Jean-Philippe Encausse

Forget valleys; we're now entering veritable Grand Canyons of uncanniness.

Behold the robot known as "Protoclone," built by Clone Robotics. It's supposedly the world's first bipedal, musculoskeletal android. But it's mostly just got people extremely creeped out.

In a promotional video shared on X this Wednesday, the startup — of which little is known — makes every effort possible to subvert the industry's favored image of robots as servile little helpers there for the good of humankind.

Nope. With a menacing cinematic score, we're presented with this writhing, cadaverous mass, shorn of a recognizable face, blindly grasping at the world it didn't want to be brought into. A totally unsolicited reminder that we, too, are merely the supple impedimenta playing host to a network of electrical pulses. Or something.

Protoclone, the world's first bipedal, musculoskeletal android. pic.twitter.com/oIV1yaMSyE

— Clone (@clonerobotics) February 19, 2025

Clearly the intent here is to shock, perhaps in lieu of sharing something more substantive. In any case, it worked: the video has gone instantly viral, spawning equal parts alarm and dark humor — plus plenty of comparisons to the TV show "Westworld."

"We should hook this thing up to a supercomputer miles below the surface of the earth and hang it up on meathooks and send searing hot sharp pain to every nerve ending in its body and make it handle simple computational tasks that are essential to the functioning of our society," one user joked.

Jitters aside, what actually is this thing? Here's what the startup claims. "The Protoclone is a faceless, anatomically accurate synthetic human with over 200 degrees of freedom, over 1,000 Myofibers, and 500 sensors," Clone Robotics said in a followup post.

According to its website, the android is equipped with the world's most sophisticated hydraulic powering system mimicking our human blood vessels. Its muscles are composed of Clone's proprietary "Myofiber" artificial muscle tech, providing an unparalleled combination of "weight, power density, speed, force-to-weight, and energy efficiency," Clone says. Underneath, the robot possesses a human-like skeleton with analogs for all 206 bones of the human body. It can also see using four cameras installed in its skull.

Clone co-founder Dhanush Radhakrishna — whose display name is "Necromancer" — calls the robot's progress "ground zero for the age of androids."

Needless to say, it's worth approaching these claims with healthy skepticism. So far, all we've seen is a video of the robot flailing around uselessly — and the android industry, after all, has never been above misleading public stunts.

And calling it the world's first bipedal, musculoskeletal android is also dubious, notes robotics blogger Mike Kalil. That title arguably goes to the Japanese robot Kengoro built in 2016, famed for its cooling system that lets it sweat like a human and its ability to crank out loads of push-ups.

But if you buy into the hype, there's good news. Clone Robotics says it'll start doing pre-orders for just 279 units of its "Clone Alpha" robot this year, which it advertises as capable of doing a bunch of household chores. Reserve your unnerving humanoid now!

More on robots: Military Robot Deployed as Nightclub DJ

The post This Muscle-Powered Robot Might Be the Creepiest Thing We've Ever Seen appeared first on Futurism.

OpenAI is forecasting a major shift in the next five years around who it gets most of its computing power from, The Information reported on Friday. By 2030, OpenAI expects to get three-quarters of its data center capacity from Stargate, a project that’s expected to be heavily financed by SoftBank, one of OpenAI’s newest financial […]

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High-revving naturally aspirated engines and their associated screaming soundtracks might be on their way back to Formula 1. Not with next year's rule changes—that will see even bigger lithium-ion batteries and an even more powerful electric motor, paired with a turbocharged V6. But the sport is starting to think more seriously about the technical rules that will go into effect in 2030, and in an Instagram post yesterday, the man in charge of those rules signaled that he's open to cars that might be louder, lighter, and less complicated.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem's tenure as president of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile has been packed with controversy. The former rally driver has alienated many F1 drivers with clampdowns on jewelry and, most recently, swearing, as well as a refusal to explain what happens to the money the FIA collects as fines.

He also ruffled feathers when the FIA opened up the entry process for new teams into the sport and then approved an entry by Andretti Global. While the FIA said yes, the commercial side (which is owned by Liberty Media) and the teams wanted nothing to do with an 11th team—at least until the $200 million anti-dilution fee was more than doubled and Michael Andretti stepped aside.

