Optimus Gen-2: Tesla's Next-Level Humanoid Robot Unveiled

Robotic Revolution - Shifting gears from evs to robots, Tesla, the esteemed American automotive and technology giant, grabbed attention at the October 2022 Tesla AI Day. They introduced Optimus, a revolutionary humanoid robot. Touted to bear a production cost below $20,000 or approximately Rp. 306 million, this technological marvel exemplifies Tesla's unwavering commitment to innovation.

Tesla has recently introduced the second iteration of its humanoid robot, aptly named Optimus Gen-2. (Picture from: Dexerto)

Fresh off the heels of this revelation, Tesla has recently introduced the second iteration of its humanoid robot, aptly named Optimus Gen-2. This underscores Elon Musk-owned company's commitment to refining and enhancing the capabilities of the Optimus humanoid robot. Noteworthy improvements in Optimus Gen-2 include the incorporation of flexible fingers adept at delicately handling objects, even as delicate as eggs.

Optimus Gen-2 include the incorporation of flexible fingers adept at delicately handling objects, even as delicate as eggs. (Picture from: Dexerto)

A captivating video released by Tesla captures Optimus Gen-2 in action, showcasing its remarkable ability to boil eggs. The robot, standing at almost 6 feet or 1.8 meters tall, dons a suit as it deftly maneuvers eggs with a finesse reminiscent of a seasoned chef. In this latest footage, Optimus Gen-2 carefully lifts an egg, effortlessly transfers it to the other hand, and places it down without causing any damage to the outer shell.

Optimus Gen-2 can pick up an egg without breaking the shell due to its advanced tactile senses in its fingers. (Picture from: RoboticGizmos)

Beyond its culinary talents, the demonstration video portrays Optimus Gen-2 engaging in a range of activities, from flexing its fingers to performing squats and traversing a room. These movements underscore the robot's potential to assume roles traditionally held by humans in various workplaces. Milan Kovac, an engineer working on the Optimus project, hails Optimus Gen-2 as a humanoid robot with vastly improved capabilities and durability compared to its predecessor.

Optimus Gen-2 weighs 10 kg less than its predecessor, has better balance, and is 30 percent faster. (Picture from: Electrek)

Optimus Gen-2 boasts hands with 11 additional degrees of freedom, courtesy of Tesla-designed actuators and sensors. Kovac notes that the robot's flexible fingers enable it to handle items with smoothness and gentleness. Touch sensors are embedded in all of Optimus Gen-2's fingers, and the overall body is lighter and faster than its forerunner. Notably, this robot boasts a 30% increase in speed compared to the first-generation Optimus, introduced just nine months ago.

Tesla's humanoid robot has come a long way - it was first revealed just as a human in a suit, and now, Optimus can poach an egg like a real chef.. (Picture from: Electrek)

While retaining some key features from Gen-1, Optimus Gen-2 introduces enhancements that align more closely with human movements. The robot is equipped with AI applications and functionality, further expanding its capabilities. Actuators, sensors, integrated circuits, and harnesses contribute to the robot's improved balance and control, with a 10 kg reduction in base weight from the previous version.

Optimus Gen-2 promises various articulation improvements and more precise hand and foot strength sensing. The video emphasizes improved balance, full-body control, and touch sensing on all fingers. Julian Ibarz, Tesla's senior staff software engineer, underscores the authenticity of the showcased capabilities, asserting that the video depicts real-time actions without any CGI or editing tricks.

As of now, it's worth waiting for further developments, due to Tesla has not disclosed yet anything about the further version. Nevertheless, the unveiling of Optimus serves as a compelling glimpse into a future where robots may assume increasingly significant roles in the workforce, potentially reshaping the landscape of employment as we know it. Prepare for a future where the capabilities of humanoid robots like Optimus become an integral part of our daily lives. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GIZMOCHINA | DAILYMAIL | ELECTREK | ROBOTICGIZMOS | DEXERTO ]

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Top 4 Comedy Shows to Stream Right Now

TOP-4 - Things are looking up for Comedy fans, as we present you with our list of the Top 4 Comedy Shows that you can stream right now. We’ve included shows from almost every major platform so you can watch a good show without shelling out on additional subscriptions. There’s only one sitcom in this list, while others have a wider premise.

Top 4 Comedy Shows to Stream Right Now. (Picture from: IMDb)

Nonetheless, all the shows are equally good with different strengths and the list is in no particular order. Be sure to use high-speed internet to enjoy your next favorite show without any lag and interruptions. Go ahead and stream that TV show in high-definition, you got this. Without further ado, let’s dive into the list.

