The US military is launching an ambitious effort to develop a new generation of rechargeable batteries capable of delivering up to ten times the energy density of today’s systems, a breakthrough that could dramatically extend the range, endurance, and effectiveness of future drones, robots, sensors, and battlefield electronics.

Led by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the initiative aims to overcome one of the biggest limitations facing modern military systems: the tradeoff between storing large amounts of energy and delivering it rapidly when needed. According to DARPA’s newly announced Expeditionary Power- and Energy-Dense Implementations (ExPEDitions) program, researchers will explore advanced battery chemistries, materials, and architectures capable of achieving five to ten times the energy density of current rechargeable technologies. 

Industry reporting suggests the agency is targeting systems that exceed 2 kilowatt-hours per kilogram (kWh/kg), far beyond the performance of most lithium-ion batteries in service today. Sources: DARPA, Defense Blog.

Why batteries are becoming a critical battlefield tech

For decades, military planners focused on weapons, sensors, and vehicles. Increasingly, however, the limiting factor is energy.

“Energy has long been the fundamental currency of the battlespace,” DARPA notes in its program description. Whether powering drones, communications equipment, autonomous vehicles, electronic warfare systems, or future directed-energy weapons, military platforms are becoming more dependent on portable power than ever before.

The challenge lies in balancing two competing requirements. Energy density determines how long a system can operate before recharging, while power density determines how quickly that energy can be delivered.

A surveillance drone may need to remain airborne for hours while continuously operating cameras and communications systems. A strike drone, meanwhile, may require sudden bursts of power to maneuver aggressively or execute attacks. Most existing battery technologies force designers to compromise between endurance and performance.

DARPA’s ExPEDitions program aims to eliminate that compromise by developing batteries capable of delivering both.

The logistics advantage

The military value of better batteries extends well beyond longer flight times. Every battery, fuel convoy, generator, and charging station deployed to the battlefield creates a logistical burden. In many conflicts, supply lines become some of the most vulnerable targets.

A battery capable of storing five to ten times more energy could dramatically reduce the number of resupply missions required to sustain drones, sensors, robotic systems, and dismounted troops.

For autonomous systems, the benefits could be even greater. Longer-lasting batteries would allow drones to remain on station for extended periods, enable robotic vehicles to travel farther, and reduce dependence on fixed charging infrastructure that could be targeted by adversaries.

Why China is part of the conversation

The initiative also reflects growing concern in Washington over global battery supply chains. Analysts at the Atlantic Council recently argued that batteries are no longer merely an energy technology. They have become a strategic military capability. The think tank warned that China’s dominance across battery manufacturing, critical mineral processing, and supply chains could eventually influence future military competitiveness.

China currently occupies a commanding position in much of the global battery ecosystem, from lithium processing and cathode production to large-scale cell manufacturing. As militaries increasingly electrify vehicles and deploy autonomous systems, access to advanced battery technology is becoming a national security issue.

The Atlantic Council argues that maintaining a technological edge will require not only better battery designs but also domestic manufacturing capacity and resilient supply chains.

Beyond drones and robots

Although unmanned systems are among the most obvious beneficiaries, a breakthrough in battery performance could affect nearly every aspect of military operations. Future soldier-worn electronics, portable radar systems, autonomous underwater vehicles, communications networks, and even directed-energy weapons could all benefit from lighter and more energy-dense power sources.

DARPA’s program is scheduled to run for 36 months across two phases beginning in 2027, with multiple prototype awards planned under Other Transaction Agreements. Whether researchers ultimately achieve the agency’s ambitious fivefold-to-tenfold improvement remains to be seen. But if successful, the effort could reshape not only military technology but also the future of robotics, aerospace, and electric transportation far beyond the battlefield.

European missile manufacturer MBDA has unveiled a new long-range strike weapon that could significantly expand Europe’s ability to hit targets deep behind enemy lines without relying on US-made systems.

Introduced at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris, the new Naval Cruise Missile–Land Cruise Missile (NCM-LCM) Mk2 combines MBDA’s combat-proven Naval Cruise Missile with a mobile ground-launch capability, creating what many analysts describe as Europe’s closest equivalent to the US Tomahawk cruise missile.

The company says the missile can strike targets at ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) while maintaining precision even in heavily jammed electronic warfare environments. A first operational ground launch system is expected to become available from 2029.

Why the new missile matters

The unveiling comes as European militaries seek greater strategic autonomy and long-range strike capabilities amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Long-range cruise missiles allow militaries to destroy command centers, air-defense systems, logistics hubs, and critical infrastructure far behind enemy lines without exposing aircraft or troops to enemy defenses.