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As the fundamental flaw of today’s quantum computers, improving qubit stability remains the focus of much research in this field. One such stability attempt involves so-called topological quantum computing with the use of anyons, which are two-dimensional quasiparticles. Such an approach has been claimed by Microsoft in a recent paper in Nature. This comes a few years after an earlier claim by Microsoft for much the same feat, which was found to be based on faulty science and hence retracted.

The claimed creation of anyons here involves Majorana fermions, which differ from the much more typical Dirac fermions. These Majorana fermions are bound with other such fermions as a Majorana zero mode (MZM), forming anyons that are intertwined (braided) to form what are in effect logic gates. In the Nature paper the Microsoft researchers demonstrate a superconducting indium-arsenide (InAs) nanowire-based device featuring a read-out circuit  (quantum dot interferometer) with the capacitance of one of the quantum dots said to vary in a way that suggests that the nanowire device-under-test demonstrates the presence of MZMs at either end of the wire.

Microsoft has a dedicated website to their quantum computing efforts, though it remains essential to stress that this is not a confirmation until their research is replicated by independent researchers. If confirmed, MZMs could provide a way to create more reliable quantum computing circuitry that does not have to lean so heavily on error correction to get any usable output. Other, competing efforts here include such things as hybrid mechanical qubits and antimony-based qubits that should be more stable owing to their eight spin configurations.

This week, XRHealth made further strides in deploying virtual and mixed reality solutions for healthcare end users and patients.

Those strides come from XRHealth’s recent acquisition of RealizedCare, an immersive digital therapeutics firm that enables XRHealth to integrate AI services within its product portfolio. Outcome Capital acted as a strategic and financial advisor throughout the acquisition process.

Following the purchase, the Founder & CEO of RealizedCare, Aaron Gani, is now lending their expertise to XRHeaelth by serving as its new US General Manager. 

Gani said about the acquisition, “We are thrilled to become a part of XRHealth’s groundbreaking digital therapeutics platform.”  

Gani also added:  

By integrating our triage tool with XRHealth’s cutting-edge XR and mixed reality capabilities, we can expand access to evidence-based, value-based care solutions, helping more individuals manage chronic pain, and mental health conditions. 

The integration of RealizedCare’s XR therapeutic solution platform also enabled XRHealth to include services to assist with various conditions, such as behavioural health, via “scientifically proven methods to manage chronic pain.” Additionally, XRHealth can leverage RealizedCare’s Triage tool, allowing AI-optimized, personalized patient care. 

The RealizedCare solution appeared in the healthcare solutions market following a collaboration between the firm and Oxford University, Massachusetts General Hospital, Sumitomo Pharma, and Confluent Health.

Building the World’s Largest XR Healthcare Platform

“With the integration of RealizedCare’s groundbreaking triage tool and therapeutic solutions, we are building the world’s largest XR healthcare platform,” remarked Eran Orr, CEO of XRHealth.

The news of the RealizedCare acquisition follows XRHealth’s acquisition of NeuroReality, another immersive patient-care healthcare solutions provider, and Amelia Virtual Care in 2023, showcasing XRHealth’s ongoing growth to deploy various patient care and digital therapeutic solutions.

XRHealth notes that over 2,000 clinicians to treat more than 50,000 patients on the XRHealth platform marking positive adoption for its service, with recent acisutions only driving this forward more.

Orr also added:

By merging the power of mixed reality, extended reality, and AI-driven insights, we are forging a new era of immersive, value-based care. This transformative approach will expand global access to high-quality therapy, empower clinicians with unparalleled tools, and ultimately reshape the way patients experience and engage with their own healing journey.

La vélocité et la maniabilité en vol des armes hypersoniques, développées par la Russie, la Chine, les États-Unis, ainsi que par la France, l’Inde, l’Iran et la Corée du Nord, changent profondément la donne en matière d’équilibre stratégique et de dissuasion nucléaire.

[Source: @jenny_jinya]

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OpenSCAD has a lot of fans around these parts — if you’re unaware, it’s essentially a code-based way of designing 3D models. Instead of drawing them up in a CAD program, one writes a script that defines the required geometry. All that is made a little easier with the Belfry OpenSCAD Library (BOSL2).

BOSL2 has an extensive library of base shapes, advanced functions for manipulating models, and some really nifty tools for creating attachment points on parts and aligning components with one another. If that sounds handy for designing useful objects, you’re in for even more of a treat when you see their functions for gears, hinges, screws, and more.

