Industry Briefing

A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.

Research from the ground up

Research from the ground up

Professor Sonya Atalay, a prominent figure in community-based archaeology, is making strides in integrating local knowledge with academic research worldwide. Her work emphasizes the importance of collaboration between communities and scholars, aiming to enhance the understanding of archaeological practices and cultural heritage. Through her innovative approach, Atalay seeks to empower local populations, ensuring their voices and insights are recognized in the academic discourse. This initiative not only enriches the field of archaeology but also fosters a deeper appreciation for diverse cultural narratives. By bridging the gap between local expertise and scholarly inquiry, Atalay is setting a new standard for how archaeology is conducted and understood on a global scale.

Anthropology Faculty Social sciences Profile School of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences
Toward a future that preserves benefits of neurotechnology for all

Toward a future that preserves benefits of neurotechnology for all

PhD student Rachel Sava, winner of the Envisioning the Future of Computing Prize, explores transformative improvements and dystopian risks of neural technology.

Contests and academic competitions Awards, honors and fellowships Students Artificial intelligence Ethics Law
Exploring the societal impacts of AI

Exploring the societal impacts of AI

At the recent AI and Society Forum, prominent researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) engaged in an in-depth discussion regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on employment and democratic processes. The forum, held in October 2023, served as a platform for experts to address pressing concerns about how AI technologies are reshaping job markets and influencing political systems. The motivation behind this dialogue stems from the rapid advancements in AI and the need to understand their broader societal implications. Researchers presented findings and insights on the potential benefits and challenges posed by AI, emphasizing the importance of developing strategies to mitigate risks while harnessing the technology's capabilities. Through collaborative discussions, the forum aimed to foster a greater understanding of AI's role in shaping the future of work and governance.

Special events and guest speakers Artificial intelligence Technology and society Computer science and technology Economics Democracy
Two from MIT named 2026 Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Two from MIT named 2026 Knight-Hennessy Scholars

A prestigious fellowship has been established to support graduate studies at Stanford University, aiming to provide financial assistance to talented students pursuing advanced degrees. This initiative, announced recently, seeks to enhance educational opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. By alleviating the financial burden associated with graduate education, the fellowship encourages a broader range of applicants to consider Stanford as their academic destination. The program is designed to foster innovation and research by attracting top-tier candidates who can contribute significantly to their fields of study. As the fellowship opens for applications in the upcoming academic year, it is expected to draw interest from prospective students worldwide, further solidifying Stanford's reputation as a leading institution for higher education.

Awards, honors and fellowships Students Graduate, postdoctoral Alumni/ae Economics Electrical engineering and computer science (EECS)
Study shows differences in brain activity after reading print vs. digital manga, confirmed by fMRI at Tokyo University.

Study shows differences in brain activity after reading print vs. digital manga, confirmed by fMRI at Tokyo University.

A research team led by Professor Kuniyoshi Sakai from the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences has published a study in PLOS One, in collaboration with Coremix, demonstrating that reading manga on paper promotes more efficient brain activity compared to reading on digital devices. The findings suggest that traditional paper formats may enhance core and supportive integration processes in the brain, highlighting the potential cognitive benefits of physical reading materials in an increasingly digital world.

RobotToday Initiative

Robotics needs a service framework.

RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.