The yellow-and-black construction companion, which can run on a lithium-ion battery for approximately 90 minutes at a time, is also capable of self-navigating around obstacles or people on the move.

“It’s intelligent as well,” Fyrer said of the 75-pound device that can go up and down stairs with ease.

“It will be able to say, ‘hey, there’s something there,’ then stop, wait for it to pass, and then it will continue on its path — or it will find another way to go around that.”

Camera technology inside Spot can also be harnessed to identify any workers who aren’t adhering to safety codes on a job by detecting blatant violations, such as not wearing hard hats.

“Then we can trigger a conversation with that person.”

Clients like Northwell are also more than satisfied to see things propelled into the next generation, too.

“It’s nice to see a company thinking outside the box and bringing new technology in,” Vinod Nair, the hospital’s vice president of operations, said.

“As well as embracing higher, sophisticated technologies in the industry.”

Spot is also built to endure, according to Fyrer, who called the robot “extremely rugged.”

“Boston Dynamics did a phenomenal job building this system…it can take a hit,” he said.

“Lighter people have sat on it.”

Man’s best friend
The robodog is also brought to area schools for demonstrations on what it can mean for their generation of technology and the workforce.

Fyrer maintains that advances like Spot won’t be stealing jobs, but making employees’ lives much easier.

“Look at some of the guys who were in the industry for 50, 60 years,” he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Apple with tariffs and urged CEO Tim Cook to manufacture iPhones in America, a move experts have said would be near-impossible. China has also been a headache for Apple since Huawei, whose smartphone business was crippled by U.S. sanctions, made a comeback in late 2023 with the release of a new phone containing a more advanced chip that many had thought would be difficult for China to produce.

Since then, Huawei has aggressively launched devices in China and has even begun dipping its toe back into international markets. The Chinese tech giant has found success eating away at some of Apple's market share in China.

To counter this, Baidu made some major changes to its core search product:

Users can now enter more than a thousand characters in the search box, versus 28 previously;
Questions can be asked in a more direct and conversational manner, mirroring how people now use chatbots;
Users can ask questions through voice but also prompt the seach engine with pictures and files;
Baidu has integrated its AI chatbot features, which enable users to generate photos, text and videos, into the product.
"This is more aligned with how people use ChatGPT and DeepSeek in terms of how they look for answers," Wang said.

The three firms are considered part of the U.S.-dominated electronic design automation (EDA) market, which encompasses software, hardware, and essential services for designing chips and semiconductor devices.

Synopsys CEO Sassine Ghazi said in a conference call with analysts in May that the company saw a slowdown in China during its fiscal second quarter, which ended on April 30. Customers in China made up around 10% of Synopsys' $1.6 billion in quarterly revenue.

China has also introduced policies to prop up its domestic chip-design software makers and develop independent chip design know-how, Synopsys said.

According to TrendForce, Synopsys, Cadence, and Siemens EDA held a global market share of 31%, 30%, and 13%, respectively, in 2024.

The news comes after China signaled last week that they are making progress on a trade truce with the U.S. and confirmed conditional agreements to resume some exchanges of rare earths and advanced technology.

Use of National Guard in Fla. Sparks Praise, Outrage
President Donald Trump's authorization of National Guard troops to serve as immigration judges in Florida has been met with praise and backlash as the administration looks to speed up the process of deporting illegal migrants.

On Tuesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appeared with Trump as the duo toured a newly renovated detention center for illegal aliens nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz" due to its isolated location within the Florida Everglades. The state is in the midst of converting the 17,000-acre Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport just west of Miami into a massive holding facility.

Trump was asked by the Washington Examiner if he would support DeSantis' idea of using National Guard troops to serve as immigration judges as a way of expediting the process of deportation.

There are nine Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers in Florida's National Guard who could be trained in as little as six weeks to be immigration officers, according to the state's plan for immigration. A spokesperson for the National Guard told the Miami Herald it has not received the official approval to initiate training for the JAG officers but was "standing by to provide support to this mission as needed and directed by Governor DeSantis."

But while Trump has the support of most Republicans for the order, Democrats are crying foul on both the use the National Guard and the holding center based in the unforgiving environment of the Everglades. Thomas Kennedy of the Florida Immigration Coalition decried the president's maneuver.

Brown bloomed from the Gregg Popovich tree in San Antonio, winning titles as an assistant with the Spurs and then under another Pop disciple, Steve Kerr, in Golden State. As a head coach, Brown was less successful in the playoffs. His only Finals appearance was nearly 20 years ago with the Cavs, when James carried an overmatched ragtag group into a 2007 series against the Spurs.

