🤖 OpenAI eyes humanoid robots, first-ever 3D-printed microneedle, greatest space moments of 2024

Whispers are circulating that OpenAI, the AI juggernaut behind ChatGPT, is secretly planning a daring new venture: humanoid robotics.

A recent report from The Information suggests that the company has been internally exploring the development of its own line of robots. This report relies on information provided by two individuals with “direct knowledge” of the discussions.

With their human-like form, humanoid robots offer vast potential across sectors, including warehouse logistics, providing in-home assistance, and advancing complex industrial tasks. Let's take a closer look at this Must-Read.

🔥Today’s job of the day as featured on jobs.interestingengineering.com:

> Software Engineer
> Associate Director of Generative AI Platform Engineering

Reading Time: 4 mins

Did a friend forward this e-mail to you? Subscribe here.

MUST-READ

🤖 OpenAI eyes humanoid robots after investing big in robotic startups

In 2021, OpenAI closed its robotics division, which halted its ambitions in that field. However, the company recently announced the re-establishment of its robotics research group after a three-year hiatus.

If OpenAI were to re-enter the robotics space, it would face stiff competition from existing players.

This ambitious move would place OpenAI alongside industry giants like Nvidia and Tesla, who are already heavily invested in this burgeoning field.

👂First-ever 3D-printed microneedle restores hearing loss, modifies genes

Through more than a decade of dedicated research, a team of physicians and engineers has developed an innovative microneedle technology with the potential to improve treatments for hearing loss and other inner ear conditions.

This cutting-edge ultrathin and ultrasharp device is set to redefine precision medicine for inner ear treatment.

It could be used to deliver therapies to previously inaccessible areas within the cochlea—the spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure in the inner ear responsible for hearing.

🚀 11 greatest space moments of 2024 — Interesting Engineering

2024 has been another big year for space missions, with private space companies, space agencies, and even student groups continuing to break new ground.

SpaceX achieved an epic Starship goal, China made lunar science history, and we saw the first private spacewalk in history. All the while, big science missions like the James Webb Space Telescope continued to deliver impressive observations.

Every year, humanity expands its understanding of the cosmos. With private space firms continuing to advance at an impressive pace, we are also getting closer to becoming a spacefaring civilization. Check out the biggest moments of the year for the space industry. 

Love what you're reading, but too many emails? Sign up to IE+ to get Blueprint Weekly, our exclusive weekly premium newsletter that gives all the insights you love in a more digestible weekly format– plus, enjoy an Ad-Free experience on our website. Try IE+ today for just $1 in the first month. Subscribe here

HOT TOPICS OF THE DAY

SCIENCE

> A stunning 500-million-year-old Ecdysozoan fossil embryos have been unearthed in China. These fossils represent many ancient animals, including roundworms, velvet worms, insects, and crabs. (More)

> Astronomers have identified an immense water reservoir orbiting a quasar more than 12 billion light-years away. (More)

> Weizmann Institute of Science researchers found that ants outperform humans in collaborative maze-solving tasks. (More)

ENERGY

> Researchers at South Korea-based Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) have come up with an interesting way to extend the Li-ion battery lifespan. (More)

> A government-commissioned panel has largely endorsed a new energy policy for Japan. The policy aims to increase renewable energy sources to half of the country's electricity needs by 2040. (More)

> China has given the green light to a colossal hydropower project on Tibet's longest river. This project has the potential to generate three times more electricity than the Three Gorges Dam. (More)

INNOVATION

> China’s CATL has launched an ultra-safe skateboard chassis that passed the highest speed and strongest impact test. (More)

> Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a unique light bulb. It appears like a traditional filament bulb, but it produces "twisted light." (More)

> Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot dressed as Santa Claus performed an impressive backflip. The robot was seen in a video showcasing its agility. (More)

VIDEO

> After the reveal of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Elon Musk declared crewed jets obsolete in the face of drone warfare. How much of that statement is true? (More)

> Lava flowed from Kilauea volcano on Christmas Day, as the volcano remained active despite a reduced alert level. (More)

FROM THE WEB

> Skiing, wool baubles, ice-cream: how Antarctic scientists celebrate Christmas

> Treasure trove of jewellery, coins and ‘vulva stone’ discovered in Viking graves

> Elon Musk's xAI lands $6B in new cash to fuel AI ambitions

> Scientists are building underwater neutrino telescopes in the Mediterranean

> High-quality nanodiamonds offer new bioimaging and quantum sensing potential

> Tesla's Shanghai energy storage megafactory to be completed by end of year