Author: kissdev
The Growing Trend of Virtual Companions in Youth Culture Virtual friends are becoming a cultural phenomenon among young people, offering a blend of accessibility, emotional safety, and creative engagement that’s hard to match in the real world. Recent statistics highlight the scale of this trend: Cultural icons like VTubers (e.g., Hololive) and digital avatars for K-pop stars have further normalized the idea of forming meaningful connections with virtual personalities. These virtual friends aren’t just functional—they’re aspirational, offering a sense of belonging, creativity, and self-expression that aligns with the values of younger generations. The Rise of Personalized Role-Play and Virtual Companions…
At Northeastern University’s bustling Boston campus, a unique experiment in human-robot interaction is unfolding, spearheaded by computer science professor Zhi Tan. The heart of this initiative is “Marlo,” a helper robot navigating the complex environment of the West Village H residential building—a blend of classrooms and study spaces conducive to cultivating innovative learning and research. Marlo, short for the Hello Stretch 3 robot model equipped with a camera sensor and a grip arm, is the brainchild of students and faculty at the Khoury College of Computer Sciences, where Zhi Tan’s lab is deeply invested in developing robotic assistants. Despite Marlo’s…
The global landscape of wearable technology experienced a notable boost, growing by 3% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year, according to esteemed market analyst firm Canalys. This expansion marks a significant milestone as shipments rose to an impressive 52.9 million units, underscoring a surge in demand for affordable, innovative wearable solutions that continue to captivate consumers worldwide. At the forefront of this phenomenon are market titans Xiaomi and Apple, who have managed to maintain their stronghold as industry leaders. Xiaomi, in particular, is reveling in its most successful quarter since late 2020, significantly propelled by…
High blood pressure, commonly known as hypertension, afflicts approximately 1.3 billion individuals globally. This condition is a leading risk factor for mortality worldwide, contributing to an estimated 10 million deaths annually, as highlighted by the World Heart Federation. Despite the availability of effective treatments for hypertension, its detection and ongoing monitoring pose significant challenges. Dr. Kazuomi Kario of Jichi Medical University recently emphasized the transformative potential of wearable technology, such as smartwatches, in managing high blood pressure. Published in the renowned Journal of the American Heart Association, Dr. Kario’s study endorses the practicality of wearable devices as “validated and reliable”…
Embarking on a journey to transform your eating habits often comes with its own set of challenges, not least of which is the daunting task of monitoring the nutritional content of everything you consume. Traditionally, this involves the laborious process of maintaining a detailed food diary. Enter The Drop, a pioneering device poised to simplify this endeavor by offering an automated solution that could potentially change the way we track our diets. As reported by New Atlas, The Drop is a groundbreaking wearable currently seeking support through Kickstarter to establish itself as the first truly automated nutrition tracker on the…
In a sci-fi-inspired development that blurs the lines between fiction and reality, China’s streets have become the testing ground for a revolutionary spherical robot designed by Logon Technology. Unveiled as RT-G, this autonomous orb marks a significant milestone in robotic advancements, promising to bolster public safety measures by assisting or even replacing humans in perilous environments. These cutting-edge robots demonstrate remarkable versatility, maneuvering seamlessly across both land and water. Their durability is as impressive as their agility; each unit can reach speeds of up to 35 kilometers per hour (approximately 22 miles per hour) and withstand impacts equivalent to four…
In a significant leap forward for soft robotics, researchers at North Carolina State University have unveiled a groundbreaking swimming robot that draws inspiration from the graceful movements of manta rays. This innovation not only outpaces previous iterations but also showcases remarkable efficiency and adaptability, contributing to the expanding potential of robotic applications in marine environments. Two years ago, NC State’s team of engineers made waves with a prototype soft robot capable of swimming at 3.74 body lengths per second. This earlier model set a high bar, but according to Jie Yin, the study’s corresponding author and an associate professor specializing…
MagicLab, officially known as Magic Atom Robotics Technology, is redefining the future of factory automation with its cutting-edge humanoid robots dubbed MagicBot. Established in December 2023, the company has taken significant strides in enhancing the efficiency of sectors like search and rescue, logistics, and manufacturing. MagicBot stands out with its impressive technical specifications, featuring 42 degrees of freedom that allow it remarkable flexibility. Each of its arms is capable of lifting 44 pounds (or 20 kilograms), and combined, the humanoid can manage a total load of 88 pounds (or 40 kilograms). This dexterous design not only boosts the operational effectiveness…
The launch of Meta’s first true AR glasses, Orion, unveiled in September, marked a significant leap in interactive technology by showcasing a new trio of interactions — eye movements, gestures, and myoelectric wristbands. These innovations have stirred considerable interest, especially the myoelectric wristband, which, though not new, emerges as a possible cornerstone for future AR technology. Before diving into the specifics of true AR glasses, it’s enlightening to consider the earlier iterations like AI glasses, seen in products such as Ray-Ban Meta. These devices featured basic functionalities, managed through simple touchpads, physical buttons, and voice commands, sufficient for basic AI…
In the rapidly evolving world of SaaS businesses, Customer Success teams face unprecedented complexity. From managing an ever-expanding suite of product features to nurturing long-term client relationships, they must constantly adapt to remain one step ahead of user needs. In this first installment of our “Weekly AIoT Agent Story” series, we introduce the SaaSphere AI Glasses from OpenWing.AI — a revolutionary wearable concept designed to transform how SaaS platforms deliver Customer Success at scale. The Challenges in Today’s Customer Success Operations For most SaaS providers, ensuring outstanding Customer Success experiences is no small feat. Consider these realities: 1. Expanding Product…