robot technology in space are multi-faceted. Besides limiting the danger to human life, sophisticated technology has been largely instrumental in making space exploration a reality. And now, Japan aims to turn up the heat! The country’s space agency - Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is sending a shapeshifting robot, first of its kind to the Moon. According to The Byte, JAXA has collaborated with Sony, Doshisha University and toymaker Tomy to create a ball-shaped robot capable of transformation. The goal of this quirky robot will be to study the lunar soil before a crewed rover takes the stage in 2029. The robot will weigh 249 grams (8.8 ounce) and be encased in a ball which will facilitate its movement to a lunar lander. Ispace, a private robotics company will assist the development of the robot. The robot’s toy-like sensibilities are reflected in how it’s expected to operate on the Moon. JAXA claims that the robot will expand and open up after landing on the lunar surface. Once on the surface, it’ll drive itself to its full configuration mode and capture picture of the Moon’s surface. Due to its transforming nature, JAXA believes the robot will come in handy in many missions that follow. Also read: First instance of 'killer robot' attacking human without orders recorded in Libya: UN report According to Engadget, the control tech for the robot was provided by Sony. To make the device more compact and movable, Tomy and Doshisha were employed. Till 2016, the work on the robot had remained limited to paper as the rough idea was pitched in a study. But after Sony entered the scene in 2019, the mission to create robo-ball took off. In 2021, Doshisha also joined the efforts. Reports suggest that the robot and its lander will be launched by Ispace in 2022. The design of the robot could change the route space exploration firms take in terms of product development. Also read: Robot soldiers are the new combat weapons in age of technology

Japan is sending a shape-shifting miniature robot to the Moon

<p>In France, soldiers recently trained to fight with robots when cadets ran drills with robot dogs and tanks at a military school</p>

<p>Inside a building, this robot leads a group of cadets to the rooftop. As soon as the robot senses the presence of a grenade, it lies down.</p>

<p>In March this year, cadets from the French combined arms military schools trained alongside real robots. They tested them in various combat situations using the robots for reconnaissance, support, cover and as mules.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/new-normal-robots-being-used-for-home-deliveries-due-to-surge-in-covid-cases-377223">New normal? Robots being used for home deliveries due to surge in COVID cases</a></strong></p>

<p>A soldier was seen surveilling the scene with a screen that looks a lot like a gaming device. This tablet could prove to be a powerful tool in the hands of a soldier.</p>

<p>These robots came equipped with cameras, allowing troops on the ground to sweep the scene, before a potential invasion.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-in-france-soldiers-conduct-drills-with-robots-377623"><strong>Watch |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-in-france-soldiers-conduct-drills-with-robots-377623/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The robot that looks like a dog is called Spot which was sent into this room for a recce where a grenade exploded.</p>

<p>There is also the Nexter Optio robot which resembles a real tank and comes equipped with a gun. Soldiers can take cover behind it and attack targets.</p>

<p>Another robot with big rotating cameras used for scanning the area is also available now.</p>

<p>The French cadets didn't just test robots for combat but also tried a machine for moving injured soldiers from a battleground. To test this, they placed a dummy on it and practised what looked like an evacuation.</p>

<p>The French military isn't the only one that's testing robots for the battlefield. Other defence forces, too, have access to a number of drones that can be operated by soldiers sitting miles away from the combat.</p>


In France, soldiers recently trained to fight with robots when cadets ran drills with robot dogs and tanks at a military school Inside a building, this robot leads a group of cadets to the rooftop.

In France, soldiers recently trained to fight with robots when cadets ran drills with robot dogs and tanks at a military school Inside a building, this robot leads a group of cadets to the rooftop. As soon as the robot senses the presence of a grenade, it lies down. In March this year, cadets from the French combined arms military schools trained alongside real robots. They tested them in various combat situations using the robots for reconnaissance, support, cover and as mules. Also read | New normal? Robots being used for home deliveries due to surge in COVID cases A soldier was seen surveilling the scene with a screen that looks a lot like a gaming device. This tablet could prove to be a powerful tool in the hands of a soldier. These robots came equipped with cameras, allowing troops on the ground to sweep the scene, before a potential invasion. Watch | The robot that looks like a dog is called Spot which was sent into this room for a recce where a grenade exploded. There is also the Nexter Optio robot which resembles a real tank and comes equipped with a gun. Soldiers can take cover behind it and attack targets. Another robot with big rotating cameras used for scanning the area is also available now. The French cadets didn't just test robots for combat but also tried a machine for moving injured soldiers from a battleground. To test this, they placed a dummy on it and practised what looked like an evacuation. The French military isn't the only one that's testing robots for the battlefield. Other defence forces, too, have access to a number of drones that can be operated by soldiers sitting miles away from the combat.

