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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2026

Robotic vacuum cleaner on hardwood floor
Consumer Tech

Eufy X10 Pro Omni: Spring Cleaning's Best Friend at $450 Off

Spring cleaning just got a lot easier, and your wallet will thank you. The Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop hybrid has dropped to its lowest price ever at $449.99, a whopping $450 off its original price of $899.99. But is it worth your investment, or is it just another gadget destined for the

Bipedal robot walking in testing facility
Humanoids

Apptronik's $935 Million Bet on Humanoids: A Game Changer?

Apptronik has just secured a staggering $520 million in a Series A extension, bringing its total funding to $935 million and its valuation to over $5 billion—a bold statement in the crowded field of humanoid robotics. The Texas-based startup, known for its pioneering work in the development of Atla

Modern warehouse with automated conveyor system
Industrial Robotics

Bastian Solutions’ ULTRA BLUE: A Game Changer for Warehouse Automation

Bastian Solutions is betting on a new era of automation with its ULTRA BLUE robotic truck-loading system, a move that could redefine warehouse efficiency. The challenge was clear: traditional metal components, especially bearings that require lubrication, were failing in the demanding conditions of

Modern semiconductor fabrication facility
China Robotics & AI

China's Semiconductor Push: A New Era for Manufacturing

China's quest for semiconductor self-sufficiency is more than a policy ambition—it's a race against time that has just ramped up significantly. With the recent announcement from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) detailing a new investment plan to allocate 150 billion yuan (

Tech startup team collaborating at whiteboard
Analysis

Discord's Age Verification: A New Era of Online Restrictions

Discord is about to lock out a significant portion of its user base. Starting March 1, 2025, the platform will implement mandatory age verification, a move that has sparked outrage and concern among users and privacy advocates alike. Under the new system, users estimated to be under 18, or those fo

Modern kitchen with smart appliances
Consumer Tech

Air Fryers: The Kitchen Staple You Didn't Know You Needed

Air fryers have officially graduated from trendy gadgets to essential kitchen appliances, and that’s no small feat. In just a few years, they’ve transformed meal prep for countless households, cutting down cook times while delivering crispy, delicious results. In hands-on reviews, testers found tha

Beat Coverage

AI & Machine Learning

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Close-up of integrated circuit on motherboard
AI & Machine Learning

QuitGPT: The Growing Movement Against ChatGPT Subscriptions

"Cancel your ChatGPT subscription and join the QuitGPT movement." This rallying cry is gaining traction among disillusioned users, as frustrations over the chatbot's performance and ethical concerns collide. Alfred Stephen, a freelance software developer from Singapore, epitomizes the discontent fue

Robot head with artificial intelligence display
AI & Machine Learning

AI-Powered Ransomware: A New Era of Cyber Threats

Cybersecurity researchers are facing a chilling new reality: ransomware that evolves with the help of artificial intelligence. The discovery of a malware strain, dubbed PromptLock, showcases how large language models (LLMs) can be weaponized, creating a more sophisticated and unpredictable threat la

Futuristic digital data visualization
AI & Machine Learning

AI's Next Frontier: Revolutionizing Medical Note-Taking

Microsoft's Copilot tool is reshaping the way doctors document patient care, and the impact is nothing short of transformative. As healthcare increasingly embraces artificial intelligence, Vanderbilt University Medical Center's adoption of Microsoft Copilot is a telling example of how generative AI

Abstract technology background with circuitry patterns
AI & Machine Learning

AI in Action: New Insights from MIT's Practical Newsletter

AI is finally stepping out of the lab and into the real world—starting with a new initiative from MIT Technology Review. In a bold move to bridge the gap between AI theory and practical application, the publication has launched "Making AI Work," a limited-run newsletter designed to deliver weekly c

Beat Coverage

Industrial Robotics

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Automated packaging line in food factory
Industrial Robotics

ISA and Wiley Team Up: A New Era for Automation Publishing

The publishing landscape for automation engineering is about to undergo a significant transformation. The International Society of Automation (ISA) has announced a strategic partnership with Wiley, a renowned publisher in scientific and technical fields, to enhance the global reach of ISA’s educatio

Trener Robotics to deliver ‘pre-trained skills to industrial robots’
Industrial Robotics

Trener Robotics Transforms Industrial Automation Landscape

What if industrial robots could learn and adapt as quickly as a human operator? That’s the bold vision from Trener Robotics, which recently announced its Acteris platform, claiming to fundamentally change the way robots interact with dynamic environments. This isn't just another incremental upgrade;

Precision robotic arm assembling components
Industrial Robotics

Workers Resist PPE: The Hidden Costs of Compliance

"Why won’t they just wear the gear?" It’s a question that echoes across manufacturing floors, and the answer is rarely as straightforward as a simple lack of compliance. A recent episode of The Downtime podcast shone a spotlight on the complex factors influencing personal protective equipment (PPE)

Electric vehicle battery production line
Industrial Robotics

ISA and Wiley Team Up to Boost Automation Knowledge

A new partnership is set to enhance the accessibility of automation expertise worldwide. The International Society of Automation (ISA) has joined forces with Wiley, a leading publisher known for its authoritative content in scientific and technical domains, to co-publish educational and technical ma

Beat Coverage

Humanoids

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Humanoid robot standing in modern environment
Humanoids

Apptronik's Apollo: A $520M Leap Towards Humanoid Reality

Apptronik just secured $520 million in a funding round, a staggering sum that signals a serious commitment to making humanoid robots a viable part of our workforce. This latest infusion brings Apptronik’s total capital raised to nearly $1 billion, an impressive figure for a company with roots traci

