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Author: Leandro Conceição

  • A Biologically Inspired AI System is Created by Scientists

    A Biologically Inspired AI System is Created by Scientists

    Australian scientists have developed a research platform called PROTEUS (PROTein Evolution Using Selection) that uses biological artificial intelligence to design and evolve molecules with new or enhanced functions directly within mammalian cells. According to the team, this technology represents a powerful new tool for creating more precise research instruments and gene therapies.
    Image Credits:greensavers.sapo

    Australian scientists have developed a research platform called PROTEUS (PROTein Evolution Using Selection) that uses biological artificial intelligence to design and evolve molecules with new or enhanced functions directly within mammalian cells. According to the team, this technology represents a powerful new tool for creating more precise research instruments and gene therapies.

    PROTEUS employs directed evolution, a lab technique that accelerates the natural process of evolution. While traditional evolution can take years or decades, PROTEUS can generate molecules with novel functions in just weeks. This approach has the potential to advance drug discovery and improve gene-editing technologies like CRISPR.

    Creating Molecules Tailored for the Human Body

    “This system allows us to create molecules finely tuned to work in the human body and develop drugs that would be extremely difficult or impossible to make with current methods,” said Professor Greg Neely, senior co-author and Director of the Functional Genomics Laboratory at the University of Sydney. He highlighted that, unlike conventional directed evolution, which primarily works in bacteria, PROTEUS operates in mammalian cells.

    PROTEUS can tackle problems with unknown solutions, similar to how AI platforms respond to user input. For instance, it can explore millions of potential molecular sequences to find ones capable of effectively disabling a gene linked to disease. This dramatically shortens the time needed to identify effective solutions.

    PROTEUS Advances Protein Engineering and Cancer Research

    The team has already used PROTEUS to create improved proteins that respond more easily to drugs, as well as nanobodies that detect DNA damage—a key factor in cancer development. The system, however, is versatile and can enhance the function of a wide range of proteins and molecules.

    The study was published in Nature Communications.

    The original creation of directed evolution in bacteria was honored with the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

    “The development of directed evolution transformed biochemistry. Now, with PROTEUS, we can introduce a genetic problem into a mammalian cell—even one we don’t fully understand—and let the system work continuously, allowing us to observe how it tackles the challenge,” says lead researcher Christopher Denes from the Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences.

    Ensuring Stability Through Multiple Evolution Cycles

    A major hurdle for Denes and his team was ensuring that mammalian cells could endure multiple cycles of evolution and mutation while remaining stable, without the system “cheating” by producing an easy but irrelevant solution.

    They found the solution in chimeric virus-like particles, which combine the outer shell of one virus with the genetic material of another. This design prevented cheating and allowed the system to explore many possible solutions simultaneously. The best solutions became dominant, while ineffective ones were eliminated.

    “PROTEUS is robust, stable, and independently validated. We encourage other labs to adopt this approach. Its use could accelerate the creation of new enzymes, molecular tools, and therapeutics,” says Denes.

    “Our aim is to enhance gene-editing technologies and refine mRNA-based drugs for greater precision and potency,” adds Professor Greg Neely.

    Read the original article on:greensavers.sapo

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  • Tesla Is Redirecting Its Focus From Classic EVs to Building Robots

    Tesla Is Redirecting Its Focus From Classic EVs to Building Robots

    Tesla has concluded its 2025 fiscal year earnings call, revealing that its profits nearly halved compared to the previous year. The company reported a GAAP net income of $3.8 billion, down from $7.1 billion in 2024, marking a 46% decrease. Yikes.
    Image Credits: Tesla believes its Optimus humanoid robot will be the first big step towards its AI and robotics-focused future
    Tesla

    Tesla has concluded its 2025 fiscal year earnings call, revealing that its profits nearly halved compared to the previous year. The company reported a GAAP net income of $3.8 billion, down from $7.1 billion in 2024, marking a 46% decrease. Yikes.

    From Electric Cars to Full Autonomy with AI and Robotics

    That’s a tough situation for any automaker, but Tesla is confident it knows the way forward. The company is shifting its focus from purely electric vehicle production to a broader goal: achieving full autonomy through AI and robotics.