While Europe already fields air- and sea-launched deep-strike weapons such as SCALP/Storm Shadow and the Naval Cruise Missile, it has lacked a dedicated ground-launched cruise missile with comparable range and operational flexibility. The LCM Mk2 is designed to fill that gap.

Unlike conventional artillery systems, which typically reach tens or hundreds of kilometers, the new missile can engage targets more than 1,000 kilometers away, allowing commanders to project firepower across entire theaters of operation.

Built for GPS-denied warfare

One of the most significant upgrades in the Mk2 variant is its ability to operate in highly contested electronic warfare environments. Modern battlefields increasingly feature GPS jamming and spoofing systems designed to disrupt precision-guided weapons. Rather than relying solely on satellite navigation, the NCM-LCM uses multiple guidance methods.

The missile uses a combination of inertial navigation, terrain-reference navigation, satellite positioning, and an imaging infrared seeker. In the terminal phase of flight, the seeker compares the target area against stored reference imagery, helping maintain precision even when satellite navigation signals are degraded or unavailable.

This multi-layered approach allows the weapon to maintain accuracy even in GPS-denied environments. MBDA has also equipped the Mk2 with a new-generation anti-jamming system, upgraded avionics, and enhanced mission electronics designed for high-intensity conflict scenarios.

How the missile survives enemy defenses

Unlike hypersonic weapons that rely on extreme speed, the NCM-LCM survives by remaining difficult to detect.

The missile flies at low altitude, closely following terrain features such as hills, valleys, and coastlines to remain below enemy radar coverage. MBDA says the Mk2’s redesigned nose section and updated electronics allow even lower-altitude flight, further improving survivability.

The missile also incorporates stealth features that reduce its radar signature, making interception more difficult. MBDA has also showcased a complementary concept known as Deluge, a low-cost expendable drone designed to saturate enemy air-defense networks and create opportunities for long-range missiles to penetrate contested airspace.

A mobile launcher designed to disappear

The land-based version is designed for rapid deployment and survivability. According to MBDA, a launcher vehicle can move into an unprepared location, deploy, and have four missiles ready to fire in under 15 minutes. Once launched, the battery can relocate before enemy forces identify its position. 

This “shoot-and-scoot” capability has become increasingly important in modern conflicts, where drones and counter-battery systems can rapidly detect and target static launch sites. The company also notes that the missile can be integrated into synchronized multi-domain strike operations, enabling launches from ships, submarines, and ground batteries to coordinate attacks on the same set of targets.

NCM-LCM Mk2 signals Europe’s growing ambition to field sovereign long-range strike systems capable of operating in the highly contested battlefields of the future.

Will AI robot soldiers take over the battlefield? If your image of a robot soldier comes from The Terminator, the answer is probably no. If your image is a swarm of AI-guided drones, autonomous ground vehicles, robotic tanks, and software making battlefield decisions faster than humans ever could, then the answer is that it is already happening.

There is no doubt that warfare in our times is increasingly becoming a contest between machines. The war in Ukraine has demonstrated this more clearly than any conflict in history. Millions of drones are now being produced annually by both Ukraine and Russia, transforming reconnaissance, logistics, artillery spotting, and strike missions. 

Unmanned systems already outnumber human combatants in active zones like Ukraine, where tens of thousands of drones and autonomous platforms are deployed. While this conflict points to a future in which sensors, drones, and weapons are integrated into unified, AI-assisted networks, the US-Israel war on Iran highlights a the economic reality of modern warfare. 

Cheap drones and missiles costing tens of thousands of dollars have repeatedly forced defenders to launch interceptors worth hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars, proving that future conflicts may be determined as much by cost-exchange ratios as by technological superiority.

The robot takeover has already begun

The first generation of battlefield robots does not look human. Instead, it looks like first-person-view drones carrying explosives, autonomous reconnaissance aircraft, robotic ground vehicles delivering ammunition, and uncrewed boats attacking warships.

In April, Ukraine announced that one operation to capture a Russian position was conducted entirely using unmanned systems, including aerial drones and robotic ground vehicles, without direct human assault troops. While humans still planned and supervised the mission, the operation offered a glimpse into how future battles may unfold.

This is where military investment is currently focused. The United States, China, Russia, Ukraine, and many NATO countries are developing autonomous aircraft, robotic vehicles, uncrewed submarines, and AI-powered targeting systems designed to reduce risk to soldiers while increasing battlefield effectiveness.

What about humanoid robot soldiers?

That future remains much further away. One of the most closely watched examples is the Phantom MK-1, a humanoid robot developed by the US company Foundation. In early 2026, two units were sent to Ukraine for battlefield evaluation, primarily for reconnaissance and logistics missions. The deployment marked one of the first known attempts to test a humanoid robot in an active war zone. But the tests also highlighted the technology’s limitations.

