IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

- Alibaba touts new AI model it says rivals DeepSeek, OpenAI, Meta's top offerings
- DeepSeek is the newest front in the AI competition between the US and China
- DeepSeek fallout: GOP Sen Josh Hawley seeks to cut off all US-China collaboration on AI development

HEATING UP: Chinese tech giant Alibaba is flexing its muscles in the global race for artificial intelligence dominance, claiming the latest version of its Qwen 2.5 can take on the top models from rivals both foreign and domestic.

NEWEST FRONT: OPINION: DeepSeek's release of a high-profile new AI model underscores a point we at OpenAI have been making for quite some time: the U.S. is in a competition with the Chinese Communist Party that will determine whether democratic AI wins over the Chinese Communist Party's authoritarian version of the technology. The U.S. must come out on top – and the stakes could not be higher.

DEEPSEEK DANGER: This week the U.S. tech sector was routed by the Chinese launch of DeepSeek, and Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is putting forth legislation to prevent that from happening again.

'NEXT WEAPON': Ask Sage founder Nicolas Chaillan addresses the emergence of the Chinese A.I. app DeepSeek, its threat to American A.I. dominance and his skepticism over the model.

REAL-LIFE TETRIS: In a groundbreaking development for warehouse automation, Ambi Robotics just launched AmbiStack, a multipurpose robotic system that promises to transform the way items are stacked onto pallets and into containers.

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Deep Robotics, a Chinese robotics firm, recently unveiled its latest innovation in quadruped robotics, the Lynx. 

This impressive robot dog combines the agility of legs with the speed of wheels, showcasing its exceptional flexibility. 

Emerging from Hangzhou's cutting-edge robotics landscape, the Lynx is pushing the boundaries of what autonomous mobile robots can achieve. With its groundbreaking design, the robot promises to revolutionize how we think about robotic mobility and terrain navigation.

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 A dance of versatility

The Lynx demonstrates its remarkable capabilities by performing a series of jaw-dropping maneuvers. From dancing and gliding across ice to powering through deep snow and even executing leaps and flips, this mid-sized quadruped on wheels proves its unmatched adaptability to various terrains.

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What sets the Lynx apart is its unique wheeled-leg hybrid design. This innovative construction allows the robot to lock its wheels, enabling it to switch seamlessly between walking and climbing like a standard four-legged robot. This dual-mode locomotion combines the speed and efficiency of wheeled systems with the versatility of walking robots, making it ideal for navigating uneven and rugged surfaces.

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The Lynx features an extraordinary range of capabilities that set it apart in the world of quadruped robotics. Its remarkable leg design allows it to climb impressive 8.7-inch steps and confidently navigate challenging 45-degree slopes with unparalleled stability and precision.

The robot features a robust IP54 protection rating, which means it can operate effectively in virtually any weather condition, from dusty construction sites to wet outdoor environments. Engineers have designed the Lynx with practical functionality in mind, ensuring it can withstand harsh external conditions without compromising performance.

Battery performance is another standout feature, with a solid three-hour operational time and innovative hot-swappable battery technology. This means users can quickly swap batteries in the field, extending mission duration and reducing potential downtime during critical operations.

High-performance video transmission ensures operators receive crystal-clear, real-time visual feedback, allowing for precise remote navigation and monitoring. The intuitive user interface further enhances the user experience, making complex robotic control feel surprisingly straightforward and accessible.

Priced at $17,999, the Lynx represents a significant but justifiable investment in cutting-edge robotic technology, offering capabilities that could transform how we approach challenging terrain and complex operational scenarios.

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The Lynx is part of Deep Robotics' "AI+" initiative, which is building on the company's expertise in legged robotics. It joins a lineup of innovative quadrupeds, including the Lite3, X20 and X30, each designed for specific applications ranging from emergency rescue to scientific exploration in hazardous environments.

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The Lynx combines the best of both wheeled and legged locomotion. Its ability to navigate complex terrains with ease opens up new possibilities for applications in search and rescue, industrial inspection and scientific research. As AI continues to advance, we can expect even more impressive capabilities from future iterations of these robotic dogs.

So, what's your gut reaction? Are these robot dogs the most impressive technological breakthrough you've seen recently, or do they make you feel just a little bit unsettled? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Move over, Crocs. There's a new contender in the world of unconventional footwear. 

Syntilay, a startup with a sparkle in its eye and artificial intelligence on its mind, has just unveiled what it claims to be the world's first entirely AI-designed and 3D-printed shoe. 

This futuristic footwear is turning heads and raising eyebrows in equal measure.

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Syntilay, whose name is derived from "scintillate" (meaning to sparkle), is the brainchild of 25-year-old entrepreneur Ben Weiss. The company's journey from concept to creation is as unique as the shoes themselves. Using Midjourney AI, they generated the basic shape, which was then sketched by an artist. This sketch was transformed into a 3D model using Vizcom AI, and finally, generative AI added the distinctive patterns and textures. 

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Ben tells CyberGuy, "AI designing shoes is going to disrupt the category because of the incredible speed to go to market. New releases for traditionally made shoes take around 18 months for a model to release, with AI making them and 3D printing, that is now only a few months."

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One of Syntilay's standout features is its commitment to personalized comfort. Before you can slip your feet into these futuristic slides, you'll need to scan your feet using your smartphone. This ensures a custom fit for each customer, even accommodating those with different-sized feet. Available in five colors – blue, black, red, beige and orange – these shoes are priced at a not-so-modest $149.99 per pair.

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While Syntilay is pushing the boundaries of shoe design, they've also got some serious old-school cred in their corner. Joe Foster, the co-founder of Reebok, is lending his expertise to the project. With Foster's experience in building a $4 billion shoe empire, Syntilay is hoping to make big strides in the footwear market. Syntilay's ambitions extend far beyond selling a few thousand pairs of quirky slides. 

They're eyeing the $85.8 billion U.S. footwear market, with plans to open their platform to brands and content creators. This could potentially allow influencers and brands to design and sell their own AI-created footwear, tapping into a market that has traditionally been difficult for non-shoe companies to crack.

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In an age where environmental concerns are at the forefront, Syntilay is putting its best foot forward. The shoes are 100% recyclable, with customers able to return them at the end of their life to be transformed into new products. This closed-loop system could potentially revolutionize the footwear industry's approach to sustainability.

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Whether Syntilay becomes the next Crocs or fades into obscurity remains to be seen. However, their innovative approach to design and manufacturing is undoubtedly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in footwear. As AI and 3D printing technologies continue to evolve, we may be witnessing the first steps towards a revolution in how we design, produce and consume fashion.

What do you think? Are AI-designed, 3D-printed shoes the future of footwear or just a passing fad? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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In a groundbreaking development for warehouse automation, Ambi Robotics just launched AmbiStack, a multipurpose robotic system that promises to transform the way items are stacked onto pallets and into containers. 

This innovative solution tackles a fundamental challenge in logistics: maximizing space utilization and reducing shipping costs.

AmbiStack operates like a real-world 3D Tetris game, expertly arranging items to optimize space in containers and pallets. By minimizing wasted space, warehouses can significantly reduce shipping costs and improve overall efficiency.

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"Logistics companies are under continuous pressure to deliver items faster and for lower cost, which puts a lot of strain on operations to maintain reliability while rapidly adapting for the future," Jim Liefer, CEO of Ambi Robotics, also tells CyberGuy. 

"AmbiStack can be rapidly configured to automate the repetitive motions involved in a huge variety of stacking and palletizing applications, driving greater accuracy and efficiency, while future-proofing warehouse operations."

CHINA’S NEWEST HUMANOID ROBOT IS READY TO SERVE LIKE NEVER BEFORE

The rapid development and deployment of AmbiStack was made possible by PRIME-1, Ambi Robotics' new artificial intelligence foundation model for warehouse robots. This advanced AI enables AmbiStack to begin working efficiently from day one in production environments.

Ken Goldberg, co-founder and chief scientist at Ambi Robotics, tells CyberGuy, "The engineering team at Ambi Robotics used 4 years of proprietary warehouse data to train a state-of-the-art generative model for 3D warehouse operations; their experiments with real production systems confirm that PRIME-1 significantly outperforms their previous systems."

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Cost reduction and efficiency: AmbiStack addresses the pressing need for automated solutions that cut labor costs, reduce manual inefficiencies and tackle accuracy challenges.