Robot soldiers are the new combat weapons in age of technology

All over the world airlines are firefighting new cases and new restrictions amid frantic efforts to boost global travel.

'Virus Killing' robot being tested on Swiss airplanes

A ship with no crew or passengers but a robotic captain, driven by artificial intelligence to navigate the vessel. The autonomous ship is set to embark on a trans-Atlantic voyage retracing a famous voyage by mayflower boat about 400 years ago.

Al-driven robot mayflower recreates historic voyage

<p>The New York Police Department (NYPD) has a new addition to their force and it is scaring everyone, including some of the political leaders.</p>

<p>This new addition to the force is a 70-pound robotic dog with long legs, cameras and lights attached to its frame.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Named 'Digidog', this metal structured-robot dog can see in the dark and helps assess any possible threats and how safe it is for the officers to enter a building.</p>

<p>It also has a two-way communication system that will allow the officers in the control room to gain remote access and live footage of the scene of the crime, helping them to see and hear what is happening.</p>

<p>"The N.Y.P.D. has been using robots since the 1970s to save lives in hostage situations &amp; hazmat incidents," the NYPD said on Twitter. "This model of robot is being tested to evaluate its capabilities against other models in use by our emergency service unit and bomb squad."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The NYPD has been using robots since the 1970's to save lives in hostage situations &amp; hazmat incidents. This model of robot is being tested to evaluate its capabilities against other models in use by our Emergency Service Unit and Bomb Squad. <a href="https://t.co/134Xl0ezox">https://t.co/134Xl0ezox</a></p>
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPDnews/status/1365083501989609477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>While some have hailed technology and the ease it provides, others are sceptical about the power technology is being given.</p>

<p>One of the main critics of this Digidog is US Representative&nbsp;Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has labelled this new addition as a "robotic surveillance ground drone".</p>

<p>"Shout out to everyone who fought against community advocates who demanded these resources go to investments like school counseling instead," she tweeted. "Now robotic surveillance ground drones are being deployed for testing on low-income communities of color with under-resourced schools."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Please ask yourself: when was the last time you saw next-generation, world class technology for education, healthcare, housing, etc consistently prioritized for underserved communities like this?</p>
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) <a href="https://twitter.com/AOC/status/1365023067769098245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Lashing out at the apparent lack of priority, she questioned the funding of the Digidog. "Please ask yourself: when was the last time you saw next-generation, world class technology for education, healthcare, housing, etc consistently prioritized for underserved communities like this?"</p>

<p>While AOC is worried about the disturbing prioritisation of funds, others have pointed out the scary resemblance between the new model of NYPD's Digidog and a similar robot dog featured in an episode of the popular sci-fi series Black Mirror.</p>

<p>In one of the episodes of the futuristic series, a similar-looking robotic dog is featured which gradually leads to the doom of humanity.</p>

