Surprising Science — April 25, 2012

NAO

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

The NAO is a fully programmable, 57cm humanoid robot made by Alderaban Robotics.

This cute robot contains a full array of body language, text and visual recognition, as well as the ability to connect to other devices in your home and other NAOs. The robot’s ease of use and likability has made it a valuable research tool in over 350 universities around the world in fields as diverse as navigation and autism.

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A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

A robotic prosthetic arm with visible internal mechanisms, wires, and a mechanical hand. Labels such as "SFU" and "BESOM" are visible on the arm casing.

The Present

The Cybathlon: Bionic athletes compete for the gold — and push assistive technologies forward

In the international competition, people with physical disabilities put state-of-the-art devices to the test as they race to complete the tasks of everyday life.

Microscopic image of a small electronic component with clear details of its structure and connections against a gray background.

The Future

Making microbots smart

What would it take to create a truly intelligent microbot, one that can operate independently?

a man sitting in a wheel chair next to a laptop.

High Culture

Stephen Hawking’s famous voice belonged to this pioneering MIT scientist

Dennis Klatt developed trailblazing text-to-speech systems before losing his own voice to cancer.

A man is working on a machine in a lab, using laser technology to apply precise pressure.

13.8

From fusion to exoplanets: How to squeeze matter with light

Light can be turned into heat, which can then be turned into motion, and the effect of that motion can be turned into a big squeeze.

A group of people collaboratively envisioning the future of work on a piece of paper.

Business

“Future of work” skills can be found — if you know where to look

To thrive in a rapidly changing future, we will need adaptable and diverse skill sets. Here’s where to look.

Up Next

A Marriage Ruined by Monogamy

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