Connect with us

Published

on

Boston Dynamics and IBM have joined forces to deploy the popular — but controversial — robot dogs at the US National Grid sites for autonomous inspection. The Boston Dynamics robot, named Spot, will be integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) and other required features developed by IBM Research. The new robot will be initially deployed at the electric and gas utility sites in Massachusetts and New York for regular inspections. AI-enabled robots are increasingly being deployed in manufacturing and warehouse settings but to experience the true benefits, it is necessary to have AI as close to the origin of the data as possible.

This move by the two firms is likely to encourage more companies to consider making such deployments. In a statement, IBM said the new and improved Spot will give operations staff “greater flexibility” to inspect equipment. The companies outlined how industrial operations staff can benefit from the AI-enabled robot. First, it is designed to help address safety concerns in hazardous areas. Next, it equips operations managers with near-realtime insights on equipment health. And finally, it would result in operators spending less time on basic inspection rounds.

While Boston Dynamics is projecting this as an improved device, it has previously faced backlash for selling Spot to local police departments, including the NYPD. Then, the police department abruptly cancelled its lease and stopped using the robot following a public outcry which described the devices as “creepy.”

But Boston Dynamics said the demand for these devices is increasing. The statement cited an IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) survey, which showed 56 percent of manufacturers have implemented AI-driven robotics to make autonomous decisions. The survey said 83 percent of manufacturers agree intelligent automation will help them meet strategic challenges and improve business results. However, they also point out that “most edge and IoT devices today are inflexible and often incapable of responding to rapidly changing environments.”


For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on Twitter, Facebook, and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Cryptocurrency: Majority Follow Bitcoin, Ether on Gain-Trail; Dog-Coins Suffer Losses

Activision Loses Blizzard Co-Leader; Delays Launch of Overwatch, Diablo

Related Stories

Continue Reading

Science

A Nearby Supernova May End Dark Matter Search, Claims New Study

Published

on

By

A Nearby Supernova May End Dark Matter Search, Claims New Study

The pursuit of understanding dark matter, which comprises 85 percent of the universe’s mass, could take a significant leap forward with a nearby supernova. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, led by Associate Professor of Physics Benjamin Safdi, have theorised that the elusive particle known as the axion might be detected within moments of gamma rays being emitted from such an event. Axions, predicted to emerge during the collapse of a massive star’s core into a neutron star, could transform into gamma rays in the presence of intense magnetic fields, offering a potential breakthrough in physics.

Potential Role of Gamma-Ray Telescopes

The study was published in Physical Review Letters and revealed that the gamma rays produced from axions could confirm the particle’s mass and properties if detected. The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, currently the only gamma-ray observatory in orbit, would need to be pointed directly at the supernova, with the likelihood of this alignment estimated at only 10 percent. A detection would revolutionise dark matter research, while the absence of gamma rays would constrain the range of axion masses, rendering many existing dark matter experiments redundant.

Challenges in Catching the Event

For detection, the supernova must occur within the Milky Way or its satellite galaxies—an event averaging once every few decades. The last such occurrence, supernova 1987A, lacked sensitive enough gamma-ray equipment. Safdi emphasised the need for preparedness, proposing a constellation of satellites, named GALAXIS, to ensure 24/7 sky coverage.

Axion’s Theoretical Importance

The axion, supported by theories like quantum chromodynamics (QCD) and string theory, bridges gaps in physics, potentially linking gravity with quantum mechanics. Unlike neutrinos, axions could convert into photons in strong magnetic fields, providing unique signals. Laboratory experiments like ABRACADABRA and ALPHA are also probing for axions, but their sensitivity is limited compared to the scenario of a nearby supernova. Safdi expressed urgency, noting that missing such an event could delay axion detection by decades, underscoring the high stakes of this astrophysical endeavour.

Continue Reading

Science

Fastest-Moving Stars in the Galaxy May be Piloted by Aliens, New Study Suggests

Published

on

By

Fastest-Moving Stars in the Galaxy May be Piloted by Aliens, New Study Suggests

Intelligent extraterrestrial civilisations might be utilising stars as massive interstellar vehicles to explore the galaxy, according to a theory proposed by Clement Vidal, a philosopher at Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium. His research suggests that alien species could potentially accelerate their binary star systems to traverse vast cosmic distances. While such a concept is purely hypothetical and unproven, Vidal’s recent paper, which has not undergone peer review, raises intriguing possibilities about advanced extraterrestrial engineering.

Concept of Moving Star Systems

The study was published in the Journal of the British Interplanetary Society. As per a report by LiveScience, the idea revolves around the notion that alien civilisations, instead of building spacecraft for interstellar travel, might manipulate entire star systems to travel across the galaxy. Vidal highlights binary star systems, particularly those involving neutron stars and smaller companion stars, as ideal candidates. Neutron stars, due to their immense gravitational energy, could serve as anchors for devices designed to propel the system by selectively ejecting stellar material.

Vidal explained in the paper that uneven heating or manipulation of magnetic fields on a star’s surface could cause it to eject material in one direction. This process would create a reactionary thrust, propelling the binary system in the opposite direction. The concept provides a way to travel while preserving planetary ecosystems, making it a theoretically viable method for species reliant on their home systems.

Known Examples with High Velocities

Astronomers have identified hypervelocity stars, such as the pulsars PSR J0610-2100 and PSR J2043+1711, which exhibit high accelerations. While their movements are believed to be natural phenomena, Vidal suggests they could be worth further investigation to rule out potential artificial influences.

This theory adds an unconventional angle to the search for intelligent life, expanding possibilities beyond traditional methods of exploration like searching for signals or probes. The research underscores the importance of considering advanced and unconventional methods aliens might employ to navigate the galaxy.

Continue Reading

Science

Hubble Telescope Finds Unexpectedly Hot Accretion Disk in FU Orionis

Published

on

By

Hubble Telescope Finds Unexpectedly Hot Accretion Disk in FU Orionis

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has provided new insights into the young star FU Orionis, located in the constellation Orion. Observations have uncovered extreme temperatures in the inner region of its accretion disk, challenging current models of stellar accretion. Using Hubble’s Cosmic Origins Spectrograph and Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph, astronomers captured far-ultraviolet and near-ultraviolet spectra, revealing the disk’s inner edge to be unexpectedly hot, with temperatures reaching 16,000 kelvins—almost three times the Sun’s surface temperature.

A Star’s Bright Outburst Explained

First observed in 1936, FU Orionis became a hundred times brighter in months and has remained a unique object of study. Unlike typical T Tauri stars, its accretion disk touches the stellar surface due to instabilities. These are caused by the disk’s large mass, interactions with companion stars, or material falling inwards. Lynne Hillenbrand, a co-author from Caltech, in a statement said that the ultraviolet brightness seen exceeded predictions, revealing a highly dynamic interface between the star and its disk.

Implications for Planet Formation

As per a report by NASA, the study holds significant implications for planetary systems forming around such stars. The report further quoted Adolfo Carvalho, lead author of the study, saying that while distant planets in the disk may experience altered chemical compositions due to outbursts, planets forming close to the star could face disruption or destruction. This revised model provides critical insights into the survival of rocky planets in young star systems, he further added.

Future Investigations on FU Orionis

The research team continues to examine spectral emission lines in the collected data, aiming to map gas movement in the star’s inner regions. Hillenbrand noted that FU Orionis offers a unique opportunity to study the mechanisms at play in eruptive young stars. These findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, showcase the ongoing value of Hubble’s ultraviolet capabilities in advancing stellar science.

Continue Reading

Trending