<p>Here's how Twitterati reacted to the scary similarities</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Every piano in New York needs to get dropped on this little dude <a href="https://t.co/CC0q7U5w77">https://t.co/CC0q7U5w77</a></p>
— 🌧Syd Meeker🌧 (@SydMeeker) <a href="https://twitter.com/SydMeeker/status/1365285056063807495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Destroy these immediately if you see one. <a href="https://t.co/vnI6M3auo3">https://t.co/vnI6M3auo3</a></p>
— Patrick Fenelon 🌹 (@Patrick_Fenelon) <a href="https://twitter.com/Patrick_Fenelon/status/1364362339420672005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I hope this shit ends up like that hitchhiking Robot in Philly <a href="https://t.co/uy8yYwU9ty">https://t.co/uy8yYwU9ty</a></p>
— Actually_its_now_sad_winter_time_Tina (@Actually_Tina) <a href="https://twitter.com/Actually_Tina/status/1364732103108087810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I've seen this t.v. show - it doesn't end well for humanity. <a href="https://t.co/5fbU7od03Z">pic.twitter.com/5fbU7od03Z</a></p>
— Blumey (@Mikeblumey) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mikeblumey/status/1364278564535762946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Well I kinda know what will happen next <a href="https://t.co/LcHYoiaj7k">pic.twitter.com/LcHYoiaj7k</a></p>
— Cyborg With Human Hair (@ImCyborgNThtzOk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImCyborgNThtzOk/status/1364296092477575169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I know what will happen next( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) <a href="https://t.co/kZsaTt4yX9">pic.twitter.com/kZsaTt4yX9</a></p>
— KAIKOINU-ARTS🔞絵垢 (@KkiArts) <a href="https://twitter.com/KkiArts/status/1366387084609523717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The New York Police Department (NYPD) has a new addition to their force and it is scaring everyone, including some of the political leaders. This new addition to the force is a 70-pound robotic dog with long legs, cameras and lights attached to its frame.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has a new addition to their force and it is scaring everyone, including some of the political leaders. This new addition to the force is a 70-pound robotic dog with long legs, cameras and lights attached to its frame. Named 'Digidog', this metal structured-robot dog can see in the dark and helps assess any possible threats and how safe it is for the officers to enter a building. It also has a two-way communication system that will allow the officers in the control room to gain remote access and live footage of the scene of the crime, helping them to see and hear what is happening. "The N.Y.P.D. has been using robots since the 1970s to save lives in hostage situations & hazmat incidents," the NYPD said on Twitter. "This model of robot is being tested to evaluate its capabilities against other models in use by our emergency service unit and bomb squad." The NYPD has been using robots since the 1970's to save lives in hostage situations & hazmat incidents. This model of robot is being tested to evaluate its capabilities against other models in use by our Emergency Service Unit and Bomb Squad. https://t.co/134Xl0ezox — NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) February 25, 2021 × While some have hailed technology and the ease it provides, others are sceptical about the power technology is being given. One of the main critics of this Digidog is US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has labelled this new addition as a "robotic surveillance ground drone". "Shout out to everyone who fought against community advocates who demanded these resources go to investments like school counseling instead," she tweeted. "Now robotic surveillance ground drones are being deployed for testing on low-income communities of color with under-resourced schools." Please ask yourself: when was the last time you saw next-generation, world class technology for education, healthcare, housing, etc consistently prioritized for underserved communities like this? — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 25, 2021 × Lashing out at the apparent lack of priority, she questioned the funding of the Digidog. "Please ask yourself: when was the last time you saw next-generation, world class technology for education, healthcare, housing, etc consistently prioritized for underserved communities like this?" While AOC is worried about the disturbing prioritisation of funds, others have pointed out the scary resemblance between the new model of NYPD's Digidog and a similar robot dog featured in an episode of the popular sci-fi series Black Mirror. In one of the episodes of the futuristic series, a similar-looking robotic dog is featured which gradually leads to the doom of humanity. Here's how Twitterati reacted to the scary similarities Every piano in New York needs to get dropped on this little dude https://t.co/CC0q7U5w77 — 🌧Syd Meeker🌧 (@SydMeeker) February 26, 2021 × Destroy these immediately if you see one. https://t.co/vnI6M3auo3 — Patrick Fenelon 🌹 (@Patrick_Fenelon) February 23, 2021 × I hope this shit ends up like that hitchhiking Robot in Philly https://t.co/uy8yYwU9ty — Actually_its_now_sad_winter_time_Tina (@Actually_Tina) February 25, 2021 × I've seen this t.v. show - it doesn't end well for humanity. pic.twitter.com/5fbU7od03Z — Blumey (@Mikeblumey) February 23, 2021 × Well I kinda know what will happen next pic.twitter.com/LcHYoiaj7k — Cyborg With Human Hair (@ImCyborgNThtzOk) February 23, 2021 × I know what will happen next( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) pic.twitter.com/kZsaTt4yX9 — KAIKOINU-ARTS🔞絵垢 (@KkiArts) March 1, 2021 ×

NYPD has a new addition which reminds people of Black Mirror

The company that has become a viral sensation for its eery dog-like robots is out with an update to its latest creation. Boston Dynamics announced it has added a human-like arm to its "Spot" robot. A video released by the company shows the robot opening doors, flipping light switches and even digging a hole to plant a tree. They even taught a group of Spots how to play jump rope.

