Tech & Space

Baidu Eyes European Robotaxi Trials in Switzerland and Turkey

May 18, 2025

Baidu Eyes European Robotaxi Trials in Switzerland and Turkey

China’s leading internet-search firm, Baidu, is exploring partnerships to pilot its Apollo Go self-driving taxi service in Switzerland and Turkey. The company aims to leverage an “asset-light” approach collaborating with local operators rather than owning fleets outright as it accelerates overseas expansion in 2025.

Türkiye’s First Domestic Flying Auto ‘AirCar’ Takes to Sky

May 9, 2025

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Türkiye’s First Domestic Flying Auto ‘AirCar’ Takes to Sky

After seven years of development, Turkish engineer Eray Altunbozar has begun crewed test flights of the AirCar Türkiye’s first fully electric flying car aiming to serve short urban hops and reach remote areas with both passenger and cargo models.

Amazon Unveils Robotics Breakthrough with Touch-Sensing Device

May 7, 2025

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Amazon Unveils Robotics Breakthrough with Touch-Sensing Device

Amazon today unveiled Vulcan, a groundbreaking warehouse robot equipped with a tactile “sense of touch” that can grasp approximately 75% of items in its fulfillment centers. The device uses AI to identify and manipulate objects by feel, enabling it to stow goods on high and low shelves tasks previously requiring human effort. Amazon says Vulcan will debut in Germany this week and roll out globally over the next few years, complementing its existing fleet of over 750,000 robots.

Amazon takes on Musk’s Starlink with launch of first internet satellites

April 29, 2025

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Amazon takes on Musk’s Starlink with launch of first internet satellites

Amazon launched the first 27 satellites of its Project Kuiper constellation on 29 April, kicking off a delayed $10 billion effort to beam broadband from low-Earth orbit. The company aims to deploy 3,236 satellites half of them by mid-2026 under an FCC deadline to serve rural and hard-to-reach regions, directly challenging SpaceX’s Starlink network.

Apple and Meta Attack 'Unfair' €700mn EU Fines

April 27, 2025

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Apple and Meta Attack 'Unfair' €700mn EU Fines

The European Union has fined Apple €500m and Meta €200m under its new Digital Markets Act, marking the first penalties issued to curb the dominance of major tech firms. Apple and Meta have reacted angrily, accusing the EU of unfairly targeting American businesses. The fines come amid heightened trade tensions between the US and Europe, though EU officials insist the cases are separate from broader trade disputes. Both companies have 60 days to comply or risk additional penalties.

OpenAI and SoftBank Weigh UK Investment for Stargate AI Project

April 21, 2025

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OpenAI and SoftBank Weigh UK Investment for Stargate AI Project

Stargate—a $500 billion AI data‑centre initiative spearheaded by OpenAI and SoftBank—has unveiled plans to look beyond the US as it scales its infrastructure, with the UK emerging as a leading candidate for its first overseas site. The British government’s creation of an AI Energy Council, together with proposals to streamline grid connections and cut red tape around data‑centre planning, has put the UK at the top of Stargate’s shortlist, alongside Germany and France.

Scientists Unveil Tiny Robot to Help Detect and Treat Bowel Cancer

March 27, 2025

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Scientists Unveil Tiny Robot to Help Detect and Treat Bowel Cancer

Researchers have developed a coin-sized, 3D-scanning robot that can navigate the colon using a novel, oloid design and magnetic guidance. This minimally invasive device could revolutionize bowel cancer detection and treatment by enabling combined screening, diagnosis, and therapy in a single procedure. Human trials are planned for next year following promising tests on pigs.

EU Accuses Google and Apple of Breaking Digital Markets Act

March 19, 2025

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EU Accuses Google and Apple of Breaking Digital Markets Act

The European Commission has taken enforcement action against Google and Apple, accusing them of breaching the Digital Markets Act by favoring their own services and restricting third-party access. With fines of up to 10–20% of global revenue on the table.