Singapore Tech News, Features & Reviews

Japanese researchers have developed a silent, floating companion robot designed to glide through indoor spaces. This prototype, a collaboration between a team at Keio University in Tokyo and the MIT Media Lab, moves without the noise of drones or the limitations of wheeled devices. Its soft helium body allows safe contact, enabling gentle nudges, reminders, and even hugs without risk of injury to people or pets.

TikTok has outlined new initiatives aimed at identifying and mitigating the impact of AI generated content, particularly spam. These efforts include expanded literacy programmes, enhanced detection systems, and deeper transparency partnerships within the technology sector.

Chinese artificial intelligence start-up DeepSeek reportedly seeks approximately USD 70 billion in a new financing round, targeting a pre-investment valuation. This follows a Series A round that secured around USD 7 billion, valuing the firm at nearly USD 60 billion. DeepSeek is also expanding its workforce.

China has completed the world's first commercial surgical procedure involving an invasive brain computer interface device. This operation, utilising a system approved in March, signifies a notable advancement in the country's neurotechnology efforts, placing it in rivalry with Elon Musk's Neuralink.

Australia will establish an "Office of AI" within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. This new government body will coordinate the development of artificial intelligence standards across ministries. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the initiative, according to Reuters, which also includes directives for data centres to become net energy producers and restrict water consumption.

According to Pandaily, a Shanghai based quantum computing organisation, Zhongqi Wuliang, intends to unveil a data centre grade quantum computer concept. The firm, a spin out from the Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, will present this development at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference. This marks a notable step in the advancement of quantum technology.

The British government announced plans for a default overnight curfew on social media applications for individuals aged 16 and 17, according to Reuters. This measure adds to existing proposals for a comprehensive ban on social media use for all children under the age of 16. The new regulations seek to manage older teenagers' access to online platforms.

Researchers in China have developed an optical interconnect system designed to accelerate distributed artificial intelligence inference. This prototype reportedly achieved over a 100-fold increase in inference speed. The system required approximately one-ninth of the computational power typically used by commercial GPU-based systems for similar tasks.

A new smart adhesive material developed at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) in Xi'an demonstrates an over 400 fold increase in adhesion force when an electric current is applied. The material, a thin sheet, can securely hold a 5 kilogram dumbbell when electrified, a significant improvement over traditional materials. This development holds implications for various high tech industries, including chip manufacturing, soft robotics, and precision assembly processes.

Switzerland based security organisation SEALSQ and American semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries, GF, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement outlines joint development of post quantum security technologies, secure semiconductor platforms, and specialised electronics for future quantum computing systems.

Maker Jake Laser has developed an adaptive personal mobility system. He built this "bionic leg chair" for his father, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for two decades. The system aims to remove barriers posed by rough terrain, steep inclines, and stairs. It permits navigation beyond the capabilities of conventional wheelchairs.

The Long March 10B rocket recently completed a successful first flight recovery, accelerating competition within China's commercial space sector. Firms like LandSpace and JianYuan aim for reflight milestones by the close of the current year. This marks a critical phase for the industry.