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Thomas Black
Despite current limitations, the progression toward practical humanoid robots is anticipated, driven by advancements in technology and artificial intelligence.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Sep 1, 2024
The future of robots is coming on two legs
Unlike traditional robots, which have already transformed industries with their transport capabilities, bipedal robots are still in the early stages of deployment.
Green products must meet customer needs at competitive prices to succeed. If such technologies gain traction, both the planet and consumers will benefit.
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 23, 2024
Going green doesn’t have to be a giant money suck
Green products must meet customer needs at competitive prices to succeed. If such technologies gain traction, both the planet and consumers will benefit.
Artificial intelligence is transforming various business sectors and the economy. But concerns about humanoid robots replacing all jobs are unfounded, as human dexterity will remain essential for the foreseeable future.
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 23, 2024
AI is making robots smarter. They’ll need boundaries.
Where AI meets the physical world — and creates the potential for conflicts — is in manufacturing and logistics.
Executives were scrambling for seats for dinner with Xi or to be put on a waiting list, according to people familiar with the situation.
BUSINESS / Companies
Nov 15, 2023
Elon Musk among cadre of CEOs hoping to woo China’s Xi
CEO summit on the sidelines of APEC will coincide with the most challenging trade climate in a generation.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 31, 2023
A George Jetson world will start with parcels — not people
Before air taxis start taking passengers, the technology will be tested in moving freight before the public accepts their everyday use.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 29, 2022
Robots are key to winning the productivity war
While machines do replace specific jobs, their adoption boosts salaries and raises living standards.
BUSINESS / Tech / FOCUS
Jul 14, 2019
New, more agile robots speed takeover of jobs once done only by humans
At a vast greenhouse in the central Danish city of Odense, a squad of robots move thin plastic pots of herbs for shipping without even putting a dent in them. For moviegoers used to seeing humanoid machines in action, that might not seem special — but in truth, it is a remarkable feat.
LIFE / Digital
Jun 6, 2014
Amazon's drone dream sparks race for better sensor
In the quest to build drones that can enable companies such as Amazon to make door-to-door deliveries, engineers are racing to overcome a fundamental challenge: helping unmanned, suitcase-sized aircraft see where they're going.

Longform

Capsule hotels were created as a way to deal with the amount of overwork employees tend to do in Japan. Can't commute home? Then spend the night in an tiny, affordable sleeping space.
Japan wakes up to the market for a proper sleep