1. Shrinking

Things take a steep turn when a grieving therapist, Jason Segel, decides that he can’t take it anymore. He starts telling his patients exactly what he feels and like a chain reaction, we see the lives of his patients unfold. Fueled by a few preliminary successes, he starts to believe in the new approach, while dealing with his own loss. He could never have thought of the implications his actions and words will have, and now, he has to deal with the consequences.

The show is a feel-good comedy that also makes us realize the struggles therapists face, and how hard it is to cope with loss even when you’re an expert. We see Jason try to balance his relationship with his daughter and seek advice from Harrison Ford, his mentor, who has his own quirks. Another good thing about the show is that you’ll find many heartfelt moments throughout the show when you can’t help but root for the characters. It’s not perfect, but so is life, and it goes on. 

You can stream the first season right now on AppleTV+, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The episodes are quite short and nothing feels dragged out.

2. The Office

It’s the US version we’re talking about, even though the UK version aired earlier, but we feel that this show is better. The show ran from 2005 to 2013 totaling nine super-fun seasons and sports an IMDB rating of 9 out of 10. It’s a cult classic. Even if you’ve already seen the show, we recommend a re-watch. You know it’s that good.

Although it aired in 2005, it was made to be timeless and still feels surprisingly relevant in 2023. Steve Carell is the main lead, a sales manager managing his team and trying to uplift the lives of those he works with in his own way. A disclaimer though, some people might not like it and it can be a bit odd at times as some jokes tend to be daring, but it’s in all in good spirits.

Interestingly, this show has got more depth than you might expect. We see many heartfelt moments, heartbreaks, off-the-charts funny expressions, friendships, loss, and everything with an undertone of humor. You can watch it on Netflix and Prime Video.

3. Parks and Recreation

Amy Poehler plays the part of a mid-level public official tasked with beautifying the town of Indiana. The show is a hilarious representation of the bureaucratic hoops that public officials have to jump through to bring about some real change. Amy is as relentless as the rest of her team is lazy, which makes for an interesting tussle in the office.

Nick Offerman is an eccentric boss with archaic and sometimes offensive thoughts that does everything he can to sabotage the progress because he doesn’t feel like it. But we see Amy win our hearts over with her perseverance. Moreover, it never feels out of place as you can instantly relate to different parts of it. From fights between friends to navigating marriages, pursuing ambitions, and having kids, this shows has everything you could possibly want in a comedy show.

4. Friends

Another cult classic, Friends is considered one of the all-time best comedy TV shows. With an IMDB rating of 8.9, it aired from 1994 to 2004 with ten seasons. Although it paved the way for many spin-offs, this show is a depiction of six friends as they lead their personal and professional lives.

The show revolves around Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow. This group has the unique ability to turn any situation into a funny story and there’s never a dull moment in the show. It also has one of the best endings ever and you’ll be glad you decided to be a part of this journey.

Conclusion
This concludes our list of some of the best comedy shows that you can stream right now. All of these shows are timeless and definitely warrant a re-watch if you’re done with them. Be sure to check these shows out and make the most of your time. *** [Sources: IMDb.com | Written by VESELINA DZHINGAROVA | Editor: EKA ]

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About the Writer

Veselina Dzhingarova has co-founded several successful online businesses. Her expertise lies in creating engaging content that helps her clients' businesses connect with their audience and stand out from the crowd.

Your smartphone hovering while on charging

The wireless charging technology is already widely used to complement the flagship handsets. But unlike the usual wireless charging, this one, definitely makes you wonder. The wireless charging device is named OvRcharge.

Wireless charging could make smartphones hovering in the air without magic tricks. Users can not only charge a cell phone, but also can see the smartphone is hovering and swirling over it.

Levitate your phone while you charge it wirelessly with the OvrCharge. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1dHMkC)

To use this wireless charging device, you have to wear a special case for your smartphone. By leveraging the capabilities and technologies of magnetic and electric receiver, OvRcharge can charge the battery while making smartphone floated.

OvRcharge can be used for a variety of high-end smartphones such as the Galaxy S7, iPhone 6s and others. However its use, the handset has to fit into the case or holder mounted on the back of the smartphone.

This accessory has a size that is not too large, square-shaped box with dimensions of 14 cm x 14 cm and has a thickness of 33 mm. The wireless charger comes in three color options, namely dark, walnut, and cherry.

To get OvRcharge, you should donate funds of US. $199 or around Rp.2.6 million. Since the device is under development and included in the fundraising site Kickstarter. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DIGITAL TRENDS | KICKSTARTER]

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The skin on Your forearm could be 'Touchpad'

A team of scientists has developed a new technology that can make the skin on your arms and hands act like a touchpad for smartwatch. The technology, known as SkinTrack, developed by the Futures Interface Group, a research lab at Carnegie Mellon University.

