Technology

Uber and Waymo partnership could transform autonomous trucking: Moving past a years-long court battle, the companies are combining their strengths, following a recent trend in tech partnerships.

Fragmented, overlapping strategies could cause broadband delays: The Government Accountability Office says the US needs a national broadband strategy to effectively distribute grant requests and close the digital divide.

EU agreement could push USB-C standard: For holdouts like Apple, this means the end of proprietary charging cables. For consumers, it means more convenient cross-device charging and substantial savings.

The US could become a solar power: The Defense Production Act is helping the US inch toward global clean energy leadership. But the labor shortage is a stumbling block.

VR gets brainy: Varjo’s Aero VR headset monitors the brain and body, relying on open-source software that could propel an influx of biotracking devices for use in multiple sectors.

ew York right-to-repair state of mind: Passed in the New York Senate (49 to 14) and in the Assembly (145 to 1), the right-to-repair bill will compel manufacturers to enable affordable fixes.

Ford to digitize EV sales: Taking EV sales online while maintaining its dealerships could give Ford a unique advantage, but some franchises might be unwilling to make the switch.

Robots’ useful suffering: A breakthrough in artificial skin means robots could soon be able to feel pain. As more businesses adopt robotics, the tech could help protect the assets.

All eyes on Apple: As expectations mount for AR/VR product plans, Apple doubles down on iPhone, Mac, and iPad—a move that might indicate its metaverse ambitions are on hold.

EVs gaining ground: Despite a more cautious Q2 for many industries, electric vehicles are one segment seeing momentum beyond just the segment leaders. Here is a roundup of the latest EV developments.

Ammonia-powered zero-emissions tractors in development: Developing alternative energy sources could ease the dependence on gas and diesel sources. With EVs, ammonia, and automation, farmers’ options are expanding.

3D-printed ear for transplant used human cells: AuriNovo is a patient-specific living tissue implant created through 3D-bioprinting. It could lead to safe and successful outer-ear implants by using the patient's own cells.

Deepfake AI training blocked at Google: Some face-altering AI models are being refused but others can still run in Google’s Colaboratory, revealing a porous approach to AI self-regulation.

EV flying taxis are taking off: We could see the first services in the air by 2025 as startups and established companies wrestle for large ride-sharing contracts in the busiest cities.

Tech wrestles with an era of uncertainty: As 2022 hits the halfway point, we look at how various technology companies navigate expected and unexpected challenges that could alter the business landscape.

Right-to-repair bill blocked in California: Will the setback ignite renewed consumer pressure to be able to fix their own devices or embolden manufacturers to block attempts at regulation?

Tech could help democratize indoor farming: Sensors, robots, automation, and apps work together to grow plants in an emerging segment, but change won’t be cheap.

Employer branding is key to attracting top talent: The labor market is still tight a year into the Great Resignation.

Goodbye gas, hello gravity: Mining companies demonstrate how gravity can replace diesel as a fuel for trucks and trains. It could transform clean energy and help reduce mortality from pollution.