Brown flamed out quickly in subsequent stops, notably lasting only 71 games with the Lakers as Phil Jackson’s replacement. More recently, Brown guided the Kings to their first playoff appearance in 18 years. He cultivated a high-octane offense behind De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, demonstrating his versatility as a coach after being labeled defensive-minded earlier in his career. But Brown was fired less than two years later — the fourth time he was canned as a head coach.

It’s unclear who the Knicks will tap for Brown’s staff of assistants, but Rick Brunson undoubtedly will return on the bench. Other assistants from last season are under contract and, according to sources, will be considered by Brown. James Borrego is being targeted as the associate head coach, according to a source, but requires permission to get out of his contract with the Pelicans.

The Pelicans would be justified in rejecting Borrego’s request because a potential move to the Knicks is technically lateral, even if it’s for more money. Generally, teams grant permission to get out of a contract if the next job being offered is a promotion. Borrego is already the associate head coach of the Pelicans.

In a new coach, the Knicks are prioritizing some of the issues that led to Thibodeau’s dismissal — they are emphasizing player development, expanding the rotation, empowering the staff, collaborating with the front office and assigning roles to assistants like defensive and offensive coordinators.

Thibodeau didn’t embrace those instructions from the front office and ownership but did plenty of winning.

He finished fourth on the franchise’s all-time list with 226 regular-season wins, behind only Red Holzman, Joe Lapchick and Jeff Van Gundy.

His five seasons at the helm were the most since Van Gundy.

His four playoff series victories were more than the 12 previous Knicks coaches combined.

So Brown, who hasn’t won a playoff series as a head coach since 2012, is filling big shoes.

And through no fault of his own, the hiring feels like a consolation prize.

The Knicks started their search with rejected attempts to attract head coaches under contract, with denials from the teams employing Jason Kidd, Ime Udoka, Chris Finch, Billy Donovan and Quin Snyder. They redirected the search toward Brown and Taylor Jenkins, who, according to sources, fell behind after projecting less enthusiasm for the job.

Brown, in some ways, became the fallback option. And it won’t matter if the Knicks live up to their lofty expectations.

‘Reservoir Dogs,' ‘Kill Bill' and ‘Donnie Brasco' actor Michael Madsen dies at 67
Los Angeles County deputies responded to Michael Madsen's Malibu home, where the actor was found unresponsive after a 911 call.

Prolific Hollywood actor Michael Madsen has died after he was found unresponsive early Thursday at his Malibu home, according to authorities and his representatives.

He was 67.

Deputies responded to the Los Angeles County home after a 911 call early Thursday. Madsen was pronounced dead at the home.

The death is believed to have been from natural causes and no foul play is suspected, the sheriff's department said. In an email, manager Ron Smith confirmed Madsen died from cardiac arrest.

"In the last two years Michael Madsen has been doing some incredible work with independent film including upcoming feature films "Resurrection Road, "Concessions" and "Cookbook for Southern Housewives," and was really looking forward to this next chapter in his life.," managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith, and publicist Liz Rodriguez said. "Michael was also preparing to release a new book called "Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems," currently being edited.

"Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”

Known for portraying enigmatic tough guy characters, Madsen amassed a long list of film credits during his career spanning four decades. Madsen, the brother of actor Virginia Madsen, brought complex characters to life in "Kill Bill: Vol. 1," "Reservoir Dogs," "Thelma & Louise," "Donnie Brasco" and more.

The bill ensures Bitcoin and other crypto lending is not taxed as a sale, aligning it with traditional securities lending and improving capital efficiency. It also applies the 30-day wash sale rule to digital assets, closing a loophole and promoting tax fairness across asset classes.

The bill allows digital asset dealers and traders to elect mark-to-market tax treatment, aligning Bitcoin and other crypto with existing rules for securities and commodities. This allows a more accurate income recognition based on fair market value, eliminating arbitrary discrimination based on asset type.

“I think a lot of people haven’t seen this kind of technology in person. It’s something that excites them to come to work.”

Rather than doing tricks, Spot’s primary focus on the future site of a six-story building that will feature almost 100 new patient rooms is both worker and structural safety, according to Fyrer, who uses the bot on other projects as well.

Spot primarily conducts walkthroughs on the property that would conventionally be delegated to someone like a project manager, to create a “Google Street”-esque map that owners can refer to upon the job’s completion.

“The benefit of that is you get it more accurate and continuously throughout the job cycle,” Fyrer said, adding that Spot’s trips take off about an hour of labor a day at the Northwell Health facility.