SkinTrack turns your whole forearm into a smartwatch interface. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1aNTWc)

This technology requires the user to wear rings and sensors attached to a rope smartwatch. The sensor has four electrodes, which used to receive high frequency electrical signals emitted by the ring when a finger touches the skin, to calculate the exact position of the finger.

This technology also enables the user to swipe and press the arms to interact with smartwatch, and even allows users to paint a picture in the arm. This technology also transcends the limitations of a small smartphone screen to allow users to drag the app out smartwatch and place them on the whole arm. 

Skintrack also can understand the hot key commands, thus enabling its users to mute incoming calls by simply writing 'S' on the arm or trace an "N" on your hand to open up your news app. SkinTrack can even track your finger when it’s hovering above the skin.

As quoted by The Verge, the Futures Interface Group has the plans to commercialize this technology. Currently, the team is working on ways of supplying constant power to the ring, to keep the signal remains stable when the body is in constant motion. Meanwhile, the team stressed that this technology poses no danger to the human body. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THE VERGE]

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People took more time for Facebook' rather than socializing within a day

How much time is spent by the person to open the Facebook in a day? According to the CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, the figure was turned out to be quite longer, almost 1 hour. On the same time also applies to other applications owned by Facebook, namely Instagram and an instant messaging service, Messenger.

According to Mark Zuckerberg, the Users average 50 minutes per day on Facebook, Messenger and Instagram. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1a0Sbe)

"Today, people around the world spend an average of 50 minutes per day to use Facebook, Instagram, and the Messenger," Zuckerberg said in the Facebook's financial report first quarter of 2016, as summarized from TechCrunch on Thursday, April 28, 2016. Zuckerberg insists that the 50 minutes it does not include the time spent to access other popular services of Facebook, ie WhatsApp.

CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1a0Sbe)

"People" is meant by Zuckerberg is the user of the three such services globally. For Facebook, the number reached 1.65 billion. For Instagram registered 400 million users, while the Messenger 900 million.

More longer than the socializing time

For the record, the 50 minutes it turned out to be longer than the time spent by Americans for socializing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2014, the Americans (ages 25-54 years old and have kids) on average only spend 43 minutes each day to do social activities such as visiting friends or attending an event, etc.

In the same occasion, Zuckerberg also reveals that to this year's Facebook profit more than tripled compared to the previous year, ie 1.51 billion dollars. And the Facebook stock prices also recorded an increase of 9 percent in the session after the publication of the financial statements of the social networking company. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TECHCRUNCH]

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Researchers have developed a flexible smartphone that can be bent

Researchers at Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario said that they've developed a smartphone that can be bent. This phone is named Reflex, a phone with a high resolution color screen, and has multi touch technology and the most special is the "input bend" technology, ie the phone can be controlled by means of bending it.

Bend it like Reflex, the world's first flexible smartphones. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1Z3hdC)

Roel Vertegaal, Director of the Human Media Lab at Queen's University said that the interaction between humans and computers will be a lot of change with the Reflex. He continued that, the real innovation is, from now on we can think about computer science and software and their interactions in three dimensions.

Screen that can be bent is in fact not found by Vertegaal and his team, but they use it to help them envision the future of computers. According to Vertegaal, he and his team used the screen and then think about what can be done with the screen in the context of the interaction between humans and computers.

The team, consisting eight researchers have already adapted the flexible display into a phone prototype that can be bent like a book bent to turn the page. With such capabilities, Vertegaal said that this opens up new possibilities that can be achieved by a computer.

Vertegaal predicted, the flexible smartphones like the Reflex can now be used by consumers in the next five years. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCIENCEDAILY]

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The passive WiFi use less power

In the era of internet, WiFi is everywhere, providing remote wireless access to the Internet, and save us tripping over the cables. However, WiFi consumes a lot of energy, and the battery drain connected devices very quickly. Fortunately, engineers from the University of Washington (UW) is ready to save! They discovered a technique that enables WiFi uses 10,000 times less energy than normal.

The latest passive WiFi is also consumes 1,000 times less power, compared to Bluetooth. In fact, compared with conventional methods, this new technology uses almost none of power at all. Although currently only able to transmit data at rates of up to 11 Mbps (megabits per second), far lower than the peak of WiFi speed, which is the data transfer rate is 11 times higher than Bluetooth.

