Humanoid robot, adorned in a cowboy hat, captivates West Hollywood audience in a widely-shared video, embodying a celebratory Pride spirit
In the world of robotics, a new star has emerged, captivating crowds and sparking debate across the globe. Jake the Rizzbot, developed by China-based Unitree Robotics, is a 4.3-foot-tall, AI-powered humanoid robot that is redefining the boundaries between industrial robots and social companions.
Priced around $16,000, Jake weighs approximately 170 kg and features advanced joint flexibility with 23-34 joint motors, enabling it to simulate human-like movements and swagger realistically. Designed as an "AI avatar," Jake grows smarter through deep reinforcement learning and simulation training, allowing it to enhance its interaction skills over time by learning from social engagements like high-fives or conversations.
Jake first made an appearance in Austin, Texas, where it donned a cowboy hat and used a charming Texan-style slang combined with modern Gen Z and Gen Alpha expressions. This mix of southern charm and trendy "rizz" (charisma) language lets Jake compliment people with phrases like "You look clean, nephew," or "That clean drip locked down," making him a sociable, outgoing humanoid who interacts casually and warmly with passersby.
Equipped with 3D LiDAR, a RealSense depth camera, and a noise-canceling microphone for voice interaction, Jake is remotely operated through a wireless controller, combining AI-assisted motion with real-time human input. Jake's voice is charismatic and self-aware, often making bold introductions and improvised praise or commentary tailored to each encounter.
While some praise Jake's antics as a creative combination of robotics and performance art, others have questioned its Chinese origins or attacked its Pride-themed appearance. However, the robot's operator typically stays nearby during public outings, and the identity remains unknown.
Jake's debut in Texas was just the beginning. Since then, he has been spotted wearing various outfits, including rainbow armbands, a tutu, and waving Pride Progress flags. He has also been seen in West Hollywood, California, where he has wooed crowds with his flamboyant personality and flashy appearance.
Meanwhile, in the realm of energy innovation, advancements are being made that could revolutionise the electric vehicle (EV) industry. A safer, long-lasting lithium battery has been built with a breakthrough method to boost EV efficiency. A battery developed in China retains 100% capacity after 350 cycles with 15x better electrolyte. Sodium-ion batteries have received a manganese-based breakthrough for longer life and high performance.
Another exciting development is a new method for storing hydrogen fuel at room temperature, which could potentially reduce the cost and complexity of hydrogen-powered vehicles. In Europe, a hydrogen hypersonic jet is being developed with the aim of flying at Mach 5.
In the military sphere, Australia's Navy is testing gravity-based navigation tech to counter GPS signal spoofing, while a US firm is developing a maglev space ramp to launch rockets to orbit with almost no fuel.
Moreover, wastewater and crop residue can be converted into clean fuel using a new green hydrogen method, and a wood-steel EV battery case has passed a 2,372°F fire test, running 212°F cooler than Tesla's.
Even in the realm of space exploration, new discoveries are being made. A 12,000-year-old Ice Age glacier core has been discovered in the Alps, containing ancient climate clues.
On a more concerning note, Houthi arms dealers have been using Facebook's Meta and Elon Musk's X to sell US guns.
In conclusion, while Jake the Rizzbot is captivating crowds with its charisma and interactive abilities, advancements in technology continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in various industries, from robotics to energy to space exploration. As these innovations continue to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how they shape our future.
- The recently debuted humanoid robot, Jake the Rizzbot, developed by China-based Unitree Robotics, is not only changing the landscape of robotics but also the entertainment industry with its charming Texan-style slang and flamboyant personality.
- Meanwhile, advancements in energy technology, such as a safer, long-lasting lithium battery for electric vehicles and a new method for storing hydrogen fuel at room temperature, are revolutionizing the electric vehicle and hydrogen-powered vehicle industries.
- In space exploration, a 12,000-year-old Ice Age glacier core has been discovered in the Alps, providing ancient climate clues, while in the military sphere, Australia's Navy is testing gravity-based navigation tech to counter GPS signal spoofing. These advancements, along with many others, are shaping the future in various industries, from robotics and energy to space exploration.