    Optimists drive this strategy, believing that these technologies will lower costs for goods and services while becoming increasingly widespread and valuable.

    Signs of this shift are already emerging. For Tesla owners, one immediate change is coming soon: CEO Elon Musk announced that Tesla will stop selling the Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite—currently offering mostly Level 2 driving assistance—as a one-time purchase. Starting February 14, Tesla will offer it only via a monthly subscription, initially likely matching the current $99/month or $999/year pricing, though the company could raise the cost as it adds new features.

    Image Credits: Tesla’s Full Self-Driving suite of driving-assistance features will soon only be available via a recurring subscription
    Tesla

    Next, Tesla is discontinuing the Model S luxury sedan and Model X crossover—both roughly $100,000—what Musk called an “honorable discharge”—to fully prioritize autonomous technology. Tesla will repurpose the Fremont, California, factory—previously used to produce these vehicles—into a dedicated facility for the Optimus humanoid robot.

    Image Credits: The Model S (top) and Model X (bottom) have each been around for more than 10 years in Tesla’s lineup, and they’re no longer selling well
    Tesla

    Tesla Ends Production of Aging Sedans and SUVs

    It’s a significant move, but also somewhat expected. These older models have been on the market for over a decade, and by 2025, their sales had fallen to less than a third of the newer Model 3 and Model Y. If you’re interested, take one of the remaining vehicles now. Tesla won’t produce any more, but it will continue supporting them as long as they remain operational.

    On the robotics side, Tesla has showcased the Optimus in various development stages over the past few years, but it still hasn’t wowed audiences. At a Tesla event in October 2024, the robots appeared to walk, talk with attendees, and even make drinks—but it was later revealed they were entirely controlled remotely by humans.

    Image Credits: The Optimus bot is being designed to help with household chores and manufacturing tasks, and is expected to cost $30,000 each
    Tesla

    While companies promote these bipedal robots as capable of doing household chores, carrying up to 45 pounds (20 kg), helping factory workers, and even eventually going to space, they are still far from ready for widespread use

    Tesla’s Robot Revolution

    Tesla plans to reach an annual production capacity of one million Optimus units at the Fremont factory, with significant output expected by the end of 2026 and sales beginning in 2027. Meeting this goal—and hitting Musk’s $30,000 target price—will be a major challenge.

    On another front, Tesla is preparing to produce the Cybercab, a two-seater robotaxi with no steering wheel. The company debuted the concept in 2024 and plans to start production this year. The company is currently in the tooling stage, with Musk previously indicating production would begin in April. In the meantime, Tesla is testing self-driving taxi services using modified Model Ys in Austin, Texas, so the system will have some real-world miles under its belt by the time the Cybercab launches.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • Psychiatrists Now Recognize a New Personality Type Called the Otrovert

    Psychiatrists Now Recognize a New Personality Type Called the Otrovert

    Picture a person who likes spending time alone but can easily join social events when they choose. They aren’t really shy, yet they also don’t crave the spotlight.
    Image Credits:freepik

    Picture a person who likes spending time alone but can easily join social events when they choose. They aren’t really shy, yet they also don’t crave the spotlight.

    Exactly—psychiatrists now identify this pattern as a new personality type called the otrovert. The term is becoming popular because it highlights that many people don’t neatly fall into the traditional introvert–extrovert categories.

    Finding Comfort in Solitude and Social Connection

    This personality type was introduced by psychiatrist Rami Kaminski and mentioned in global news coverage. The concept is straightforward: some individuals feel at home both in intentional solitude and in shared moments with others.

    This means they aren’t withdrawing from others, but they also don’t rely on constant company to feel well. What matters most is the importance they place on solitude—not as isolation, but as a healthy way to keep their mind centered.

    Many specialists note that this new personality category clarifies behaviors long observed but never clearly named. After all, people rarely exist only at extremes, and embracing new definitions can lead to a more nuanced understanding of human behavior.