Apple's performance was boosted by promotions in May as Chinese e-commerce firms discounted Apple's iPhone 16 models, its latest devices, Counterpoint said. The tech giant also increased trade-in prices for some iPhone.

"Apple's adjustment of iPhone prices in May was well timed and well received, coming a week ahead of the 618 shopping festival," Ethan Qi, associate director at Counterpoint said in a press release. The 618 shopping festival happens in China every June and e-commerce retailers offer heavy discounts.

Apple's return to growth in China will be welcomed by investors who have seen the company's stock fall around 15% this year as it faces a number of headwinds.

Wow, that really a great news. Apple's China iPhone making more sells is really awesome.

Baidu is China's biggest search engine, but — as is also being seen by Google — the search market is being disrupted.

Users are flocking instead to AI services such as ChatGPT or DeepSeek, which shocked the world this year with its advanced model it claimed was created at a fraction of the cost of rivals.

But Kai Wang, Asia equity market strategist at Morningstar, also noted that short video platforms such as Douyin and Kuaishou are also getting into AI search and piling pressure on Baidu.

Thay was a good move by Baidu. Adding Ai to it search will help it stay in the game.

Synopsys and Cadence both said that they were working on doing the same. The U.S. Commerce Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC.

The U.S. had informed the chip design software companies on May 23 that they were required to obtain licenses before exporting software and other technology for semiconductors to China. It followed an earlier tightening of export controls on other semiconductor products, which restricted the sales of advanced AI processors from Nvidia and AMD to China.

Shares of Synopsys and Cadence each climbed about 3% Thursday.

No. There are countries who will ignore it so global regulation is foolish and handing the title to a country like China.

Don't you think that just like education every human should have access to the internet in this modern world?

Web 3.0 that uses keys is safe other one losing the keys.

Other aspects, like the client-server configuration, are the same as Web 2.0.

“In order to maintain our competitive edge, we must change our tax code to embrace our digital economy, not burden digital asset users,” said Lummis. “This groundbreaking legislation is fully paid-for, cuts through the bureaucratic red tape and establishes common-sense rules that reflect how digital technologies function in the real world. We cannot allow our archaic tax policies to stifle American innovation, and my legislation ensures Americans can participate in the digital economy without inadvertent tax violations.”

The proposal introduces a de minimis exemption that would exclude small digital asset gains or losses from taxation, with a limit of $300 per transaction and $5,000 annually, and an inflation adjustment beginning in 2026.

Part 1/13:

The Profound Turning Point in Technology: AI, Industry, and Policy Choices

The recent discourse anchors around a critical inflection point in technological evolution—the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—and what this means for the future of the U.S. economy, manufacturing, and global competitiveness. As experts and policymakers grapple with the implications, the conversation delves deep into history, policy decisions, societal divides, and promising pathways forward.

AI as a Defining Technological Revolution

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The emergence of AI represents a fundamental shift, one that is only just beginning to reshape industries and societal structures. The speaker emphasizes that AI development is primarily concentrated between the U.S. and China, with both nations vying for technological preeminence. While Europe's regulatory stance on AI has slowed its progress, the U.S. maintains a technological advantage, fueled by innovation and fewer restrictions.

Part 3/13:

However, the transformative potential extends beyond software. A significant frontier is embodied AI—robotics—which will increasingly populate physical space with billions of autonomous machines. These robots, of all shapes and sizes, are poised to undertake tasks across myriad sectors, making it crucial for the U.S. to lead the design and manufacturing of these next-generation machines.

The Historical Foundation: The American System and Industrial Ascendancy

To understand where the U.S. stands today, the historical context of industrial policies offers valuable lessons. Prominent historical figures like Alexander Hamilton and William McKinley laid the groundwork for America's industrial rise in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Part 4/13:

Hamilton's vision of the American System prioritized creating a broad industrial ecosystem—protective tariffs, internal development, and fostering specialization among suppliers. McKinley's protectionist policies during the Second Industrial Revolution catalyzed America's emergence as an industrial superpower, enabling the nation to dominate in World Wars and global markets.

This historical paradigm involved not merely tariffs but cultivating an entire infrastructure—automobiles, aviation, manufacturing techniques, energy infrastructure—that built the foundation for modern prosperity. Modern policymakers echo this: the question remains whether to pursue protectionism to develop emerging industries or to embrace free trade once those industries mature.

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The Shift from Manufacturing to Services—and Potential Revival

Since the mid-20th century, the U.S. economy transitioned from manufacturing dominance to a service and knowledge-based economy. The 1960s marked a turning point where services became the engine of growth, supported by policy shifts and technological advancements.