Ergonomic improvements: The system alleviates the physical strain on workers by handling heavy lifting tasks.

Adaptive intelligence: Trained using Sim2Real reinforcement learning, AmbiStack can make real-time decisions, adapting to various scenarios and delivering a faster return on investment.

Tackling complex tasks: Stacking presents more challenges than sorting, making AmbiStack a significant advancement in robotic capabilities.

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CHINESE ROBOT LIFTS 35 POUNDS PER HAND

AmbiStack utilizes advanced vision systems and AI models trained on extensive data from parcel sorting experiences. The robot learns in a virtual environment, earning higher scores for better stacking performance with random items.

Jeff Mahler, co-founder and CTO of Ambi Robotics, tells CyberGuy, "AmbiStack represents an evolution of our AI-powered robotics, building on our technology in physical AI to add stacking as a fundamental new robot skill in AmbiOS. We’ve started the AI flywheel for stacking with Sim2Real reinforcement learning and performance will only improve as robots collect data from production environments. We are committed to advancing this capability to provide reliable systems that deliver a strong ROI for our customers."

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The potential market for AmbiStack is vast, as efficient packing and stacking are crucial in logistics. By optimizing container usage, AmbiStack ensures that companies aren't "shipping air," leading to substantial cost savings in transportation.

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AmbiStack is designed to complement human workers, not replace them. It allows employees to focus on decision-making and strategic tasks while reducing physical strain and repetitive motions.

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By combining advanced AI with practical robotics, AmbiStack is addressing a long-standing challenge in logistics. As the industry continues to evolve, solutions like AmbiStack will play a crucial role in shaping the future of warehouse operations and supply chain efficiency.

Do you believe these technologies will ultimately complement human workers or gradually replace them entirely in logistics and warehouse operations? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

- DeepSeek is the newest front in the AI competition between the US and China

- Trump, OpenAI CEO weigh in on DeepSeek frenzy

- Willing to pay $175,000 for a life-size robot friend that remembers everything about you?

CRITICAL FIGHT: DeepSeek’s release of a high-profile new AI model underscores a point we at OpenAI have been making for quite some time: the U.S. is in a competition with the Chinese Communist Party that will determine whether democratic AI wins over the Chinese Communist Party's authoritarian version of the technology. The U.S. must come out on top–and the stakes could not be higher.

'WAKE-UP CALL': President Donald Trump and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman both joined in on the buzz surrounding Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek, which sent the technology sector into turmoil on Monday following its emergence as a potential rival to leading U.S.-based firms.

ROBOT FRIEND MELODY: In a world where loneliness is becoming increasingly prevalent, researchers have taken a bold step forward by introducing Melody, a life-sized artificial intelligence robot designed to combat this growing epidemic. 

AI RACE: China-based artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek's release of new AI models that rival those made by leading U.S. tech firms roiled markets on Monday and prompted concerns about U.S. firms losing their edge in the AI race to Chinese rivals.

ROBOTIC DOG COMPANION: U.S. robotics company Tombot has introduced "Jennie," an innovative AI-powered robotic pet designed to provide comfort and companionship to those facing cognitive health challenges.

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IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER:

- Musk casts doubt on Trump-backed Stargate project: 'They don't actually have the money'
- Elon Musk biographer offers big prediction for Trump term
- AI abortion training has arrived: New tech tools navigate the blurry line between healthcare and politics
-Trump’s AI deal fueling early cancer detection: Oracle’s Larry Ellison
-Microsoft CEO says AI is the ‘most important’ export of American services

EMPTY COFFERS?: Business magnate and X CEO Elon Musk has cast doubt on whether there is enough funding available to follow through on a massive $500 billion artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure project announced by President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

ON THE BRINK: Walter Isaacson, author of "Elon Musk," discusses the Trump administration’s collaboration with tech giants to drive AI innovation and technological advancement on "America’s Newsroom."

CONTROVERSIAL TECH: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are now available for future medical professionals at one Texas university to navigate the complexities of pregnancy and abortion—a development that further blurs the line between technology, politics and healthcare.

FUELING CANCER VACCINES: Oracle founder Larry Ellison said the massive artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure project dubbed Stargate is helping to fuel the development of a cancer vaccine.

'MOST IMPORTANT' EXPORT: Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith breaks down how the company plans to invest in artificial intelligence during an appearance on ‘Mornings with Maria.’

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In a world where loneliness is becoming increasingly prevalent, researchers have taken a bold step forward by introducing Melody, a life-sized artificial intelligence robot designed to combat this growing epidemic. 

However, Melody is not just another gadget; she represents a significant move toward creating robots that closely resemble humans in both appearance and interaction.

Realbotix, the innovative tech firm responsible for Melody's creation, aims to produce robots that are not only visually indistinguishable from humans but also capable of meaningful interactions.

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According to CEO Andrew Kiguel, "Melody was created with the intention of having robots that are easy to travel with and modify for various forms of personal interaction." This focus on adaptability allows Melody to serve multiple roles, from educational tools to companions in entertainment.

Melody boasts an impressive array of features that enhance her functionality and user experience:

Realistic movements: Equipped with advanced motor technology, Melody can execute fluid and natural movements, enhancing her ability to engage in lifelike interactions.

CHINA’S NEWEST HUMANOID ROBOT IS READY TO SERVE LIKE NEVER BEFORE

Eye tracking and object recognition: With micro-cameras embedded in her eyes, she can maintain eye contact and recognize objects, making conversations feel more genuine.

Modular design: Her components can be easily disassembled and reassembled, allowing for portability and customization according to user needs.

Open-source compatibility: Melody's design supports integration with various AI platforms, including Realbotix's proprietary companionship AI, making her versatile for different applications.

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Realbotix emphasizes that Melody's primary purpose lies in fostering connection rather than intimacy. Her role as an engaging companion is designed to enhance human experiences through interaction and fun. However, she can engage in adult conversations if desired. The company envisions Melody as a versatile solution for addressing loneliness, with potential applications across multiple domains such as education, healthcare and personal companionship.

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With a price tag of $175,000, Melody is positioned as a premium product aimed at those seeking a unique blend of companionship and technology. This investment speaks to the growing market for humanoid robots designed for personal interaction, reflecting a shift in how we view relationships in an increasingly digital world.

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One look at Melody, and you might think she is designed for something else entirely. As technology evolves, so too does our understanding of companionship. Melody represents not just a technological advancement but also a cultural shift towards accepting robots as part of our social fabric. With her ability to remember personal interactions and adapt to individual preferences, she challenges our perceptions of connection in the modern age.

What do you think about the rise of humanoid robots like Melody? Are they the solution to loneliness or just another gadget? Let us know what you think by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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President Donald Trump's recent AI announcement has the potential to jumpstart a technological "renaissance" in the United States and serve as a strong declaration, similar to former President John F. Kennedy's pledge to put a man on the moon, according to a top former White House information technology (IT) official.

During a speech at the White House, Trump announced that Softbank, OpenAI and Oracle have joined forces for Stargate, a project to build data centers in the U.S. for powering AI. The initial investment for the project will be $100 billion, with plans to expand to $500 billion over the next four years. The first data center built under the initiative will be in Texas, and it will eventually expand to other states.

Speaking with Fox News Digital, Theresa Payton, the first female White House Chief Information Officer during President George W. Bush's administration, says the news, which Trump calls the "largest AI infrastructure project, by far, in history," has her attention.

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"I do really believe that very much like when you read in the history books about how President Kennedy said, we're going to put a man on the moon. This is one of those big declarations that's so important to the future of America. This has the potential to be sort of the beacon of America's technological progress. And I really think our true success, though, is going to hinge on what goes behind the big headline," she said.

To ensure success and a U.S. lead in AI, Payton says the project should set a "gold standard" for the rest of the world regarding responsible innovation, considering safety, security, individual rights, and privacy.

The first data center built under the initiative will be in Texas, eventually expanding to other states. The Trump administration claims that the venture could create 100,000 new jobs.

Payton told Fox News Digital that the people involved in the project have been through several technology innovation changes and have had to reimagine their companies and the skillsets needed to thrive—with the potential to offer firsthand knowledge on what is needed to mitigate workforce displacement.