The Phantom MK-1 can carry only modest payloads, has limited battery endurance, and still struggles with many tasks humans perform effortlessly. Reports from the Ukrainian trials suggest the robots were mainly useful for logistics and support missions rather than combat.

Even Foundation’s leadership argues that humanoid robots are more likely to serve as a first line of defense, reconnaissance platform, or force-protection system than as replacements for infantry soldiers. The company’s philosophy is simple: “Don’t send a human where you can send a robot first.”

Why do humanoids still struggle

The problem is that battlefields are among the most demanding environments imaginable. A humanoid robot must walk over rubble, mud, snow, trenches, stairs, and debris. It must manipulate unfamiliar objects, survive electronic warfare, operate for hours without recharging, and make decisions in rapidly changing environments.

Robots may need to master household chores before they master warfare. Folding laundry, loading dishwashers, cleaning kitchens, and navigating cluttered homes require many of the same perception, manipulation, and reasoning capabilities that would eventually allow robots to operate independently on a battlefield.

That is one reason why companies such as Tesla, Figure, Agility Robotics, and Unitree continue to focus heavily on factories, warehouses, and logistics operations rather than combat applications.

The real future of AI warfare

The future battlefield is unlikely to be dominated by armies of humanoid robots carrying rifles. Instead, it will probably consist of human soldiers working alongside large numbers of autonomous systems. AI software will process intelligence, drones will conduct surveillance and strikes, robotic vehicles will handle dangerous missions, and uncrewed platforms will increasingly take on tasks once assigned to humans.

The biggest transformation may not be robotic bodies at all. It may be AI becoming the invisible operating system behind military decision-making. In other words, robot soldiers are coming. They just may not look anything like the ones in Hollywood movies.

The US Army has awarded General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) a contract to advance a next-generation 155 mm artillery projectile capable of hitting targets at significantly greater distances than conventional shells while maintaining accuracy even when GPS signals are unavailable.

The award falls under the Army’s Extended Range Artillery Projectile (ERAP) program, an effort to develop a new class of long-range precision munitions that could dramatically increase the reach of existing artillery systems. 

According to General Atomics, the project will fund a series of flight demonstrations to validate the projectile’s performance before the Army moves toward achieving initial operational capability by fiscal year 2030.

The announcement follows earlier testing that demonstrated the munition’s potential. During trials conducted at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, a version of the projectile successfully struck targets more than 74 miles (119 kilometers) away after being fired from an M777 howitzer, far beyond the range of standard 155 mm artillery rounds.

Extending artillery range without rockets

One of the most notable aspects of the GA-EMS design is its ability it achieve extended range without relying on rocket assistance. Most modern long-range artillery rounds use rocket motors to extend their reach after launch. General Atomics has instead developed a glide-based approach that employs deployable wings and advanced aerodynamic design to travel farther while remaining compatible with existing artillery systems.

According to the company, the projectile can be fired from legacy cannons and loaders already in service, potentially allowing the Army to increase battlefield range without replacing large portions of its artillery fleet.

The design also incorporates redundant guidance systems and maneuvering capabilities. Unlike conventional artillery shells that largely follow a fixed ballistic trajectory, maneuvering projectiles can alter their course during flight, improving accuracy and increasing survivability against countermeasures.

Designed for GPS-denied battlefields

Future conflicts may occur in environments where satellite navigation systems are degraded, jammed, or entirely unavailable. The new projectile must retain the ability to engage targets even when GPS signals cannot be used. General Atomics says its munition includes advanced guidance technologies designed to maintain precision under those conditions.

That capability is becoming increasingly important as high-tech electronic warfare systems have the ability to disrupt navigation, communications, and targeting networks across large areas of the battlefield.

According to reports, the Army’s 2024 ERAP solicitation stated that future projectiles should be capable of engaging a broad range of targets, including infantry fighting vehicles, self-propelled artillery, multiple-launch rocket systems, air defense systems, main battle tanks, and even maritime targets.

Significance and broader push of long-range artillery   

Over the past decade, the service has invested heavily in programs designed to increase the range of cannon artillery, missiles, and hypersonic weapons. The goal is to allow US forces to strike targets from greater distances while reducing exposure to enemy fire.

General Atomics has also attracted interest from other branches of the military. In late 2024, the US Navy selected the company to continue development of a maritime version of the projectile, highlighting the technology’s potential beyond traditional land warfare.

