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Robot regret: New research helps robots make safer decisions around humans

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Robot regret: New research helps robots make safer decisions around humans


From left, engineering professor Morteza Lahijanian and graduate student Karan Muvvala watch as a robotic arm completes a task using wooden blocks. Credit: Casey Cass/University of Colorado Boulder

Imagine for a moment that you’re in an auto factory. A robot and a human are working next to each other on the production line. The robot is busy rapidly assembling car doors while the human runs quality control, inspecting the doors for damage and making sure they come together as they should.

Robots and humans can make formidable teams in manufacturing, health care and numerous other industries. While the robot might be quicker and more effective at monotonous, repetitive tasks like assembling large auto parts, the person can excel at certain tasks that are more complex or require more dexterity.

But there can be a dark side to these robot-. People are prone to making mistakes and acting unpredictably, which can create unexpected situations that robots aren’t prepared to handle. The results can be tragic.

New and emerging research could change the way robots handle the uncertainty that comes hand-in-hand with human interactions. Morteza Lahijanian, an associate professor in CU Boulder’s Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, develops processes that let robots make safer decisions around humans while still trying to complete their tasks efficiently.

In a new study presented at the International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence in August 2025, Lahijanian and graduate students Karan Muvvala and Qi Heng Ho devised new algorithms that help robots create the best possible outcomes from their actions in situations that carry some uncertainty and risk.

“How do we go from very structured environments where there is no human, where the robots are doing everything by themselves, to unstructured environments where there are a lot of uncertainties and other agents?” Lahijanian asked.

“If you’re a robot, you have to be able to interact with others. You have to put yourself out there and take a risk and see what happens. But how do you make that decision, and how much risk do you want to tolerate?”

Similar to humans, robots have mental models that they use to make decisions. When working with a human, a robot will try to predict the person’s actions and respond accordingly. The robot is optimized for completing a task—assembling an auto part, for example—but ideally, it will also take other factors into consideration.

In the new study, the research team drew upon game theory, a mathematical concept that originated in economics, to develop the for robots. Game theory analyzes how companies, governments and individuals make decisions in a system where other “players” are also making choices that affect the ultimate outcome.

In robotics, conceptualizes a robot as being one of numerous players in a game that it’s trying to win. For a robot, “winning” is completing a task successfully—but winning is never guaranteed when there’s a human in the mix, and keeping the human safe is also a top priority.

So instead of trying to guarantee a robot will always win, the researchers proposed the concept of a robot finding an “admissible strategy.” Using such a strategy, a robot will accomplish as much of its task as possible while also minimizing any harm, including to a human.

“In choosing a strategy, you don’t want the robot to seem very adversarial,” said Lahijanian. “In order to give that softness to the robot, we look at the notion of regret. Is the robot going to regret its action in the future? And in optimizing for the best action at the moment, you try to take an action that you won’t regret.”

Let’s go back to the auto factory where the robot and human are working side-by-side. If the person makes mistakes or is not cooperative, using the researchers’ algorithms, a robot could take matters into its own hands. If the person is making mistakes, the robot will try to fix these without endangering the person. But if that doesn’t work, the robot could, for example, pick up what it’s working on and take it to a safer area to finish its task.

Much like a chess champion who thinks several turns ahead about an opponent’s possible moves, a robot will try to anticipate what a person will do and stay several steps ahead of them, Lahijanian said.

But the goal is not to attempt the impossible and perfectly predict a person’s actions. Instead, the goal is to create robots that put people’s safety first.

“If you want to have collaboration between a human and a robot, the robot has to adjust itself to the human. We don’t want humans to adjust themselves to the robot,” he said. “You can have a human who is a novice and doesn’t know what they’re doing, or you can have a human who is an expert. But as a robot, you don’t know which kind of human you’re going to get. So you need to have a strategy for all possible cases.”

And when robots can work safely alongside humans, they can enhance people’s lives and provide real and tangible benefits to society.

As more industries embrace robots and , there are many lingering questions about what AI will ultimately be capable of doing, whether it will be able to take over the jobs that people have historically done, and what that could mean for humanity. But there are upsides to robots being able to take on certain types of jobs. They could work in fields with labor shortages, such as for older populations, and physically challenging jobs that may take a toll on workers’ health.

Lahijanian also believes that, when they’re used correctly, robots and AI can enhance human talents and expand what we’re capable of doing.