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"If you think about the typing pools of the past and how they were replaced by word processing if you think about manufacturing jobs that were replaced by robotics and machinery, we need to be thinking about that upfront and showing people who are in jobs impacted. You can be retrained, you can be upskilled, things can be retooled. And I do believe it will create sort of the next technology renaissance," she said.

Payton believes that Trump's foray into AI infrastructure can have great economic impacts if the United States "dreams" the project upfront and sets the proper requirements.

The project represents a growing entanglement between Trump and Big Tech leaders, a relationship that has some critics worried. On Monday, CNN referred to Trump's return to the White House as the "inauguration of the oligarchs."

President Biden warned in his farewell speech of an "ultra-wealthy" "oligarchy" posing a threat to America as big tech CEOs were warming up to then President-elect Trump in recent months.

However, Payton says that how Trump handles these relationships will be the true test of their success or failure.

AI EXECUTIVES PRAISE TRUMP'S STARGATE PROJECT: 'THIS IS A VERY LARGE INVESTMENT THAT AFFECTS ALL OF HUMANITY'

"There are career government employees, there are private sector companies. There are different industry sectors. And each one of them plays a role in making our economy strong and improving our national security. And, you know, I think you could probably say about every president, they bring with them a set of relationships. And so, the key is really just understanding how are those relationships utilized in a way that benefits the United States and, you know, kind of let the results and the deliverables be, the proof of, you know, how those relationships are being leveraged," she said.

Payton also noted that the Trump administration's transparency will be key to the success of AI, infrastructure and energy projects in the U.S.

This week, Trump live-streamed the signing of executive orders, calling out loud what they are as he held them up and letting reporters ask questions. She suggested that level of transparency on large administration projects would be "incredible."

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However, her greatest fear is that short-term deliverables regarding massive spending and big strategic projects will not be announced or met.

"I saw this when I worked in financial services, and you can see it in government projects is what are the deliverables in 30, 60, 90 days. So that, to me, hopefully, they're going to start releasing an approach that shows you sort of 90-day sprints over the next year, over the next two years for the Stargate project, so that we actually see kind of how the money is being spent, the successes and keep people sort of behind the success, rooting, cheering for it, but also that level of transparency that's going to be needed," she added.

Payton also stressed that the computers from large datacenters must be properly appropriated and designated for important causes and not frivolously overspent on low-level AI tasks. 

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U.S. robotics company Tombot has introduced "Jennie," an innovative AI-powered robotic pet designed to provide comfort and companionship to those facing cognitive health challenges.

This groundbreaking creation is set to transform the lives of millions struggling with dementia, mild cognitive impairment and various mental health issues.

Jennie's inception stems from a personal tragedy experienced by Tombot CEO Tom Stevens. When his mother, Nancy, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, the family had to make the heart-wrenching decision to rehome her beloved dog, Golden Bear. 

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This difficult choice led to increased loneliness and depression for Nancy. Recognizing the widespread need for a solution, Stevens founded Tombot with the mission to create a robotic companion that could provide the emotional benefits of pet ownership without the associated challenges.

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Jennie's lifelike appearance is the result of a collaboration with Jim Henson's Creature Shop, renowned for creating the iconic Muppets. This artistic partnership has resulted in a hyperrealistic Labrador retriever puppy that captures the essence of a real dog.

Jennie features an impressive array of interactive technologies designed to create a lifelike and engaging companion experience. The robotic puppy features sophisticated interactive touch sensors strategically placed across its body, allowing it to respond authentically to human touch and interaction. When a user pets or touches Jennie, the advanced sensor technology enables nuanced, realistic reactions that mimic a real puppy's behavior.

Voice command recognition technology allows Jennie to understand and respond to verbal instructions, creating an incredibly realistic puppy-like interaction. Users can give commands like "speak" or "sit," and Jennie will react accordingly, providing a sense of genuine companionship and responsiveness.

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To enhance its authenticity, Jennie's sounds are meticulously crafted from actual recordings of 8- to 10-week-old Labrador puppies. These genuine puppy sounds create an incredibly immersive experience, making interactions feel remarkably true to life and emotionally engaging.

The robotic puppy is engineered for practical, everyday use with an impressive all-day battery life. Users can simply plug Jennie in overnight, similar to charging a smartphone, ensuring the companion is ready for full daily interaction without interruption.

A dedicated smartphone app provides users with extensive customization options. Through this digital interface, owners can name their Jennie, personalize its functionality and track daily interactions, adding another layer of personal connection to the robotic pet experience.

Tombot is committed to continuous improvement, offering regular software updates that will introduce new behaviors and commands. This approach ensures that Jennie remains dynamic and evolving, with the potential for expanding capabilities over time through simple app-based upgrades.

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Jennie was specifically designed to address the needs of individuals facing various health challenges:

Dementia and mild cognitive impairment: Peer-reviewed studies suggest that robotic animals can help ease symptoms such as hallucinations and aggressive outbursts.

Anxiety and depression: Jennie provides comfort and support for those struggling with mental health issues.

Loneliness: The robotic puppy offers companionship to seniors and others experiencing isolation.

Stress: Jennie can help alleviate psychological stress in long-term hospital patients.

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BEST TECH FOR SENIORS

Tombot aims to register Jennie as an FDA-regulated medical device, potentially expanding its use in hospitals and care facilities. With over 7,500 preorders from homes, hospitals and care centers, Jennie is poised to make a significant impact in the field of robotic companionship.

Jennie offers an affordable and accessible alternative to live pet ownership. This is particularly beneficial for those who cannot safely or practically care for a real animal due to health or living conditions. To join the Jennie waitlist, prospective owners can click the link on Tombot's website, and the company will directly contact you with specific pricing details and shipping availability as the next production batch approaches. The company tells CyberGuy that Tombot puppies will likely retail for around $1,500.

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Jennie represents a significant step forward in addressing the emotional and companionship needs of those facing cognitive and mental health challenges. By combining cutting-edge technology with a compassionate approach, Tombot has created a solution that could improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

Do you think AI robotic companions like Jennie could provide genuine comfort and emotional support in your life or the life of a loved one? Why or why not? Let us know what you think by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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OpenAI has partnered with a new AI initiative led by a group co-founded with outgoing Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry that has pushed left-wing causes and has several board members aligned with Democrats. 

OpenAI, led by CEO Sam Altman, is backing an initiative known as AI 2030, which is aimed at shaping "public dialogue about U.S. competition against China on AI," Politico reported in October.

The initiative is led by the "non-partisan" think tank American Security Project (ASP), where Kerry was a founding member and served two stints on the board of directors. 

ASP has promoted the idea that climate change is a national security threat, and argued on its website that pulling out of the Iran Nuclear Deal was a bad idea that "harms national security." The group previously received a $500,000 grant from the Rockefeller Foundation "for use by its World War Zero initiative, an effort to achieve action and mobilization through awareness and public education to halt the increase of global carbon emissions."  The Rockefeller Foundation has dished out tens of millions of dollars to left-wing causes.

BIDEN ISSUES SECOND AI ACTION DURING FINAL WEEK IN OFFICE WITH EXECUTIVE ORDER FAST-TRACKING US INFRASTRUCTURE

Kerry’s former chief of staff David Wade, who gave Hunter Biden rapid response help as the Burisma scandal swirled, currently sits on the board of directors and recently authored an op-ed in The Hill explaining how AI in the U.S. has reached its "Sputnik moment," outlining the need to compete with China on AI.

Former Obama Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, who called then-President Trump an "embarrassment" in 2018, also sits on the board of ASP.

ELON MUSK, AI AND TECH TITANS, VENTURE CAPITALISTS INVITED TO PRE-INAUGURATION DINNER AT DAWN OF TRUMP ERA

Rep, Don Beyer, D-Va., who is also on the board at ASP, has publicly opposed Trump's tariff policies, calling them "idiotic" and "illegal" in a 2023 press release.

In 2018, ASP promoted an op-ed by Board Member Matthew Wallin in which he criticized Trump's diplomatic tactics against Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

In 2017, Wallin amplified the debunked media narrative in a post on X, then Twitter, that Trump called White supremacists at the deadly Charlottesville rally "good people."

Chris Lehane, who serves as OpenAI’s Head of Global Policy, is the author of the infamous and controversial "Vast Right Wing Conspiracy" memo promoted by then-first lady Hillary Clinton dismissing the Monica Lewinsky scandal as part of a right-wing media conspiracy. 