    The Balanced Personality Between Social Engagement and Solitude

    For anyone new to the concept, the personality type known as an otrovert reflects a middle path between the traditional categories. Such individuals don’t avoid social contact, but they also don’t rely on it as their main source of energy. Their defining trait is independence: freely choosing when to be alone and when to engage with others, without feeling obligated.

    This idea highlights that people can’t be neatly sorted into just two groups. The otrovert concept suggests that human personality is more expansive and adaptable than the usual models imply, inviting us to rethink long-standing ways of classifying behavior.

    It’s worth noting that, as psychiatrists explain, this term isn’t included in any diagnostic manuals. It serves more as an informal description that emerges in clinical conversations and patient interactions. In other words, it isn’t an official classification—just a different way of interpreting patterns already seen in everyday life.

    Image Credits:freepik

    Resonating with Everyday Experiences

    Although it hasn’t been fully validated in clinical research, this personality idea draws attention because many people see themselves in it. Individuals who notice this mix of enjoying solitude and social time often feel the concept offers a meaningful explanation for their day-to-day experience.

    Interest in this new personality type is rising because it encourages a more flexible view of well-being. For years, introversion and extroversion were treated as strict opposites, leaving little space for those who naturally move between them. The term otrovert acts as a bridge, showing that people can blend traits depending on where they are in life.

    For psychiatrists who explore the idea, this personality type underscores the importance of emotional independence. Rather than relying solely on social interaction or solely on solitude, the otrovert values both. A chosen quiet moment can be just as meaningful as an engaging conversation.

    While science still calls for further research before confirming everything associated with this concept, the idea already sparks valuable discussion. Understanding how someone balances time alone with time spent among others can support both mental health and more harmonious social connections.

    Expanding the Understanding of Human Behavior

    The otrovert personality type doesn’t replace introversion or extroversion but expands our perspective on human behavior. It highlights individuals who appreciate their own company while still enjoying social interactions, finding their own natural rhythm.

    Even though it isn’t an official classification, the term offers a useful framework for considering how people manage emotional balance.

    The key takeaway is that strict labels can restrict our understanding of humanity. By acknowledging the otrovert, psychiatrists encourage a more flexible approach that values both social engagement and voluntary solitude.

    Read the original article on: Curta mais

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  • Scientists Develop Contact Lenses that Offer Enhanced Vision

    Scientists Develop Contact Lenses that Offer Enhanced Vision

    Chinese researchers have created a contact lens designed to give humans a form of “super vision”—the ability to perceive infrared light, which is normally invisible to the naked eye.
    Image Credits:BBC

    Chinese researchers have created a contact lens designed to give humans a form of “super vision”—the ability to perceive infrared light, which is normally invisible to the naked eye.

    The breakthrough relies on upconversion nanoparticles, which absorb infrared light and convert it into visible light, effectively extending human vision beyond its natural 400–700 nanometer range.

    Volunteers Detect Infrared Signals Using Smart Lens

    In tests, volunteers wearing the lens could detect Morse code signals from an infrared LED and determine the light’s direction—tasks impossible without the technology.

    The lens could also prove useful in daily life, with future applications aimed at assisting people with color blindness and other vision impairments. Researchers estimate its price at around US$200 (approximately R$1,100).

    Compact, Battery-Free Lenses Surpass Traditional Night Vision Goggles

    Unlike night vision goggles—which detect infrared radiation but are bulky, require power, and display only the familiar green-tinted images—the lenses are lightweight, battery-free, and produce full-color images.

    Although still in the testing stage, the technology opens the door to a new way of seeing the world, more akin to certain animals—like birds, bees, and reindeer—that can naturally perceive invisible light bands such as ultraviolet.

    Read the original article on: G1 Globo

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  • AI Identifies Subtle Indicators of Depression in Students’ Facial Expressions

    AI Identifies Subtle Indicators of Depression in Students’ Facial Expressions

    Image Credit: Pixabay

    Subthreshold depression (StD) is a milder form of depression that doesn’t meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis, yet serves as an early warning sign of potential future mental health problems. It’s like standing at the brink of more severe depression.