There’s even one that covers bottle necks and caps. (Those are all standardized by the way, so it’s never been easier to interface to existing bottles or caps in a project.)

OpenSCAD really is very versatile software. It powers useful tools like this screw, washer, and nut generator as well as having more unusual applications like a procedural terrain generator. It’s free, so if you’ve never looked into it, check it out!

SPIE CityNetworks intègre les drones dans ses opérations de conception d'infrastructures 5G. Cette avancée technologique permet d'améliorer la gestion des réseaux télécoms, de renforcer la sécurité des interventions et de réduire l'empreinte carbone des opérations sur le terrain.

Des bénéfices concrets pour la sécurité et l'environnement

SPIE CityNetworks déploie progressivement l'utilisation des drones dans ses interventions. Cela facilite la transformation numérique des territoires dans sa quête d'innovation. Ces appareils ont été initialement conçus pour optimiser la conception des projets. Ils permettent d'identifier de nouvelles implantations pour les antennes et équipements télécoms. Ainsi, ils ont rapidement trouvé leur place dans la maintenance des infrastructure. Cette approche permet de rendre les interventions en hauteur moins fréquentes. Cela réduit ainsi les risques pour les techniciens.

Aujourd'hui, les équipes télécom de SPIE CityNetworks intègrent pleinement cette technologie et bénéficient de trois avantages majeurs. La sécurité des interventions est renforcée grâce à la limitation des travaux en hauteur. Cela permet aux techniciens de travailler en toute sûreté depuis le sol. L'impact environnemental des opérations diminue grâce à la réduction du recours aux nacelles et équipements lourds. Cela limite ainsi l'empreinte carbone. De plus, l'efficacité opérationnelle s'accroît, avec des interventions plus rapides qui libèrent du temps pour des missions à plus forte valeur ajoutée.

SPIE CityNetworks dispose actuellement de 18 dronistes, formés par des experts et encadrés lors de leurs premiers vols. Ces collaborateurs, qu'ils soient négociateurs de sites, concepteurs de projets ou techniciens de maintenance, exploitent pleinement le potentiel des drones pour optimiser la gestion des infrastructures télécoms.

L'intelligence artificielle au service de la gestion prédictive

Au-delà de l'usage des drones, SPIE CityNetworks explore le couplage avec l'intelligence artificielle pour améliorer la surveillance et l'analyse des infrastructures. Le traitement automatisé des images captées permet d'identifier immédiatement des anomalies ou des risques potentiels. Cela facilite une maintenance prédictive plus efficace.

Parallèlement, le développement de jumeaux numériques est en cours. Cela permet une modélisation en réalité augmentée pour une gestion encore plus précise des réseaux. Ces innovations promettent d'améliorer durablement la performance des infrastructures télécoms et de limiter leur impact environnemental.

« Nous avons très rapidement saisi l'énorme potentiel des drones pour nos activités et nous continuerons à généraliser leur usage au sein de nos équipes, » déclare Sébastien Rivière. Il est le directeur opérationnel Télécom Sud chez SPIE CityNetworks. « Cette technologie nous permet d'innover tout en accompagnant nos clients, opérateurs télécoms et tower companies, vers un avenir plus durable et connecté.« 

Article basé sur un communiqué de presse reçu par la rédaction.

Cet article Réduire l’empreinte carbone des télécoms grâce aux drones : SPIE en action est apparu en premier sur OBJETCONNECTE.COM.

Waveshare has recently released the RoArm-M3-Pro and RoArm-M3-S, a 5+1 DOF high-torque ESP32 robotic arm kit. The main difference between the two is that the RoArm-M3-Pro features all-metal ST3235 bus servos for durability and longevity, on the other hand, the RoArm-M3-S uses standard servo motors which are less durable for long-term use.

These robotic arms feature a lightweight structure, a 360° omnidirectional base, and five flexible joints, which together create a 1m workspace with a 200 grams @ 0.5m payload. A 2-DOF wrist joint enables multi-dimensional clamping and precise force control. It integrates an ESP32 MCU, supporting multiple wireless control modes via a web app, it also supports inverse kinematics for accurate positioning, curve velocity control for smooth motion, and adaptive force control. The design is open source and with ROS2 compatibility, it allows secondary development via JSON commands and ESP-NOW for multi-device communication. Compatible with the LeRobot AI framework, it supports AI research with pre-trained models, imitation learning, and reinforcement learning, making it suitable for robotics, automation, and human-machine interaction projects.