Today, however, there's an acknowledgment that the stagnation in productivity growth is a consequence of neglecting manufacturing and industrial innovation. The speaker provocatively questions whether returning focus to physical production—via advanced robotics, AI hardware, and re-industrialization—could revitalize the economy and restore U.S. global competitiveness.

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The strategic implementation of "alien dreadnought" factories—ultra-modern, robotics-intensive manufacturing plants—could generate millions of jobs, stimulate economic growth, and prevent a future where Chinese robots dominate. This is also tied to national security considerations: reliance on foreign robots and manufacturing leaves the U.S. vulnerable.

Policy Choices and the Future of American Industry

Historical policy failures provide critical lessons. For example, in the 1970s, President Nixon proposed "Project Independence," aiming to expand nuclear energy and attain energy independence. Obstacles—such as regulatory agencies like the EPA—halted these initiatives, illustrating how regulation and political choices can thwart technological progress.

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Today, similar choices loom large: unlocking resources like critical minerals, reforming regulatory frameworks, and permitting large-scale infrastructure projects can catalyze industrial resurgence. The speaker advocates for strategic policy reforms: building new cities, revitalizing energy markets, and fostering innovation hubs that leverage the country's talent.

The Promise and Challenges of AI and Robotics

AI innovations promise to address deep societal issues such as healthcare costs, education affordability, and housing. AI-driven products—like LASIK eye surgery—demonstrate how technology can dramatically lower costs and improve outcomes outside regulatory maze-like sectors.

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Looking ahead, embodied AI in robotics is predicted to revolutionize manufacturing, logistics, and service industries. Elon Musk's humanoid robots and self-driving vehicles serve as exemplars, signaling an era where robots will be ubiquitous in daily life and industry.

This technological wave won't merely replace jobs but transform them, creating new industries centered on designing, building, and maintaining robots. The emphasis shifts from traditional manufacturing jobs to high-tech, sophisticated production.

Addressing Societal Divides and Building an Inclusive Future

Part 9/13:

A recurring theme is the societal and cultural divide—urban versus rural, coastal elites versus heartland communities—exacerbated by economic transformation. Cities benefit from concentration of tech talent, driving up living costs and squeezing out middle-class workers, resulting in social stratification and populist discontent.

The speaker advocates for policies that balance urban innovation with rural revitalization, emphasizing the importance of empowering the middle class with opportunity. A resilient, inclusive economy depends on addressing these divisions and rekindling manufacturing and infrastructure projects in rural areas.

Reforming Immigration and Education Policies

Part 10/13:

Immigration policy emerges as a double-edged sword. While high-skilled immigration fuels innovation, the current system—contingent on DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) initiatives—has distorted access, favoring foreign talent while sidelining domestic middle-class workers. There’s concern over how merit-based pathways and talent identification can be improved to optimize national benefit.

Furthermore, education reforms are essential. The rising cost of higher education and the lack of universal access to technical training hamper workforce development. The speaker calls for investing in training programs that prepare Americans for high-tech industries, ensuring the nation harnesses its domestic talent pool rather than importing it.

A Roadmap Toward Optimism and Action

Part 11/13:

Despite daunting challenges—dysfunctional cities, regulatory hurdles, societal divides—the overarching message is one of optimism rooted in policy choices. Historical precedents show that strategic government action, combined with private sector innovation, can reshape economic destiny.

Key takeaways include:

• Re-Industrialization: Embrace the second industrial revolution by investing in robotics, AI hardware, and manufacturing infrastructure.

• Policy Reforms: Reduce regulatory barriers, reform energy policies, and foster resource development to enable technological leaps.

• Inclusive Growth: Develop policies that bridge societal divides, empower rural areas, and expand opportunity for all Americans.

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• International Competition: Maintain leadership in AI and robotics to prevent falling behind China or other nations.

• Educational Investment: Prioritize STEM training and talent cultivation domestically to sustain innovation.

The path forward is clear—choices made today in policy and innovation will determine whether America remains a global industrial and technological leader or cedes ground to competitors. As the speaker emphasizes, this is not predestined; it is a series of deliberate decisions.

Conclusion

Part 13/13:

The ascent of AI and embodied robotics presents unprecedented opportunities and profound challenges. History offers lessons on the importance of strategic protection and innovation-driven industrial policy. Society must decide whether to double down on manufacturing, reform regulations, invest in talent, and bridge societal divides. Only through deliberate policy choices and innovative spirit can the U.S. seize this future, ensuring prosperity, security, and a renewed sense of opportunity for generations to come.