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Augmented reality tool could teach old robots new tricks

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Augmented reality tool could teach old robots new tricks


Credit: University of Glasgow

Researchers from Scottish universities have developed an innovative way to breathe new life into outdated robot pets and toys using augmented reality technology.

They have prototyped a new software system that can overlay a wide range of new virtual behaviors on commercially available robot pets and toys that are designed to look like animals and mimic their actions.

The system, called Augmenting Zoomorphic Robotics with Affect (AZRA), aims to address the shortcomings of the current generation of these “zoomorphic” robots, which often have very limited options for interactivity.

In the future, AZRA-based systems could enable older robot pets, and even previously non-interactive toys like plush dolls, to provide experiences which are much closer to those provided by real animal companions.

The richer experiences AZRA enables could help provide more pet-like experiences for people who are unable to keep real animals for reasons of health, cost or restrictions on rental properties.

When users of the AZRA system wear augmented reality devices like Meta’s Quest headset around their robot pets and toys, it projects a sophisticated overlay of virtual facial expressions, light, sound and thought bubbles onto the toy’s surfaces and surroundings.






Credit: University of Glasgow

AZRA is underpinned by a sophisticated simulation of emotions based on studies of real animal behavior. It can make robots seem more convincingly “alive” by imbuing them with moods that fluctuate unpredictably and can be affected by the touch or voice of their owner.

Eye contact detection and spatial awareness features means it knows when it is being looked at, and touch detection enables it to respond to strokes—even protesting when it is stroked against its preferred direction. It can request attention when ignored, or relax peacefully when sensing its owner is busy with other activities.

The system can also adjust the enhanced pet’s behavior to better suit their owners’ personality and preferences. If users are high-energy and playful, the robot slowly adapts to become more excitable. In quieter households, it becomes more relaxed and contemplative.

The team say their research could also help cut down on electronic waste by reducing the likelihood of robot pets and toys being disposed of after their owners become tired of them.

The development of AZRA will be presented as a paper at the 34th IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN 2025) in the Netherlands on 26th August.

Dr. Shaun Macdonald, of the University of Glasgow’s School of Computing Science, is the paper’s lead author and led the development of AZRA. He was initially inspired to develop the system after receiving a less-than-inspiring gift.

He said, “I was given a little robot pet that had a very basic set of movements and potential interactions. It was fun for a few days, but I quickly ended up losing interest because I had seen everything it had to offer.

“I was a bit disappointed to realize that, despite all the major developments in technology over the last 25 years, zoomorphic robots haven’t developed much at all since I was a child. It’s all but impossible to build a relationship with a robot pet in the way you might with a real animal, because they have so few behaviors and they become over-familiar very quickly.

“As a researcher in , I started to wonder whether I could build a system which could overlay much more complex behaviors and interactions on the toy using augmented reality. Being able to imbue older robots and pets with new life could also help reduce the carbon footprint of unwanted devices by keeping them from landfill for longer.”

Dr. Macdonald used a simple off-the-shelf zoomorphic pet, the Petit Qoobo, as the basic real-world platform on which to overlay the augmented reality elements during the development of the system.

Guided by previous research into the emotional needs of dogs, Dr. Macdonald developed Zoomorphic Robot Affect and Agency Mind Architecture, or ZAMA. ZAMA provides the AZRA system with a kind of artificial emotional intelligence, giving it a series of simulated emotional states which can change in response to its environment.

Rather than simple stimulus-response patterns, the system provides the augmented reality pet with an ongoing temperament based around combinations of nine personality traits, including “gloomy,” “relaxed” or “irritable.” It has daily moods that fluctuate naturally, and a long-term personality which develops over time through interactions with its owner.

It simulates desires for touch, rest, food, and socialization which are subtly randomized each day. When its needs aren’t met, the AR robot will actively seek interaction, displaying emojis and thought bubbles to communicate what it wants.

The researchers are already working to explore the future potential of the technology, including participatory studies where volunteers can interact with the robot and then adjust its emotional parameters in real-time to explore what feels natural versus artificial in robot behavior.

Dr. Macdonald added, “AZRA turns a from being a device that I almost entirely choose to interact with into a device which can engage me in interaction itself. It feels more like me and another entity attempting to interact and communicate, rather than me make-believing almost all of that interaction myself.

“One of the main advantages of this system is that we don’t have a fixed ‘this is how this should work’ approach. What we have is a really great development test bed where we can try different ideas quickly and see what works. As AR glasses become more mainstream, this could become a way to breathe new life into existing robots without having to replace them entirely.”