“Human- collaboration is about combining complementary strengths: humans contribute intelligence, judgment, and flexibility, while robots offer precision, strength, and reliability,” he said.

“Together, they can achieve more than either could alone, safely and efficiently.”

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Robot regret: New research helps robots make safer decisions around humans (2025, August 28)
retrieved 28 August 2025
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VTL Group boosts output by 10% with Coats Digital’s GSDCost solution

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VTL Group boosts output by 10% with Coats Digital’s GSDCost solution



Coats Digital is delighted to announce that VTL Group, one of the largest vertically integrated textile manufacturers in the Mediterranean region, has adopted Coats Digital’s GSDCost solution to standardise production methods, increase productivity, and improve pricing accuracy across its Tunisian operations. The initiative is already showing a significant impact, with VTL reducing standard minute values (SMVs) by 15–20% and increasing line output by 10% across its three, key sewing facilities.

With over 5,000 employees and 3,000 sewing machines across 90 sewing lines, VTL Group specialises in jersey knits and denim, producing up to 20 million garments per year for world-renowned brands such as Lacoste, Adidas, G-Star, Hugo Boss, Replay and Paul & Shark. The company operates six garment production units, along with dedicated facilities for screen printing, knitting, dyeing and textile finishing. This extensive vertical integration gives VTL complete control over quality, lead-times and cost-efficiency, which is vital for meeting the stringent demands of its global customer base.

VTL Group has adopted Coats Digital’s GSDCost to standardise production, boost productivity, and improve pricing accuracy across its Tunisian operations.
The solution cut SMVs by 15–20 per cent, raised line output by 10 per cent, and enhanced planning, cost accuracy, and customer confidence, enabling competitive pricing, lean operations, and stronger relationships with global fashion brands.

Prior to implementing GSDCost, VTL calculated capacity and product pricing using data from internal time catalogues stored in Excel. This approach led to inconsistent and inaccurate cost estimations, causing both lost contracts due to inflated production times and reduced margins from underestimations. In some cases, delays caused by misaligned time predictions resulted in increased transportation costs and operational inefficiencies that impacted customer satisfaction.

Hichem Kordoghli, Plant Manager, VTL Group, said: “Before GSDCost, we struggled with inconsistent operating times that directly impacted our competitiveness. We lost orders when our timings were too high and missed profits when they were too low. GSDCost has transformed the way we approach planning, enabling us to quote confidently with accurate, reliable data. We’ve already seen up to 20% reductions in SMVs, a 10% rise in output, and improved customer confidence. It’s a game-changer for our sales and production teams.”

Since adopting GSDCost across 50 sewing lines, VTL Group has been able to establish a reliable baseline for production planning and line efficiency monitoring. This has led to a more streamlined approach to managing load plans and forecasting. Importantly, GSDCost has given the business the flexibility to align pricing more effectively with actual production realities, contributing to greater customer satisfaction and improved profit margins.

Although it’s too early to determine the exact financial impact, VTL Group has already realised improvements in pricing flexibility and competitiveness thanks to shorter product times and better planning. These gains are seen as instrumental in enabling the company to pursue more strategic orders, reduce wasted effort and overtime, and maintain the high expectations of leading global fashion brands.

Hichem Kordoghli, Plant Manager, VTL Group, added: “GSDCost has empowered our teams with reliable data that has translated directly into real operational benefits. We are seeing more consistent line performance, enhanced planning precision, and greater confidence across departments. These improvements are helping us build stronger relationships with our brand partners, while setting the foundation for sustainable productivity gains in the future.”

The company now plans to expand usage across an additional 30 lines in 2025, supported by a second phase of GSD Practitioner Bootcamp training to strengthen in-house expertise and embed best practices throughout the production environment. A further 10 lines are expected to follow in 2026 as part of VTL’s phased rollout strategy.

Liz Bamford, Customer Success Manager, Coats Digital, commented: “We are proud to support VTL Group in their digital transformation journey. The impressive improvements in planning accuracy, quoting precision, and cross-functional alignment are a testament to their commitment to innovation and excellence. GSDCost is helping VTL set a new benchmark for operational transparency and performance in the region, empowering their teams with the tools needed for long-term success.”

GSDCost, Coats Digital’s method analysis and pre-determined times solution, is widely acknowledged as the de-facto international standard across the sewn products industry. It supports a more collaborative, transparent, and sustainable supply chain in which brands and manufacturers establish and optimise ‘International Standard Time Benchmarks’ using standard motion codes and predetermined times. This shared framework supports accurate cost prediction, fact-based negotiation, and a more efficient garment manufacturing process, while concurrently delivering on CSR commitments.

