Weekly Piece of Future #109
From Non-Invasive Brain Tech to Humanoid Mass Production and Flying Cars
Hey there, fellow future-addicts!
Welcome to this week's edition of Rushing Robotics! Innovation is accelerating, and this issue brings you the latest in AI, robotics, biotech, and quantum computing. From AI-powered brain-computer interfaces to flying cars and breakthrough biotech treatments, the future is arriving faster than ever.
🤯 Mind-Blowing
This week, Cognixion's Axon R enters critical ALS trials—an AI-powered, non-invasive brain-computer interface that helps patients communicate using brain signals. Meanwhile, XPeng plans to mass-produce flying cars and humanoid robots as early as next year. Plus, researchers have identified BRP, a promising new weight-loss molecule that could outperform Ozempic without its side effects.
🔊 Industry Insights & Updates
Quantum computing is making huge strides, with D-Wave achieving a world-first by solving a real-world problem in minutes. Meanwhile, humanoid robot rentals are surging in China, while AgiBot introduces a generalist robot that can learn from human videos and adapt to new tasks. In food tech, HKUST unveils a 3D food printer combining AI and graphene to print and cook meals in one go.
🧬 BioTech
Australia has successfully implanted the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart, potentially revolutionizing heart failure treatment. On the HIV front, the lenacapavir injection shows promise as a once-a-year prevention method, while MIT has developed a method to convert skin cells into neurons—a potential breakthrough for neurodegenerative diseases.
💡 Products/Tools of the Week
Manus is a powerful AI agent that can autonomously execute complex tasks across multiple domains, from data analysis to report generation. Excel Whisper is an advanced AI mentor designed to help users master Excel, guiding them through everything from formulas to automation. Curiso provides an AI-powered workspace that helps users organize ideas and conduct research. Powerdrill AI is a data analysis platform that allows users to quickly gain insights and create reports by simply asking questions in natural language.
🎥 Video Section
In robotics, AgiBot showcases its Lingxi X2 humanoid robot, while UBTECH Robotics demonstrates Walker S1, featuring swarm intelligence. Google DeepMind introduces its Gemini Robotics, and Boston Dynamics takes us inside the lab with Atlas, showing its impressive precision in movement.
The possibilities ahead are limitless. From game-changing health innovations to AI-powered solutions, we're witnessing the dawn of a new era. Stay hungry, stay futurish!
🤯 Mind-Blowing
Cognixion, a US-based startup, has developed a non-invasive, AI-powered brain-computer interface (BCI) device, Axon R, which has now entered a critical patient trial. This study involves ten patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who will use the device to enhance communication with their families.
Axon R is a headset designed to monitor brain activity without surgical implantation. It utilizes electrodes placed on the occipital lobe at the back of the skull to capture electroencephalography (EEG) signals, specifically steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP). These brain signals are naturally triggered by visual stimuli flashing at regular intervals. Additionally, the headset incorporates augmented reality (AR) to present users with selectable letters, words, or phrases. Instead of requiring direct eye fixation, the device detects brain signals associated with attention to a given option, allowing users to communicate effortlessly. The system can then either display the message on a screen or read it aloud.
Chinese technology firm XPeng has announced its ambitious plans to mass-produce flying cars and humanoid robots as early as next year. According to He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO of XPeng Motors, if the project proceeds as scheduled, XPeng could become the world’s first company to achieve large-scale production of flying cars, as reported by a Chinese online daily. The company’s Iron humanoid robot is currently operational at its Guangzhou manufacturing facility, with mass production set to begin soon. Additionally, XPeng aims to introduce humanoid robots with entry-level Level 3 capabilities into moderate-scale commercial production by 2026. The company also showcased its flying car, the AEROHT, at CES 2025 in January. This innovative model features a modular design, incorporating a detachable air module seamlessly integrated within the ground vehicle.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have identified a naturally occurring molecule, BRP, that may serve as an alternative to semaglutide, the active ingredient in the weight loss drug Ozempic. BRP has demonstrated appetite-suppressing and weight-reducing effects in animal studies, without some of semaglutide’s common side effects, such as nausea, constipation, and muscle mass loss. Unlike semaglutide, BRP operates through a distinct yet related metabolic pathway, activating different neurons in the brain, potentially offering a more targeted and effective approach to weight management.
