THIS WEEK IN TECH, Technovation of Week 22

Waymo Reaches 10 Million Robotaxi Rides

Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous driving subsidiary, has reached a milestone: over 10 million rides have been completed using robotaxis – entirely without a human driver. This development shows how advanced autonomous systems have become in real traffic scenarios.

Particularly impressive is the integration into everyday life: the vehicles operate autonomously and safely in multiple cities. Trust in the technology is growing, strengthening Waymo’s ambitions for the mobility of the future.

• 10 million autonomous rides completed
• Fleet operates in several U.S. cities
• Massive development boost for AV technology

SOURCE:: WSJ Report

Waymo reaches 10 million robotaxi rides in the U.S.
^{Image source: Wall Street Journal}

Meta XR: Military Collaboration with Anduril Revealed

Meta and the U.S. military will be working with Anduril to develop XR-based training systems. The headsets aim to enable immersive training scenarios for soldiers – with real-time data, sensor feedback, and adaptive AI.

Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril and Oculus, contributes his expertise. The project highlights the strategic relevance of XR in the military – including ethical considerations.

• Collaboration between Meta, Anduril, and the U.S. military
• XR for training, analysis, and scenario simulation
• Technological & ethical discussions initiated

SOURCE: META-ARMY

Meta and the U.S. military unveil strategic XR partnership for new deployment scenarios.
^{Image source: Wall Street Journal}

Robots in Hospitals: AI-Powered Care

New AI-powered robots are being deployed in several U.S. hospitals. They support nursing staff with transporting materials, take over routine tasks, and interact empathetically with patients.

These automated helpers are capable of learning, recognizing situations, and dynamically adapting. The aim is to address burnout and staff shortages in the healthcare sector.

• Intelligent robots for hospital logistics
• Improved working conditions for caregivers
• Adaptive behavior enabled by AI integration

SOURCE:: FT Report

Robots in hospitals: helpful machines take over logistical tasks.
^{Image source: Financial Times}

Apple Vision: VR Surgery Training Deployed

Apple Vision Pro is being used for the first time in surgical training. At UCSD, medical teams simulate complete procedures with precise hand tracking, realistic graphics, and AI-supported scenario analysis.

The immersive setting improves both precision and team communication. Apple is thus establishing itself as a player in the MedTech market with a clear XR focus.

• VR surgical training in California clinics
• Apple Vision Pro with realistic operating room setup
• Training data analyzed using AI

SOURCE:: MacRumors

Apple Vision Pro in surgery: first VR-assisted operation trainings in use.
^{Image source: MacRumors}

NVIDIA Launches Robotics GPU for AI Agents

With a GPU specifically designed for Physical AI, NVIDIA is launching a new platform that enables real-time reactions in humanoid robots. The goal is a new ecosystem where cloud, GPU, and sensors work together seamlessly.

The system is optimized for pick & place, human interaction, and dynamic navigation. Early demos show impressive movements in complex environments.

• GPU for humanoid robots & real-time control
• Cloud-to-robot connection for Physical AI
• Demo at ICRA with real-world application scenarios

SOURCE:: NVIDIA News

FirstAI humanoid impresses with AI-powered boxing match at ICRA.
^{Image source: NVIDIA Newsroom}

FirstAI Humanoid Demonstrates Motion Intelligence at ICRA 2025

At ICRA 2025, a humanoid robot amazed attendees with impressive motion intelligence. This is made possible by a new cloud-to-robot infrastructure developed by NVIDIA, linking AI directly to physical motion control.

• Cloud-to-Robot AI: Integration of simulation data and real-time motion
• Motion learning: AI learns through imitation and training data
• Application areas: From care to logistics – new humanoid assistance systems

SOURCE:: YouTube
 

FirstAI humanoid impresses with AI-powered boxing match at ICRA.
^{Image source: YouTube}

This innovation shows how AI is not only thinking but also acting – and imitating human movement.

Amazon Launches Drone Delivery Program in California

Amazon has launched an official drone delivery program in California. For the first time, Prime Air is being rolled out under real conditions in U.S. cities – autonomous, efficient, and local.

• Start in California: Approved use of delivery drones in urban environments
• Range and load: Up to 2.2 kg packages within 30 minutes
• Autonomy via AI: Drones navigate obstacles and weather independently

SOURCE: aboutamazon
 

Amazon launches its first urban drone delivery program in California.
^{Image source: Amazon Newsroom}

Prime Air could permanently transform logistics in urban areas – with less traffic and shorter delivery times.

Snap Spectacles – AR Glasses with Hand and GPS Tracking

Snap has significantly upgraded its “Spectacles” AR glasses: with precise GPS and enhanced hand tracking, the new models offer not only immersive filters but also real functionality – from navigation to AI-supported gesture control. This adds a real lifestyle option to the consumer AR market.

• Precise GPS for outdoor AR applications
• Hand tracking for intuitive interaction
• Direct use of Snapchat and AR lenses

The new positioning of Snap Spectacles is no longer just about gimmicks but real value. With GPS and tracking, use cases like navigation, training, or social mapping become tangible.

SOURCE:  TechCrunch
 

Snap releases new Spectacles with GPS and hand tracking.
^{Image source: TechCrunch}

Tesla – Voice Control with AI in the Cabin

Tesla is introducing new voice functions in the car cabin via a software update. The company’s Grok AI is designed to enable natural voice control – not just for navigation and music, but also for complex settings and situational feedback while driving.

• Integration of Grok AI into Tesla OS
• Control of climate, navigation, and media
• AI-assisted driver support via voice

Elon Musk himself announced that Grok will become the core of Tesla’s user interaction. The future of driving is becoming not only more autonomous but more conversational.

SOURCE:  Not a Tesla App

Tesla integrates voice control via Grok AI in all vehicles.
^{Image source: Notateslaapp}

OpenAI – New Tools for Developers and AI Startups

OpenAI is introducing new tools for developers, especially to support AI startups in China and worldwide. The toolchain includes an improved API, dataset generators, and collaborative development environments. The goal is to provide a globally scalable AI infrastructure.

• Improved interfaces for AI integration
• New dev tools for faster prototyping
• Worldwide availability for startups and researchers

OpenAI is positioning itself as a key supplier for the next wave of AI innovation. The focus on developer-friendliness and open innovation sends a strong signal toward a cooperative AI market.

SOURCE:  Reuters
 

OpenAI launches new tools for developers – focus on global AI competitiveness.
^{Image source: Reuters}

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