Along with being a longtime Democratic Party consultant, Lehane has recently contributed money to help former Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. 

Altman recently followed other tech titans and made a substantial $1 million gift to Trump’s inauguration in his personal capacity, but has faced scrutiny for previous high-dollar donations to left-wing efforts, including a $250,000 donation to a Democratic super PAC and opposition research firm American Bridge during the 2020 election. 

OPENAI CEO SAM ALTMAN RINGS IN 2025 WITH CRYPTIC, CONCERNING TWEET ABOUT AI'S FUTURE

Altman has donated to hundreds of Democrats in recent years compared to just one Republican, Newsweek reported this past summer. He was also recently tapped to be a co-chair for the incoming Democratic mayor of San Francisco’s transition team. 

In addition to hosting a fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang at his San Francisco home in late 2019, Altman has donated over $1 million to Democrats and Democratic groups, including $600,000 to the Sen. Chuck Schumer-aligned Senate Majority PAC, $100,000 to the Biden Victory Fund and over $150,000 to the Democratic National Committee (DNC). He also gave thousands to state Democratic parties and top Democrats in the House and Senate.

In 2014, Altman co-hosted a fundraiser for the DNC at Y Combinator’s offices in Mountain View, California, which was headlined by then-President Obama.

Following Trump's victory in November, Altman posted on X, "congrats to President Trump. i wish for his huge success in the job."

"It is critically important that the US maintains its lead in developing AI with democratic values," he added. 

During Altman’s tenure from 2014 to 2019 as the CEO of Y Combinator, an incubator startup that launched Airbnb, DoorDash and DropBox, he talked about China in multiple blog posts and interviews. In 2017, Altman said that he "felt more comfortable discussing controversial ideas in Beijing than in San Francisco" and that he felt like an expansion into China was "important" because "some of the most talented entrepreneurs" that he has met have been operating there. 

Altman’s résumé and AI efforts have drawn the ire of Trump ally Elon Musk in recent years. Musk said last year, "I don’t trust OpenAI. I don’t trust Sam Altman. And I don’t think we ought to have the most powerful AI in the world controlled by someone who is not trustworthy."

Musk, who has been involved with a highly publicized legal tussle with Altman, has also said that OpenAI's ChatGPT function is infected with the "woke virus."

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot whose core function is to mimic a human in conversation. Users across the world have used ChatGPT to write emails, debug computer programs, answer homework questions, play games, write stories and song lyrics, and much more. 

"It is going to eliminate a lot of current jobs, that’s true. We can make much better ones. The reason to develop AI at all, in terms of impact on our lives and improving our lives and upside, this will be the greatest technology humanity has yet developed," Altman said in a 2023 interview with ABC News. "The promise of this technology, one of the ones that I'm most excited about, is the ability to provide individual learning — great individual learning for each student."

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In recent months, OpenAI has reportedly been quietly pitching its products to the U.S. military and pursuing defense contracts, Forbes reported.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for OpenAI said, "America has to win the AI race, and that is why Americans from both sides of the aisle are united in supporting policies that help the US maintain its competitive edge against China." 

"ASP is a nearly twenty-year-old bipartisan organization that works with legislators, retired flag officers, subject matter experts, and groups from across the political spectrum to produce high quality research and forge bipartisan consensus on emerging threats to our national security," an ASP spokesperson told Fox News Digital in a statement. 

"While OpenAI is one of many donors for AI Imperative 2030, we ensure an equal balance of opinions informed by independent experts and Consensus for American Security members, including Julia Nesheiwat, Ph.D., former Trump Homeland Security Advisor, and Neil Chatterjee, former Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under Trump. We also recently hosted a roundtable featuring Nazak Nikakhtar, another former Trump official."

The statement continued, "The primary objective of AI Imperative 2030 is to ensure that the U.S., not China, wins the race for AI supremacy. China aims to surpass the U.S. and lead the world in AI by 2030. We can’t let that happen. President Trump has been a leader in creating bipartisan consensus that the U.S. needs to compete more vigorously with China, and we look forward to working with his administration and the Republican Congress to design effective and cost-efficient policies towards this goal."

Fox News Digital's Nikolas Lanum, Cameron Cawthorne and Joe Schoffstall contributed to this report.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

- US must win AI race as China gains ground: 'Lead is not as big as it once was,' OpenAI exec warns
- How does AI keep the US safe amid world conflict?
- AI scammers pretending to be Brad Pitt con woman out of $850,000

AMERICA MUST WIN: OpenAI’s Chris Lehane is warning of America’s shrinking lead in the artificial intelligence space as the company releases its economic blueprint and policy proposals for the U.S.

KEEPING US SAFE: Booz Allen Hamilton CEO Horacio Rozanski unpacks global unrest in the Middle East despite the Israel-Hamas deal and the impact of artificial intelligence on defense on "The Claman Countdown."

'ONCE UPON A TIME': A happily-ever-after with someone a woman believed was Hollywood hunk Brad Pitt quickly turned into a living nightmare.

AI TRANSFORMER HOMES: AC Future, a leading developer of AI-enabled sustainable living solutions, has partnered with world-renowned Italian design house Pininfarina to create a groundbreaking collection of transformable living spaces. This innovative collaboration has resulted in three distinct products: AI-THd (AI Transformer Home Drivable), AI-THu (AI Transformer Home Unit) and AI-THt (AI Transformer Home Trailer).

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AgiBot, a pioneering Chinese artificial intelligence and robotics company, has introduced a transformative open-source dataset called AgiBot World Alpha. 

This comprehensive collection represents a significant milestone in humanoid robot training, capturing intricate data from over 100 robots across diverse real-world scenarios. 

By providing an unprecedented window into robotic movement and interaction, AgiBot has created a multidimensional resource that promises to reshape our understanding of robotic learning and adaptation.

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The AgiBot World Alpha dataset is more than a simple data collection. Researchers and developers can now access an extensive repository containing over 1 million robotic movement trajectories. The dataset spans multiple industries, including home environments, restaurants, industrial settings, offices and supermarkets, providing unprecedented diversity in robotic training scenarios.

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Historically, robotics training has been constrained by limited real-world data and controlled environments. AgiBot's dataset addresses this fundamental challenge by offering comprehensive, authentic scenario representations. The collection includes complex movements such as fine-grained manipulation, sophisticated tool usage and advanced multi-robot collaboration techniques.

CHINESE HUMANOID ROBOT COULD BE THE FUTURE OF AFFORDABLE IN-HOME CARE

AgiBot has integrated cutting-edge technological components to capture high-quality data. The dataset leverages array-based visual tactile sensors, durable six-degree-of-freedom hands and mobile dual-arm robotic systems. These advanced hardware configurations enable researchers to explore nuanced robotic learning methodologies.

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The dataset is strategically hosted on GitHub and Hugging Face, ensuring broad accessibility for researchers and developers. However, the Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license restricts usage to academic and research purposes, preventing commercial applications.

AI-POWERED ROBOT SINKS SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE BASKETBALL HOOPS

AgiBot has outlined an ambitious future development strategy. Planned releases include AgiBot World Beta, expected in early 2025, which aims to expand the dataset to approximately one million high-quality robotic trajectories. The company also anticipates launching the AgiBot World Colosseum platform and a potential global robotics challenge.

The release of AgiBot World Alpha could fundamentally transform robotics research and development. By providing authentic, diverse training data, the dataset enables more sophisticated approaches to:

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Generative AI has dramatically accelerated robotics development, allowing more intelligent software capable of understanding contextual scenarios. AgiBot's dataset represents a critical step in creating more adaptable, intelligent robotic systems that can process and respond to diverse environmental challenges.

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By providing a comprehensive, open-source dataset that spans multiple industries and scenarios, AgiBot has made advanced robotic learning very accessible. This means that instead of expensive, exclusive research being limited to a few well-funded labs, now more people can contribute to and learn from cutting-edge robotic data. As we look to the future, this dataset stands as a collaborative innovation, promising to bridge the gap between theoretical robotics and practical, context-aware artificial intelligence.