Have you seen robot playing jump rope? This dog-like robot gets human-like arm

Two robots designed to look and act like a male and female clerks began work in a public services centre in Moscow on Monday (December 21). Both humanoids, named Alex and Dasha, welcome customers at the centre in the north-eastern part of Russian capital.

Robot workers amuse visitors in Moscow public service centre

<p>British medical technology company CMR Surgical has claimed that its next-generation surgical robot from Cambridge, has been used to successfully conduct over 1,000 surgical procedures in hospitals across Europe and Asia.</p>

<p>The Impington-based company confirmed that it had reached the milestone on a broad range of procedures - from hysterectomies to complex cholecystectomies.</p>

<p>Versius, a next-generation surgical robot, has been specifically designed to meet the needs of patients, surgeons and surgical teams alike.</p>

<p>With a pair of 3D glasses, and using what looks like video game controllers, skilled surgeons can utilise the high-tech Versius system to undertake complicated procedures with often much better outcomes for patients.</p>

<p>The use of this key-hole surgery - or minimal access surgery - has benefits such as shorter hospital stays for patients, faster recovery time, less pain, less bleeding, and reduced scarring.</p>

<p>Versius was created by Cambridge-based CMR Surgical and is now in use in hospitals in France, Italy the UK and India.</p>

<p>“If you could have a robot with articulated wrists and the enhanced vision and more people could do minimal access surgery, then more patients would get all the benefits of the minimal access,” said Mark Slack, CMR Surgical’s co-founder and chief medical officer.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


British medical technology company CMR Surgical has claimed that its next-generation surgical robot from Cambridge, has been used to successfully conduct over 1,000 surgical procedures in hospitals across Europe and Asia.

British medical technology company CMR Surgical has claimed that its next-generation surgical robot from Cambridge, has been used to successfully conduct over 1,000 surgical procedures in hospitals across Europe and Asia. The Impington-based company confirmed that it had reached the milestone on a broad range of procedures - from hysterectomies to complex cholecystectomies. Versius, a next-generation surgical robot, has been specifically designed to meet the needs of patients, surgeons and surgical teams alike. With a pair of 3D glasses, and using what looks like video game controllers, skilled surgeons can utilise the high-tech Versius system to undertake complicated procedures with often much better outcomes for patients. The use of this key-hole surgery - or minimal access surgery - has benefits such as shorter hospital stays for patients, faster recovery time, less pain, less bleeding, and reduced scarring. Versius was created by Cambridge-based CMR Surgical and is now in use in hospitals in France, Italy the UK and India. “If you could have a robot with articulated wrists and the enhanced vision and more people could do minimal access surgery, then more patients would get all the benefits of the minimal access,” said Mark Slack, CMR Surgical’s co-founder and chief medical officer. (With inputs from agencies)

This UK-built surgical robot has completed 1,000 surgeries successfully

A Japanese institute has rolled out a robot to ensure that people abide by social distancing measures, in a social experiment in a football club shop in Osaka, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Japan’s institute develops robot asking people to follow social anti-COVID measures

<p>A new class of robots is almost out.</p>

<p>This class would not be massive -- as traditional robots are -- but would be the size of a bug.</p>

<p>A whole arm of robotics is focussing on bug-size bots.</p>

<p>These bots will be able to glide, flip and hover. And will be adept at performing many complex functions.</p>

<p>They are being developed at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.</p>

<p>These tiny robots would be useful in medical applications -- for targetted drug delivery or simple surgeries without incisions. Miniature robots could also save lives in dangerous places like minefields, or during search and rescue.</p>

