Topic: Robotics

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Technology 2012: Four tech trends to watch

Technological innovations lay at the heart of many of last year's biggest stories -- from citizen-recorded videos that fanned the flames of the Arab Spring to the social-media organized Occupy movement. So what new technologies – and unexpected uses of them – will change social habits and relationships this year? Here are four 2012 technology trends that are sure to play a role:
Japan's latest pop stars: androids and animations

Pop divas Eguchi Aimi and Hatsune Miku have throngs of fans across Japan, an impressive feat considering both singers are computer generated. They lead a growing trend in Japan of artificial stars seizing the spotlight. Here are videos of some of the most popular. Look for "Uncanny Valley: Will we ever learn to live with artificial humans?" – the Monitor's full story on what these fabricated 'humans' tell us about real ones.
Unemployment rate giving you the blues? Try these top five cities for jobs.

Here are five large metro areas with the lowest unemployment rates and where unemployment is down at least half a percentage point over last year:
In Pictures: Atlantis: The final mission
The Monitor's weekly news quiz for April 26 - May 1, 2011

How much of a "News Junkie" are you? From the obvious to the more obscure, test your knowledge of the week's events. Take our photo quiz.

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Paralyzed woman masters mind-controlled robotic arm

Cathy Hutchinson is one of two patients undergoing a trial of the BrainGate neural interface, a system designed to transmit paralyzed patients' thoughts into commands.
Cheetah robot sets new speed record (+video)

However, a robot in the form of a cheetah and funded by the US military doesn't run as fast as the real thing.
Technology 2012: Four tech trends to watch

Technological innovations lay at the heart of many of last year's biggest stories -- from citizen-recorded videos that fanned the flames of the Arab Spring to the social-media organized Occupy movement. So what new technologies – and unexpected uses of them – will change social habits and relationships this year? Here are four 2012 technology trends that are sure to play a role:
Squid robot: Gumby-like robot squeezes through tight spaces (VIDEO)

It's the latest prototype in the growing field of soft-bodied robots. Researchers are increasingly drawing inspiration from nature to create machines that are more bendable and versatile than those made of metal.
The New Economy
Huge employer in China makes big step toward robots

Foxconn, a big contractor for Apple and others, breaks ground for robot facilities. It plans to replace 500,000 workers with 1 million robots.
Unmanned drone attacks and shape-shifting robots: War's remote-control future

The Pentagon already includes unmanned drone attacks in its arsenal. Next up: housefly-sized surveillance craft, shape-changing 'chemical robots,' and tracking agents sprayed from the sky. What does it mean to have soldiers so far removed from the battlefield?
Japan's latest pop stars: androids and animations

Pop divas Eguchi Aimi and Hatsune Miku have throngs of fans across Japan, an impressive feat considering both singers are computer generated. They lead a growing trend in Japan of artificial stars seizing the spotlight. Here are videos of some of the most popular. Look for "Uncanny Valley: Will we ever learn to live with artificial humans?" – the Monitor's full story on what these fabricated 'humans' tell us about real ones.
The New Economy
In China, land of cheap labor, a push for robots

Foxconn, maker of iPhones and iPads, plans to add 1 million robots, doubling the world's industrial robot population. More Asian manufacturers will follow.
Unemployment rate giving you the blues? Try these top five cities for jobs.

Here are five large metro areas with the lowest unemployment rates and where unemployment is down at least half a percentage point over last year:
In Pictures: Atlantis: The final mission
The Monitor's weekly news quiz for April 26 - May 1, 2011

How much of a "News Junkie" are you? From the obvious to the more obscure, test your knowledge of the week's events. Take our photo quiz.
In Pictures: Space photos of the day: Extravehicular activities
In Pictures: Space photos of the day: Space Shuttle Endeavour
What time is space shuttle Discovery set to land?

Space shuttle Discovery, returning to Earth Wednesday from its last mission, is expected to land in Florida just before noon Eastern Standard Time. Mission managers laud a nearly flawless flight.
Shuttle Discovery's crew: a moment to reflect amid rush to complete tasks

Tackling their final chores before departing the International Space Station on Monday, shuttle Discovery crew members acknowledge with some sadness that the mission is the orbiter's last.
Spacewalk success: space station gets new walk-in closet, Robonaut included

On Monday and Tuesday, spacewalking astronauts installed a new Italian-built cargo carrier that will provide storage for the International Space Station, after it is unpacked in coming weeks.
'R2' humanoid robot to blast off with space shuttle launch

Space shuttle launch on Thursday will include a robotic passenger dexterously designed to make astronauts' lives easier.
Space Shuttle Discovery ready to launch

The Space Shuttle Discovery is ready for its final flight to the International Space Station Thursday, say NASA officials.
In Pictures: Space photos of the day: Space Shuttle Discovery
In Pictures: Space photos of the day: Exploring Mars
American Innovation: 13 Born-in-the-USA inventions

There is a long history of innovation in America's relatively short existence; from lone inventors experimenting in garages to collaborating and competing with international scientists. Many of the following 13 inventions have become fixtures in daily life.
Robocop statue in Detroit: fans keep debate going

Robocop statue: Mayor Dave Bing tweeted that the Robocop statue is not in his plans, but that only fueled the fire on Twitter.
In Pictures: Space photos of the day: Space Robots
The 10 weirdest uses for a smartphone

If you're using your smartphone only to make calls, check your email, surf the Web, manage your schedule, take photos, shoot video, listen to music, watch movies, navigate via GPS, play video games, and update your Twitter and Facebook statuses, then you're really nothing more than a Luddite.
In Pictures: Space photos of the day: Horizon