Do you trust a Chinese AI robotics company with open access to advanced robotic learning data? Let us know what you think by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

- Best cutting-edge health and fitness tech from CES 2025

- Nvidia pushes back on Biden admin's 'misguided' AI order

- Biden White House announces 'final rule' on AI chip exports before Trump hand-off, drawing industry blowback

FUTURE HEALTH TECH: CES 2025 has once again showcased a remarkable array of health and fitness technology that promises to transform our well-being.

'UNPRECEDENTED AND MISGUIDED': Tech giant Nvidia is pushing back on a new executive order by the Biden administration that seeks to prevent artificial intelligence technologies developed in the U.S. from falling into the hands of adversarial countries.

'CHIP' ON THEIR SHOULDER: The Biden White House on Monday announced its "final rule" placing export controls on artificial intelligence chips before President-elect Donald Trump takes office next week, drawing swift condemnation from industry leaders who argue the Democratic administration is effectively undermining America's leadership in the emerging technology.

'LEAD THE WORLD': President Biden on Tuesday signed an ambitious executive order that he says will keep both national security and climate change in mind while fast-tracking the build-out of large-scale artificial intelligence infrastructure in the United States.

HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN: A select group of tech industry titans and venture capitalists will gather in Washington, D.C., this week to welcome the incoming Trump administration and celebrate new opportunities for global innovation in artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship.

CUTTING-EDGE HUMANOID TECH: Chinese startup Pudu Robotics has unveiled its latest creation, the D9 humanoid robot, designed to revolutionize the way we work and interact with machines. 

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CIA nominee John Ratcliffe is telling senators on Wednesday about how he’ll reshape the intelligence community in what he calls "the most challenging national security environment in our nation’s history." 

Ratcliffe, who served as director of national intelligence during President-elect Trump's first term, is testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee. The committee will then vote on his nomination before a full Senate vote to confirm him as director of the Central Intelligence Agency. 

Ratcliffe ticked off the nation’s biggest threats – China, the border, the Russia-Ukraine war and risk of nuclear fallout, Iran, North Korea and "increasing coordination among America’s rivals."

At a time when intelligence and law enforcement agencies have found themselves front and center in the political realm, a source familiar with Ratcliffe told Fox News Digital he’s focused on "depoliticizing" the agency, and "eliminating any distractions" to its core mission of obtaining intelligence. 

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Ratcliffe is also expected to push for more aggressive spying operations, particularly on Beijing, where CCP operatives have been spying on the U.S. for years. 

"With Trump and Ratcliffe, the days of China pillaging American companies, infecting American infrastructure, and otherwise targeting and abusing the American people are over. The jackals can only scavenge in the lion's domain for so long before they get their heads ripped off," the source said. 

Ratcliffe signaled plans in his opening statement to increase the agency’s capacity to obtain human intelligence "in every corner of the globe, no matter how dark or difficult."

"We will produce insightful, objective, all-source analysis, never allowing political or personal biases to cloud our judgment or infect our product," Ratcliffe will say in his opening statement. 

"We will conduct covert action at the direction of the president, going places no one else can go and doing things no one else can do. To the brave CIA officers listening around the world, if all of this sounds like what you signed up for, then buckle up and get ready to make a difference. If it doesn’t, then it’s time to find a new line of work."

RUBIO TO PITCH FOREIGN POLICY CREDENTIALS TO SENATE AS HE VIES TO BECOME AMERICA'S TOP DIPLOMAT

Ratcliffe said he would try to recruit agents that could be described as "a Ph.D. who could win a bar fight," but promised to fully investigate anomalous health incidents like Havana Syndrome. 

Ratcliffe also hopes to increase coordination with the CIA and the private sector – potentially through rotations that allow CIA agents to do a stint in the private sector or allowing private employees at AI and tech companies to join the CIA in mid-career appointments, according to the source. 

Ratcliffe's hearing is expected to have a more policy-heavy focus than some of Trump's more controversial nominees like Pete Hegseth, picked to lead the Defense Department. Hegseth faced senators on the Armed Services Committee on Tuesday where he was questioned on his drinking, sexual assault allegations and reports of financial mismanagement. 

Trump's choice to oversee all intelligence agencies, Tulsi Gabbard, has also been met with skepticism by some in the Senate over her past opposition to U.S. surveillance laws and seeming closeness to U.S. adversaries, in particular a meeting she took with former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. She's since walked back her opposition to a surveillance program known as Section 702.

Gabbard's hearing is not yet on the books, neither is Trump's nominee to lead the FBI, Kash Patel. 

Trump's national security nominees are in lockstep on at least one thing – the threat of China – and the need to update technologies and defenses to thwart the CCP's chronic attacks on U.S. infrastructure. 

"We have to stop trying to just play better and better defense," Mike Waltz, Trump's national security adviser pick, recently told FOX Business. "We need to start going on offense."

OpenAI is staking out a plethora of new artificial intelligence (AI) policy proposals that the research organization believes will help the United States maintain its lead over the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

On Monday, OpenAI revealed the details of its AI "Economic blueprint," which the company hopes will be adopted by the incoming Trump administration and Congress. The blueprint will serve as a "living document" for responsible AI building and deployment.

Speaking with Fox News Digital, Open AI's Vice President of Global Affairs, Chris Lehane, said it is "absolutely imperative" that the U.S. stays in command of AI innovation and production.

"One country, the U.S., is building democratic AI. It's free. It's accessible. The other is going to build authoritarian, autocratic AI. And this is really like a zero-sum race," Lehane said.

NEW REPORT WARNS OF GROWING NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT TO US AS CHINA BUILDS AI: ‘SIGNIFICANT AND CONCERNING’

Foreign competitors and adversaries have made clear that AI is a key component of economic and militaristic dominion.

The CCP has said that it wants to be the supreme player in AI by 2030. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has gone on record, stating that whoever wins the AI race wins the world.

"The U.S. has the lead right now," Lehane told Fox News Digital. "That lead is not guaranteed, and we absolutely need to do everything we can be doing to make sure we maintain that lead. And so, a lot of the policies that are laid out in [our economic blueprint] are designed to do that."

OpenAI notes that an estimated $175 billion is sitting in global funds — awaiting investment in AI projects.

"If the U.S. doesn't attract those funds, they will flow to China-backed projects—strengthening the Chinese Communist Party's global influence," the economic blueprint states.  

They also believe that rules and regulations for the development and use of AI should be based on the democratic values that the United States has always upheld.

"We believe in America because America believes in innovation," OpenAI says.

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To ensure competitiveness and security, OpenAI says the U.S. government should enable AI through "common-sense rules" to protect people from "actual harms."

"To us, this means that in the same way the federal government helped clear the way for the nascent automobile industry to grow, including by preempting a state-by-state tangle of roads and rules, it should clear the way for the AI industry's development of frontier models to best ensure that they promote U.S. economic and national security," OpenAI says.

The company notes that "frontier models" refer to state-of-the-art language models that can be responsibly exported to U.S. allies and partners, allowing them to establish their own AI ecosystems and distribute potential benefits.

Led by the federal government, in consultation with industry, OpenAI says this strategy should develop best practices that streamline engagement with national security departments and agencies while protecting against the risk of criminal, terrorist, and state-sponsored misuses.

OpenAI also calls on the government to "develop alternatives to the growing patchwork of state and international regulations that risk hindering American competitiveness."

AI IS RESHAPING HOW WE LIVE AND WORK – HERE'S HOW TO USE IT EFFECTIVELY

This includes having the federal government lead the development of national security evaluations at home while establishing an "international coalition" to create "shared safety standards" abroad.

To achieve maximum gain and reduce harm, OpenAI says the government must get AI access and benefits "right from the start." The company, which dubs this idea as the "rules of the road," believes a successful approach will create a "flywheel of growing prosperity and appreciation for democratic values."

"With AI, our children will be able to do things we can't, and eventually, everyone's lives can be better than anyone's life is now. But we have work to do to get there," OpenAI stresses.

With wider AI deployment in the U.S., OpenAI suggests that the technology will gain trust among the general populace. Users, the company says, should feel confident that their children will be protected from potential harm, they will know where content comes from, and they will be able to tailor AI tools to their liking.

OpenAI says states also have a "vital role" to play in AI.

"They can fill their historical role as laboratories for democracy by supporting experimentation with AI, including by start-ups and smaller AI firms, to identify ways to solve people's daily hard problems in areas like education and healthcare. They can support their government workers and developer communities experimenting with AI to identify ways to improve the lives of their taxpayers," the economic blueprint states.