<p>Small robots that can work together, like ants or bees do, would also be ideal for exploring other planets like Mars, again keeping humans away from risky, unexplored situations:</p>

<p>Ants have been their inspiration.</p>

<p>In the natural world, trap-jaw ants do all the ant things — and they can also snap their powerful jaws at the incredible speed of 90 miles per hour to jump away from predators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Same mechanics have been used to help give the robots a variety of movements, including "vertical jumping for height, horizontal jumping for distance, somersault jumping to clear obstacles, walking on textured terrain and crawling on flat surfaces," according to the paper's abstract.</p>

<p>Each unit is completely autonomous, but they can communicate and thereby work together via a simple transmitter.</p>


A new class of robots is almost out. This class would not be massive -- as traditional robots are -- but would be the size of a bug. A whole arm of robotics is focussing on bug-size bots.

A new class of robots is almost out. This class would not be massive -- as traditional robots are -- but would be the size of a bug. A whole arm of robotics is focussing on bug-size bots. These bots will be able to glide, flip and hover. And will be adept at performing many complex functions. They are being developed at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. These tiny robots would be useful in medical applications -- for targetted drug delivery or simple surgeries without incisions. Miniature robots could also save lives in dangerous places like minefields, or during search and rescue. Small robots that can work together, like ants or bees do, would also be ideal for exploring other planets like Mars, again keeping humans away from risky, unexplored situations: Ants have been their inspiration. In the natural world, trap-jaw ants do all the ant things — and they can also snap their powerful jaws at the incredible speed of 90 miles per hour to jump away from predators. Same mechanics have been used to help give the robots a variety of movements, including "vertical jumping for height, horizontal jumping for distance, somersault jumping to clear obstacles, walking on textured terrain and crawling on flat surfaces," according to the paper's abstract. Each unit is completely autonomous, but they can communicate and thereby work together via a simple transmitter.

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A hospital in India has deployed a customer-service robot to patrol its wards, connecting coronavirus patients to friends and relatives. Mitra, meaning "friend" in Hindi, is best known for interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an event in 2017.

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Bot that was built for Japan's aging workforce is now finding a new coronavirus role. A Japanese start-up that developed these robots is now offering their machines to fight against coronavirus. Watch report.

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Danish researchers have developed a fully automated robot that can take coronavirus swabs so that health care professionals are not exposed to the risk of infection.

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An autonomous robot equipped with an LED screen greets visitors at the lobby of the headquarters of SK Telecom in downtown Seoul. It not only checks body temperatures, dispenses hand sanitisers and disinfects the floor, it also polices who is wearing and who's not wearing a face mask.

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Restaurants are turning to new delivery methods as quarantine continues with robots filling in some roles to increase distance between people.

Automated delivery drives restaurant changes during pandemic

Graduation ceremonies in Colombia have been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, but students at one university were able to attend remotely with the help of a robot.

Robot replaces Colombian students at graduation amid coronavirus pandemic

<p>Researchers at one of China's top universities have designed a robot they say could help save lives on the frontline during the coronavirus outbreak.</p>

<p>The machine consists of a robotic arm on wheels that can perform ultrasounds, take mouth swabs and listen to sounds made by a patient's organs, usually done with a stethoscope.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-reports-first-death-as-china-reports-over-3000-deaths-284504">Switzerland reports first death as China reports over 3,000 deaths</a></strong></p>

<p>With this robot which is&nbsp;fitted with cameras, medical personnel does not need to be in the same room as the patient, and could even be in a different city.</p>

<p>"Doctors are all very brave," said the robot's chief designer Tsinghua University Professor Zheng Gangtie.</p>

<p>"But this virus is just too contagious ... We can use robots to perform the most dangerous tasks," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/panic-buying-follows-coronavirus-across-the-globe-284437">Panic buying follows coronavirus across the globe</a></strong></p>

<p>The idea came to Zheng around the turn of the Lunar New Year. Wuhan had just been put on lockdown and the number of cases and deaths was rising rapidly every day.</p>

<p>As an engineer, Zheng wanted to do something to contribute to the relief effort. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, he heard from his friend&nbsp;that the biggest problem was that of frontline workers getting infected.</p>

