Bird-Like Robot Flies at Chinese Robot Exhibition

Billboard illustrating humanoid robots at 2018 China International Robot Show in Shanghai. Reuters
Billboard illustrating humanoid robots at 2018 China International Robot Show in Shanghai. Reuters
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Bird-Like Robot Flies at Chinese Robot Exhibition

Billboard illustrating humanoid robots at 2018 China International Robot Show in Shanghai. Reuters
Billboard illustrating humanoid robots at 2018 China International Robot Show in Shanghai. Reuters

During an international robot conference in China, many tech companies have showcased their newest creations including a bird-like robot that can actually fly.

The robotic flying bird, inspired by a herring gull and created by German automation firm Festo, is able to take off, fly and land using its own power. It also uses GPS navigation and a remote camera to achieve semi-autonomous flight.

The lightweight robot is made of material weighing around 400 grams. Another eye-catching exhibit was a service robot with two legs capable of both walking and wheeling, reported Reuters.

Chief Marketing Officer Zhao Botao said they named the robot "Nezha", a popular character in traditional Chinese folklore who is able to fly around using his wind fire wheels.

It was the first time this robot was shown to the public and Zhao believed that it could drive further development of service robots' legs in the future to boost safety and efficiency.

Visitors were also fascinated by robotic arms that can be used for picking and placing different objects, as well as robot that can draw portraits for people in no more than five minutes. China is one of the largest markets for service and industrial robots with a growing demand for various kinds of products.



Apple's iPhones to Support Starlink Direct-to-Cell Coverage in US 

Customers walk past an Apple logo inside of an Apple store at Grand Central Station in New York, US, August 1, 2018. (Reuters)
Customers walk past an Apple logo inside of an Apple store at Grand Central Station in New York, US, August 1, 2018. (Reuters)
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Apple's iPhones to Support Starlink Direct-to-Cell Coverage in US 

Customers walk past an Apple logo inside of an Apple store at Grand Central Station in New York, US, August 1, 2018. (Reuters)
Customers walk past an Apple logo inside of an Apple store at Grand Central Station in New York, US, August 1, 2018. (Reuters)

Apple's iPhone devices are now eligible to test SpaceX-owned Starlink's direct-to-cell capability that provides coverage from space, according to T-Mobile, a partner in the program.

T-Mobile and Elon Musk's SpaceX are currently testing the Starlink cell network on a trial basis after receiving approval from the Federal Communications Commission in November last year.

The trial offers 'text via satellite', while voice and data features will be added in the future, according to the T-Mobile website.

T-Mobile initially only listed a few Android smartphones as eligible devices to test the network, but has now added iPhone devices with the latest iOS 18.3 software update.

Bloomberg News first reported on Tuesday that Apple, SpaceX and T-Mobile had been secretively working to add support for the network in its latest iPhone software.

Apple and SpaceX did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment outside regular business hours.

In October last year, the FCC had allowed SpaceX and T-Mobile to enable Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability to provide coverage for cellphones in areas of North Carolina hit hard by Hurricane Helene.