Programming

Google used its I/O conference to launch a new LLM that surpasses GPT-4 on certain metrics – as well as to tease something far more powerful

Technology

Google swings for the fences with PaLM 2 and Gemini AI systems

Badly bloodied by OpenAI's GPT-4, Google has struck back with a new, more powerful large language model (LLM) to upgrade Bard and create a suite of new AI services – starting with a model targeted at doctors. It also teased its next-gen Gemini AI.

Depth-sensing computer vision technology, 4K video capabilities, AI processing and machine learning, mobile app integration and control, and much more combine in a pocket-friendly battery powered roving robotics lab called rae

Robotics

Luxonis puts a powerful rolling robotics lab in your pocket

Luxonis has launched a hackable, open-source roving robot called rae that packs AI processing and machine learning, depth-sensing cameras, app control and fun RGB lighting into a pint-sized package designed "for every age, and every skill level."

The Mini Pupper 2 features upgraded brains, is compatible with the ROS2 operating platform, and comes with smarter servos

Robotics

Mini Pupper 2 makes a bid to be your new hackable robo-dog pal

Last year, Hong Kong's MangDang gave programmers the chance to own a small hackable four-legged robot named the Mini Pupper, a kind of baby Spot. Now the team has returned to Kickstarter with a much-improved second generation robo-dog.

The RobotCreator DX is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign

Robotics

Cute desktop robot designed to keep armchair engineers engaged

Building a robot and then getting it to do exactly what you want it to can be a serious head-scratcher. Taiwan's NUWA Robotics is looking to make things simpler with the RobotCreator DX, plus an easy-to-use cloud-based programming platform.

As it rolls over colored tiles, its built-in sensor translates each color into action like go faster, slow down, turn sharp left or right at 45 degrees

Robotics

Sphero takes early learners for driving lessons with indi robot car

Though Sphero is probably best known for the BB-8 droid it released in 2015, more recently the focus has been on helping to kickstart future coders with educational bots. Now the indi robocar becomes the company's first robot aimed at early learners.

With the help of educators, students can learn to control the RoboMaster TT drone using open-source coding platforms

Drones

DJI flies into the classroom with Tello Talent programmable drone

Drone titan DJI has today added a new model to its recently launched Education division. The company aims to encourage robotics and AI tech learning with a package that includes a teeny drone, an intuitive mobile app and an exclusive curriculum.

Computers

BBC adds sound and touch to tiny micro:bit educational computer

Back in 2016, the BBC gave a million tiny computers to UK school kids for free. The micro:bit boards were designed as learning tools to help get youngsters into coding, and now the tiny computer for tiny hands has been updated.

Materials

Scientists encode data into artificial molecules

Information can be encoded into many patterns, such as ones and zeroes for computers. A new proof of concept has been demonstrated to encode information into artificial molecules, which could enable programmable materials or new types of computers.

"At DJI Education, we strive to continue to be at the forefront of education innovation. It’s key for us to invest in the next generation of tech innovators by entering the education market supporting and providing tools at a pivotal age," said Jianrong Gao, head of DJI Education.

Robotics

DJI sets up education branch, launches first product

DJI is probably best known for its drones, but last year it launched an educational robot platform named after its annual RomoMaster Robotics Competition. Now the S1 has been joined by the EP Core, the first product in DJI's new Education branch.

The Which Way? Coding Game aids with cognitive thinking, problem solving and STEM learning

Sponsored Content

The Which Way? board game is a fun way for kids to learn coding skills ... without screens!

We need a great way to teach our kids how to harness their curiosity into something that can be used for later in life. What if we could teach our kids some of the skills that will need to know to be in an industry that is leading the future?

Students will be able to program their Spike Prime creations using a farg-and-drop coding platform based on Scratch

Children

Lego gives middle schoolers coding confidence

Lego Education has launched a new STEAM learning package designed to give kids of all abilities more coding confidence. The Spike Prime set includes hundreds of Lego bricks, sensors and motors, a programmable multi-port Hub, and a companion app featuring a block-based coding environment.

The Sphero Rvr robot has been designed as a blank template for hacker creativity

Robotics

Sphero rolls out roving robot that's made for hacking

Sphero is probably best known for its BB-8 rolling droid, but has recently been aiming its products at future programmers and makers. The company has opted to take to Kickstarter for its latest bot, which has been designed to be tweaked and hacked by adult hobbyists and young roboticists alike.