Science is usually associated with reason, evidence, and discovery. Yet some of the world’s most significant scientific and medical sites have accumulated ghost stories, conspiracy theories, and paranormal legends of their own. In many cases, the lore emerged from tragedy, isolation, or misunderstood research rather than anything supernatural.

These seven sites sit at a rather eerie intersection of science and folklore.

1. CERN, Switzerland-France

Home to the Large Hadron Collider, CERN is one of the world’s leading centers for particle physics research. Yet despite its scientific credentials, the facility has become a recurring subject of internet conspiracy theories.

Rumors linking CERN to portals, alternate dimensions, and occult activity gained momentum in 2016 after a prank video filmed on the organization’s grounds appeared to show a ritual human sacrifice near the laboratory’s Shiva statue. CERN later clarified that the video was an unauthorized spoof and that no one was harmed.

The incident added fuel to years of speculation surrounding the collider’s experiments, making CERN one of the few modern research facilities to develop a paranormal reputation despite a lack of evidence supporting the claims.

2. Waverly Hills Sanatorium, United States

Opened in Kentucky in 1910, Waverly Hills Sanatorium was built to treat tuberculosis patients during one of the deadliest public health crises of the early twentieth century.

The facility became known for its advanced treatment methods and later for its so-called “body chute,” a tunnel reportedly used to transport the deceased away from patients. Decades after the hospital closed, stories of apparitions, shadow figures, and unexplained voices transformed it into one of America’s most famous haunted locations.

Whether the stories are true or not, the real history is grim enough. Thousands of patients passed through the sanatorium before antibiotics dramatically reduced tuberculosis deaths.

3. Poveglia Island, Italy

Located in the Venetian Lagoon, Poveglia served as a quarantine station during plague outbreaks beginning in the eighteenth century.

Ships arriving in Venice with suspected infections were isolated there, and over time, the island became associated with disease, death, and mass burials. Later, parts of the island housed a psychiatric facility before being abandoned.

Today, Poveglia is frequently described as one of the world’s most haunted islands. Local legends speak of restless spirits, mysterious voices, and supernatural activity, although many claims are impossible to verify. What is certain is that the island’s history reflects centuries of public-health efforts during some of Europe’s deadliest epidemics.

4. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, United States

Completed in the nineteenth century, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum was originally designed according to the Kirkbride Plan, an influential architectural approach to psychiatric treatment.

At its peak, the institution housed thousands of patients, far beyond its intended capacity. Reports of overcrowding, poor conditions, and controversial treatments became part of its history.

Today, the massive complex attracts paranormal investigators who report apparitions, voices, and other unexplained phenomena. While the ghost stories dominate popular culture, the site also provides a window into the evolving history of mental-health care and institutional medicine.

5. Pennhurst State School and Hospital, United States

Pennhurst was established in Pennsylvania to care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Over time, however, investigations revealed severe overcrowding and troubling conditions within the institution.

After its closure, the abandoned buildings became the focus of ghost stories and paranormal television programs. Reports of strange sounds, apparitions, and unexplained encounters continue to attract visitors.

Its haunted reputation is inseparable from its documented history. For many historians, Pennhurst serves as a reminder of how society once approached disability care and how those systems often failed the people they were intended to help.

6. Beelitz-Heilstätten, Germany

This vast hospital complex near Berlin opened in the late nineteenth century as a tuberculosis treatment center and later served wounded soldiers during both World Wars.

The sprawling campus, surrounded by forests and gradually reclaimed by nature, has become one of Europe’s most recognizable abandoned medical facilities. Its decaying corridors and operating rooms have inspired countless urban legends, ghost stories, and paranormal investigations.

Today, parts of the site have been restored and opened to visitors, but its eerie appearance continues to fuel speculation about what may still linger within its walls.

7. Duga Radar (“The Russian Woodpecker”), Ukraine

Hidden within the forests near Chornobyl stands one of the largest radar structures ever built. Known as Duga, the Soviet-era installation formed part of an over-the-horizon early-warning system designed to detect incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles during the Cold War. The enormous antenna array, stretching hundreds of meters long and rising roughly 150 meters high, transmitted a distinctive repetitive signal that was picked up by radio operators around the world between 1976 and 1989.

The mysterious tapping noise earned the system the nickname “The Russian Woodpecker.” Because Soviet authorities never publicly explained the signal, speculation flourished. Amateur radio operators and conspiracy theorists suggested everything from weather control and mind-control experiments to secret military technologies. 

While the radar’s true purpose later became known, the abandoned structure’s location near Chornobyl, its colossal scale, and decades of secrecy continue to fuel an aura of mystery around one of the Cold War’s most imposing engineering projects.