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Save up to $600 With These Mattress Firm Coupons and Deals

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Save up to 0 With These Mattress Firm Coupons and Deals


Chances are that when you google “mattress store near me,” one of the first results you will see is Mattress Firm. This brick and mortar titan carries both established mattress brands like Serta and Sealy, as well as many online brands, like Purple, letting you go see for yourself if it’ll be the mattress for you. And if you were looking for an excuse to hop in the car and head over, we have a Mattress Firm coupon available right now, as well as tons of Mattress Firm promo codes to save big on those big (and small) purchases. Fingers crossed that you could start sleeping better, potentially as soon as tonight.

Upgrade Your Sleep Sale: Save Up to $600 (Plus Get a Free Adjustable Base)

This year, Mattress Firm wants to make it even easier (and more affordable) to upgrade your sleep with the Upgrade Your Sleep Sale. During this sale, you can save up to $600 and get a free adjustable base included on select mattresses, through April 28. You’ll receive a free Sleepy’s Basic adjustable base (a $300 value) with select mattress purchases—this means a free queen adjustable base with a  minimum $499 purchase, or free king adjustable base with minimum $599 purchase.

Get 15% Off When You Sign Up for Emails

To make sure you never miss out on Mattress Firm discount codes, you can sign up for email notifications. By doing so, you automatically get one! You can get an extra 15% off on your first order. Heads up that it can’t be combined with other coupons, nor can it be applied to specific brands and models, including Nectar, Purple, Sealy Hybrid, Tempur-Pedic, Stearns & Foster, and Serta iComfort.

Free Adjustable Base (Up to $499 Value) With Select Mattresses

First and foremost, make sure you have or are getting a mattress that’s compatible with an adjustable base. If you’re all set bed-wise, but have been looking for the right time to buy an adjustable base, consider this your sign: select mattresses come with a free adjustable base (up to $499 value). At last, you can sit up in bed or kick up your feet to your heart’s content.

Score Up to $300 in Instant Credits and Gifts

Mattress Firm’s got a gift for you, just ‘cuz. For those eyeballing Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, and Sterns & Foster in particular, it’s your lucky day, as there are Mattress Firm coupon codes for all three of these brands.

Starting with Tempur-Pedic, when you buy a qualifying Tempur-Pedic mattress, you can receive a $300 Instant Credit on these adjustable bases: Tempur-Ergo, Tempur-Ergo Smart Base, Tempur-Ergo ProSmart Base, Tempur-Ergo ProSmart Air Base, or the Sealy Ease Base. Use code TEMPURGIFT. You can also get a $300 credit toward these same adjustable bases when you purchase a qualifying Stearns & Foster mattress: use code STEARNSGIFT at checkout.

Lastly, if you wanted to pair a Sealy mattress with the Sealy Ease adjustable base (or any of the aforementioned adjustable bases), there’s a Mattress Firm coupon for that, too. Use code SEALYGIFT at checkout, and get a $200 Instant Credit on select Sealy and Tempur-Pedic adjustable bases.

Take 20% Off With Military, Medical, Student, or Teacher Discounts

Sleep is a necessity for everyone. But for those who work all day on their feet, and have to be dialed in at all times, sleep is critical. This is especially true for first responders, nurses, doctors, and medical professionals. As a way to say “thank you” for all that you do, there’s a special mattress firm discount just for you. Use the Mattress Firm first responder discount for 20% off select purchases. It’s for one-time use, but renews every 90 days when you re-verify your status.

For military members, as a way to thank you for your service, you can use the Mattress Firm military discount for 20% off select purchases as well. It’s a one-time use code, but re-verify your status every 90 days, and you can get a new one!

If you’re a teacher or student, there’s also a Mattress Firm discount for you, too. To help you bounce back after long days teaching, or late nights studying, use this Mattress Firm student discount code for 20% off select purchases. Like the first responder and military coupons, it’s a one-time usage code that can be renewed every 90 days when you re-verify your status.



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Here’s Every Country Directly Impacted by the War on Iran

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Here’s Every Country Directly Impacted by the War on Iran


On February 28, United States and Israeli forces launched a series of strikes on Iran, kicking off turmoil in the Middle East.

Pete Hegseth, the secretary of the Department of Defense, said in a recent press conference that the operation could last as long as eight weeks. President Donald Trump himself said in a press conference on March 2 that the administration projected the operation would last four or five weeks but had “the capability to go far longer than that.”

