A recent ILO report highlights the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and automation on workplace safety and efficiency. While these technologies can reduce risks and enhance operations, the report emphasizes the need for proactive policies to ensure their safe and equitable implementation, addressing potential new hazards for workers.
A new AI-powered robot has joined a classroom in Sabae City, captivating students with its human-like movements. Designed to support children’s mental health, the robot recognizes faces and engages with students, providing comfort and companionship. Teachers believe it will help children cope with sadness and anxiety.
AWS AI Labs has launched SWE-PolyBench, an open-source multilingual benchmark for evaluating AI coding agents. This framework addresses limitations of existing benchmarks by incorporating real pull requests across multiple programming languages, enabling more comprehensive assessments of coding agents’ capabilities in real-world scenarios.
A controversial startup, Mechanize, aims to fully automate the workforce with AI agents, targeting primarily white-collar jobs. While the founder, Tamay Besiroglu, envisions economic growth and improved living standards, critics warn of potential job losses and economic challenges for those displaced by automation.
Meta is expanding its AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses to seven European countries, enhancing daily interactions with features like real-time translation and object recognition. This move positions Meta as a leader in wearable technology, aiming to transform how users engage with their environment while navigating privacy challenges in Europe.
In 2025, investments in artificial intelligence (AI) in the U.S. continue to surge, with startups securing significant funding rounds. Notable highlights include OpenAI’s $300 billion valuation round led by SoftBank, reflecting strong investor confidence in AI’s future and the growing involvement of major tech companies in these ventures.
Operai plans to launch its first open language model since GPT-2, aiming for a summer release. The model will feature a permissive license and focus on reasoning capabilities. CEO Sam Altman emphasizes the need for a different open-source strategy, while addressing safety evaluations before the model’s release.
Shenzhen’s “Robot Valley” is rapidly emerging along Liuxian Boulevard, home to industry leaders like UBTECH and Pudu Robotics. With a “15-minute innovation circle,” the city fosters collaboration and efficiency, aiming for over 100 billion yuan in AI robotics output by 2027, transforming into a hub for technological advancement.
iRobot has launched the Roomba® Max 705 Vac Robot with AutoEmpty™ Dock, featuring 180x more suction power and 75 days of hands-free cleaning. This advanced vacuum includes Dual-Rubber Brushes, PrecisionVision™ AI, and is compatible with major voice assistants, making it ideal for busy households. Pricing starts at $899.99.
Fujitsu and RIKEN have unveiled a groundbreaking 256-qubit superconducting quantum computer, enhancing their previous 64-qubit model. This advanced system aims to tackle complex challenges in various fields, including finance and drug discovery, while paving the way for future developments, including a planned 1,000-qubit computer by 2026.