Researchers in the United States have developed ALA-CART, a next-generation CAR-T therapy designed to combat hard-to-treat cancers by enhancing the effectiveness of CAR-T cells against resistant tumors. For over a decade, CAR-T cell therapy has transformed cancer treatment by leveraging the body’s own immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. However, some cancer cells have developed mechanisms to evade detection, leading to relapse and treatment resistance. Traditional CAR-T therapy involves extracting a patient’s T-cells, genetically modifying them to recognize cancer cells, and reinfusing them into the body. While this method has been highly effective, certain cancers can escape immune detection, limiting long-term success. Dr. Catherine Danis’s team has pioneered ALA-CART to overcome these challenges, improving both targeting and functionality. Now, researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have introduced an innovative approach that further enhances the potential of CAR-T therapy in addressing resistant cancers.
China is experiencing a significant rise in humanoid robot rentals, with investors paying thousands of yuan per day for access. According to reports, rental orders from local enterprises are fully booked until June. A business owner from Hangzhou, Zhejiang, surnamed Jin, initially purchased three G1 robots but expanded his inventory to seven due to increasing demand. He first became interested in humanoid robots late last year, and after their popularity surged following the Spring Festival Gala, rental inquiries flooded in. Customers began reaching out via WeChat, particularly after the eighth day of the Chinese New Year. Despite a rental fee of 15,000 yuan per day, demand remains strong. In addition to Zhejiang, Jin has received orders from Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu, and Jiangsu. He reports that orders are booked until April 1 and that he has already recouped his initial investment in the robots.
🔊 Industry Insights & Updates
The study confirms that D-Wave’s system is the first to demonstrate quantum computational supremacy in solving a practical problem. The research highlights that D-Wave’s annealing quantum computer successfully simulated magnetic materials in just minutes—a task that would take nearly a million years and more energy than the world’s annual electricity consumption if performed by classical supercomputers utilizing GPU clusters. The performance of the D-Wave Advantage2 prototype in this achievement underscores its extraordinary computational capabilities.
AgiBot introduces Genie Operator-1 (GO-1), a groundbreaking generalist embodied foundation model designed to advance robotic intelligence. GO-1 is built on the Vision-Language-Latent-Action (ViLLA) framework, which integrates a Vision-Language Model (VLM) and a Mixture of Experts (MoE). The VLM leverages large-scale, heterogeneous internet data to enable robust scene and object comprehension. The MoE consists of two primary components: the Latent Planner, which learns general action principles from human operation and cross-embodiment data, and the Action Expert, trained on over a million real-world robot demonstrations to enhance high-frequency, dexterous manipulation. These components work together to provide GO-1 with unique capabilities, including learning from human videos, adapting to new tasks with few-shot generalization, operating across different embodiments, and continuously evolving to improve its performance.
Swedish researchers have made significant progress in the development of artificial muscles for robots by introducing a breakthrough 3D printing method for soft actuators. These dielectric elastic actuators (DEA) are constructed using silicone-based materials, integrating conductive electrodes with non-conductive dielectrics in precisely interlocked layers. According to scientists at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA), this innovation facilitates the efficient production of complex and flexible components, marking a major advancement in soft robotics and smart materials.
Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have unveiled a novel 3D food printer that leverages graphene and artificial intelligence (AI) to construct edible items layer by layer. The device features a precision infrared heating system, which ensures both food quality and safety while eliminating common issues found in conventional automated food fabrication. Traditional 3D food printing typically follows a two-step process: first, food paste is extruded to form a structure, which is then transferred to an external cooking unit, such as an oven or fryer. This process introduces contamination risks and often results in shape deformation due to handling between machines. HKUST’s innovation overcomes these limitations by integrating printing and cooking into a single automated workflow, significantly improving efficiency and safety in 3D-printed food production.
