Emerging Tech - Digital Trends

China has launched a national digital ID system for humanoid robots, assigning each bipedal machine a unique code that tracks it from production to recycling.

A disturbing new report details how a man’s emotional attachment to a customized AI chatbot spiraled into obsession, delusion, hospitalization, and financial ruin.

DeepSeek’s massive 75% price cut on its flagship AI model could signal a major shift in the global AI race. Behind the scenes, Huawei’s growing AI chip ecosystem may be starting to reshape how cheaply powerful AI can actually run.

A new biodegradable device made from gelatin, table salt, and activated charcoal can generate electricity from humidity in the air, opening new possibilities for battery-free wearable tech.

Starbucks is scrapping its AI-powered inventory tool across North America after the system reportedly struggled with frequent counting and labeling errors.

More than 10,000 rhinos have been poached in South Africa in 15 years. A new satellite system that tracks animal panic might finally give rangers the upper hand.

Artly’s Jarvis robot barista uses computer vision, motion capture, and championship level coffee techniques to deliver consistent café quality drinks at scale.

Google confirmed at I/O 2026 that Magic Cue on Pixel 10 is expanding to third-party apps including Snapchat, along with a redesigned bottom-of-screen UI.

The University of Lincoln won a Silver Gilt medal at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 for an exhibit that uses robots and AI to scan plant health and shape the future of food.

A University of Florida study presented at the 2026 IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy found commercially available AI text detectors have false positive rates up to 68.6%.

Google’s Gemini for Science pushes AI beyond research summaries, with experimental tools for hypotheses, computational testing, and literature review. The bigger question is whether it can earn trust inside real labs.

Google’s experimental Project Genie is no longer building worlds from imagination alone. With Street View now in the mix, the line between real places and AI-generated realities is starting to blur in fascinating ways.

Google is reshaping the future of TVs with Gemini-powered discovery and a brand-new way to navigate apps. The biggest change, however, may not be on the screen at all — but in your remote.

Google may be quietly testing stricter usage limits inside Gemini, and it could change how “free” AI tools actually feel going forward. A newly spotted screenshot hints at a future where unlimited chatbot access might finally come with strings attached.

Scientists hit 112Gbps over a 560GHz wireless link, showing how microcomb-driven terahertz technology could help future 6G networks move data faster behind the scenes.

Google’s Gemini app may soon let users control how deeply the AI “thinks” before responding. New third-party integrations also appear to be on the way ahead of I/O 2026.

Japan’s bizarre “Monster Wolf” robot deterrents are seeing soaring demand as the country struggles with record bear sightings and attacks.

OpenAI has partnered with Malta to provide nationwide access to ChatGPT Plus, marking one of the company’s most ambitious government AI rollouts yet.

Kenya has reportedly raised concerns over Microsoft’s planned $1 billion AI data center, warning that the project could consume a massive chunk of the country’s electricity supply.

Amazon employees are reportedly using AI for unnecessary tasks to inflate internal usage metrics as companies continue aggressively pushing workplace AI adoption.

Google’s Gemini Intelligence sounds like the next big leap for Android AI, but there’s a surprising catch hiding behind the hype. Even some recent flagship phones may not make the cut.

The ROG Xreal R1 AR glasses are now available to preorder at Best Buy for $849, with Xreal's own store opening May 17 and worldwide shipping from June 1.

A new leak suggests Google may be preparing a more powerful version of Gemini that can manage inbox clutter, generate meeting briefs, and even create custom AI skills.

A new AI tool from Cornell researchers helps you make better decisions by spotting contradictions between your stated values and actual choices.

NTU researchers have developed ultra-thin transparent solar cells that could turn windows, car glass, and wearables into clean power sources without changing how they look.

Microsoft Edge is bringing Copilot tab reasoning, Journeys, Voice, and Vision to mobile, giving smartphone users a real reason to try it before Chrome’s Gemini upgrade arrives.