RoArm-M3-Pro and RoArm-M3-S specifications:

• Degrees of Freedom (DOF) – 5 + 1
• Payload – 200 grams @ 0.5m
• Workspace – 1120mm (Max, 360° omnidirectional), Vertical: 798mm (Max)
• Operating range – Base-360°, Shoulder-180°, Elbow-180°, Hand-135°/270°
• Servos
  • Total servo – 7
    • All-metal ST3235 bus servos, direct-drive (RoArm-M3-Pro)
    • Standard servos for RoArm-M3-S
  • Servo speed – 40rpm (no-load, no torque limit)
  • Servo torque – 30 kg.CM @12V
• Joint feedback – 12-bit 360° magnetic encoder (0.088° precision)
• Host Operation – UART/USB/ESP-NOW/HTTP communication via JSON data format commands
• Display – 0.91-inch OLED
• Control board
  • MCU module – Espressif ESP32-WROOM-32U with WiFi and Bluetooth
  • Storage – microSD card slot
  • Interfaces
    • I2C for OLED screens and I2C sensors
    • SPI
    • LiDAR Interface (supported sensor not specified)
    • ST3215 Serial Bus Servo Interface
    • 2x Motor Interface PH2.0 6P for motors with encoders (Group A and Group B).
    • 2x Motor Interface PH2.0 2P for motors without encoders (Group A and Group B).
    • 40-pin expansion header for connection to a Raspberry Pi or other host boards
    • 40-pin GPIO header
  • Sensors and ICs
    • AK09918C 3-axis electronic compass
    • QMI8658C 6-axis motion sensor
    • TB6612FNG motor control chip
    • ST3215/ST3235 serial bus servo control circuit
    • INA219 voltage and current monitoring chip.
  • USB
    • USB Type-C Port for power and programming the board
    • USB Type-C Port for LIDAR data transmission
  • Misc
    • Reset button
    • Download button
    • Power ON/OFF button
  • Power  – XH2.54 power port with DC 5V voltage regulator for host computers (Raspberry Pi, Jetson Nano).
•  Expansion
  • EoAT customization (gripper, etc.)
  • Camera mount
  • Peripheral mounting rails
• Operating voltage
  • 12V, 5A power supply with 2-channel supply switch
  • Supports 3S Lithium batteries (NOT included)
• Dimensions
  • Horizontal reach – 316.15 mm (depending on arm configuration)
  • Vertical height – 236.8 mm (from the base to the top of the arm)
  • Base width – 87.35 mm to 91.45 mm (including clamp mechanism)
  • End-Effector Length – 13.29 mm
  • Additional Horizontal Extension – 30.00 mm
  • Base Height – 126.06 mm
  • Rotational Base Section Height – 123.06 mm
  • Arm Section Above Base – 53.46 mm
• Weight
  • RoArm-M3-S – 973.5 ± 15g
  • RoArm-M3-Pro – 1020.8g ± 15g
  • Table Edge Fixing Clamp – 290g ±10g

The End-of-Arm Tool (EoAT) clamp on the RoArm-M3 series consists of a two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) wrist joint, enabling pitch and horizontal rotation. It utilizes a direct-drive mechanism for precise force control, ensuring accurate object handling. The clamp supports modular attachments, such as mechanical grippers and vacuum-based suction tools, allowing customization based on application requirements. With LeRobot AI framework integration it can do inverse kinematics and deep learning-based control, optimizing motion planning and object manipulation in automated systems.

The RoArm-M3 series supports various tools, software, libraries, and web applications for integration and control. It is compatible with the LeRobot AI framework for motion control using inverse kinematics and deep learning. It supports  Python, C++, and ROS2 support for programming, with APIs for motion planning, sensor input, and control. The system also includes a web-based and standalone GUI for operation, calibration, and diagnostics. It integrates with OpenCV for vision-based tasks and TensorFlow/PyTorch for AI-based object recognition. Communication interfaces include MQTT, WebSocket, and REST APIs for industrial automation and cloud-based monitoring. You can generally find more information about the product on their wiki page, but at the time of writing the page is empty, but they have various other information available on their products page.