<p>Determined to make a difference, Zheng&nbsp;gathered&nbsp;a team and started&nbsp;converting two mechanised robotic arms with the same technology used on space stations and lunar explorers.</p>

<p>The robots were almost entirely automated, and could even disinfect themselves after performing actions involving contact, Zheng said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-total-number-of-coronavirus-jumps-to-over-5700-284425">South Korea's total number of coronavirus jumps to over 5,700</a></strong></p>

<p>"But the feedback from doctors was that it would be better for there to be less automation, as a personal presence would comfort and calm the patient," he said.</p>

<p>The team now has two robots, which is now on trial&nbsp;by doctors at hospitals in Beijing. One is still at the team's lab at the university, but the other is at the Wuhan Union Hospital, where doctors started training to use it on Thursday.</p>

<p>If all goes to plan, the robot may be put to use on coronavirus patients in Wuhan from Sunday, Zheng said. It would be joined on its ward rounds by a nurse or other member of staff.</p>

<p>The robots cost RMB 500,000&nbsp;apiece to make.</p>

<p>Zheng would like to build more such robots but funding from the university has run out. He does not plan on commercialising his robot design but hopes a company comes along takes it on.</p>


Researchers at one of China's top universities have designed a robot they say could help save lives on the frontline during the coronavirus outbreak. The machine consists of a robotic arm on wheels that can perform ultrasounds, take mouth swabs and listen to sounds made by a patient's organs, usually done with a stethoscope.

Researchers at one of China's top universities have designed a robot they say could help save lives on the frontline during the coronavirus outbreak. The machine consists of a robotic arm on wheels that can perform ultrasounds, take mouth swabs and listen to sounds made by a patient's organs, usually done with a stethoscope. Also read: Switzerland reports first death as China reports over 3,000 deaths With this robot which is fitted with cameras, medical personnel does not need to be in the same room as the patient, and could even be in a different city. "Doctors are all very brave," said the robot's chief designer Tsinghua University Professor Zheng Gangtie. "But this virus is just too contagious ... We can use robots to perform the most dangerous tasks," he added. Also read: Panic buying follows coronavirus across the globe The idea came to Zheng around the turn of the Lunar New Year. Wuhan had just been put on lockdown and the number of cases and deaths was rising rapidly every day. As an engineer, Zheng wanted to do something to contribute to the relief effort. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, he heard from his friend that the biggest problem was that of frontline workers getting infected. Determined to make a difference, Zheng gathered a team and started converting two mechanised robotic arms with the same technology used on space stations and lunar explorers. The robots were almost entirely automated, and could even disinfect themselves after performing actions involving contact, Zheng said. Also read: South Korea's total number of coronavirus jumps to over 5,700 "But the feedback from doctors was that it would be better for there to be less automation, as a personal presence would comfort and calm the patient," he said. The team now has two robots, which is now on trial by doctors at hospitals in Beijing. One is still at the team's lab at the university, but the other is at the Wuhan Union Hospital, where doctors started training to use it on Thursday. If all goes to plan, the robot may be put to use on coronavirus patients in Wuhan from Sunday, Zheng said. It would be joined on its ward rounds by a nurse or other member of staff. The robots cost RMB 500,000 apiece to make. Zheng would like to build more such robots but funding from the university has run out. He does not plan on commercialising his robot design but hopes a company comes along takes it on.

Amid coronavirus concerns, Chinese robotic arm may help save lives

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Watch WION Playlist, 16th August 2019. To know more watch the video...