Key Benefits and ROI for VTL Group

  • 15–20% reduction in SMVs across 50 production lines
  • 10% productivity increase across key sewing facilities
  • More competitive pricing for strategic sales opportunities
  • Improved cost accuracy and quotation flexibility
  • Standardised time benchmarks for future factory expansion
  • Enhanced planning accuracy and load plan management
  • Greater alignment with lean and sustainable manufacturing goals
  • Increased brand confidence and satisfaction among premium customers
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)



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Adidas Promo Codes: Up to 40% Off in January 2026

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Adidas Promo Codes: Up to 40% Off in January 2026


No matter how my style may change, I always consider Adidas the ultimate shoes for effortlessly cool people. With celebrity endorsements from pro athletes like David Beckham to music icons like Pharrell and Bad Bunny, Adidas has cemented itself firmly in the current zeitgeist. Although most known for classic sneaker styles like Sambas (beloved by skaters and boys I had crushes on in high school), Adidas also has always-stylish apparel, slides, running shoes, and more. WIRED has Adidas promo codes so you too can be cool—but on a budget.

Unlock 15% Adidas Promo Codes With Sign Up

Become a member of the cool kids club with Adidas membership program, adiClub. adiClub gives you free shipping, discount vouchers, and members-only exclusives. When you join, you’ll get instant benefits, points on purchases, and you can get rewards, exclusive experiences, products, vouchers, and more. Right now, when you sign up to be an adiClub member you’ll get a 15% Adidas promo code to save on a fresh pair of sneaks or athleisurewear fit.

There is more than one way to save. You can get 15% off by signing up for adiClub, either with your email, or by downloading the adidas or CONFIRMED app on your phone. After, you’ll find the 15% off welcome offer in your account ​​under “Vouchers and Gift Cards.” Then, you’ll just need to paste it in the promo code step at checkout to save. You’ll instantly get 100 adiClub points, plus an additional 100 when you create a profile. Plus, when you sign up for the brand email newsletter, a unique promo code will be sent to your inbox to use for more savings.

Explore Adidas Coupons and 2026 Sale Deals For 60% Off Trending Shoes

As aforementioned, I think the Samba OG shoes are the most classic style you can get—I mean OG is in the name. The style gives an effortless cool vibe that’s stood the test of time. The classic Samba is now 20% off. Always-popular Campus 00s blend the skater aesthetic with contemporary tastes, making them another modern classic, starting at $66, now 40% off. The Gazelle Bold shoe comes in a bunch of fun colorways, making them a versatile choice for any stylish shoe-wearer, now on sale. Plus, you can get 40% off Handball Spezial shoes (starting at $66) and 30% off the Superstar II shoes (starting at $70).

Some of the best ways to save big are just through navigating the Adidas website—make sure you’re browsing styles under $80, and check the final clearance sale styles for up to 60% off. Plus, there are always discounts on certain colorways or materials of the same type of shoe.

Students, Military Members, and Healthcare Workers Can Unlock 30% Off at Adidas

Adidas doesn’t want your kid going back to school after holiday break with the same ol’ same ol’ and that’s why Adidas student discount gets your kid (or you, lifelong learner) 30% off full-price items with UNiDAYS online and a 15% discount in-store. Join now and verify your status with UNiDAYS. All you’ll need to do is enter the code provided from UNiDAYS during checkout, and you can get discounts of up to $1,000.

Heroic and stylish? That’s hot. The Adidas heroes discount gives thanks by giving verified medical professionals, first responders, nurses, military members, and teachers 30% off online and in-store (and 15% off at factory outlets). To redeem the heroes discount, you must complete verification through ID.me, then you’ll apply your unique discount code that will be sent to your inbox. A fireman in a pair of Sambas? Come rescue me, it’s burning up in here.

Be sure to check back regularly as we check back for more Adidas promo codes and other discounts, especially as the holiday (and shopping) season approaches oh-too-quickly.

Adidas Free Shipping Deals for adiClub and Prime Members

I’ve talked to you about all of the perks adiClub members get, but they also get free standard shipping on every order, which usually ships in 3-5 business days. With the membership, you’ll also get free returns or exchanges on any order!