Passive WiFi bringing low power to WiFi transmissions. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1Xhy3l)

This discovery proves the concept of research that was built with a technique called backscattering WiFi, where the signals sent between a Wi-Fi router and a wireless receiver device manipulated. A previous study by UW showed that low power equipment can be used to reflect and "distort" this signal. Devices that are connected to receive a new distortion as unique data.

The passive WiFi is an evolution of the technique. First, connect to the Internet made only one, which is installed in the router, which is out of traditional Wi-Fi signal. Wi-Fi Sensor Passive reflect and absorb the signal, creating multiple streams of data that can be "bounced" against some of the receiving device.

"Our sensors can communicate with each router, smartphone, tablet or other electronic devices with WiFi chipsets," said Bryce Kellogg, a doctoral candidate student in electrical engineering at UW and co-author of the study, said in a statement.

"Cool part is that all of these devices can decode WiFi package that we made use of reflection, so you do not need any special equipment," said Kellogg. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WASHINGTON EDU | ENGINEERING.COM]

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This new storage media can accommodate as many as 360 TB of data

One of the challenges in the development of the computing world is the creation of large-capacity storage media and can last long.

To answer that challenge, researchers from the University of Southampton has recently managed to create a new storage medium that is otherwise capable of storing up to 360 TB and can last up to 13.8 billion years old.

The new technology of storage media called '5D' developed by University of Southampton, can accommodate as many as 360 TB of data. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1XCLeZ)

It is a technology called '5D' and uses nanostructured glass as a medium. Interestingly, to obtain a capacity of 360 TB, scientists only need a nanostructured glass and has a size of a coin.

The storage media is also said to be very tough. It can withstand the heat of the flame to a temperature of 1,000 degrees Celsius and freezing conditions up to minus 190 degrees celsius.

The technique used involves a laser with a very high degree of precision, ie to a count of femtoseconds, or 1/1,000 trillion second intervals. The file is stored is written in three layers of blocks spaced 5 microns or 0.005 mm.

So far, some important documents had been 'immortalized' in a new storage media, namely the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Magna Carta, and the King James Bible. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ]

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This smart bracelet can display a smartphone screen in its user skin

This current era of wearable devices has started, Google has created an innovative product with smart glasses which we call the Google Glass. While Apple has now also set up a smart watches named Apple Watch. Other companies are also not to be outdone, such as Samsung, Sony, LG and Motorola are currently each have to present their smartwatch products.

The Cicret Bracelet will project a tablet interface onto the user's arm. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1X9HzV)

In addition to glasses and smart watches, some manufacturers also have to bring the smart bracelet or what we call a smart bracelet, another variant of the wearable device is widely used for those who actively exercise. So what functions and advantages of this Cicret smart bracelet?

Compared to glasses and watches which do have a specific function, the smart bracelets only serves as a sensor sender information to a smartphone, this smart bracelet device will read the activity of users, and next the smart bracelet will be able to send your heart rate or the number of steps and read the calories users to the smartphone. Various information can be viewed through the smartphone screen.

The Cicret Bracelet will be available on 10 different colors. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1X9HzV)

But unlike the Cicret's smart bracelet, because the smart bracelet has a mini projector module in it. The Cicret Bracelet able to re-display the smartphone screen of the mini projector module to the surface of its user skin.

The Cicret Bracelet which is still in prototype form, it does look attractive, in addition to providing a futuristic touch, the device has other functions than just the notification transmitter.

This bracelet is able to display all the content available on the smartphone screen and show it on the skin surface of the hands of users. As of this writing, the Cicret Bracelet developer still require funding of about €700,000 to complete this project to get into the final stage.

At first glance, the shape of the Cicret Bracelet has a shape similar to the bracelets in general, but behind the colors bandage bracelet that included a Pico Projector module, eight motion sensors and accelerometer sensors and a vibration function that makes this bracelet looks like a magic and can provide a "wow effect" for anyone who saw it.

This smart bracelet has a LED notification, WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth and USB port and is predicted to be available with 16GB or 32GB of storage capacity. With smartphone-connected the Cicret Bracelet able to send and receive email, SMS, browsing or even play games and answer incoming calls.

This smart bracelet will be available in the market about one and a half years, and only then if the collection of funds from donors can be collected quickly as expected. The plan, the smart bracelet of Cicret will be sold at a price of US $400. If you are interested in making a donation to this project, please go to their official web page here. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CICRET | GIZMAG]

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Li-fi 100 times faster than Wi-fi

If you expect the faster Wifi connection, meaning much faster than is currently, may be this news worth listening to. Li-Fi will be a new technology for the data transmitting that is claimed 100x faster than Wi-Fi and this one uses the spectrum of light instead of radio frequencies.