Watch WION Playlist, 16th August 2019

<p>A 400-year-old temple in Japan is attempting to hot-wire interest in Buddhism with a robotic priest it believes will change the face of the religion -- despite critics comparing the android to "Frankenstein's monster."</p>

<p>The android Kannon, based on the Buddhist deity of mercy, preaches sermons at Kodaiji temple in Kyoto, and its human colleagues predict that with artificial intelligence it could one day acquire unlimited wisdom.</p>

<p>"This robot will never die, it will just keep updating itself and evolving," priest Tensho Goto told AFP.</p>

<p>"That's the beauty of a robot. It can store knowledge forever and limitlessly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"With AI we hope it will grow in wisdom to help people overcome even the most difficult troubles. It's changing Buddhism," added Goto.</p>

<p>The adult-sized robot began service earlier this year and is able to move its torso, arms and head.</p>

<p>But only its hands, face and shoulders are covered in silicone to replicate human skin.</p>

<p>Clasping its hands together in prayer and speaking in soothing tones, the rest of the droid's mechanical parts are clearly visible.</p>

<p>Wiring and blinking lights fill the cranial cavity of its open-top head and snake around its gender-neutral, aluminium body.</p>

<p>A tiny video camera installed in the left eye completes an eerie, cyborg-like frame seemingly lifted straight out of a dystopian Hollywood sci-fi thriller.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Developed at a cost of almost $1m in a joint project between the Zen temple and renowned robotics professor Hiroshi Ishiguro at Osaka University, the humanoid -- called Mindar -- teaches about compassion and of the dangers of desire, anger and ego.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/playing-god-japan-temple-puts-faith-in-robot-priest-242934/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"You cling to a sense of selfish ego," it warns worshippers. "Worldly desires are nothing other than a mind lost at sea."</p>

<p><strong>No 'fuddy-duddy' priest&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>With religion's influence on daily life flat-lining in Japan, Goto hopes Kodaiji's robot priest will be able to reach younger generations in a way traditional monks can't.</p>

<p>"Young people probably think a temple is a place for funerals or weddings," he said, trying to explain the disconnect with religion.</p>

<p>"It might be difficult to relate to fuddy-duddy priests like me, but hopefully the robot is a fun way to bridge that gap. We want people to see the robot and think about the essence of Buddhism."</p>

<p>Goto insisted, however, that Mindar was no gimmick to boost income from tourists.</p>

<p>"This robot teaches us ways to overcome pain," he said. "It is here to save anyone who seeks help."</p>

<p>The pious droid delivers sermons from the Heart Sutras in Japanese, with translations in English and Chinese projected onto a screen for foreign visitors.</p>

<p>"The goal of Buddhism is to ease suffering," said Goto. "Modern society brings other kinds of stress, but the goal hasn't really changed for over 2,000 years."</p>

<p>A recent Osaka University survey showed a wide range of feedback from those who have seen the android at work, with many expressing surprise at how "human" it looked.</p>

<p>"I felt a warmth you wouldn't feel from a regular machine," said one of those polled.</p>

<p>"At first it felt a little unnatural, but the android was easy to follow," replied another temple-goer. "It made me think deeply about right and wrong."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Others were less convinced, some insisting the robot was too "fake".</p>

<p>"The sermon felt uncomfortable," complained one worshipper. "The robot's expressions felt too engineered."</p>

<p><strong>'Frankenstein's monster'</strong></p>

<p>Kodaiji temple has also faced criticism -- mostly from foreigners -- for tampering with the sanctity of religion.</p>

<p>"Westerners have been the most upset by the robot," said Goto, noting largely positive feedback from Japanese visitors.</p>

<p>"It could be the influence of the Bible, but Westerners have compared it to Frankenstein's monster," he added.</p>

<p>"Japanese people don't possess any prejudices against robots. We were brought up on comics where robots are our friends. Westerners think differently."</p>

<p>Goto denies accusations that Kodaiji, recently visited by French President Emmanuel Macron, is guilty of sacrilege.</p>

<p>"Obviously a machine doesn't have a soul," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But Buddhist faith isn't about believing in God. It's about following Buddha's path, so it doesn't matter whether it is represented by a machine, a scrap of iron or a tree."</p>

<p>The temple insists the deity of mercy is able to transform itself at will and that an android is merely the latest incarnation.</p>

<p>"Artificial intelligence has developed to such an extent we thought it logical for the Buddha to transform into a robot," said Goto.</p>

<p>"We hope it will touch people's hearts and minds."</p>


A 400-year-old temple in Japan is attempting to hot-wire interest in Buddhism with a robotic priest it believes will change the face of the religion -- despite critics comparing the android to "Frankenstein's monster.