For centuries, the Aurora Borealis has captivated skywatchers with its shimmering curtains of green, red, and purple light. Yet despite being one of Earth’s most recognizable natural phenomena, the Northern Lights remain surrounded by misconceptions. 

Some believe they occur only near the North Pole, while others assume they are caused by weather or that they always appear green. In reality, auroras are the result of complex interactions between the Sun and Earth’s magnetic field, and scientists continue to uncover new details about how they form. Here are seven common myths about the Northern Lights and the facts behind one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

1. Myth: The Northern Lights make no sound

Fact: Most auroras occur too high in the atmosphere for sound to travel directly to the ground. However, some observers have reported hearing faint crackling or hissing noises during intense displays. The phenomenon remains debated, but researchers have investigated possible explanations involving electrical activity close to the Earth’s surface. While not fully understood, reports of auroral sounds are not dismissed as pure imagination.

2. Myth: The aurora is always green

Fact: Green is the most common aurora color, but it is far from the only one. Different atmospheric gases and altitudes produce different colors. Oxygen can create green or red displays, while nitrogen can produce blue, purple, and pink hues. During powerful geomagnetic storms, observers may see multiple colors at once, creating the spectacular multicolored curtains often captured in photographs.

3. Myth: Auroras only happen at the North Pole

Fact: The Aurora Borealis is most common near the Arctic, but powerful solar storms can push auroral activity much farther south. During major geomagnetic events, the lights have been observed across Europe, Asia, and even parts of the continental United States. There is also a southern counterpart known as the Aurora Australis, which occurs around Antarctica and southern high-latitude regions.

4. Myth: Auroras are unique to Earth

Fact: Earth is not the only world with auroras. Scientists have observed auroral activity on Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and several other bodies in the Solar System. While the underlying mechanism is similar, charged particles interact with an atmosphere and a magnetic environment. The appearance and behavior of auroras vary significantly from planet to planet. Studying these alien auroras helps researchers better understand planetary atmospheres and magnetic fields.

5. Myth: The Northern Lights are caused by Earth’s weather

Fact: Auroras are actually a form of space weather. They occur when charged particles from the Sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field and collide with gases in the upper atmosphere. These collisions release energy in the form of colorful light. While clouds can block your view of an aurora, the phenomenon itself originates hundreds of miles above normal weather systems. Strong solar storms can even make the lights visible far beyond the Arctic.

6. Myth: If an aurora forecast is good, you’ll definitely see it

Fact: A strong aurora forecast is only part of the equation. Visibility also depends on cloud cover, light pollution, moonlight, and your geographic location. Even during powerful geomagnetic storms, thick clouds can completely hide the display. This is why experienced aurora chasers pay as much attention to weather forecasts as they do to solar activity predictions.

7. Myth: The aurora is a modern phenomenon

Fact: Humans have been observing auroras for thousands of years. Ancient cultures across Scandinavia, North America, Asia, and Europe developed myths and legends to explain the mysterious lights. Long before scientists understood solar wind or magnetism, people associated auroras with spirits, omens, warriors, or celestial beings. Modern science has explained the mechanism behind the lights, but the sense of wonder they inspire remains unchanged.

A mobile robot developed by Samsung-controlled Rainbow Robotics has reportedly begun testing inside a Coupang fulfillment center, marking what could be its first deployment in a live commercial warehouse environment.

According to a report by The Korea Herald, Coupang is evaluating Rainbow Robotics’ RB-Y1 robot to determine whether it can reliably sort, transport, and handle goods within one of South Korea’s highly automated logistics networks. While neither Coupang, Samsung, nor Rainbow Robotics has publicly confirmed the pilot, industry sources told ETNews that a larger deployment could follow if the tests prove successful.

The reported trial represents an important step for the RB-Y1, which until now has primarily been used by universities, research institutions, and industrial partners for testing and development.

A different kind of humanoid

Unlike the bipedal humanoid robots grabbing headlines worldwide, the RB-Y1 takes a more practical approach. The machine combines a wheeled autonomous mobile base with a dual-arm upper body designed to mimic the movement of a human torso. 

The robot stands approximately 1.4 meters tall and weighs 131 kilograms. Its two robotic arms offer seven degrees of freedom each and can handle payloads of up to 3 kilograms per arm.

Mounted on a high-speed wheeled platform capable of traveling at 1.5 meters per second, the robot is designed to navigate warehouses, factories, and research facilities while performing tasks such as picking, sorting, and manipulating objects.

Rainbow Robotics says the platform uses a 20-axis whole-body control system to maintain stability during movement and when handling items. The company also developed collision-avoidance software that prevents the robot’s arms from interfering with each other during operation.