This week Iran has responded in turn, attacking Israel, regional US embassies and military bases, and other sites across the Middle East. Iran has peppered neighboring countries with hundreds of drone and ballistic missile strikes since the operation began. While many of these have been intercepted, over a thousand people have died in the region and multiple buildings have been damaged, including luxury hotels in Dubai, US military bases and embassies, and international airports and marine ports.

Israel has also started bombarding Lebanon, following strikes at the country by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

The Trump administration has given various, and at times seemingly contradictory, justifications for the military action, citing everything from potential “nuclear threat” to unverified claims that Iran attempted to interfere in the 2020 and 2024 US presidential elections. As of March 5, Congress, which in the US has the sole power to declare war, has not done so.

The attacks have already disrupted supply chains, creating uncertainty for the oil and gas and fertilizer industries as key infrastructure has been targeted or shut down out of caution. Shipping traffic has halted along the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route.

As the conflict continues to escalate and expand, WIRED is tracking which countries have been affected and how. This article was last updated on March 5.

Iran

As of March 4, Iranian state media estimates that over 1,000 people have died in the country since the US-Israeli attacks began. Several schools and hospitals have been hit, according to Al Jazeera. The Israeli Air Force says it has struck Iran with over 5,000 munitions since the beginning of the operation.

Israel

Israel has faced retaliatory strikes from Iran. As of March 4, at least 11 people have died and over 40 buildings have been damaged in Tel Aviv, according to Al Jazeera.

Azerbaijan

On March 5, Azerbaijan said drone attacks launched from Iran had crossed over the country’s borders and damaged an airport building and two civilians. President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan said that the country’s military forces “have been instructed to prepare and implement appropriate retaliatory measures,” according to Reuters. Iran has denied responsibility for the attacks, according to Al Jazeera.

Bahrain

Missile and drone strikes have targeted different locations in Bahrain, including a US naval base, according to the BBC. On March 2, Amazon reported that a drone strike occurred in close proximity to one of its data centers in the country. CNBC later reported that Iranian state media said that Iran had targeted the data center because of the company’s support of the US military.

Cyprus

On March 2, a drone strike hit a British air base in Cyprus, according to Reuters. It caused limited damage and no casualties. Greece, the UK, and France have lent defensive support to the country, according to a Bloomberg report.

Iraq

Since February 28, there have been reports of multiple Iranian strikes aimed at a US military base near the Erbil International Airport, according to the nonprofit monitoring group Armed Conflict Location and Event Data.

Jordan

Jordan’s armed forces have intercepted dozens of missiles since the start of the conflict. At least one Iranian-backed militant group in Iraq has claimed responsibility, according to the Associated Press. On March 2, the US Embassy in the country announced that all its personnel had temporarily departed.

Kuwait

Kuwait has endured multiple waves of Iranian missile and drone attacks since February 28. On March 2, US Central Command said in a statement that three US fighter jets were accidentally struck down by Kuwaiti air defenses during an attack that included Iranian aircraft, missiles, and drones.

Lebanon

Israel attacked southern Lebanon after the militant Lebanese group Hezbollah launched rocket and drone attacks against them. Lebanon prime minister Nawaf Salam subsequently banned Hezbollah’s military and security activities, according to Al Jazeera.

Oman

Oman’s Duqm commercial port has been hit by several drone attacks, according to Al Jazeera. Omani authorities have said at least one oil tanker off the country’s port of Khasab in the Strait of Hormuz has been attacked.

Qatar

On March 2, QatarEnergy posted on X saying that it would halt production of liquified natural gas following a military attack on its operational facilities in the country. It did not attribute the attack to any particular country. On March 3, it posted again, saying that it would also stop the production of additional products, including urea, polymers, methanol, and aluminum.

Saudi Arabia

Infrastructure in Saudi Arabia has been targeted with projectiles. On March 3, the US embassy in Riyadh, the country’s capital, was damaged following an attack. On March 4, Reuters reported that one of the Saudi Aramco’s largest domestic refineries of Saudi Aramco, the majority state-owned oil company, was targeted by an attempted drone attack.

Syria

Tom Fletcher, the United Nations undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief, says that civilians and civilian infrastructure were under attack in several countries including Syria.

Turkey

On March 4, the Turkish Ministry of National Defence announced that NATO had intercepted ballistic munitions launched from Iran, and that munition fragments had fallen into Hatay, a province that borders the Mediterranean Sea and Syria. Iran has denied any missile launch towards the country.

