A robot named Furhat performed improv comedy at a Denver club with professor Tom Williams, sparking discussion about an understudied topic in robotics: how humans process robot mortality and attachment. Researcher Waki Kamino presented findings on Japanese owners of robots like Sony's Aibo who face grief when devices fail or are discontinued, raising questions about data, memory, and emotional bonds with machines.
Walmart and Alphabet's Wing are expanding drone delivery to Seattle and Denver next year, bringing service to nearly 20 major U.S. markets. The partnership already serves over 3 million customers and plans to operate from more than 270 Walmart stores nationwide, delivering packages up to 5 pounds in minutes.