Why Coupang is interested

For Coupang, South Korea’s largest e-commerce company, warehouse automation has become increasingly important as the company seeks to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.

The company has invested heavily in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence in recent years. According to The Korea Herald, Coupang has invested more than $84 million in global AI startups since 2023 as part of broader efforts to modernize its logistics infrastructure.

The potential benefits extend beyond productivity. South Korea’s Serious Accidents Punishment Act holds executives legally accountable for fatal workplace accidents, creating additional incentives for companies to automate potentially hazardous tasks.

With a payload capacity better suited to lighter goods than heavy lifting, the RB-Y1 would likely be deployed for sorting, picking, and moving smaller items if the pilot progresses to commercial use.

Samsung’s growing robotics ambitions

The trial also highlights Samsung’s expanding ambitions in robotics. Samsung increased its stake in Rainbow Robotics to 35 percent before making the company a subsidiary, identifying robotics as one of its next major growth areas alongside artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductors.

The move comes as South Korea continues to lead the world in industrial automation. According to the International Federation of Robotics, the country has the highest robot density globally, with roughly 1,012 industrial robots for every 10,000 manufacturing workers. More than seven times the global average.

If the Coupang pilot proves successful, it could provide one of the clearest signs yet that advanced mobile manipulators are beginning to transition from research laboratories into large-scale commercial logistics operations.

The US Navy has reactivated a submarine squadron that was disbanded more than a decade ago and relocated it from Hawaii to Western Australia, marking a major milestone in the AUKUS security partnership and the growing strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific.

The newly reestablished Submarine Squadron 3 (CSS-3) will operate from HMAS Stirling near Perth, Australia, after previously being based at Pearl Harbor, where it was decommissioned in 2012. The move supports the development of Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West), an initiative that will see US and UK nuclear-powered attack submarines regularly deployed from Australia beginning in 2027. 

According to the US Navy, CSS-3 personnel will work alongside members of the Royal Australian Navy to establish maintenance, logistics, and operational support infrastructure for future submarine rotations.

The reactivation was announced by the US Pacific Fleet’s submarine force and follows a recent trilateral AUKUS statement confirming that key milestones remain on track. Under the AUKUS agreement signed in 2021, Australia is expected to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and eventually operate its own conventionally armed nuclear-powered fleet. Sources: US Navy, DVIDS, AUKUS Joint Statement.

Why bring back a squadron that no longer exists?

Submarine squadrons serve as operational headquarters responsible for overseeing submarine deployments, maintenance, crew readiness, logistics, and mission support.

While the move may appear administrative, it represents a significant expansion of US submarine infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific. Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, commander of the US Pacific Fleet’s submarine force, said the additional forward-positioned squadron would improve the Navy’s responsiveness and operational flexibility across the region.

Strategically, HMAS Stirling is located in a key position on Australia’s western coast.  The base provides access to the Indian Ocean and sits closer to many Indo-Pacific operating areas than traditional US submarine hubs in Hawaii or the continental United States. The facility is expected to become one of the most important submarine support locations in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Preparing for submarine rotations

The squadron’s return is tied directly to SRF-West, one of the first major operational components of AUKUS.

Beginning in 2027, American Virginia-class and British Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarines are expected to conduct rotational deployments from HMAS Stirling rather than being permanently based there. The arrangement is designed to increase allied submarine presence in the region while helping Australia develop the expertise needed to operate and maintain its future fleet. 

The effort extends beyond military operations. The US Navy has already established Naval Support Activity Stirling to provide housing, healthcare, logistics, and support services for personnel assigned to the rotational force.

Meanwhile, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard is preparing to establish a dedicated maintenance detachment in Western Australia. According to Navy officials, Australian civilian maintainers and naval personnel are already training in Hawaii, with hundreds expected to participate in submarine maintenance programs.

AUKUS enters a new phase

The reactivation of CSS-3 shows how AUKUS is evolving from a political agreement into a functioning military and industrial partnership.

Rather than focusing solely on future submarine transfers, the alliance is now building the infrastructure, workforce, and maintenance capabilities needed to sustain nuclear-powered submarines in Australia over the coming decades.

With rotational deployments expected within two years, the revived squadron may prove to be one of the earliest visible signs of how the AUKUS submarine plan is taking shape in practice.

BMW’s all-new iX3 has claimed top honors in one of the world’s largest real-world EV range tests, traveling an impressive 485 miles (781 km) on a single charge. Yet the biggest surprise of the event may have come from a Chinese electric minivan that dramatically exceeded its official range rating.

The results come from the latest summer edition of the “El Prix” range test, conducted by the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) and Motor magazine. Held twice annually, the test is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous real-world EV range evaluations because vehicles are driven until their batteries are fully depleted under identical road and weather conditions.