🧬 BioTech
Australia has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in medical innovation with the successful implantation of the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart. A patient who underwent the procedure in a six-hour surgery last November has made history as the first person to be discharged from the hospital while living with the device. He relied on the high-tech heart for over 100 days before receiving a donor transplant. The surgery was performed at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, led by cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Paul Jansz. Made from titanium, the BiVACOR heart was initially implanted as a temporary measure until a suitable donor heart became available. However, medical experts believe this advanced artificial heart has the potential to serve as a long-term, permanent replacement for patients with end-stage heart failure.
A revolutionary annual injection for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention has successfully cleared an important early safety trial. Researchers have reported that the drug, lenacapavir, works by preventing the virus from replicating inside cells. If further trials confirm its efficacy, this could become the longest-lasting HIV prevention method available. Currently, individuals at risk of HIV can take daily pills or receive injections every eight weeks as part of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). While effective, these methods require consistent adherence, which can be challenging. A once-a-year injection has the potential to enhance accessibility and improve adherence to HIV prevention, marking a significant advancement in public health.
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a novel technique to convert skin cells directly into neurons without first transforming them into stem cells. Demonstrated in mouse cells, this approach significantly enhances the efficiency of large-scale neuron production. If successfully adapted for human use, this breakthrough could revolutionize treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and spinal cord injuries. Unlike traditional methods that require reprogramming cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) before differentiation, MIT's technique enables direct conversion. By applying three transcription factors and two proliferation-supporting genes, researchers successfully turned mouse skin cells into motor neurons. This approach led to a 1,100% increase in neuron yield compared to existing methods, generating over ten neurons per skin cell.
💡Products/tools of the week
Manus is an advanced AI agent developed by Monica.im, specifically designed to autonomously execute complex tasks across diverse domains. Unlike conventional chatbots, Manus is capable of independently planning and executing multi-step processes, managing everything from report generation to in-depth data analysis. It seamlessly processes multiple data types, integrates with external tools, and continuously refines its capabilities through user interactions. Professionals, researchers, and individuals benefit from Manus’s efficiency in managing time-consuming tasks, its versatility across different fields, its deep analytical capabilities, and its ability to deliver comprehensive solutions rather than mere information.
Excel Whisper is an AI-powered tool designed to function as an advanced mentor for Excel users, offering personalized assistance, interactive examples, and customized solutions for tasks across all skill levels. This tool enables users to enhance their proficiency in Excel, streamline complex processes, and improve overall productivity when managing spreadsheets. Whether used by professionals, students, or educators, Excel Whisper provides valuable support in mastering advanced functions, automating repetitive tasks, and maximizing the potential of Excel for data analysis and reporting.
Curiso is an AI-powered workspace that integrates an infinite canvas interface with multiple AI models, enabling users to efficiently organize thoughts, conduct research, and develop ideas. By facilitating visual concept mapping, the creation of interconnected knowledge networks, and AI-assisted exploration, Curiso enhances the thinking and creative processes of knowledge workers, researchers, writers, and students. With a strong emphasis on data privacy and security, this tool helps users streamline workflows, gain deeper insights, and boost productivity while leveraging AI for advanced idea development.
Powerdrill AI is an advanced data analysis and visualization platform that leverages artificial intelligence to streamline complex data tasks. It enables users to analyze large datasets through natural language queries, generate insightful visualizations, and automatically create reports. Designed for data scientists and business professionals alike, Powerdrill AI provides quick, actionable insights, making data analysis more accessible and efficient. By simplifying the process, it helps users uncover hidden patterns, optimize decision-making, and save time—all without requiring deep technical expertise.
AgiBot: AgiBot Lingxi X2: A Generalist Humanoid Robot Advancing Motion, Interaction, and Task Intelligence
UBTECH Robotics: UBTECH Swarm Intelligence: Walker S1 Factory Training 2.0
RoMeLa: Retrospective: 20 Years of Humanoids (Humanoid Robots Developed at RoMeLa, 2004 to 2024)
Boston Dynamics: Pick, Carry, Place, Repeat | Inside the Lab with Atlas