Plus, if you’re already a Prime member, you’ll get 2-3 day free shipping without needing to join adiClub. Through this, you can conveniently track order in your Amazon Prime account; it will even show your delivery date info once you select your size.

Pay Less Now With These Adidas Financing Options

Adidas makes it easy for anyone to get the gift of great style. Adidas offers Klarna, the financing service on purchases, which allows you to pay later (in 30 days), or in 4 interest-free installments. Plus, with Klarna, you can try your order before you buy it).

There’s also the Afterpay buy option, which allows you to buy shoes now, and pay for them in four payments made every 2 weeks without any interest! This Afterpay option is eligible on any order above $50. If you’d rather pay with PayPal Pay, you can pay in 4 installments (eligible on purchases from $30 to $1,500). You can also pay over 6 weeks, starting with paying for only 25% of your order today, then the rest will be split into 3 additional payments.



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Meta’s Layoffs Leave Supernatural Fitness Users in Mourning

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Meta’s Layoffs Leave Supernatural Fitness Users in Mourning


Tencia Benavidez, a Supernatural user who lives in New Mexico, started her VR workouts during the Covid pandemic. She has been a regular user in the five years since, calling the ability to workout in VR ideal, given that she lives in a rural area where it’s hard to get to a gym or workout outside during a brutal winter. She stuck with Supernatural because of the community and the eagerness of Supernatural’s coaches.

“They seem like really authentic individuals that were not talking down to you,” Benavidez says. “There’s just something really special about those coaches.”

Meta bought Supernatural in 2022, folding it into its then-heavily invested in metaverse efforts. The purchase was not a smooth process, as it triggered a lengthy legal battle in which the US Federal Trade Commission tried to block Meta from purchasing the service due to antitrust concerns about Meta “trying to buy its way to the top” of the VR market. Meta ultimately prevailed. At the time, some Supernatural users were cautiously optimistic, hoping that big bag of Zuckerbucks could keep its workout juggernaut afloat.

“Meta fought the government to buy this thing,” Benavidez says. “All that just for them to shut it down? What was the point?”

I reached out to Meta and Supernatural, and neither responded to my requests for comment.

Waking Up to Ash and Dust

On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that Meta has laid off more than 1,000 people across its VR and metaverse efforts. The move comes after years of the company hemorrhaging billions of dollars on its metaverse products. In addition to laying off most of the staff at Supernatural, Meta has shut down three internal VR studios that made games like Resident Evil 4 and Deadpool VR.

“If it was a bottom line thing, I think they could have charged more money,” Goff Johnson says about Supernatural. “I think people would have paid for it. This just seems unnecessarily heartless.”

There is a split in the community about who will stay and continue to pay the subscription fee, and who will leave. Supernatural still has more than 3,000 lessons available in the service, so while new content won’t be added, some feel there is plenty of content left in the library. Other users worry about how Supernatural will continue to license music from big-name bands.

“Supernatural is amazing, but I am canceling it because of this,” Chip told me. “The library is large, so there’s enough to keep you busy, but not for the same price.”

There are other VR workout experiences like FitXR or even the VR staple Beat Saber, which Supernatural cribs a lot of design concepts from. Still, they don’t hit the same bar for many of the Supernatural faithful.

“I’m going to stick it out until they turn the lights out on us,” says Stefanie Wong, a Bay Area accountant who has used Supernatural since shortly after the pandemic and has organized and attended meetup events. “It’s not the app. It’s the community and it’s the coaches that we really, really care about.”

Welcome to the New Age

I tried out Supernatural’s Together feature on Wednesday, the day after the layoffs. It’s where I met Chip and Alisa. When we could stop to catch our breath, we talked about the changes coming to the service. They had played through previous sessions hosted by Jane Fonda or playlists with a mix of music that would change regularly. It seems the final collaboration in Supernatural’s multiplayer mode will be what we played now, an artist series featuring entirely Imagine Dragons songs.

In the session, as we punched blocks while being serenaded by this shirtless dude crooning, recorded narrations from Supernatural coach Dwana Olsen chimed in to hype us up.

“Take advantage of these moments,” Olsen said as we punched away. “Use these movements to remind you of how much awesome life you have yet to live.”

Frankly, it was downright invigorating. And bittersweet. We ended another round, sweaty, huffing and puffing. Chip, Alisa, and I high-fived like crazy and readied for another round.

“Beautiful,” Alisa said. “It’s just beautiful, isn’t it?”



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