A 400-year-old temple in Japan is attempting to hot-wire interest in Buddhism with a robotic priest it believes will change the face of the religion -- despite critics comparing the android to "Frankenstein's monster." The android Kannon, based on the Buddhist deity of mercy, preaches sermons at Kodaiji temple in Kyoto, and its human colleagues predict that with artificial intelligence it could one day acquire unlimited wisdom. "This robot will never die, it will just keep updating itself and evolving," priest Tensho Goto told AFP. "That's the beauty of a robot. It can store knowledge forever and limitlessly. "With AI we hope it will grow in wisdom to help people overcome even the most difficult troubles. It's changing Buddhism," added Goto. The adult-sized robot began service earlier this year and is able to move its torso, arms and head. But only its hands, face and shoulders are covered in silicone to replicate human skin. Clasping its hands together in prayer and speaking in soothing tones, the rest of the droid's mechanical parts are clearly visible. Wiring and blinking lights fill the cranial cavity of its open-top head and snake around its gender-neutral, aluminium body. A tiny video camera installed in the left eye completes an eerie, cyborg-like frame seemingly lifted straight out of a dystopian Hollywood sci-fi thriller. Developed at a cost of almost $1m in a joint project between the Zen temple and renowned robotics professor Hiroshi Ishiguro at Osaka University, the humanoid -- called Mindar -- teaches about compassion and of the dangers of desire, anger and ego. "You cling to a sense of selfish ego," it warns worshippers. "Worldly desires are nothing other than a mind lost at sea." No 'fuddy-duddy' priest With religion's influence on daily life flat-lining in Japan, Goto hopes Kodaiji's robot priest will be able to reach younger generations in a way traditional monks can't. "Young people probably think a temple is a place for funerals or weddings," he said, trying to explain the disconnect with religion. "It might be difficult to relate to fuddy-duddy priests like me, but hopefully the robot is a fun way to bridge that gap. We want people to see the robot and think about the essence of Buddhism." Goto insisted, however, that Mindar was no gimmick to boost income from tourists. "This robot teaches us ways to overcome pain," he said. "It is here to save anyone who seeks help." The pious droid delivers sermons from the Heart Sutras in Japanese, with translations in English and Chinese projected onto a screen for foreign visitors. "The goal of Buddhism is to ease suffering," said Goto. "Modern society brings other kinds of stress, but the goal hasn't really changed for over 2,000 years." A recent Osaka University survey showed a wide range of feedback from those who have seen the android at work, with many expressing surprise at how "human" it looked. "I felt a warmth you wouldn't feel from a regular machine," said one of those polled. "At first it felt a little unnatural, but the android was easy to follow," replied another temple-goer. "It made me think deeply about right and wrong." Others were less convinced, some insisting the robot was too "fake". "The sermon felt uncomfortable," complained one worshipper. "The robot's expressions felt too engineered." 'Frankenstein's monster' Kodaiji temple has also faced criticism -- mostly from foreigners -- for tampering with the sanctity of religion. "Westerners have been the most upset by the robot," said Goto, noting largely positive feedback from Japanese visitors. "It could be the influence of the Bible, but Westerners have compared it to Frankenstein's monster," he added. "Japanese people don't possess any prejudices against robots. We were brought up on comics where robots are our friends. Westerners think differently." Goto denies accusations that Kodaiji, recently visited by French President Emmanuel Macron, is guilty of sacrilege. "Obviously a machine doesn't have a soul," he said. "But Buddhist faith isn't about believing in God. It's about following Buddha's path, so it doesn't matter whether it is represented by a machine, a scrap of iron or a tree." The temple insists the deity of mercy is able to transform itself at will and that an android is merely the latest incarnation. "Artificial intelligence has developed to such an extent we thought it logical for the Buddha to transform into a robot," said Goto. "We hope it will touch people's hearts and minds."

Japan temple puts faith in robot priest, faces criticism

A 400-year-old temple in Japan is attempting to hot-wire interest in Buddhism with a robotic priest it believes will change the face of religion -- despite being accused of creating a "Frankenstein's monster."

Playing god: Japan temple puts faith in robot priest

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