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Transformers in real life? China unveils 500kg robot that can break through concrete walls
Transformers in real life? Is the question netizens are asking after a Chinese robotics company unveiled the world’s first manned transforming robot that can transition between bipedal and four-legged walking.
Developed by Unitree Robotics, the GD01 is operated by a pilot seated in a built in ‘cockpit,’ controlling the 500kg machine.
A demonstration video shows the immense strength with which it can power through a concrete wall, giving a feeling of the arrival of fictional Transformers characters in real life.
According to Unitree Robotics, the machine, standing at a 9 feet height, was built for civilian transport, marking the world’s first mass-produced “transformable mecha”.
The giant humanoid comes with a hefty price tag of $650,000. The price is preliminary and may get adjusted depending on performance optimization and production costs.
Experts say the development of GD01 has given China a major edge in the robotics race against the West. Robotics expert Lukas Ziegler expressed the West was building incredible humanoids; however, China was building them faster, cheaper and at a scale nobody else is close to matching.
According to a marketing staff member at Unitree, Huang Jiawei, the product is still in its first generation at this stage and there is indeed a lot of room for imagination.
The vice president of the Technology and Strategy Research Institute, Chen Jing, described the humanoid as more than just a proof-of-concept, adding, “It is a product with a clear price tag and commercialisation roadmap.”
Social media couldn’t have enough of the giant mecha as one netizen declared it to be “every boys’ dream.” Another chimed in, saying, “The world is now ready for a boxing match with aliens.”
The Senate Banking Committee is set to start marking up the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act on Thursday, May 14.
This marks a pivotal moment for legislation that can establish the first comprehensive U.S. regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies.
The act distinguishes whether digital assets are securities or commodities, explaining whether the SEC or CFTC has jurisdiction, and establishes compliance rules for exchanges, brokers, and stablecoins.
According to this Act, the major aspects are:
- As per the bill, digital assets are categorised into three categories, including digital commodities, investment contract assets, and permitted payment stablecoins.
- Crypto exchanges, brokers, and dealers need to stay compliant with anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance, including the Bank Secrecy Act regulations.
- Bitcoin ATMs need to be registered with customer warnings, identification, and withdrawal limits.
- It protects software developers who publish code but do not control customer funds.
- The act bridges the gap left by previous regulations by setting regulations for stablecoin issuers and their ability to pay rewards.
Last year, the house passed the bill after facing delays due to criticism faced by banks and crypto companies.
More than 130 amendments have already been submitted in advance of the markup session on Thursday, including 44 amendments by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who claims the bill poses a threat to national security and fails to provide sufficient anti-money laundering protections.
It will take at least seven Democrats’ votes for the bill to pass the Senate. A party-line vote by the committee would mean very little chance of success, while bipartisan support would increase the bill’s chances.
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- Iran claims UAE directly participates in attacks against Tehran.
- Araghchi questions alleged Netanyahu meeting with UAE leadership.
- UAE denies allowing territory used for attacks targeting Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of playing an active role in the US-Israeli war against his country.
“The UAE is an active partner in this aggression, and there is no doubt about it,” Araghchi said in a Telegram post while attending a Brics summit in India.
Araghchi also referred to what Israel has described as a “secret” meeting in the UAE during the war between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan — a visit Abu Dhabi has denied took place.
“I must say that the UAE was directly involved in the act of aggression against my country. When this aggression began, they even refused to condemn it,” Araghchi said.
“It also became clear that they participated in these attacks and may have even acted directly against us,” he added.
Relations between Iran and the UAE have been strained since February 28 when US-Israeli attacks triggered Iranian retaliatory strikes against Israel and US allies in the Gulf, including the UAE.
A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 8.
Iran has repeatedly accused Gulf states of allowing US forces to carry out attacks from their territory.
Gulf nations have repeatedly denied the accusations, saying even before the conflict that they would not allow their territory or airspace to be used to attack Iran.
Iranian state television has featured analysts alleging UAE involvement in the attacks on Iran.
The UAE earlier this month blamed Iran for a drone strike at an energy installation in its eastern emirate of Fujairah, a claim Iran denied.
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Transformers in real life? China unveils 500kg robot that can break through concrete walls
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