Previously we have written about the previous generation Waveshare RoArm-M2 robotic arm, another ESP32-based robotic arm, but with four degrees of freedom (4 DoF) and built using carbon fiber and aluminum alloy. The main difference between the RoArm-M2 and RoArm-M3 is that the new model has 5+1 degrees of freedom, which means the arm includes all 5 DOF movements (base, shoulder, elbow, wrist pitch, and gripper) plus an additional wrist rotation (1 DOF), which allows the end effector (gripper) to rotate horizontally. This provides better maneuverability, making it more suitable for complex tasks like precision gripping, manipulation, and AI-based applications. We have also written about SO-ARM100 open-source AI robotic arm kit with LeRobot framework and NVIDIA Jetson integration.

The RoArm-M3-xx series ESP32-based 5+1 DOF robotic arm is available on AliExpress for $331.39 (RoArm-M2-S) or $455.99 (RoArm-M2-Pro).

The post Waveshare ESP32 robotic arm kit with 5+1 DoF supports ROS2, LeRobot, and Jetson Orin NX integration appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News.

Large language models (LLMs) are all the rage in the generative AI world these days, with the truly large ones like GPT, LLaMA, and others using tens or even hundreds of billions of parameters to churn out their text-based responses. These typically require glacier-melting amounts of computing hardware, but the “large” in “large language models” doesn’t really need to be that big for there to be a functional, useful model. LLMs designed for limited hardware or consumer-grade PCs are available now as well, but [Binh] wanted something even smaller and more portable, so he put an LLM on a USB stick.

This USB stick isn’t just a jump drive with a bit of memory on it, though. Inside the custom 3D printed case is a Raspberry Pi Zero W running llama.cpp, a lightweight, high-performance version of LLaMA. Getting it on this Pi wasn’t straightforward at all, though, as the latest version of llama.cpp is meant for ARMv8 and this particular Pi was running the ARMv6 instruction set. That meant that [Binh] needed to change the source code to remove the optimizations for the more modern ARM machines, but with a week’s worth of effort spent on it he finally got the model on the older Raspberry Pi.

Getting the model to run was just one part of this project. The rest of the build was ensuring that the LLM could run on any computer without drivers and be relatively simple to use. By setting up the USB device as a composite device which presents a filesystem to the host computer, all a user has to do to interact with the LLM is to create an empty text file with a filename, and the LLM will automatically fill the file with generated text. While it’s not blindingly fast, [Binh] believes this is the first plug-and-play USB-based LLM, and we’d have to agree. It’s not the least powerful computer to ever run an LLM, though. That honor goes to this project which is able to cram one on an ESP32.

At ISE 2025, Artome’s Head of Sales for Europe, G, introduced the company’s innovative all-in-one, movable audiovisual solutions that require no installation. These systems integrate Epson ultra-short throw projectors to deliver large images from a short distance, ensuring high-quality visuals even in well-lit environments. The use of Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) screens further enhances image clarity.

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Megapixel VR is my ISE 2025 video coverage sponsor, check out my Megapixel/Ventana playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvg9YC437j-BJHzdBeVEpVfb
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Artome’s technology seamlessly combines projection and audio components into a cohesive unit. Their proprietary integration framework connects the Epson projectors with a built-in 2.1 sound system, featuring front-facing speakers and a subwoofer, to provide an immersive audiovisual experience. This design simplifies user interaction, making it suitable for various settings.

The mobility of Artome’s solutions allows users to adjust image sizes easily by repositioning the unit relative to the projection surface. This flexibility is particularly advantageous in educational environments, where spaces are repurposed frequently. The units are equipped with connectivity options to support meeting room peripherals such as microphones, cameras, and additional speakers, enhancing their versatility.

Artome’s product lineup includes models like the Artome M10 and Artome X20. The M10 utilizes an Epson EB-805F projector, capable of delivering up to 5,000 lumens of brightness, and supports image sizes ranging from 60 to 150 inches. The X20 is designed for larger venues, featuring an Epson EB-PU2010W projector with a brightness of 10,000 lumens and interchangeable lenses to accommodate various projection requirements.

These solutions are widely adopted in educational institutions and corporate environments. In schools, they facilitate dynamic teaching methods by providing flexible presentation tools. In corporate settings, they support modern office designs that prioritize adaptability and collaborative technologies. The installation-free nature of Artome’s products reduces setup time and costs, making them practical for diverse applications.

