Noel Sharkey, Technology, AI and Robotics Editor at Science Report.
Noel Sharkey
116 reportsEditor
Technology, AI and robotics editor
Noel Sharkey is a technology editor covering artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems and the rules governing their use. He focuses on separating real technical capability from marketing claims while examining safety, accountability and the consequences of deploying automated systems in high-risk settings.
Latest articles by Noel Sharkey
Chinese Robotics Firms Demonstrate Humanoids for Aviation and Security Tasks
At the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing, Chinese companies are presenting humanoid and quadruped robots for aviation, security, and industrial roles, with demonstrations highlighting both technical progress and ongoing challenges in real-world deployment
RealMan Robotics Targets 1,000 RealBOT Deployments With Remote Control
RealMan Robotics plans to deploy nearly 1,000 RealBOT robots in 2026, using remote human control and real-world data to improve performance in unpredictable environments such as pharmacies, factories, and kitchens
GEN-1.5 Robot Model Imitates Physical Tasks After One Short Demo
Generalist AI has introduced GEN-1.5, a foundation model for robots that attempts new physical tasks after observing a single brief demonstration, with no fine-tuning or retraining required
Nori A3 Robot Offers Low-Cost Entry to Home Robotics Experimentation
Nori Robotics has introduced the Nori A3, a $1,688 American-assembled humanoid robot designed for household tasks. The system targets developers and enthusiasts seeking accessible hardware for practical automation and experimentation.
RoboScience Unveils REX G1 Humanoid Robot for Dynamic Workspaces
RoboScience has released the REX G1, a wheeled humanoid robot designed to perform object handling and manipulation in logistics, manufacturing, and retail settings, with a focus on adapting to existing environments and variable tasks
Humanoid Robots Face Real-World Hotel and Library Tasks in Beijing
China's World Humanoid Robot Games evaluated robots on hotel service, household chores, and library shelving, testing their ability to operate autonomously and adapt to unpredictable real-world environments
China Demonstrates Teleoperated Humanoid Robot for Hazardous Missions
China North Industries Group Corporation has presented Fuxi, a full-size humanoid robot designed for remote-controlled reconnaissance and operations in hazardous environments, highlighting the technical and economic challenges of real-world deployment
Unitree Humanoid Robot Demonstrates Unverified Record Speed and Jump
Unitree Robotics has released video evidence of a humanoid robot prototype performing a 2-meter standing jump and running at speeds exceeding elite human sprinters, but the results have not been independently verified
Plastic Joints Aim to Cut Humanoid Robot Weight by Over 30 Percent
Celanese Corporation and Vigor Precision have announced a collaboration to develop lightweight plastic joint components for humanoid robots, targeting significant weight reduction while maintaining mechanical durability and precision under demanding conditions
US Army to Field-Test Hunter WOLF Robotic Vehicle With 82nd Airborne
The US Army will conduct field trials of BLADE's Hunter WOLF unmanned ground vehicle with the 82nd Airborne Division, assessing its ability to support equipment transport and casualty evacuation in demanding operational scenarios
Robotic 3D Printing Scales Up in Colorado Housing Development
A 55-acre project in Salida, Colorado, is deploying autonomous 3D-printing robots to construct more than 65 homes, testing whether robotic construction can deliver full-scale residential communities with integrated infrastructure
Feagine's Fi0 Model Tested for Cross-Body Robot Task Transfer
Feagine Robotics has introduced Fi0, a foundation model designed to transfer task knowledge across different soft robot arms, aiming to reduce retraining when hardware changes. Early tests used three tendon-driven manipulators with varying morphologies
Molex Backs Active Liquid Cooling Startup for AI Data Center Heat
Molex has invested in CAEPlus to develop BoundaryCool, an active liquid cooling system designed to manage the rising heat loads from advanced processors in AI and high-performance computing data centers
BYD Deploys Xiao Di Humanoid Robots in Chinese Car Showrooms
BYD has begun introducing its humanoid robot Xiao Di in select showroom experience centers across China, aiming to enhance customer interaction as domestic car sales decline and regulatory scrutiny of advanced robotics intensifies
Google Deploys SL2T Model for Real-Time Sign Language Translation
Google has introduced SL2T, a sign-language-to-text model trained on over 100,000 hours of data, enabling American Sign Language users to translate gestures into English text on Pixel 11 devices using Gboard and Live Transcribe
