Chinese Cities Feature Smart Robots, Drones in National Day Celebrations

Chinese cities are showcasing smart robots and drones during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, which runs from Oct. 1 to 8. These technological additions have brought a vibrant touch to the festive performances.

Credit: CMG

In Shenzhen, a technology hub in Guangdong Province, smart robots will transform into dancers after dark. They will perform the Yingge dance, a popular folk dance in Guangdong that combines opera, dance, and martial arts.

A group of humanoids with highly flexible joints will make striking figures while executing the complex Chinese choreography "Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva." During the holiday season, another humanoid robot will perform a well-known dance.

Credit: CCTV

Audience member Gan Zixuan said, "I find the robot quite agile, especially its feet and hands. Dancing alongside the robot brings me joy." During the holiday season, a humanoid robot will also perform a well-known dance, with its agile movements inspiring many children to join enthusiastically.

A drone performance on Oct. 1 in Guangzhou’s Zhongshan City amazed both locals and tourists. Over 1,000 drones created images of festive elements in the night sky, captivating spectators.

A similar drone display was also held in Huangmei county, Hubei Province. This show celebrated the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, offering breathtaking visual spectacles for residents and visitors alike.

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• Chinese cities used smart robots and drones for National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, held from Oct. 1 to 8.

• Shenzhen featured robots performing the Yingge dance and "Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva" choreography.

• An audience member praised the robots’ agility and enjoyment from dancing alongside them.

Source: CGTN

Pushing the Limits of an EV: Rainer Zietlow’s ID. Buzz Adventure in Singapore

Yesterday, endurance driver Rainer Zietlow rolled into Singapore, yet another milestone on his audacious quest to rewrite the map of electric-vehicle travel.

Behind the wheel was the all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz, the modern reincarnation of VW’s iconic bus, now embarking on one of its most extreme challenges yet.

A Pit Stop That Speaks Volumes

Singapore is not just another dot on the route, it marks a symbolic stop on what may become a Guinness World Record run for the most countries visited by an electric vehicle.

Over the past 84 to 97 days, Zietlow has already traversed 46 countries and covered over 46,400 km in the ID. Buzz, an astonishing proving ground for EV endurance. His arrival at the Volkswagen Centre Singapore was met with curiosity and admiration: a rare left-hand drive ID. Buzz showing up in Singapore, bringing with it tales of long roads, border crossings, charging challenges, and mechanical patience.

Trusting His Tires: No Swap Yet

One of the more astonishing revelations during this journey is that Zietlow has apparently not swapped out the GitiSynergy H2 tyres fitted on the ID. Buzz since the start.

These are the factory-spec tyres, designed especially for EV use: low rolling resistance, reinforced construction, and reliable wet grip. To think that a single set of tyres, subjected to tens of thousands of kilometres, varying climates, rough roads, and weather extremes, has held up without replacement is a bold testament to both tyre engineering and the cautious, disciplined driving required for such a journey.

What This Run Means for EVs

Zietlow’s expedition pushes the envelope not just of his personal resolve, but of what we assume electric vehicles can do. Every leg of the journey, rain, mountain passes, remote stretches, tests the limits of battery range, charging infrastructure, network compatibility, and mechanical durability. And so far, the ID. Buzz continues to deliver.

In Singapore, Zietlow’s arrival underscores how far EV technology has matured: an electric “bus” can now dream of global conquest, not just city runs. The fact that he leans on original tyres throughout, resists mid-journey replacements, and persists through logistical challenges paints a picture of an EV ecosystem evolving from experimental to robust.

Zietlow is no stranger to adversity. Yet his confidence remains firm with eight Guinness World Records already under his belt (in altitude, long-distance runs, and EV feats), Zietlow is no one-time stunt driver.

Looking Ahead

From Singapore, this journey presses onward, towards countries in Africa, Australia, the Middle East and beyond.

If all goes according to plan, the expedition will claim a new Guinness record for the most countries visited by an EV.

But regardless of the final tally, yesterday’s Singapore pit stop is a vivid illustration: with careful design, strategic preparation, and unyielding resolve, an electric vehicle can transcend its perceived limitations. Zietlow and the ID. Buzz are charting new territory, for himself, for Volkswagen, and for what EVs may promise in years to come.

Toyota Explores Off-Road Drone System

Toyota Motor is exploring the development of a small drone system primarily to support vehicle operations on unpaved roads and trails, the company announced on Tuesday. This system aims to boost situational awareness where it is unsafe to exit a vehicle.

Credit: TOYOTA

The Japanese automaker stated in a filing with the Federal Aviation Administration that the drones would provide drivers with views of the local environment. This includes potential hazards around and underneath the vehicle, enabling safer route planning and improved vehicle operations.

Credit: TOYOTA

Most drone flights would occur close to the vehicle. Operators may also fly a drone above the treeline to capture videos for orientation or to map the terrain, according to Toyota’s letter.

In Aug., the U.S. Transportation Department proposed new rules to speed the deployment of drones beyond the visual line of sight of operators. This is a key change needed to advance commercial uses, such as package deliveries.

Toyota submitted comments on the U.S. Transportation Department’s drone proposal, citing its previously unreported ongoing project. The company has not committed to implementing this drone system.

A spokesperson stated, "Toyota is constantly working on new technologies in various fields, we do not have any product plans to announce at this time."

The U.S. Transportation Department said eliminating some requirements "will significantly expand the use-case for drone technologies in areas like: manufacturing, farming, energy production, filmmaking, and the movement of products, including lifesaving medications."

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• Toyota is exploring a small drone system to enhance off-road vehicle operations.

• The system aims to improve situational awareness and aid safer route planning for drivers.

• Drones would fly close to vehicles, with capabilities to capture terrain videos from above the treeline.

Source: REUTERS