Artome, based in Finland, emphasizes high-quality manufacturing standards. Their collaboration with Epson stems from a shared commitment to producing reliable and environmentally conscious products. This partnership ensures that Artome’s solutions meet rigorous performance and sustainability criteria, aligning with the company’s core values.

For more information about Artome’s range of audiovisual solutions, visit their official website: https://artome.fi

Check out all my ISE 2025 videos in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhSl82o7cYiTSXCtEJ5MeOZ

This video was filmed using the DJI Pocket 3 ($669 at https://amzn.to/4aMpKIC using the dual wireless DJI Mic 2 microphones with the DJI lapel microphone https://amzn.to/3XIj3l8 ), watch all my DJI Pocket 3 videos here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhDlWIAxm_pR9dp7ArSkhKK

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At ISE 2025, VNS Inc. showcased their GeoBox technology, a hardware-based video processing solution from Taipei, Taiwan, designed to enhance immersive displays and multi-viewer applications. GeoBox integrates all necessary video processing capabilities into a single device, distinguishing it from other market offerings. A typical setup includes a curved screen environment, utilizing GeoBox for geometric corrections to align images seamlessly across display areas. In one demonstration, two projectors were connected to a single GeoBox unit, effectively merging their outputs. The projectors used in this setup were provided by Vivitek, a partner known for their high-quality display solutions.

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Megapixel VR is my ISE 2025 video coverage sponsor, check out my Megapixel/Ventana playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvg9YC437j-BJHzdBeVEpVfb
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Another innovative display featured a special film developed by Infitech, a leading 3D solution provider. This film enables holographic-like projections without the need for glasses, creating what is often referred to as a “ghost screen.” When inactive, the screen appears transparent; upon projection at a 30-degree angle, it displays vivid images that are visible even under strong ambient light, making it ideal for storefronts and public displays.

The GeoBox system simplifies the setup by requiring only a projector and a media player, such as a BrightSign unit, to deliver content. The GeoBox handles image alignment, geometric corrections, and flipping, ensuring the projected content fits precisely within the designated display area. This eliminates the need for complex power supplies or additional equipment, streamlining the installation process.

GeoBox’s versatility extends to various applications, including edge blending, warping, and video wall control. Its hardware-based design ensures reliability and ease of use, eliminating the need for PC-based software and reducing potential points of failure. This makes it a robust solution for both permanent installations and temporary setups in diverse environments.

For more information about GeoBox and its range of video processing solutions, visit VNS Inc.’s official website: https://www.vnstw.com/

Check out all my ISE 2025 videos in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhSl82o7cYiTSXCtEJ5MeOZ

This video was filmed using the DJI Pocket 3 ($669 at https://amzn.to/4aMpKIC using the dual wireless DJI Mic 2 microphones with the DJI lapel microphone https://amzn.to/3XIj3l8 ), watch all my DJI Pocket 3 videos here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhDlWIAxm_pR9dp7ArSkhKK

Join https://www.youtube.com/charbax/join for Early Access to my videos as soon as I upload them before they go public.

Virtual Reality in woodworking sounds like a recipe for disaster—or at least a few missing fingers. But [The Swedish Maker] decided to put this concept to the test, diving into a full woodworking project while wearing a Meta Quest 3. You can check out the full experiment here, but let’s break down the highs, lows, and slightly terrifying moments of this unconventional build.

The plan: complete a full furniture build while using the VR headset for everything—from sketching ideas to cutting plywood. The Meta Quest 3’s passthrough mode provided a semi-transparent AR view, allowing [The Swedish Maker] to see real-world tools while overlaying digital plans. Sounds futuristic, right? Well, the reality was more like a VR fever dream. Depth perception was off, measuring was a struggle, and working through a screen-delayed headset was nauseating at best. Yet, despite the warped visuals, the experiment uncovered some surprising advantages—like the ability to overlay PDFs in real-time without constantly running back to a computer.

So is VR useful to the future of woodworking? If you’re a woodworking novice, you might steer clear from VR and read up on the basics first. For the more seasoned: maybe, when headsets evolve beyond their current limitations. For now, it’s a hilarious, slightly terrifying experiment that might just inspire the next wave of augmented reality workshops. If you’re more into electronics, we did cover the possibilities with AR some time ago. We’re curious to know your thoughts on this development in the comments!