ELON MUSK, AI AND TECH TITANS, VENTURE CAPITALISTS INVITED TO PRE-INAUGURATION DINNER AT DAWN OF TRUMP ERA

Lehane says that states can also support AI literacy programs in school systems across the U.S. — enabling the next generation of developers to build solutions for future problems.

"Those developers don't necessarily have to be in San Francisco, right? Those developers can be in Kansas. Those developers can be in Alabama. Those developers can be in my home state of Maine. I mean, there's incredible talent in these places. If they get access to the education on this, then they're able to build, you know, in the places that they grew up," he said.

The company highlights that these proposals reflect their position that chips, energy and talent are the keys to winning on AI—and "this is a race America can and must win."

"We can't get the national security piece right and we can't get the economic distribution piece right if we don't get infrastructure. It is just foundational and fundamental to the other two pieces. The other two pieces just become a little bit, you know, sort of abstract and intellectual or aspirational," Lehane told Fox News Digital.

OPENAI CEO SAM ALTMAN RINGS IN 2025 WITH CRYPTIC, CONCERNING TWEET ABOUT AI'S FUTURE

OpenAI says that building infrastructure is not just "vital" for ensuring that AI worldwide is based on U.S. technology but also an "unmissable opportunity" to create a "reindustrialization" of the country.

The AI research organization believes that this infrastructure will drive down the cost of compute — a term for the technology and resources that powers AI — make it abundant, and, in turn, create tens of thousands of skilled-trade jobs, boost local economies and modernize the energy grid.

The company's infrastructure proposal includes digitizing government data currently in analog form, a compact for AI among U.S. allies and partner nations, the creation of AI economic zones, the creation of AI research labs and workforces and federal backstops for high-value AI public works.

The plan would also include a dramatic increase in federal spending on power and data transmission and streamlined approval for new lines. This would be accompanied by the creation of a "National AI Infrastructure Highway" to connect regional power and communications grids. 

FIRST ON FOX: A select group of tech industry titans and venture capitalists will gather in Washington, D.C., this week to welcome the incoming Trump administration and celebrate new opportunities for global innovation in artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. 

Presidents and CEOs from companies on the cutting edge of AI tech and their big financial backers, along with personnel from the incoming administration, will attend a dinner on Thursday organized by Outside the Box Ventures, a firm founded last year by journalist-turned-investment banker Katherine Tarbox, along with Laurent Bili, the French ambassador to the U.S.

The list of those invited to Thursday's dinner includes "DOGE" chief Elon Musk, Silicon Valley investor and GOP mega-donor Peter Thiel, NVCA chief executive Bobby Franklin, incoming White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks, OpenAI's Sam Altman, investor Joe Lonsdale and Narya co-founder Colin Greenspon.

"This gathering represents more than discussion. We hope it symbolizes a new chapter in public-private collaboration to harness technology’s transformative power for the nation’s future," a source close to the planning told Fox News Digital. The event comes days before President-elect Trump is inaugurated as the nation's 47th president.

AI IS RESHAPING HOW WE LIVE AND WORK – HERE'S HOW TO USE IT EFFECTIVELY

America's leading entrepreneurs want to seize what Microsoft's Brad Smith has called a "golden opportunity for American technology and economic competitiveness." The aim is for the joined forces of industry leaders and government resources that Trump brought together for Operation Warp Speed, his first administration's lauded COVID-19 vaccine program, to be reproduced for advancements in AI. 

The participation of Bili reflects how France is interested in being a leader in AI, with a global action summit on the rapidly developing technology to be held in Paris this February, and believes the U.S. is a valuable partner in this effort. 

"We believe this is the hottest ticket for tech and venture capital up to the inauguration," the source said. The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Franklin, the CEO of the National Venture Capital Association, the industry trade group for venture capital, confirmed he plans to attend. He told Fox News Digital there is great excitement in his industry for several of Trump's hires who have backgrounds in venture capital, including Sacks, a billionaire tech executive, and Vice President-elect JD Vance.

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"One of our challenges is always educating, and there's always a lack of understanding of what the venture industry does, how it works with entrepreneurs, how it creates great tech and drugs and everything else in the economy," Franklin said. "And so having folks that understand that coming into the administration is a wonderful, welcome situation from our perspective." 

The dinner comes at a critical juncture for the U.S., which leads the world in AI startups but faces tough competition from China and other foreign adversaries. 

American companies received more than 40% of global AI funding in 2023, surpassing China and the European Union combined. That same year, U.S. venture capital firms unleashed $17.9 billion in funds for AI startups, contributing to the leaps and bounds in generative AI tech popularized by ChatGPT, Google's Gemini and Grok from xAI.

More than 10,000 AI-related patents have been filed by U.S. entities in the past five years, showcasing the deep bench of American innovators that Franklin and others believe Trump stands ready to support.

NEW REPORT WARNS OF GROWING NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT TO US AS CHINA BUILDS AI: ‘SIGNIFICANT AND CONCERNING’

But analysts warn that China's recent developments in AI technology pose a challenge to American dominance in this field and may even threaten U.S. national and economic security.

A recent report published by American Edge Project cautions that "China is rapidly advancing its own open-source ecosystem as an alternative to American technology and using it as a Trojan horse to implant its CCP values into global infrastructure."

The report called China's progress "both significant and concerning." 

"Chinese-developed open-source AI tools are already outperforming Western models on key benchmarks, while operating at dramatically lower costs, accelerating global adoption. Through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which spans more than 155 countries on four continents, and its Digital Silk Road (DSR), China is exporting its technology worldwide, fostering increased global dependence, undermining democratic norms, and threatening U.S. leadership and global security."

CRYPTO INDUSTRY CELEBRATES TRUMP APPOINTING DAVID SACKS AS AI, CRYPTO ‘CZAR’ TO LEAD INDUSTRY INNOVATION

There is a broad expectation that the Trump administration will let the private sector lead the way as the U.S. confronts China. Whereas the Biden administration prioritized establishing "guardrails" for AI development through regulatory bodies, analysts for Perkins Coie note that Trump has promised to revoke a Biden-era executive order that set policy for federal agency AI purchases and uses. The 2024 Republican platform claimed Biden's policy "hinders innovation and imposes Radical Leftwing Ideas," apparently in reference to requirements that the National Institute of Standards and Technology create guidance to ensure AI models are unbiased and do not discriminate based on race or sex.

Additionally, Trump's appointment of Sacks as AI czar signals his thinking on AI is in line with Sacks' associates Musk and Thiel, who each co-founded PayPal and favor a deregulatory agenda. 

"The new czar will likely be tasked with coordinating with federal agencies and outside stakeholders to ensure consistent guidance regarding AI use in the federal government. We would expect Sacks to be less focused on the potential harms of AI and more focused on promoting and facilitating AI innovation with fewer restraints," Perkins Coie said. 

Thursday's gathering is a strictly nonpartisan event, though Silicon Valley's high interest in building relationships with a Republican administration would seem to signal shifting political priorities. 

Previously, issues like immigration and climate change distanced Big Tech from the GOP. And when Trump first ran for president, his populist MAGA movement was an unknown factor that led many entrepreneurs to keep that distance. 

But a growing recognition of AI as a national priority has appeared to bridge that gap. So has a more clearly defined Trump, with key players in his second administration that have ties to the venture capital world.

"You know, it was certainly a political outsider that won in 2016," Franklin said. "Now, he's not an outsider."

Chinese startup Pudu Robotics has unveiled its latest creation, the D9 humanoid robot, designed to revolutionize the way we work and interact with machines. 

Standing at an impressive 5.57 feet tall, this bipedal machine is not just another robot — it's a versatile assistant ready to tackle a wide range of tasks in various settings.

The D9 is no ordinary robot. With its ability to walk upright and carry loads up to 44 pounds, it's built to handle real-world challenges. But what sets it apart from its predecessors?

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Advanced mobility: The D9 can walk at speeds of up to 4.5 mph, outpacing the average human stroll. It's not just about speed, though. This robot can navigate stairs, slopes and even maintain balance when knocked off-kilter.

Intelligent navigation: Equipped with high-accuracy sensors, the D9 creates real-time 3D semantic maps of its surroundings. This allows for autonomous route planning and precise self-positioning.