Halodi Robotics' Perception Engineer With a Humanoid Collaborative Robot
Humanoids

Apptronik Secures $520 Million—A Game Changer for Humanoid Robots

Apptronik just raised $520 million, pushing its valuation to over $5 billion, and this could be a turning point for humanoid robotics. The Texas-based startup has successfully attracted a slew of high-profile investors, including tech giant Google and automotive leader Mercedes-Benz. This latest fu

From left to right: Unitree's humanoid, Boston Dynamics' Atlas, Figure AI's 02, Apptronik's Apollo, and Tesla's Optimus robot.
Humanoids

Apptronik's $520M Bet on Humanoid Robots

Apptronik just raised $520 million to launch the next generation of its Apollo humanoid robot—an ambitious leap after nearly a decade of development. The Austin-based company aims to transform factory workflows and redefine human-robot collaboration with Apollo, positioning it as more than just a t

Research lab with humanoid robot prototype
Humanoids

Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter Steps Down

Robert Playter's departure marks a pivotal moment at Boston Dynamics, a company that has redefined the robotics landscape. After seven years at the helm, Playter's retirement signals not just a leadership change but also a potential shift in strategic direction for the company known for its cutting-

Beat Coverage

Consumer Tech

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Mobile phone with AI assistant interface
Consumer Tech

The Best Wireless Earbuds of 2026: What's Worth Your Money?

Wireless earbuds have become an essential part of our daily lives—whether you’re commuting, exercising, or binge-watching your favorite series, these gadgets have essentially replaced traditional wired headphones. But with so many options flooding the market, which ones are truly worth your investme

Smartphone displaying smart home controls
Consumer Tech

Fitbit's New AI Coach: Game Changer or Just Hype?

Fitbit's latest update may be the most significant change to its app in years—but is it worth the hype? The redesigned Fitbit app, featuring a new AI health coach powered by the Gemini model, is rolling out for iOS users and Fitbit Premium subscribers across the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand,

Modern living room with connected devices
Consumer Tech

YouTube Finally Lands on Apple Vision Pro

Apple Vision Pro users can breathe a sigh of relief: immersive YouTube videos are now accessible on the device, bringing a new dimension to content consumption. This integration could signal a shift in how major apps approach compatibility with cutting-edge hardware. The Vision Pro, Apple's first fo

The Mullvad account dashboard.
Consumer Tech

Mullvad VPN: A Subscription Cancellation That's Actually Simple

If you’re tired of subscription services that make cancelling feel like a battle, Mullvad VPN has a refreshing approach: cancelling is the default option. Unlike most VPN providers, Mullvad operates on a unique subscription model that flips the script on automatic renewals. When you sign up, you pa

Regional Dispatch

China Robotics & AI

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Autonomous delivery robot on sidewalk in Asian city
China Robotics & AI

Baidu's AI Coding Service: A Game Changer for Developers

Baidu's new AI coding subscription service, Coding Plan, is shaking up the software development landscape in China. Launched on February 11, Coding Plan offers a comprehensive workflow for code writing, comprehension, and optimization—an all-in-one solution that could redefine how developers approa

Shenzhen technology hub at night with LED lights
China Robotics & AI

China’s Tech Sector: A New Era of Innovation and Regulation

The Chinese government has unveiled a series of ambitious policies aimed at transforming the country into a global leader in technology and innovation. In a recent announcement, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) outlined a strategic framework that emphasizes self-reliance in

High-speed rail train in China
China Robotics & AI

China's AI Revolution: A $400 Billion Investment

China is betting big on artificial intelligence, with a jaw-dropping $400 billion commitment to bolster its AI industry over the next few years. This unprecedented investment, announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), aims to transform China into a global leader in AI

Large-scale warehouse logistics facility
China Robotics & AI

Humanoid Robot Fighting League: China’s Bold Robotics Bet

The world just got a glimpse of a future where humanoid robots may not just assist us, but also battle it out in competition. ENGINEAI Robotics Technology Co., Ltd., a Shenzhen-based firm, has announced the launch of the Ultimate Robot Knock-out Legend (URKL), the first commercial league exclusively

Analysis

Analysis

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This job has become the ultimate case study for why AI won’t replace human workers
Analysis

AI in Radiology: Enhancing Jobs, Not Replacing Them

AI won't take your job—at least, not if you're a radiologist. Recent insights reveal that artificial intelligence is not just coexisting with human professionals in this field; it's actively boosting their productivity and increasing demand for their expertise. According to CSET’s Jack Karsten, AI

Underwater autonomous research vehicle
Analysis

AI in Radiology: A Complement, Not a Replacement

AI's impact on the workforce just scored a major endorsement: it’s not here to take jobs but to enhance them. In the field of radiology, artificial intelligence is proving to be a powerful ally rather than a competitor. Jack Karsten, a research fellow at the Center for Security and Emerging Technol

Mars rover on barren rocky surface
Analysis

AI in Radiology: The Case for Human-AI Collaboration

AI isn't taking over radiology—it's transforming it. In a compelling exploration of the intersection between technology and workforce dynamics, radiology has emerged as a leading example of how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance, rather than eliminate, human roles. As CSET’s Jack Karsten poin

Drone aerial view of disaster recovery operations
Analysis

AI in Radiology: A Case for Collaboration Over Replacement

Radiologists are experiencing a surge in demand—and it’s not just because of an increase in patients. Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the field, enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them. As explored in a recent article by CSET’s Jack Karsten, AI technologies in radiology ar

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