BMW’s Neue Klasse EV takes the crown

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive, built on BMW’s new Neue Klasse platform, delivered the longest range of any vehicle in the 2026 summer test, reaching 781 km (485 miles) before stopping. The result slightly exceeded the SUV’s official WLTP range rating, outperforming the manufacturer’s claim by approximately 1.5%.

The performance reinforces BMW’s ambitious claims about the Neue Klasse architecture, which combines an 800-volt electrical system, sixth-generation battery technology, and improved efficiency. The iX3 carries a usable battery capacity of 108.7 kWh and supports charging speeds up to 400 kW, allowing rapid long-distance travel.

While the BMW topped this year’s rankings, it did not surpass the all-time El Prix record set by the Lucid Air during the 2025 summer test, when the luxury sedan traveled 517 miles (832 km).

The real winner may be Xpeng

However, range alone does not make the El Prix test valuable. EV Evolution notes that one of the event’s most closely watched metrics is how closely real-world results match official WLTP ratings. By that measure, the standout performer was the Xpeng X9.

The Chinese electric MPV traveled 646 km (401 miles) despite carrying an official WLTP rating of 580 km (360 miles). That translates to an 11.4% improvement over its stated range, the largest positive deviation recorded in this year’s test.

For consumers, that figure may be even more meaningful than absolute distance. It suggests the vehicle consistently delivers better real-world efficiency than its official certification suggests.

The result is not entirely unprecedented for Xpeng. The company’s G9 SUV also posted one of the strongest performances relative to its official rating during earlier editions of the Norwegian test.

Why these tests matter

Real-world range testing has become increasingly important as electric vehicles enter the mainstream. While standardized WLTP testing provides useful comparisons between models, actual range can vary significantly depending on weather, speed, terrain, and driving style.

Norway’s El Prix tests have gained global attention because they expose how different EVs perform under identical conditions outside laboratory environments. For buyers concerned about range anxiety, the results offer a practical benchmark that often proves more useful than manufacturer specifications alone.

Beyond the BMW and Xpeng, strong performances also came from the Lucid Gravity, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and Mercedes-Benz GLC, all of which exceeded 400 miles (644 km) during the test.

As battery technology improves and range figures continue to rise, the latest El Prix results suggest the industry is entering a new phase in which efficiency and accuracy may matter just as much as headline mileage numbers.

Volcanoes are often judged by the size of their eruptions, but volcanologists measure danger differently. A volcano becomes truly hazardous when explosive potential intersects with large populations, critical infrastructure, or a history of destructive activity. 

Some of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes have not erupted in decades, while others erupt regularly and remain under constant surveillance. From Italy’s crowded volcanic fields to Indonesia’s restless peaks and Africa’s fast-moving lava giants, these are seven volcanoes that experts consider among the greatest threats on Earth today.

1. Mount Vesuvius

Still considered one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes because of its proximity to Naples, where millions of people live. Vesuvius famously destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum in AD 79, but its greatest danger today comes from the sheer number of people living within reach of future pyroclastic flows and ashfall. Experts routinely place it among the highest-risk volcanoes on Earth.

2. Mount Merapi

One of the most active volcanoes on Earth, Merapi erupts frequently and produces deadly pyroclastic flows that can race down its slopes at high speeds. Millions of people live in the surrounding region, including near the city of Yogyakarta. Its history of repeated destructive eruptions makes it one of the most closely monitored volcanoes in Southeast Asia.

3. Nyiragongo

Nyiragongo is one of the least-known volcanoes on this list, but also one of the most dangerous. It is famous for exceptionally fluid lava that moves far faster than typical volcanic flows. The volcano looms over the city of Goma, home to roughly two million people. Past eruptions have sent lava directly through urban neighborhoods, forcing mass evacuations.

4. Campi Flegrei

Often overshadowed by Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei may actually pose the greater long-term threat. The enormous volcanic caldera lies beneath parts of the Naples metropolitan area and has shown signs of unrest in recent years. Scientists consider it one of the most hazardous volcanic systems on Earth because millions live nearby, and its eruption potential far exceeds that of a typical volcano.

5. Taal Volcano

Despite its relatively modest size, Taal ranks among the world’s most dangerous volcanoes because of its explosive history and location near densely populated areas. The volcano sits within a lake-filled caldera, a setup that can intensify eruptions. Major ash-producing eruptions have repeatedly disrupted life across the region and can affect areas far beyond the immediate danger zone.