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Versatile applications: From performing ground cleaning tasks with the Pudu SH1 to carrying boxes in warehouses and stocking shelves in stores, the D9's potential applications are vast.

Natural interaction: Perhaps most impressively, the D9 boasts "human-level multimodal natural interactions," thanks to its sophisticated artificial intelligence processing frameworks.

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The D9 isn't Pudu's first foray into robotics. In September, they introduced the D7, a semi-humanoid robot on wheels designed for tasks like sorting components, serving in restaurants and operating elevators. The D9 builds on this foundation, expanding the range of possible applications.

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CHINESE HUMANOID ROBOT COULD BE THE FUTURE OF AFFORDABLE IN-HOME CARE

With the introduction of the D9, Pudu Robotics enters a competitive field alongside giants like Tesla and Unitree. While pricing details for the D9 are yet to be announced, it's speculated to fall in the $20,000 to $30,000 range, similar to Tesla's Optimus.

ELECTRIC HUMANOID ROBOT POISED TO SHAKE UP THE JOB MARKET

The Pudu D9 showcases advanced mobility and intelligent interaction capabilities. As it prepares to enter the market, its potential impact on various industries could be profound, transforming how we approach tasks across sectors. The future looks promising for humanoid robots like the D9 as they pave the way for more efficient and interactive work environments.

What concerns do you have about the potential impact of humanoid robots like the Pudu D9 on the future of work and everyday life? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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CES 2025 has once again showcased a remarkable array of health and fitness technology that promises to transform our well-being. 

From artificial intelligence-powered sleep aids to smart ear-cleaning devices, this year's event highlights cutting-edge solutions designed to enhance our health and fitness routines. 

These groundbreaking innovations are sure to offer something for everyone.

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The Frenz Brainband is this cool new AI-powered sleep headband that not only tracks your sleep, but actually helps you sleep better and focus more during the day. The Frenz Brainband uses some seriously advanced tech to monitor your brain waves, eye movements and even tiny facial twitches while you snooze. 

The Brainband uses all that info to play personalized audio through bone-conduction speakers, helping you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. The folks at Earable Neuroscience, the company behind Frenz, have done their homework. They've got research backing up their claims, and they've even snagged a CES Innovation Award. So, whether you're struggling with insomnia or just want to optimize your sleep and daytime focus, the Frenz Brainband might be worth checking out. It's available for purchase at a price of $680 or through a rental option for $45 per month.

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The Bebird EarSight Flow is an innovative ear care device that combines high-resolution imaging with advanced cleaning technology. Featuring a 1 million-pixel camera and Aquatic Ear Canal Cleaning Technology, this device allows you to safely remove earwax while providing a live view through a smartphone app. As a CES 2025 Innovation Awards honoree in the digital health category, the EarSight Flow offers a modern solution to ear hygiene, enabling you to see inside your ear canal during the cleaning process.

The device comes equipped with a high-definition camera with over 1 million pixels and a Ball Axis Adjustment Megapixel Lens for precise positioning. You can easily integrate the device with your smartphone, using compatible Android and iOS apps to stream the real-time cleaning process. The advanced cleaning technology gently removes earwax and debris, providing a safe and interactive ear care experience. You can buy a Bebird EarSight Flow by clicking here.

Note: Health care professionals recommend consulting with a medical expert before using any ear-cleaning device to ensure safe and proper usage.

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The Circular Ring 2 introduces a groundbreaking digital sizing method that allows you to determine your ring size using only a smartphone camera and a dedicated app. This innovative approach eliminates the traditional plastic sizing kit used by competitors like Oura Ring and Samsung Galaxy Ring.

A standout feature of the Circular Ring 2 is its FDA-approved atrial fibrillation detection algorithm, which marks the first such certification in the smart ring market. The Circular Ring 2 will launch in mid-to-late January 2025 with an expected retail price of $349 to $380, depending on the finish selected (gold, silver, black or rose gold). The ring will ship in March 2025 and is notable for being subscription-free.

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The Amp Fitness machine is a groundbreaking $1,795 home gym powered by advanced artificial intelligence that transforms strength training. Featuring adjustable cable machine weights, an integrated camera and a smart companion app, the device provides dynamic workouts that adapt in real time to maximize your fitness gains. 

You can access hundreds of workout variations, participate in fitness challenges and even compete on a global leaderboard that tracks strength and progress. The machine's AI technology continuously analyzes performance, adjusting resistance and workout intensity to ensure you are constantly challenged and making consistent progress. The Amp Fitness machine is priced at $1,795 and is available with a $99 deposit. It is expected to ship in early 2025.

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The Elehear Beyond Pro is an innovative over-the-counter hearing aid that combines cutting-edge AI technology with user-friendly features. This smart hearing wearable offers real-time translation capabilities across multiple languages, making it an invaluable tool for global communication. 

The device also provides customizable tinnitus relief, addressing a common concern for many individuals with hearing issues. At the heart of the Beyond Pro is Elehear's proprietary Vocclear technology, which significantly enhances sound clarity and speech intelligibility. The Elehear Beyond Pro hearing aid is expected to be released later in 2025.

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Kirin Holdings has unveiled an innovative electric salt spoon that uses a mild electrical current to enhance food flavor without adding sodium. This $127 device concentrates sodium ions on the tongue, making low-sodium foods taste up to 1.5 times saltier. The spoon offers four adjustable intensity levels, ranging from mild (yellow light) to intense (blue light). 

Developed in collaboration with Meiji University, the device addresses critical health concerns by helping people enjoy flavorful meals while reducing salt intake. First-time users are recommended to start at the lowest intensity setting to acclimate to the unique sensory experience. You can purchase the electric salt spoon through Kirin's official online store.

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LG's innovative AeroCatTower is a device that seamlessly blends pet comfort with air purification technology. The tower features a dome-shaped seat where cats can relax, complete with a built-in heater and an attachable stepper to help older cats climb. 

Its intelligent air purification system automatically adjusts airflow when a cat is present, ensuring minimal disturbance to your furry companion. Through the LG ThinQ app, pet owners can track their cat's weight and sleep patterns, adding an extra layer of pet care technology. Pricing and availability remain undisclosed by LG.

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The YoctoMat is a smart yoga mat that transforms your practice through cutting-edge embedded sensor technology, providing real-time feedback on your posture, balance and weight distribution. By creating a visual map of your movements, this intelligent mat acts like a personal yoga instructor, helping you perfect your alignment and technique with precision and ease. 

The mat's advanced IoT capabilities allow you to track your progress, analyze your performance and receive instant corrections, making every yoga session an opportunity for growth and mindfulness. Lightweight and portable, the YoctoMat brings the expertise of a professional yoga studio directly to your home, enabling practitioners of all levels to enhance their practice. 

Its AI-powered system not only improves physical technique but also supports stress reduction and mental well-being, turning your yoga routine into a holistic wellness experience. Whether you're a beginner seeking guidance or an experienced yogi looking to refine your skills, the YoctoMat offers an interactive, data-driven approach to yoga that adapts to your individual needs. The YoctoMat is available for purchase through the company's inquiry form here.

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ESight, renowned for its medical vision enhancement devices, is showcasing its latest innovation, eSight Go, at CES. These cutting-edge digital glasses are designed to assist individuals with central vision loss caused by conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The eSight Go features a high-definition camera on the nosepiece that captures continuous video footage, which is then optimized and displayed on HD OLED screens for enhanced viewing. 

Users can integrate their prescription lenses for further visual optimization. Engineered for all-day wear, these lightweight glasses come equipped with built-in controls and a neck-worn battery pack that provides up to three hours of continuous use. The eSight Go is priced at $4,950, and you can get a free consultation here.

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The iSleePad is a contactless sleep-tracking solution designed to monitor vital health data without the discomfort of wearable devices. Utilizing advanced low-power microwave sensor technology, the lightweight and foldable pad can track essential sleep metrics, including heart rate, breathing and sleep position with remarkable precision. 

Positioned conveniently under the shoulders and torso, the iSleePad offers a unique feature set that goes beyond traditional sleep tracking, including real-time alerts for bed exits and a Schumann wave mode that promotes deep, restful sleep. Its flexible pressure-sensitive antenna provides over 95% accuracy in monitoring sleep activities, making it especially beneficial for elderly users, medical care settings and families with infants. The device seamlessly integrates with a smartphone app, allowing users to access real-time data and long-term physiological records. No specific information is available regarding its price or availability.

