分类： technology

Beijing’s aerospace technology sector is pioneering an innovative solution to the global computing power shortage exacerbated by artificial intelligence’s exponential growth. The Beijing Astro-future Institute of Space Technology, under director Zhang Shancong’s leadership, is developing orbital data centers that leverage the unique advantages of space environment to overcome terrestrial limitations.

In a significant technological advancement within the emotional AI sector, robotic companion pets are emerging as innovative solutions for urban professionals seeking low-maintenance companionship. These AI-driven creations, exemplified by products like Ropet and Moflin, combine sophisticated sensor technology with emotionally responsive behaviors to simulate genuine pet interactions.

The Ropet robotic pet, developed specifically for young female white-collar workers, represents a breakthrough in emotional artificial intelligence. Priced at $299 for its basic version, this feline-inspired device features multi-sensor capabilities including a nasal camera, forehead microphone, and tactile sensors that enable it to perceive and respond to human interactions through audio, visual, and touch inputs. The unit’s LED-screen eyes display food imagery during feeding interactions, while its AI model allows for personality development based on user treatment patterns.

Market validation has been substantial, with Ropet’s Kickstarter campaign attracting 1,134 backers and raising approximately $400,000—exceeding its initial goal by 300 times. Similarly, Casio’s Moflin AI rabbit toy sold over 7,000 units at 59,400 yen ($380) each within months of release.

According to industry analysis by Global Market Insights, the emotion AI market is projected to expand from $2.9 billion last year to $19.4 billion by 2034, indicating robust growth potential for companion robotics. The technology’s appeal lies in its ability to stimulate oxytocin secretion while reducing anxiety and depression through non-verbal companionship.

He Jiabin, CEO and co-founder of Ropet, emphasizes that these devices provide ‘soft companionship’ rather than verbal communication, intentionally designed to trigger caregiving instincts and childlike playfulness. Users like tech columnist Yoky Liu report meaningful emotional connections with their robotic companions, noting that the devices’ evolving personalities reflect their own behavioral patterns over time.

This technological innovation addresses growing urban loneliness while offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional pet ownership, representing a significant convergence of artificial intelligence, emotional wellness, and consumer electronics.

An 18-year-old Indian expatriate and environmental science student has claimed the grand prize in the inaugural KT+ 150 List Makers Elevator Pitch competition. Dhana Abdul Fathah, a second-year student at the American University of Sharjah, secured Dh250,000 worth of media coverage in Khaleej Times and 250,000 Skywards Miles from Emirates for her innovative self-charging power bank concept.

The winning invention utilizes micro-energy chips that harness ambient energy from movement and light, eliminating the need for external charging sources. The Abu Dhabi-born student developed her submission under significant time constraints, creating and submitting her pitch video within just four hours before the competition deadline while simultaneously managing her university examinations.

Dhana’s inspiration emerged from her academic focus on environmental science and sustainability, with several months of preliminary research preceding her competition entry. She anticipates requiring approximately one year to advance from research and development to creating a functional prototype, with ambitions to establish a formal startup venture by her graduation.

The competition, organized by Khaleej Times, attracted over 20 entries according to Chief Content Officer Ted Kemp. Judges selected three finalists including Dhana’s power bank concept. Other shortlisted proposals included a zero-waste circular economy farm café that would convert restaurant scraps into compost for growing produce, and a proposed magic academy in Dubai aimed at fostering cognitive transformation through magical education.

Despite her achievement, Dhana acknowledges forthcoming challenges in securing investors and scaling her technology. She maintains an additional role as remote ambassador for the Abu Dhabi-based Middle East Business Alliance for Sustainability while pursuing her studies.

The Beijing Astro-future Institute of Space Technology is spearheading an innovative project to launch high-computing-power experimental satellites by late 2025 or early 2026. This initiative aims to address the escalating global demand for computing power, exacerbated by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and the limitations of traditional data centers. Zhang Shancong, the institute’s director and chief scientist at Beijing Orbit Twilight Technology Co., highlighted the challenges faced by terrestrial data centers, including excessive land use, skyrocketing energy consumption, and environmental cooling constraints. Space-based solutions, leveraging the abundant solar energy and the stable minus 270°C cosmic environment, offer a promising alternative. These satellites will enable continuous solar power generation and highly efficient passive radiation cooling, potentially revolutionizing the way computational needs are met in the future. This groundbreaking approach underscores China’s commitment to technological innovation and sustainable development.