    Individuals with depression often display reduced facial expressions, and previous studies have used facial cues to identify conditions such as anxiety and stress. However, the challenge remains: it’s still unclear whether Subthreshold Depression (StD) influences how people express or interpret emotions through facial expressions.

    Researchers are now investigating whether slight changes in facial behavior could serve as early indicators of Subthreshold Depression (StD), potentially allowing intervention before it develops into a more severe condition.

    Waseda University Researchers Use AI to Uncover Early Facial Indicators of Depression

    At Waseda University, Associate Professor Eriko Sugimori and doctoral student Mayu Yamaguchi examined facial data from Japanese university students, using artificial intelligence to explore how subtle facial cues might reveal early signs of depression.

    Their study revealed specific patterns of facial muscle movement associated with depressive symptoms, even among individuals without a clinical diagnosis. This suggests that AI could play a valuable role in identifying early signs of emotional distress, offering a promising approach to preventative mental health care.

    Sugimori explained, “With growing concerns about mental health, I was interested in examining how subtle non-verbal cues—like facial expressions—affect social perceptions and reveal underlying mental states through AI-driven facial analysis.”

    Subthresold depression is associated with altered facial expression and impression formation via subjective ratings and action unit analysis. Sugimori and Yamaguchi (2025) | Scientific Reports | DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-15874-0

    AI Analyzes Student Self-Introductions to Link Facial Cues with Perceived Emotions

    The researchers had 64 Japanese students record brief self-introduction videos. A separate group of students then watched these clips and rated the speakers on traits such as friendliness, expressiveness, and naturalness. At the same time, an AI program called OpenFace 2.0 examined subtle facial muscle movements in the videos.

    The findings revealed a clear pattern: students showing mild depressive symptoms (StD) were perceived as less friendly and expressive—but not unnatural or insincere. In other words, StD doesn’t create a negative impression; it simply dulls positive emotional expressions.

    By using AI to analyze the videos, the researchers identified subtle facial movements—like slight eyebrow raises, eye widening, and mouth stretching—that were more frequent in students with StD. These micro-expressions were strongly linked to higher depression scores, even though they were too subtle for most people to consciously detect.

    Importantly, the study centered on Japanese students, where cultural norms influence how emotions are expressed. This emphasizes the significance of cultural context when interpreting facial cues.

    Sugimori explained, “Our innovative method—using brief self-introduction videos combined with automated facial analysis—can be adapted for mental health screening in schools, universities, and workplaces.”

    This technique holds promise for integration into mental health technologies, digital health platforms, and employee wellness programs, offering an efficient way to track psychological well-being.

    Sugimori concluded, “Overall, our research introduces an accessible, non-invasive AI-based facial analysis tool for the early detection of depression—before clinical symptoms appear—allowing for timely intervention and care.”

    Read the original article on: TechXplore

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  • Hugging Face Opens Orders for Reachy Mini Robots

    Hugging Face Opens Orders for Reachy Mini Robots

    Hugging Face is inviting developers to explore and experiment with its newest robotics offering. The AI platform announced Wednesday that it’s now taking orders for its Reachy Mini desktop robots, first revealed in May alongside a larger humanoid robot named HopeJR.
    Image Credits: Techcrunch

    Hugging Face is inviting developers to explore and experiment with its newest robotics offering. The AI platform announced Wednesday that it’s now taking orders for its Reachy Mini desktop robots, first revealed in May alongside a larger humanoid robot named HopeJR.

    Two models of the Reachy Mini will be available: the $449 Reachy Mini Wireless, which runs on a Raspberry Pi 5, and the more affordable $299 Reachy Mini Lite, which requires an external computing source.

    These open-source robots come as DIY kits for developers and are about the size of a stuffed animal, featuring dual screen “eyes” and two antennas.

    Programmable in Python with Access to Hugging Face’s AI Ecosystem

    Once assembled, the robots are fully programmable in Python and come with built-in demos. They also connect to the Hugging Face Hub—an open-source machine learning platform that provides access to over 1.7 million AI models and more than 400,000 datasets.

    Hugging Face CEO Clém Delangue told TechCrunch they released two Reachy Mini versions after early feedback, including a tester whose daughter wanted to carry the robot around—highlighting the need for mobility.