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Withings has unveiled the Omnia, an innovative AI-powered smart mirror that provides comprehensive health screening through advanced sensor technology. The full-length mirror, equipped with a sophisticated base, can capture an extensive range of health metrics, including weight, heart health, metabolic data and body composition. 

Using integrated AI, the Omnia not only displays health data but also offers personalized insights through a voice assistant that can provide recommendations and potentially connect users with health care professionals. The device seamlessly integrates data from multiple Withings devices and third-party health apps, creating a holistic health monitoring ecosystem. The Omnia is still a concept product and is not yet available for purchase. It is in development with no clear pricing details provided at this time.

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NextSense has unveiled the Tone Buds, a groundbreaking biosensing smart earbud that goes far beyond traditional sleep technology by actively monitoring and improving sleep quality. These innovative earbuds use clinical-grade EEG technology to precisely assess sleep stages and depth, providing unprecedented insights into a user's nocturnal experience. 

When the Tone Buds detect stage N3 sleep, the deepest stage of non-rapid eye movement sleep, they emit subtle pink noise stimulation to enhance rest. The AI-powered, closed-loop audio system responds dynamically to the user's brain waves, providing comforting audio for falling asleep and sound-neutralizing tracks to help users stay asleep. 

With sleep disorders affecting approximately 70 million Americans and poor sleep linked to serious health risks like heart disease, stroke and cognitive decline, the Tone Buds represent a significant advancement in personal sleep technology. By continuously monitoring brain activity and actively improving sleep in real time, NextSense is offering a sophisticated solution for those struggling to achieve restful, high-quality sleep. Tone Buds are available for preorder and will retail for $349.

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EssilorLuxottica's Nuance Audio glasses feature six strategically placed microphones that capture sound with remarkable precision and directional accuracy. These innovative glasses offer users two distinct listening modes — a focused directional setting that amplifies the voice of the person directly in front of you and a 360-degree audio mode that enhances surrounding sounds for complete environmental awareness. 

The embedded micro-speakers, positioned discreetly above the ears, deliver crystal-clear audio directly to the user, creating an invisible and stylish hearing solution for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. With a companion app and remote control, users can easily customize volume levels, switch between sound modes and fine-tune their listening experience in real time. 

The glasses not only provide exceptional sound clarity but also eliminate the traditional stigma associated with hearing aids by seamlessly integrating advanced audio technology into a sleek, fashionable eyewear design. The launch timeline is pending FDA approval here in the U.S., but the glasses are expected to be available for purchase starting in Q1 2025 

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Amazfit has unveiled its V1tal device, a compact gadget designed to revolutionize nutritional tracking. The V1tal uses a built-in camera to record your meals, automatically logging food intake and providing detailed nutritional information without manual input. 

This innovative device analyzes eating behavior, offering insights and tips to improve dietary habits. The V1tal integrates seamlessly with the Zepp app, creating a comprehensive health ecosystem when used alongside Amazfit's smartwatches and fitness trackers. While in the prototype stage, Amazfit plans to launch the V1tal in the United States during the first or second quarter of 2025.

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The Smart Pillbox HealthBuddy app, recently launched on both Apple and Google Play stores, will transform how users manage their medications. This innovative app offers features such as medication tracking, pill reminders and the ability to log missed or taken doses, making it an essential tool for medication adherence. The app can be used independently or in conjunction with the upcoming Smart Pillbox device, which is in its pilot program phase. 

When paired with the device, the app will sync effortlessly, providing real-time tracking and automated logging of medication intake. The Smart Pillbox device, expected to be widely available in the coming months, will feature built-in sensors to detect when pill compartments are opened, as well as cellular connectivity to transmit adherence data securely to health care providers. 

This comprehensive system aims to improve medication management for users and enable health care providers to monitor patient adherence remotely, potentially enhancing overall health outcomes. The Smart Pillbox HealthBuddy app is available for free on iOS and Android, with the companion device available for preorder and expected to be widely available in the coming months. 

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The content of this article is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It should not be considered a substitute for professional health or medical advice. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified health care provider or physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your medical conditions or health goals.

These health and fitness advancements not only highlight the increasing synergy between technology and wellness, but also empower individuals to take control of their well-being in transformative ways. As these products hit the market, they have the potential to change how we approach fitness, nutrition and overall health, marking a pivotal moment for personal wellness. Embracing these innovations can lead to more informed choices and enhanced quality of life, making it an opportune time to explore what these technologies have to offer.

Which of the innovative health and fitness technologies from CES 2025 are you most excited about and why? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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A company that monitors electrical activity says faults along the Los Angeles power grid skyrocketed in the same areas where three of this week’s major wildfires are currently raging.

Bob Marshall, the chief executive of Whisker Labs, told Fox News Digital that the company recorded sharp increases in faults in the hours prior to the Eaton, Palisades and Hurst Fires.

Marshall said that his company has a network of around 14,000 sensors known as "ting" sensors across Los Angeles that can pinpoint and identify faults generated by electrical arcs. Through its network of sensors in homes, Whisker Labs is able to monitor the electric utility grid with "extraordinary precision and accuracy."

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"Faults are caused by tree limbs touching wires or wires blowing in the wind and touching. That creates a spark in a fault, and we detect all of those things," Marshall explained. 

Other causes include faulty electric equipment igniting, a sudden surge in demand or earthquake tremors. At the time the fires ignited, intense Santa Ana winds were blowing across Los Angeles.  

The company’s data, which was shared with Fox News Digital, is startling. 

In the Palisades area, the largest of the fires currently raging, there were 63 faults in the two to three hours prior to the ignition of the fire, Marshall said. There were 18 faults registered in the hour it began on Tuesday. 

The blaze has so far torched 12,300 homes and buildings across the area. Across the county, the death toll has risen to 11 people, and authorities anticipate that number rising.

"In the case of the Eaton Fire near Altadena, there's 317 grid faults that occurred in the hours preceding the ignition," Marshall said. "And then in the Hurst Fire, there's about 230 faults that occurred that we measured on the sensor network."

He said on a typical day there are very few faults.

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Sparks from faults can fall to the ground and ignite vegetation, essentially setting a match on the landscape. High winds then carry the flames at rapid speeds.

Investigators have yet to determine what sparked the raging wildfires that have decimated large areas of Los Angeles, but a jump in faults on the power grid may serve as vital clues. 

"Importantly, what we cannot say is one of those is whether one of those faults caused the fire. We don't know that," Marshall said. "What we know from our data is that there were increasing faults in the grid in the area around where those fires ignited."

He said the data shows that the power was not shut off immediately when the faults were rising. 

"But again, we can't say definitively at all whether one of those faults caused a fire. I do want to be very, very clear about that," he added.

Marshall said that Whisker Labs has had discussions with utility companies about using its data, but currently, the data is not being shared.

Right now, ting sensors notify homeowners of a surge in power so they can take preventative measures to prevent house fires. Marshall said the company has a network of about one million ting sensors across the U.S.

"A power surge can cause damage to appliances and devices. In the worst case, it can cause a fire in a home," Marshall said. 

He said the "smart and super sophisticated" technology can prevent 80% of potential house fires.

When the sensor picks up a fault, the home sensor is notified via an app, and then they can arrange for an electrician to call and make the necessary fixes.

"We take 30 million electrical measurements every second. There's AI (artificial intelligence) in the sensor, [and] we stream data to a cloud that is specifically designed to detect electrical faults inside of homes," he continued. "And then the network of sensors detects faults on the grid because when there's a fault on the grid it is simultaneously measured by many ting sensors in a community. So if there's a fault in your home, that fault doesn't propagate out to the whole community, we only detect it on one single thing sensor in your home."

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power didn’t proactively turn off the power to mitigate the risk of starting a fire ahead of this week’s devastating wildfires, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday, citing regulatory filings.

The preventative measure is in place with every other big California power company after utilities have sparked wildfires in the past, the Journal reported.

An LADWP spokesperson told the Journal that they have other safety precautions in place, such as disabling technology that automatically restores power after an outage. She added that widespread preventative power outages could also be harmful to emergency services.

Fox News' Brie Stimson contributed to this report.