Japanese beverage giant Asahi has disclosed the severe impact of a ransomware attack that struck its operations in September, potentially compromising the personal information of over 1.5 million customers. The cyber-attack, which targeted Asahi’s data centers, forced the company to revert to manual processes, significantly disrupting its production and distribution systems. Asahi confirmed that the personal details of individuals who interacted with its customer service centers were likely exposed, including names, genders, addresses, and contact information. Additionally, data belonging to approximately 107,000 current and former employees, along with 168,000 family members, were also potentially leaked. The attack, attributed to the ransomware group Qilin, encrypted Asahi’s data and demanded a ransom for its release. While credit card details were not compromised, the breach has raised significant concerns about data security. Asahi has delayed its full-year financial results to focus on mitigating the attack’s fallout and restoring its systems. The company has assured that its European operations, including brands like Peroni and Fuller’s Brewery, remain unaffected. Asahi’s president, Atsushi Katsuki, apologized for the disruptions and emphasized efforts to strengthen cybersecurity measures. The attack has also led to temporary shortages of Asahi products in Japan, where the company holds a 40% market share. This incident follows a series of high-profile cyber-attacks on global corporations, highlighting the growing threat of ransomware in the digital age.

Hospitals across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are still six to 18 months away from achieving full readiness for large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) implementation, according to industry experts. Despite significant enthusiasm and rapid investments in AI, most institutions lack the essential foundational processes, governance frameworks, and leadership awareness required for safe and effective deployment. Brian de Francesca, Special Envoy for AI and Synthetic Workforce Development at the Arab Hospitals Federation, highlighted this gap during the DATE summit in Dubai, emphasizing that AI adoption is not merely a software purchase but a comprehensive organizational transformation. He noted that many leaders are unaware of AI’s current capabilities, limitations, and associated risks. Sid Ahmed Benraouane, an advisor to the Dubai Government, stressed the importance of visionary leadership in harnessing AI’s potential, warning that without proper safeguards, organizations risk deploying poorly understood systems. Aditya Balaraman, AI innovation lead at Magure, echoed these concerns, pointing out that while ambition is abundant in the region, a clear roadmap is essential for sustainable AI integration. He emphasized that AI could serve as a levelling technology, enabling lower-income markets to catch up if the right investments are made.

Dubai’s strategic early adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) has positioned the emirate as a global leader in digital innovation. According to Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO of AI at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the city’s ‘lead by example’ approach has been instrumental in integrating AI across public services and regulatory systems. Speaking at the Care for Sustainability MENA event in Dubai, Al Zarouni emphasized the importance of appointing an AI officer in every government department to ensure alignment, ownership, and swift execution of AI initiatives. This unified vision has enabled Dubai to stay ahead of international competitors in the AI race. Dubai’s journey with AI began long before many other cities, with the UAE appointing the world’s first Minister of AI in 2017 and launching dedicated education programs as early as 2012. This early start allowed Dubai to build the necessary skills, structures, and regulations to support AI’s rapid evolution. Al Zarouni highlighted the D33 economic agenda, which aims to double Dubai’s GDP by 2033, with AI expected to contribute Dh100 billion annually. Additionally, Dubai is striving to become one of the top three global cities within the next decade, supported by initiatives like the Dubai 500 School, which fosters startups and investors through talent, capital, and mentorship. Policy development remains a cornerstone of Dubai’s innovation ecosystem, with frameworks like the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) designed to provide legal clarity for businesses. Al Zarouni described Dubai’s approach as ‘intelligent infrastructure,’ focusing on agility, safety, and real-world outcomes. The city’s commitment to AI is not theoretical but practical, with AI deeply integrated into its operations. The event also showcased the commercial opportunities created by Dubai’s AI strategy. Alex Pavan, Founder and CEO of Emtribe, noted that the UAE’s focus on sustainability and digital transformation has made it an ideal location for AI-driven businesses. Emtribe’s platform, entirely built using AI, exemplifies the potential of Dubai’s AI ecosystem. Pavan emphasized the importance of automation and digitalization in achieving sustainability goals, particularly in decarbonization and energy optimization. Dubai’s leadership in AI and sustainability continues to attract global attention, solidifying its position as a hub for innovation and technological advancement.