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng is reportedly set to meet with China’s top politicians, including Chinese leader Xi Jinping, during a summit that Alibaba founder Jack Ma is also expected to attend. The summit, which could happen as soon as next week, may be intended as a signal by China’s Communist Party that […]

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TCL China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT) is pioneering advancements in e-paper displays by integrating their proprietary thin-film transistor (TFT) backplane technology. This innovation enhances the performance and scalability of large-format E Ink displays, making them more cost-effective and versatile for various applications

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Megapixel VR is my ISE 2025 video coverage sponsor, check out my Megapixel/Ventana playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvg9YC437j-BJHzdBeVEpVfb
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E-paper technology, renowned for its energy efficiency, consumes power only during image transitions, maintaining static images without energy use. TCL CSOT’s latest four-color e-paper displays, now in mass production, are utilized in supermarkets across Europe and China. These displays offer vibrant colors, including the newly added blue, alongside the traditional yellow, red, black, and white, achieved through advanced treatments to the panel.

The displays are available in various sizes, catering to diverse needs. For larger formats, a constant power supply is necessary, with image updates taking approximately 1 to 14 seconds. The four-color system, enhanced by the addition of blue, allows for the creation of a wide spectrum of colors, enabling the display of realistic images on large screens.

TCL CSOT’s TFT backplane technology provides a flexible substrate for E Ink panels, allowing for the production of displays in various sizes, including large formats like 31.5 inches. This flexibility addresses the industry’s challenge of high costs associated with large e-paper displays. By improving production yield rates and scaling up manufacturing volumes, TCL CSOT aims to make large-format e-paper displays more affordable and accessible.

The company acknowledges that reducing costs in large e-paper displays requires industry-wide advancements in E Ink technology. Improving yield rates and achieving economies of scale are essential steps toward making these displays more affordable for broader applications, including professional settings, galleries, and retail environments.

In professional and artistic contexts, TCL CSOT envisions the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the capabilities of e-paper displays. Future developments may allow users to create personalized images and paintings through AI, offering dynamic and interactive visual experiences.

Check out all my ISE 2025 videos in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhSl82o7cYiTSXCtEJ5MeOZ

This video was filmed using the DJI Pocket 3 ($669 at https://amzn.to/4aMpKIC using the dual wireless DJI Mic 2 microphones with the DJI lapel microphone https://amzn.to/3XIj3l8 ), watch all my DJI Pocket 3 videos here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhDlWIAxm_pR9dp7ArSkhKK

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Any success takes one in a row. Do one thing well, then another. Once, then once more. Over and over until the end, then it's one in a row again.

— Matthew McConaughey
From the book Greenlights

Big things start small. It's easy to get caught up in trying to do everything at once, but you have to start somewhere. You don't need to complete the whole row today. Every sustained success starts with the first one. Sketchplanations started as one in a row.

After the first few successes, the power of streaks can take over. Oh, and never miss twice.

I created a series of sketches on getting started. Find them at: https://sketchplanations.com/categories/starting

Greenlights is full of fun stories. I highly recommend the audiobook of Greenlights with Matthew McConaughey's full-of-life performance—like no other audiobook I've listened to.

Related Ideas to the One-in-a-Row Principle

Also see:

• The Doorstep Mile
• The First Draft is Always Perfect
• Benefits to Getting Started
• Eat the Frog

Shenzhen AVLINK showcased its holographic ChatGPT-based avatar at ISE 2025, a digital assistant capable of answering user queries using an AI-driven model. The avatar, named Alis, interacts with users in real-time, providing responses based on an AI platform. While the chatbot is designed for conversational AI, it is acknowledged that its answers may sometimes be inaccurate or influenced by AI-generated assumptions. Connectivity plays a crucial role in the response speed, and in this demonstration, the bot was reliant on a mobile internet connection, affecting performance.

The holographic assistant is built on a Chinese-developed AI software platform, with future iterations aiming to enhance realism through improved facial animation and lip-syncing. The goal is to create an AI-driven persona that delivers fast, human-like responses with precise visual synchronization, making the interaction more engaging and natural. The company is actively working on optimizing these features, aiming to bridge the gap between AI-generated speech and realistic facial expressions.

