Author: Laura Watling

In a dramatic fusion of martial arts and machine learning, China has staged what it claims to be the world’s first robot kickboxing tournament, a choreographed clash of steel and silicon meant to showcase the country’s rapidly advancing robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Held under the bright lights of a packed arena and broadcast widely by state media, the event featured AI-enabled humanoid robots squaring off in a full-contact kickboxing match, bobbing, weaving, and exchanging punches with uncanny precision. The spectacle was not only designed to entertain but also to underline China’s emergence as a global leader in robotics,…

Australia’s largest telecom provider outlines a bold AI-driven vision that could reshape its workforce and customer service approach by 2030. Telstra is preparing for a major evolution in how it operates, with artificial intelligence set to take centre stage in everything from customer support to software development. The company’s CEO, Vicki Brady, shared this vision during Telstra’s annual investor day, signalling a significant shift toward automation and digital transformation. “As every business will need to, we will embrace AI,” Brady said, adding that the pace of AI innovation over the next five years is expected to be “extraordinary.” While specific…

Once known primarily as India’s Silicon Valley, Bengaluru is now standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of San Francisco, Beijing, and Tokyo on the global tech stage. A new report by CBRE, Global Tech Talent Guidebook 2025, places the city among the world’s top 12 “Powerhouse” technology hubs, thanks in large part to its surging AI talent pool that has crossed the one-million mark. This recognition places Bengaluru in rarefied company, affirming its transformation into a full-fledged global innovation centre. The report evaluates 115 international markets and categorizes them as Powerhouse, Established, or Emerging, based on their talent density,…

The Middle East is no longer just an energy powerhouse, it’s rapidly becoming one of the most dynamic frontiers in global technology. From Abu Dhabi to Riyadh, governments are pouring billions into artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data infrastructure, forging deep ties with major U.S. firms and creating fertile ground for local startups to thrive. What once seemed like a peripheral player in the tech race is now a central stage for innovation, investment, and influence. At the heart of this transformation are countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, which are actively rewriting the rules of engagement with…

Global professional services powerhouse Deloitte has unveiled plans to create 100 new technology and artificial intelligence roles in Greater Manchester, reinforcing the city-region’s status as one of the UK’s fastest-growing innovation and digital technology ecosystems. The new jobs will be housed within a dedicated technology centre at Deloitte’s modern office at 100 Embankment, Salford, a striking riverside complex just across the Irwell from Manchester’s bustling city centre. This move further solidifies Salford’s emergence as a major destination for high-skill, knowledge-based employment and digital transformation. The decision to scale up in Greater Manchester comes amid a wave of investment in the…

Intel took center stage at Computex 2025 with a sweeping showcase of new AI hardware innovations, doubling down on its mission to power the future of artificial intelligence across both consumer and enterprise segments. The tech giant unveiled expanded offerings within its Arc Pro GPU family, alongside the long-anticipated commercial launch of its Gaudi 3 AI accelerator a clear signal of Intel’s intensifying focus on AI compute leadership. Among the most anticipated announcements was the introduction of next-generation Arc Pro GPUs, designed specifically for prosumers, content creators, and AI developers. These graphics solutions are optimized not only for high-fidelity visual…

A recent leak has sent the tech world into a frenzy, offering a first look at what may be Apple’s most ambitious smartphone yet: the iPhone 17 Air. Slated for release later this year, this ultra-slim device is already being hailed as a potential game-changer in Apple’s 2025 product lineup. According to sources close to Apple’s supply chain, the iPhone 17 Air will boast a radically redesigned chassis, with an unprecedented focus on thinness and lightweight engineering. Internal documentation and leaked prototype imagery suggest the device could be Apple’s slimmest iPhone to date, possibly rivalling the compact profile of the…

TikTok has taken a bold step into the future of content creation with the launch of “AI Alive,” an innovative feature that turns static photos into dynamic, animated video Stories using artificial intelligence. The new tool marks a significant enhancement in the platform’s push toward deeper engagement and creative expression, powered by cutting-edge AI technology. “AI Alive” allows users to upload a single photo and watch it transform into a short video clip, complete with motion effects, facial animations, background enhancements, and even simulated gestures or expressions. Leveraging TikTok’s proprietary AI models, built on advances in generative media, the feature…

China has taken a major leap toward the future of smart manufacturing with the unveiling of a new generation of AI-powered humanoid robots aimed at transforming its industrial sector. The initiative is part of a national strategy to boost productivity, reduce dependency on human labor in hazardous environments, and secure China’s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing technologies. Developed by a consortium of state-backed tech firms, robotics startups, and academic institutions, these humanoid robots are equipped with advanced machine vision, real-time decision-making capabilities, and dexterous mobility systems. Unlike traditional industrial robots that perform repetitive tasks in isolation, these…

Dutch insurtech startup MarvelX has announced the successful close of a $6 million seed funding round to fuel the next phase of its AI-driven platform, ClaimOS MaX, designed to overhaul traditional insurance workflows. The round was led by EQT Ventures, with strategic backing from high-profile angel investors including Jobi George (Elastic, Microsoft), Keith Grose (Coinbase, Plaid), Yana Abramova (Pretiosum), Humphrey Valenbreder (Partior, bunq), Mehdi Ghissassi (Google DeepMind), and Plug and Play Ventures. MarvelX is aiming to modernise an industry notorious for its complex processes, legacy systems, and customer dissatisfaction. Its flagship platform leverages artificial intelligence to automate time consuming tasks…