Chinese Robot Makers Showcase Humanoids for Lunar New Year

Chinese robot manufacturers are using humanoid robots for Lunar New Year entertainment. These companies are promoting their robots' song-and-dance skills to the public, potential customers, investors, and government officials.

Credit: AGIBOT

Shanghai-based robotics start-up Agibot recently live-streamed an almost hour-long variety show. Its robots danced, performed acrobatics, performed magic, lip-synced ballads, and appeared in comedy sketches.

Credit: AGIBOT

Other Agibot humanoid robots waved from an audience section during the performance. An estimated 1.4 million people watched the show on Chinese streaming platform Douyin.

Agibot called the event "the world's first robot-powered gala." Agibot's show ran a week before China's annual Spring Festival gala.

State television airs the Spring Festival gala, which is a venue for Chinese robot makers to display their success. A squad of 16 full-size humanoids from Unitree joined human dancers in performing at China Central Television's 2025 gala.

Millions of viewers offered accolades for this performance. Less than three weeks later, Unitree's founder attended a high-profile symposium.

Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired the symposium. The Hangzhou-based robotics firm has since prepared for a potential initial public offering.

This year's CCTV gala will feature four humanoid robot startups. These companies include Unitree, Galbot, Noetix, and MagicLab, according to statements from the firms and the broadcaster.

Credit: AGIBOT

Agibot's gala used more than 200 robots. It streamed on social media platforms RedNote, Sina Weibo, TikTok, and its Chinese version Douyin.

Chinese-language television networks HTTV and iCiTi TV also broadcast the performance. Ma Hongyun, a photographer and writer, stated in a Weibo post that human-computer interaction "may come faster than we think" when robots understand Lunar New Year and humour.

Hongyun has 4.8 million followers on Weibo. Agibot stated its humanoid robots are designed for applications in education, entertainment, and factories.

The company plans an initial public offering in Hong Kong. State-run Securities Times reported Agibot opted out of the CCTV gala.

Agibot aimed to focus its spending on research and development. Agibot demonstrated two robots to Xi during a previous visit.

U.S. billionaire Elon Musk has shifted automaker Tesla toward a focus on artificial intelligence and the Optimus humanoid robot. Musk stated that the only competitive threat in robotics comes from Chinese firms.

Musk also used stunts to promote Optimus, rolling out human-directed robots as bartenders at an event in 2024.

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• Chinese robot manufacturers are showcasing humanoid robots for Lunar New Year entertainment, promoting their capabilities to various audiences.

• Agibot live-streamed a variety show featuring its robots, which drew an estimated 1.4 million viewers on the Douyin platform.

• China's annual Spring Festival gala serves as a key platform for robot firms, including Unitree, Galbot, Noetix, and MagicLab, to demonstrate their success.

Source: REUTERS

Amazon Explores AI Content Marketplace

Amazon has signaled to publishing industry executives that it is planning to launch a marketplace where publishers can sell their content to firms offering artificial intelligence products, The Information reported on Monday.

Credit: AMAZON

Ahead of an Amazon Web Services conference on Tuesday, AWS has circulated slides that mention a content marketplace, the report said. This information came from two individuals who discussed the project with Amazon.

The slides show AWS grouping the marketplace with its core AI tools, including Bedrock and Quick Suite, when describing products publishers can use in their businesses, the report added.

This development comes as publishers and AI companies negotiate over the rules for using online content. These discussions cover content for training models and generating answers for users.

Publishers are pressing for usage-based fees that rise with how much their content is used.

Last week, Microsoft is working on a Publisher Content Marketplace (PCM), an AI licensing hub that shows usage terms set by publishers.

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• Amazon plans an AI content marketplace for publishers.

• The marketplace will allow publishers to sell content to AI firms.

• Amazon Web Services circulated slides grouping it with core AI tools.

Source: REUTERS

Singapore Launches Largest Cybersecurity Operation Against UNC3886

In a significant move to bolster its cybersecurity, Singapore has activated over 100 cyber defenders from six government agencies and four local telecommunications companies to combat the cyberespionage group known as UNC3886. This operation, dubbed Operation Cyber Guardian, marks the largest coordinated response to a cyber threat in the nation's history. The initiative was launched following the discovery that UNC3886 had infiltrated the telecommunications networks of major providers including Singtel, StarHub, M1, and Simba Telecom.

Credit: UNSPLASH

The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) jointly announced the operation, highlighting the collaborative effort required to tackle such a sophisticated adversary. The involvement of multiple agencies, including the Singapore Armed Forces' Digital and Intelligence Service, underscores the seriousness of the threat posed by UNC3886.

Mr Law Che Lin, a lead cybersecurity consultant at CSA's Cybersecurity Engineering Centre, explained that UNC3886 employs advanced tactics that make it particularly challenging to detect. He likened their methods to a thief who meticulously wipes away any traces of their presence after a break-in, making it difficult for defenders to identify their activities within the network.

At a recent engagement event, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo acknowledged the efforts of the cyber defenders, emphasising the importance of their work in safeguarding the nation's digital infrastructure. Mr Law, who has been instrumental in leading purple teaming exercises, noted that these simulations involve a red team conducting mock attacks while a blue team defends against them. This approach allows defenders to validate their security measures and identify any vulnerabilities that need addressing.

The initial breach by UNC3886 was facilitated through a zero-day vulnerability in the perimeter firewall, a flaw that had not been previously identified. Mrs Teo elaborated on this, comparing it to discovering a new key that unlocks a door that was thought to be secure. Once inside, UNC3886 expanded its foothold using sophisticated malware, including the Medusa rootkit, which is designed to evade detection by conventional antivirus software. This malware can conceal other malicious software, such as keyloggers and viruses, further complicating the defenders' efforts.

To counteract the threat, Singapore's cyber defenders have taken decisive action by closing off access points and altering login credentials, which has forced UNC3886 to adapt its tactics and lie low. While the attackers managed to access servers that control internal telecommunications systems, the data exfiltrated was primarily network-related, with no evidence suggesting that sensitive personal information, such as customer records, was compromised.

The operation has required extensive preparation, with teams meticulously combing through vast amounts of data to identify signs of compromise. Military Expert 5 Eugene Tay, who leads the Threat Hunting Centre within the Digital and Intelligence Service, described the process as mentally taxing but essential for ensuring the security of the telecommunications networks. He highlighted the importance of teamwork and mutual trust among the various agencies involved, stating that effective cybersecurity is a collective effort that benefits from the diverse skills of each defender.

As the operation continues, the commitment and focus of the cyber defenders remain unwavering. Their dedication to protecting Singapore's digital landscape is a testament to the nation's resolve in the face of evolving cyber threats. The collaborative nature of this operation not only enhances the immediate response to UNC3886 but also sets a precedent for future cybersecurity initiatives in Singapore.

• Over 100 cyber defenders activated from six government agencies and four telcos

• Operation Cyber Guardian is Singapore's largest coordinated cybersecurity response

• UNC3886 employs advanced tactics that complicate detection efforts

• No evidence of sensitive personal data being compromised during the attacks