In terms of pricing, the cost of the holographic ChatGPT system varies depending on the configuration and requirements of the customer. Shenzhen AVLINK provides tailored solutions, and those interested in acquiring the system are encouraged to inquire directly through their website: www.LCDhome.live. The company emphasizes its ability to customize solutions to fit different environments and applications, whether for retail, customer service, or personal use.

Beyond AI avatars, Shenzhen AVLINK also produces a variety of digital signage solutions. The exhibition featured an assortment of display technologies, including round, square, and unconventional LCD screens tailored for commercial applications. These displays are designed for shopping malls and retail environments, offering a unique approach to digital advertising and information display.

One of the highlighted digital signage products was an Android-based screen with a built-in CMS (Content Management System), allowing users to manage displayed content seamlessly. Shenzhen AVLINK has already shipped over 200 units of its digital signage systems to Mexico, where they have been installed in shopping malls. The company prides itself on rapid delivery times, often fulfilling orders within three days.

The company operates with a factory workforce of over 100 employees, ensuring scalability and fast production cycles. With a focus on both AI-driven digital assistants and cutting-edge display technologies, Shenzhen AVLINK positions itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of digital interaction and commercial display solutions.

ISE 2025 attendees witnessed firsthand the potential of integrating AI avatars with holographic display technology, an area poised for significant growth. As AI-generated interactions become more sophisticated, the demand for realistic and responsive digital assistants continues to rise, opening new possibilities for retail, hospitality, and customer service applications

Check out all my ISE 2025 videos in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhSl82o7cYiTSXCtEJ5MeOZ

This video was filmed using the DJI Pocket 3 ($669 at https://amzn.to/4aMpKIC using the dual wireless DJI Mic 2 microphones with the DJI lapel microphone https://amzn.to/3XIj3l8 ), watch all my DJI Pocket 3 videos here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhDlWIAxm_pR9dp7ArSkhKK

Join https://www.youtube.com/charbax/join for Early Access to my videos as soon as I upload them before they go public.

YES TECH, a professional LED screen manufacturer based in China, showcased their latest innovations at ISE 2025 in Barcelona. Specializing in rental business solutions, they presented a captivating “Time Tunnel” installation, featuring their Magic Stage series. This setup included a four-circle design and a robust dance floor capable of supporting up to 4.6 tons, allowing for dynamic performances and even vehicular displays.

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Megapixel VR is my ISE 2025 video coverage sponsor, check out my Megapixel/Ventana playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvg9YC437j-BJHzdBeVEpVfb
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The Magic Stage series is versatile, functioning as a dance floor with interactive capabilities, depending on the solution implemented. Each panel can support significant weight, ensuring durability for large-scale events. Additionally, YES TECH introduced the Rubik series, capable of displaying content on six sides, including the top, enhancing visual engagement.

A notable highlight was the Dream Castle solution, constructed using the S series from the Time Tunnel and Magic Stage. This configuration allows for stacking, hanging, and combining creative shapes like triangles, rounds, and cubes, enabling the creation of intricate and imaginative stage designs.

YES TECH’s modular design ensures ease of assembly, akin to building with LEGO blocks. The panels connect seamlessly using secure connectors that handle both power and data transmission, simplifying the setup process.

With over 24 years of experience, YES TECH has established a significant presence in the LED display industry, serving markets across Europe and North America. Their MT series, a transparent display solution, offers high transparency, making it an excellent choice for stage backgrounds and other applications where see-through displays are desired.

The company has been involved in high-profile projects, including providing LED displays for major events like the Super Bowl in the United States, demonstrating their capability to deliver large-scale, high-quality visual solutions.

YES TECH’s commitment to innovation and quality continues to position them as a leader in the LED display industry, offering versatile and reliable solutions for various applications.

Check out all my ISE 2025 videos in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhSl82o7cYiTSXCtEJ5MeOZ

This video was filmed using the DJI Pocket 3 ($669 at https://amzn.to/4aMpKIC using the dual wireless DJI Mic 2 microphones with the DJI lapel microphone https://amzn.to/3XIj3l8 ), watch all my DJI Pocket 3 videos here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhDlWIAxm_pR9dp7ArSkhKK

Join https://www.youtube.com/charbax/join for Early Access to my videos as soon as I upload them before they go public.