LTE, Wifi, LiFi overview. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Nhycfy)

In contrast to the Wi-Fi commonly using a router to deploy Wi-Fi signal, The Li-fi use light to transmit data with the help of an instrument called the Li-Flame Ceiling Unit and while to receive the signals using a device called the Li-Flame Desktop Units connected to a computer or notebook via a USB connection.

Li-Fi was today claimed to penetrate the speed of 1 Gbps but in theory this technology is capable of reaching speeds of 224 Gbps, in addition to fast, Li-Fi also safer of the radio frequency interference problem and more secure because the Li-Fi signal not spread like the Wi-Fi signal but rather focus in certain areas only.

How does the Visible Light Communications (VLC) technology works. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Nhycfy)

Li-Fi also claimed to be more efficient in terms of costs of production compared with Wi-Fi and no less important, if the current problems the Wi-Fi signal is still a debate whether it can be detrimental to health or not, Li-Fi that use light or lights claimed to be very safe because it in this case the claim has been no lights can harm health in the long term.

Illustration of Li-Flame. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Nhycfy)

But do not like it, because it uses light as the connection of course has limitations where we can often move would be a problem if the Li-Fi points not spread evenly in the room, it looks like Li-Fi better suited for an alternative to a LAN connection or Wi-Fi that has a position always the same as in the PC/notebook is on the desk.

To be able to use the technology LiFi there are at least 3 major additional devices, namely LED lamp, an internet connection and a photo detector. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PURELIFI]

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Smart-cradle for your babby

It had its time all the equipment to be clever and connected to the phone, no exception the cradle also getting smarter or rather make the parents will be able to little relax.

Fisher 4-in-1 Smart Connect Cradle in Swing is the cradle in which not only can be rocking itself but this smart cradle also can connect to a mobile phone or tablet via Bluetooth connection.

The $200 SmartCradle can be remotely controlled via a phone app, allowing parents to stay in bed. (Picture from: http://dailym.ai/1DG6ZSN)

Through the help of the applications, we can activate the cradle rocking without having to get down from bed and walked to the cradle, although it may equally make us woke up but still easier with sufficient control through the phone without having to get down of the bed with a maximum distance of about 50 m.

The app can also play music, even when not near the cradle. (Picture from: http://dailym.ai/1DG6ZSN)

We can set the 6 level of rocking in the cradle even we can turn on the music on the cradle through the phone (there are 16 songs and 3 natural sound). The cradle also has 2 ways to wiggle the baby, which side to side or up and down, it is also important to remember sometimes every baby has a favorite way to put him to sleep.

If you still can not make the baby stop crying, we can activate the toy swivel at the top with the various colors lamp. The prices of the smart cradle is also not expensive ie sold at US. $200 (or approx Rp.2.57 million), it guaranteed really very "worth it" to get your tranquility at night. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DAILYMAIL]

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The world's first smart umbrella

Do not want to buy expensive umbrella for fear of missed it somewhere? Maybe it's time you buy this smart umbrella. Kisha is claimed as the world's first smart umbrella because it is not just an umbrella to protect you from the rain.

Within this umbrella there is a Bluetooth connection that makes this umbrella can be connected to mobile phones (iOS and Android) and presents some features which was not have on the ordinary umbrella.

Kisha is a smart umbrella that uses an app to predict the weather. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1uhES5d)

First, with the help of existing applications, we will be notified the weather forecast and the application will remind us to bring the umbrella, that means if we ignore the notification and try to leave the house without an umbrella, automatically the application will issue a notification when the distance of the umbrella and mobile phone was out of Bluetooth connection range.

The manufacturers describe Kisha's opening and closing mechanism as "perfect". (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1uhES5d)

Second, we do not need to worry about this expensive umbrella (it costs US $ 59, about Rp.650,000) will be missed somewhere because Kisha will provide notification to our phone when the Kisha umbrella are out of Bluetooth connection range so that we will remember that our umbrella was left behind.

The manufacturers of Kisha are so confident about its quality they're offering a 3-year guarantee. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1uhES5d)

We do not have to worry if the notification continues to beep when the umbrella is in a safe location because Kisha will not interfere us by issued notification when the location is in a place that is already stored in the database, for example Kisha will not sound when in the house, car or office.

This smart umbrella uses a battery that is claimed to be used for 3-6 months. In addition to the smart features, Kisha as the regular umbrella also not forget the basic features as the umbrella where Kisha has a good quality that is not easily damaged and easily to opened/closed when needed. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KISHA | GIZMAG]

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