Works in Progress

Boston Dynamics has released new material highlighting robot hands designed to work with modern AI systems in practical, real-world tasks. The announcement focuses on combining dexterous robotic grippers with current artificial intelligence to move robots beyond demonstrations and into genuine labor. The robotics community is watching closely to see how the company pairs its hardware expertise with the latest AI advances.

New humanoid robots developed in the United States are drawing widespread attention, with viewers reacting to footage highlighting their advanced capabilities. The robots are described as a striking leap in American robotics, prompting discussion about how quickly humanoid machines are progressing and what their rise could mean for work and daily life.

The ICC has detailed the Super Series stage for the 2027 ODI Cricket World Cup, covering its schedule, rules and how the round will work. Fans and media are going through the format to understand how teams will progress in the expanded tournament to be co-hosted in southern Africa.

Researchers publishing in Nature review progress on amidases and urethanases, enzymes that can break down amide and urethane bonds found in materials such as polyurethanes and polyamides. The work highlights how these biocatalysts could enable enzymatic recycling of plastics that are difficult to process chemically, supporting more sustainable waste management and circular plastic economies.

Boston Dynamics has unveiled a new four-fingered hand for its Atlas humanoid robot, designed to let the machine handle complex industrial tasks with greater dexterity. The upgrade marks a step toward deploying humanoids in real factory and warehouse work, and robotics watchers are weighing what it means for the race to automate physically demanding jobs.

Formula 1 teams returned to the Sakhir circuit for the second free practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, with live coverage tracking lap times, tyre work and setup progress across the field. The session gives teams their main chance to evaluate race pace under lights ahead of qualifying, and fans are following the running in real time as the season's early pecking order takes shape.

UNC Health reports progress in its gene therapy research aimed at treating Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that primarily affects girls and causes severe impairments in movement, communication and daily function. The announcement highlights the health system's ongoing work to develop genetic treatments for conditions that currently have limited therapeutic options, drawing attention from families and researchers following the rare disease field.

Union workers at Duquesne Light, the electric utility serving Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania, remain on strike with no resolution announced. The work stoppage continues as talks between the union and the utility have not produced an agreement, leaving customers and local officials watching for any disruption to electric service and for signs of progress in negotiations.

Greenland has moved a step closer to oil drilling after government-approved environmental work, according to a report from Streetwise Reports. The development suggests regulatory groundwork for exploration is advancing, a potential turning point for the Arctic island's long-dormant petroleum ambitions. Environmental groups have historically opposed drilling in Greenland's sensitive waters, so any progress is likely to reignite debate over Arctic fossil fuel expansion.

Memorial Health has begun a $350 million expansion project in Savannah, and the work has led to the closure of Mets Road. The investment marks one of the hospital system's largest building projects, with road closures expected as construction gets underway. Local residents and commuters are being told to plan alternate routes while the expansion progresses.