A humanoid robot with an anatomically accurate structure has gained widespread attention after a video showcasing its movements went viral. Designed by Clone Robotics, the prototype named ‘Protoclone’ has been built to mimic human musculoskeletal functions. The video, viewed millions of times, displays the robot’s limbs twitching as artificial muscles activate while it hangs from the ceiling. Social media reactions have been divided, with many users expressing unease over the robot’s unsettlingly lifelike appearance. Despite the public response, the company remains focused on advancing its capabilities.

Prototype Development and Features

As per the post on X, Protoclone has been engineered with over 200 degrees of freedom, 1,000 artificial muscle fibers, and 500 integrated sensors. Clone Robotics claims that the android possesses human-like skeletal, vascular, and nervous systems, offering a significant leap in biomimetic robotics. The robot’s movements are powered by a pneumatic system, though plans for a hydraulic-driven version have been announced. Equipped with four cameras and an array of sensors, the humanoid is designed to navigate environments with increased precision.

Public Reaction and Industry Context

As reported by Live Science, responses to the viral footage have ranged from fascination to apprehension. Social media users have compared the robot to fictional depictions of artificial intelligence from dystopian narratives, while others have called for aesthetic modifications to make it appear less unsettling. Despite this, humanoid robots continue to be integrated into industrial applications, with companies such as Figure and Apptronik deploying similar technology in manufacturing environments. Reports indicate that Protoclone will be available for preorder later this year, although pricing details have yet to be disclosed.

Future of Humanoid Robotics

Industry experts suggest that humanoid robotics could see increased adoption across various sectors. Similar projects have been developed for warehouse automation and industrial manufacturing, with multiple companies working towards commercialising advanced humanoid systems. As robotics technology evolves, the discussion surrounding ethical, aesthetic, and functional aspects of humanoid designs continues to grow. Clone Robotics has yet to announce an official release date for Protoclone, but ongoing developments suggest that lifelike androids could soon play a more prominent role in everyday settings.

A distant galaxy that ceased star formation billions of years ago has been found emitting unusual radio signals, a phenomenon that has left astronomers searching for answers. Observations have revealed fast radio bursts (FRBs) originating from the outskirts of this long-dead galaxy, challenging current understanding of how these cosmic events occur. Typically associated with young, star-forming galaxies, FRBs are believed to result from supernovae or other stellar explosions. The presence of such bursts in an inactive galaxy defies existing theories, prompting new investigations into their origins.

Findings from the Study

According to two research published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters on January 21, astronomers detected 22 FRBs between February and November 2024 using the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) telescope in British Columbia. The bursts were traced back to an 11 billion-year-old galaxy that no longer forms stars, making it an unlikely host for such signals. The discovery suggests that alternative mechanisms beyond conventional stellar activity may be responsible for FRBs.

Expert Analysis on the Unusual Signals

Speaking to Live Science, Tarraneh Eftekhari, astronomer at Northwestern University and co-author of the study, stated that only about a hundred FRBs have been accurately linked to their host galaxies, with most originating from regions of active star formation. The new findings challenge previous assumptions, indicating that other, yet unknown, processes could be generating these bursts.

Vishwangi Shah, an astronomer at McGill University and a study co-author, highlighted the rarity of the event, noting that FRBs are typically detected near the centers of galaxies. The location of this burst in the galaxy’s outskirts makes it a unique anomaly in FRB research.

Possible Explanations and Future Research

While the exact cause of the radio bursts remains uncertain, scientists have proposed several possibilities. One hypothesis suggests that a collision between two aged stars could have triggered the bursts. Another theory points to a white dwarf collapsing under its own gravity. Further research and additional observations will be necessary to determine the precise cause of these signals.

With CHIME set to expand its capabilities in the coming months, researchers hope to identify more FRBs and their sources, potentially uncovering new insights into these mysterious cosmic phenomena.

A significant advancement in India’s space technology has been achieved with the development of a 10-tonne vertical planetary mixer, the largest globally for solid propellant production. Designed and manufactured through a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), this new equipment is expected to enhance efficiency and safety in the manufacturing of solid rocket motors. The handover ceremony took place on February 13 at CMTI, Bengaluru, where Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) Director A. Rajarajan received the mixer in the presence of ISRO Chairman S. Somanath and CMTI Director K. Prasad.

Enhancing Solid Propellant Production

As reported by ISRO, according to ISRO, the new vertical planetary mixer is a critical addition to India’s space propulsion systems. Solid propellants, which serve as the backbone of rocket motors, require precise and controlled mixing due to the sensitivity of the materials involved. The newly developed mixer, weighing approximately 150 tonnes with dimensions of 5.4 metres in length, 3.3 metres in breadth, and 8.7 metres in height, will improve the consistency, quality, and scalability of solid propellant production.

Towards Self-Reliance in Space Technology

As part of India’s push for self-reliance in critical technologies, the Department of Space has undertaken multiple initiatives to develop indigenous manufacturing capabilities. The realisation of this mixer underscores India’s increasing capability in aerospace engineering and manufacturing. The equipment has undergone successful factory-level acceptance tests and is set to play a key role in advancing the country’s space transportation systems.

Future Implications for ISRO’s Missions

With an emphasis on improving safety and productivity, the newly developed mixer is expected to streamline the process of solid propellant preparation for future ISRO missions. The technology is set to support upcoming launch vehicle developments, reinforcing India’s position in the global space industry.