    “Our approach has always been to build based on user feedback and community input,” Delangue said. “Being open source means users can customize, extend, and adapt the robot however they like.”

    Delangue said Hugging Face designed Reachy Mini for AI developers, aiming to let them code, build, and experiment with AI applications directly on their desktops.

    Empowering Developers to Build and Share Custom AI Applications

    “Anyone can create custom features and apps for Reachy Mini and share them with others,” he said.“We hope this sparks creativity, letting developers build and share plug-and-play applications.”

    Hugging Face plans to ship the Reachy Mini Lite next month, with the wireless model following later this year. Delangue stressed the need for fast delivery to let users start using the robots right away.

    Delangue noted that this launch aligns closely with Hugging Face’s broader vision for its robotics program: open-source hardware that empowers users with full control.

    “I believe robotics should be open, not controlled by a few companies,” he said. “It’s troubling to imagine one corporation managing millions of robots with users having no control. I’d rather live in a world where everyone can understand and shape their own robots.”

    Read the original article on: Techcrunch

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  • China Launches a Wild New Robot Soccer League

    China Launches a Wild New Robot Soccer League

    China has officially kicked off its first humanoid robot soccer league. Though these players don’t breathe, they’re already picking up skills like dribbling, shooting, taking tumbles—and getting right back up.
    Image Credits: Gizmodo

    China has officially kicked off its first humanoid robot soccer league. Though these players don’t breathe, they’re already picking up skills like dribbling, shooting, taking tumbles—and getting right back up.

    China Kicks Off RoBoLeague with First-Ever AI Robot Soccer Match

    Launched on June 28, 2025, in Beijing, the RoBoLeague features fully autonomous 3-on-3 soccer matches between AI-driven humanoid robots. The inaugural game saw teams from Tsinghua University and China Agricultural University face off, with Tsinghua claiming a 5–3 victory.

    The robots, supplied by Booster Robotics, perform at a level comparable to 5- or 6-year-old children, based on footage shared online. But unlike real kids, these bots operate entirely on their own—no human control required. Every action, from ball pursuit to tactical decision-making, is handled by artificial intelligence.

    At first, it might seem like a flashy PR stunt—but it’s far more than that. This game marked a milestone for China: the country’s first fully autonomous soccer match featuring humanoid robots playing without any human intervention. And it’s only the beginning.

    Beneath the lighthearted final score lies a serious goal. China is wagering that competitive environments—especially sports—can drive rapid progress in AI and humanoid robotics. The aim is to develop robots that are not only smarter, but also more agile and reliable, with future applications ranging from warehouse automation to elder care and even military use.

    RoBoLeague Part of China’s Broader Push to Advance Humanoid Robotics Through Competition

    The RoBoLeague is just one piece of a larger national initiative. Back in April, Beijing held a half-marathon that saw humanoid robots attempting to run the full 21 kilometers alongside human participants. One robot completed the race in 2 hours and 40 minutes—a distant second to the human winner, but still a notable feat. In May, Hangzhou hosted a martial arts showdown between two humanoid robots. And coming up in August, Beijing will be the site of the World Humanoid Robot Games.

    RoBoLeague matches take place on compact soccer fields, with teams of three robots on each side. Equipped with built-in AI, the robots make split-second decisions on everything from tracking the ball to positioning themselves and attempting goals. They function completely autonomously, with no human input during gameplay—and they’re even capable of getting back on their feet after falling or being knocked down.

    Early Challenges Highlight Robots’ Struggles with Speed, Balance, and Precision

    Despite the excitement, the robots still have a long way to go. Footage from the game reveals frequent stumbles, clumsy tackles, and numerous accidental crashes. Organizers acknowledged that the robots face challenges with object tracking—particularly following a fast-moving ball—and maneuvering around obstacles. To address this, the rules have been adapted: minor collisions go unpunished, and robots that break down can be replaced.

    Even so, progress is evident. According to the organizers, the robots now develop their own strategies using AI, completely independent of human guidance.