United Arab Emirates

As of March 4, UAE Ministry of Defence officials say that the country has intercepted hundreds of drone and missile attacks from Iran. Despite the relatively high rate of interceptions, debris created by the fallout has still damaged areas of the country. In Dubai, the luxury hotel Burj Al Arab was struck by debris, as well as the Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island home to high-end hotels and apartments. On March 2, Amazon Web Services announced that two of its facilities were directly struck in the country, causing “elevated error rates and degraded availability.”

Countries Evacuating Citizens

On March 2, US assistant secretary of state for consular affairs Mora Namdar posted on X urging Americans to depart from several middle eastern countries due to “serious safety risks.” On March 4, Reuters reported that the US military has offered seats on military transport planes to Americans trying to leave the region.

Over a dozen countries have announced that they will be evacuating their citizens from the area or sponsoring repatriation flights, including the UK, Ireland, Germany and Italy.



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OpenAI Had Banned Military Use. The Pentagon Tested Its Models Through Microsoft Anyway

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OpenAI Had Banned Military Use. The Pentagon Tested Its Models Through Microsoft Anyway


OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is still in the hot seat this week after his company signed a deal with the US military. OpenAI employees have criticized the move, which came after Anthropic’s roughly $200 million contract with the Pentagon imploded, and asked Altman to release more information about the agreement. Altman admitted it looked “sloppy” in a social media post.

While this incident has become a major news story, it may just be the latest and most public example of OpenAI creating vague policies around how the US military can access its AI.

In 2023, OpenAI’s usage policy explicitly banned the military from accessing its AI models. But some OpenAI employees discovered the Pentagon had already started experimenting with Azure OpenAI, a version of OpenAI’s models offered by Microsoft, two sources familiar with the matter said. At the time, Microsoft had been contracting with the Department of Defense for decades. It was also OpenAI’s largest investor, and had broad license to commercialize the startup’s technology.

That same year, OpenAI employees saw Pentagon officials walking through the company’s San Francisco offices, the sources said. They spoke on the condition of anonymity as they aren’t licensed to comment on private company matters.

Some OpenAI employees were wary about associating with the Pentagon, while others were simply confused about what OpenAI’s usage policies meant. Did the policy apply to Microsoft? While sources tell WIRED it was not clear to most employees at the time, spokespeople from OpenAI and Microsoft say Azure OpenAI products are not, and were not, subject to OpenAI’s policies.

“Microsoft has a product called the Azure OpenAI Service that became available to the US Government in 2023 and is subject to Microsoft terms of service,” said spokesperson Frank Shaw in a statement to WIRED. Microsoft declined to comment specifically on when it made Azure OpenAI available to the Pentagon, but notes the service was not approved for “top secret” government workloads until 2025.

“AI is already playing a significant role in national security and we believe it’s important to have a seat at the table to help ensure it’s deployed safely and responsibly,” OpenAI spokesperson Liz Bourgeois said in a statement. “We’ve been transparent with our employees as we’ve approached this work, providing regular updates and dedicated channels where teams can ask questions and engage directly with our national security team.”

The Department of Defense did not respond to WIRED’s request for comment.

By January 2024, OpenAI updated its policies to remove the blanket ban on military use. Several OpenAI employees found out about the policy update through an article in The Intercept, sources say. Company leaders later addressed the change at an all-hands meeting, explaining how the company would tread carefully in this area moving forward.

In December 2024, OpenAI announced a partnership with Anduril to develop and deploy AI systems for “national security missions.” Ahead of the announcement, OpenAI told employees that the partnership was narrow in scope and would only deal with unclassified workloads, the same sources said. This stood in contrast to a deal Anthropic had signed with Palantir, which would see Anthropic’s AI used for classified military work.

Palantir approached OpenAI in the fall of 2024 to discuss participating in their “FedStart” program, an OpenAI spokesperson confirmed to WIRED. The company ultimately turned it down, and told employees it would’ve been too high-risk, two sources familiar with the matter tell WIRED. However, OpenAI now works with Palantir in other ways.

Around the time the Anduril deal was announced, a few dozen OpenAI employees joined a public Slack channel to discuss their concerns about the company’s military partnerships, sources say and a spokesperson confirmed. Some believed the company’s models were too unreliable to handle a user’s credit card information, let alone assist Americans on the battlefield.



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