Tesla’s Optimus robot shows off new skills in latest video

Plus: NASA gets its asteroid sample, nanotech unlocks energy from saltwater, surgical robot can remove brain tumors. 👀 A robot carefully grasps and sorts blocks, gracefully balances in yoga poses, and regains control when disturbed — is this a scene from a sci-fi movie? No, these impressive feats of dexterity and adaptability come from real-world humanoid robot Optimus, showcasing major strides in Tesla's secretive project. In a remarkable new video, Optimus demonstrates its rapidly advancing skills, with smooth motions that hint at a technological revolution that could free us from dull, dirty, and dangerous work. Tesla's ambitions for Optimus are lofty, but [this sneak peek]( suggests the future is quickly becoming reality. 🔑 Also today, machine learning in security is harder than other domains because of the changing nature and abilities of adversaries, high stakes, and a lack of ground-truth data. The [10 Machine Learning Blueprints ebook]( will prepare machine learning practitioners to effectively handle tasks in the challenging yet exciting cybersecurity space. Free for a limited period. Good morning. I’m Tim, newsletter editor at IE. This is the Blueprint. Let's start the week! VIDEO OF THE DAY [Is Nikola Tesla Overrated?]( The world’s first humanoid robot factory Agility Robotics, known for their renowned robot, Digit, plans to launch the world's first humanoid robot factory. This isn't just a facility where robots create gadgets, but a groundbreaking initiative where humanoid robots manufacture their own kind. SUPPORT INTERESTING ENGINEERING Invest in science and engineering Insider access to exclusive content, featuring riveting stories that take you right to the heart of the action. Engage with our thriving online community, dive into captivating science discoveries, and stay informed with our enlightening weekly premium newsletters. With IE+, quality reporting is more than just news - and it is Ad-Free. [SUBSCRIBE]( HOT TOPICS - ✨ [Upcoming Northern Lights to be the strongest in 20 years]( Observers will be able to witness the Northern Lights more frequently and from more locations on Earth if the trend continues. - ⚡️ [Wind power tech could unlock 80% more energy in the US]( The tech advancements are now entering commercial markets or will do so in the near future. - 💤 [ISRO tries to wake up Chandrayaan-3 after lunar night, no response yet]( The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will continue to try to contact Chandrayaan-3 until it receives a signal or until it runs out of time. - 🔐 [NASA plans to use blockchain to store data on the moon]( The solution would keep Earth's secrets safe. - 🤖 [NYPD now has a robot police officer for its Manhattan subway]( The new security robot appeared at a press conference in the station where it will be deployed. Must Read [🎥 Tesla’s Optimus robot shows off new skills in latest video]( Tesla's humanoid robot Optimus demonstrates impressive new skills in a recent video. It smoothly sorts blocks, balances in yoga poses, and adapts when disrupted. Optimus uses computer vision, precision joint control, and AI like Tesla's vehicles. Though still in development, progress appears to be rapid, and the latest video hints at exciting future applications. Optimus can now self-calibrate to new environments and position its limbs without external feedback, allowing precise interaction with objects. Though competitors like Apptronik have humanoid robots for industry, Optimus shows that Tesla is advancing quickly on robots that may take over dangerous, repetitive, and boring tasks. Elon Musk previously said that robots like Optimus [may eventually outnumber humans](. Click below to watch the latest footage. [[Read More]( [Science]( 🪨 NASA's OSIRIS-REx capsule safely delivers pristine asteroid sample The capsule containing rocks and dust from the ancient asteroid Bennu parachuted down and landed in the Utah desert ahead of schedule yesterday. Analysis of this pristine material from the time of the solar system’s formation over 4.5 billion years ago will help scientists better understand how our Sun and planets came to be. Now OSIRIS-REx will visit another asteroid called Apophis in 2029 after achieving this amazing feat of precision space exploration. [[Read More]( [Innovation]( 🧂 Saltwater Power: Nanotech harnesses 'Coulomb drag' Researchers have designed a nanoscale device that can generate clean electricity from the difference in salt concentration between seawater and freshwater. The device uses "Coulomb drag," a phenomenon where the flow of salt ions creates a voltage and current in the device's semiconductor materials. With further development, arrays of these devices along coastlines could potentially match or exceed the power density of solar cells. [[Read More]( [Health]( 🦾 This surgical robot can remove brain tumors from children Boston Children's Hospital is developing a surgical robot agile enough to remove brain tumors from children's small skulls, overcoming limitations of existing systems. The technology uses pre-curved nitinol tubes to provide greater maneuverability inside the head, increasing surgeons' workspace. While still pre-commercial, the robot brings the precision robotics to delicate pediatric neurosurgery, improving outcomes. [[Read More]( QUESTION OF THE DAY Do you think robots should be allowed to outnumber people in the workforce? [It appears to be inevitable]( [Human jobs must be protected]( [Yes, we need help from robots]( [Only on dangerous jobs]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS We asked you about space-based 5G internet, and the overwhelming majority agreed that it will be of significant benefit to the unconnected and under-connected. 48% Connecting the unconnected 30% Equalizing internet access everywhere 15% Multiplying cybersecurity risks 7% Allowing unrestricted drone warfare “Progress.” Elon Musk, responding to the new Teslabot video THE ACCESSORY CORNER [Elgato Stream Deck Classic]( [$119.99]( [Hikity Wireless CarPlay]( [$129.99]( [Zhiyun Tripod Combo]( [$179.00]( [HOU Keyboard Case]( [$119.98]( AND ANOTHER THING - [These adorable Japanese robots are being used for elder care]( - [Solar power and storage prices have dropped almost 90%]( - [How air quality systems could solve the biodiversity crisis]( [premium] - [MRI reveals long-term organ abnormalities after COVID-19]( - [How magnetized sand can flow uphill against gravity]( - [Earth’s crust and mantle grew in sync, study finds]( - [Autonomous sailing drones deployed to protect marine life]( - [AI used to bring stable satellite internet to remote areas]( - [From scraps to solutions: charting progress in metals recycling]( [premium] - [Blue light exposure in male rats leads to early puberty]( Need help with advertising? 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