    China views humanoid robotics as a critical frontier in its pursuit of global technological leadership. The China Institute of Electronics projects that the domestic market for humanoid robots could reach 870 billion yuan (around $120 billion) by 2030. To fuel that growth, Beijing is heavily investing in robotics startups and backing them with supportive policies. The goal is to use competitions like the RoBoLeague to fast-track the creation of robots that can move, think, and behave more like humans.

    As it turns out, sports provide an ideal testing environment. They demand balance, quick reflexes, coordination, and collaboration—all areas where humanoid robots still face significant challenges.

    Read the original article on: Gizmodo

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  • Spinal Implants Help Paralyzed Rats Walk Again

    Spinal Implants Help Paralyzed Rats Walk Again

    Scientists in New Zealand have developed a minimally invasive technique that successfully restored movement in paralyzed rats. This breakthrough brings us closer to treating incurable spinal cord injuries that cause lasting motor loss in humans and animals.
    Image Credits: Pixabay

    Scientists in New Zealand have developed a minimally invasive technique that successfully restored movement in paralyzed rats. This breakthrough brings us closer to treating incurable spinal cord injuries that cause lasting motor loss in humans and animals.

    Ultra-Thin Implant Delivers Targeted Spinal Cord Stimulation

    The University of Auckland team created an ultra-thin implant that delivers precise electrical stimulation to a rat’s spinal cord injury.

    Spinal cord injuries interrupt the brain’s communication with the body, largely because this nerve tissue doesn’t naturally regenerate well. To address this, the implant is designed to promote healing and help restore lost functions, explained Professor Darren Svirskis.

    Image Credits:A visualization of the spinal cord implant embedded subdurally in a rat
    Image courtesy of the researchers

    Custom biocompatible implants used low-frequency (2 Hz) electrical stimulation to promote nerve regeneration and new connections in damaged spinal cords.

    Researchers treated one group of rats with moderate spinal injuries using daily electric field therapy for 1 hour over 7–11 days, then 5 days a week for 12 weeks. The control group was left to recover without any treatment.

    Image Credits:The biocompatible implant features tiny electrodes to deliver a controlled electric stimulus directly to the injury site on the spinal cord
    Image courtesy of the researchers

    The electric field (EF) treatment led to marked improvements compared to natural recovery. Rats that received the stimulation showed significantly better hind limb function after four weeks, with improved coordination, paw placement, and toe clearance. They also responded more quickly to mechanical touch, suggesting their sense of touch was returning. A video included with the team’s recent paper in Nature Communications shows the clear contrast between treated and untreated rats.

    A 2012 Swiss study used chemical injections, electrical stimulation, and rehab on paralyzed rats. The new method is minimally invasive, aids movement and sensation, and avoids spinal damage.

    Rats’ Natural Recovery Raises the Bar for Human Trials

    It’s important to note that rats naturally have a higher ability to recover from spinal cord injuries than humans. This allowed researchers to compare natural healing with treatment more easily but requires more extensive research before applying it to humans.

    The research team—which includes collaborators from Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology—is now investigating how different levels of low-frequency EF treatment affect recovery. Their long-term goal is to develop a medical device to help people with spinal cord injuries regain lost function.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • The Electric Hummer is Nearly Outselling the F-150 Lightning

    The Electric Hummer is Nearly Outselling the F-150 Lightning

    General Motors sold 4,508 electric Hummer trucks and SUVs in the U.S. during the second quarter, putting it within striking distance of Ford’s F-150 Lightning despite a steep price difference.
    Image Credits:Techcrunch

    General Motors sold 4,508 electric Hummer trucks and SUVs in the U.S. during the second quarter, putting it within striking distance of Ford’s F-150 Lightning despite a steep price difference.

    It was a strong quarter overall for GM’s EV lineup, making it one of the few automakers to post a year-over-year increase in U.S. electric vehicle sales, according to data released Tuesday. GM sold 17,420 electric Equinox SUVs, 3,056 electric Silverado pickups, 6,549 Blazer EVs, 1,810 Escalade IQs, and 1,524 electric GMC Sierra trucks.

    BrightDrop Boosts GM’s EV Surge with Strong Van Sales and New Models

    Sales from its commercial EV arm, BrightDrop, also grew significantly, with 1,318 electric vans sold — up from 490 a year earlier. In total, GM’s EV sales rose 111% for the quarter, even as it phased out the Bolt EV and EUV. The growth was partly due to new models that weren’t available in the same quarter last year.

    That contrasts sharply with most other automakers’ EV performance in Q2, based on currently available data. Ford, for instance, saw a 31% drop in U.S. EV sales, driven by falling demand for its E-Transit vans and a decline in F-150 Lightning sales. In contrast, its hybrid sales rose over 23% year-over-year.

    By mid-2025, Ford had sold just 38,988 EVs — nearly 12% fewer than at the same point in 2024 — despite overall sales growth, boosted in part by aggressive employee pricing amid rising automotive tariffs.

    EV Market Faces Turbulence Amid Policy Uncertainty and Slowing Sales

    After several years of momentum, the U.S. EV market is hitting headwinds. The Trump administration’s threats to eliminate federal EV tax credits and subsidies have added uncertainty. Even Hyundai, which has been a U.S. EV success story, reported Q2 declines of 12% and 8% for its Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, respectively. Kia fared even worse, with sharper drops for its EV9 and EV6 models. Tesla is expected to report similarly weak sales on Wednesday.

    Ford experienced a nearly 20% year-over-year decline in Mustang Mach-E sales in Q2, with just 10,178 units sold. F-150 Lightning sales also fell sharply to 5,842 units — a 26% drop. E-Transit van sales plummeted to just 418, compared to 3,410 during the same period in 2024. (Ford told TechCrunch the decline was due to major fleet orders being fulfilled in Q1.)

    In the early months of his second term, President Trump pushed for new automotive tariffs, temporarily boosting sales as consumers rushed to avoid potential price hikes. However, that surge hasn’t lasted for Ford’s EVs, which are beginning to show their age. The Mustang Mach-E launched in late 2020, and the F-150 Lightning followed in mid-2022. While Ford is developing a new line of more affordable EVs—starting with a compact electric truck—those models aren’t expected to launch until 2027.

    Read the original article on:Techcrunch

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  • Uber Leads Atlanta’s Autonomous Transport Market

    Uber Leads Atlanta’s Autonomous Transport Market

    Uber Eats customers in Atlanta now have the option to receive their meals via sidewalk delivery robots, following the Thursday rollout by Serve Robotics. This launch comes just two days after Uber and Waymo introduced a commercial robotaxi service in the city.
    Image Credits:Techcrunch

    Uber Eats customers in Atlanta now have the option to receive their meals via sidewalk delivery robots, following the Thursday rollout by Serve Robotics. This launch comes just two days after Uber and Waymo introduced a commercial robotaxi service in the city.

    Serve Robotics, which spun out from Uber in 2021 and went public last year, is one of 18 autonomous vehicle companies that Uber has partnered with to gain a head start in consumer-facing autonomy. Uber reports that its platform now supports an annual run rate of 1.5 million autonomous rides and deliveries.

    Serve Targets Urban Expansion with Atlanta as Fourth Launch City

    Atlanta becomes the fourth city where Serve has launched commercially with Uber, after previous debuts in Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas–Fort Worth. While many competitors focus on scaling operations on college campuses, Serve is concentrating solely on dense urban areas. CEO Ali Kashani explained to TechCrunch that city sidewalks present greater technical challenges but also offer higher revenue opportunities.

    Serve hasn’t revealed how many robots it deployed for the Atlanta launch. However, the company aims to scale from its current fleet of around 100 robots in Los Angeles to 2,000 across several U.S. cities by the end of 2025.

    Robot Deliveries Now Available Across Metro Atlanta, with More Areas to Come

    According to a Serve spokesperson, Uber Eats customers across metro Atlanta—including Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Downtown—can now receive robot-delivered orders, with future plans to expand coverage. Uber says the service will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

    Restaurants participating in the Atlanta rollout include Rreal Tacos, Ponko Chicken, and Shake Shack.

    Read the original article on:Techcrunch

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