6. Mount Rainier

Rainier’s greatest threat is not lava but lahars. Massive volcanic mudflows generated when eruptions melt the volcano’s extensive glaciers. The USGS considers Rainier one of America’s most dangerous volcanoes because these fast-moving flows could travel through heavily populated valleys in the Seattle-Tacoma region, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.

7. Sakurajima

Sakurajima is among the most active volcanoes on the planet, producing frequent eruptions and ash emissions. Located near the city of Kagoshima, it is under constant monitoring and serves as a reminder that even relatively small eruptions can create significant hazards when large populations live nearby. Its persistent activity and explosive potential earn it a place among the world’s most dangerous volcanoes.

While solar panels rely on sunshine and wind turbines depend on changing weather conditions, tidal energy offers something few renewable technologies can match: predictability.

The Orbital O2, a floating tidal turbine operating off Scotland’s Orkney Islands, is at the forefront of that effort. Developed by Orbital Marine Power, the 2-megawatt (MW) system is widely regarded as the world’s most powerful operational tidal turbine and has become one of the most closely watched projects in the marine energy industry.

The O2 began exporting electricity to the grid in 2021 and continues to serve as a large-scale demonstration of how tidal power could contribute to future clean-energy systems. According to Orbital Marine Power, the turbine can generate enough electricity to power roughly 2,000 homes while avoiding around 2,200 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

How does the Orbital O2 work?

Unlike conventional offshore wind turbines that rise above the ocean surface, the Orbital O2 extracts energy from fast-moving tidal currents beneath the water. The system consists of a floating steel structure approximately 74 meters (243 feet) long, anchored to the seabed using a four-point mooring system. Attached to either side of the platform are retractable legs carrying two massive turbine nacelles.

Each nacelle houses a 1 MW generator connected to a rotor measuring 20 meters in diameter. Together, the twin turbines provide a total rated output of 2 MW.

As tides flow through the narrow channels around Orkney, water passes through the rotors, causing them to spin and generate electricity. Unlike wind, tidal currents are driven by the gravitational interaction between Earth, the Moon, and the Sun, making them highly predictable years in advance.

One of the turbine’s most distinctive features is its floating design. Instead of requiring expensive underwater maintenance operations, the nacelles and rotors can be raised above the surface for inspection and servicing. This approach significantly reduces maintenance costs, one of the major barriers facing marine energy technologies.

Why is tidal power attracting attention?

Tidal energy has long been viewed as one of the most promising but challenging renewable energy sources. Unlike solar and wind generation, which fluctuate according to weather conditions, tidal cycles are known with remarkable accuracy. Grid operators can therefore predict power production far more reliably.

The O2 is installed at the European Marine Energy Center (EMEC) in Orkney, one of the world’s leading marine energy testing sites. The location experiences tidal speeds exceeding 3 meters per second, providing ideal conditions for commercial-scale demonstrations.

Researchers and energy companies see tidal power as a potential complement to wind and solar generation. During periods when sunlight is limited or wind speeds are low, predictable tidal energy could help stabilize renewable electricity supplies.

What comes next?

Although tidal energy remains a relatively small sector compared with solar and wind power, interest is growing. Orbital Marine Power is already developing larger next-generation systems and has outlined plans for multi-turbine tidal arrays capable of delivering significantly more electricity. The company recently reported progress on future projects and certification efforts aimed at scaling deployment beyond demonstration sites.

For now, the Orbital O2 remains a milestone for the industry. A floating renewable-energy machine demonstrating that the immense power of ocean tides can be harnessed at utility scale. If tidal technology continues to improve and costs decline, the predictable currents flowing through the world’s coastlines could become an increasingly important part of the global clean-energy mix.

As wind turbines continue to grow taller and more powerful, the challenge of installing them has become an engineering problem in its own right. Chinese construction equipment manufacturer Zoomlion announced that it has developed a solution in the form of what it describes as the world’s tallest and largest wind turbine tower crane.

Earlier this year, the company unveiled the LW3600-240NB, a massive tower crane designed specifically for the next generation of ultra-tall wind turbines. According to the company, the machine can lift up to 240 tons and reach heights exceeding 791 feet (241 meters), making it capable of installing some of the largest onshore wind turbines currently under development.

To put that scale into perspective, the crane’s lifting capacity is roughly equivalent to hoisting 200 compact cars to the height of an 80-story building.

Why wind turbines need bigger cranes

The wind industry has been steadily increasing turbine size to capture more energy and improve project economics. Onshore turbines now commonly exceed 150 meters in hub height, while some next-generation designs are approaching or surpassing 656 feet (200 meters).

Larger turbines generate more electricity but also pose significant logistical challenges. Transporting and assembling blades, nacelles, and tower sections weighing hundreds of tons requires increasingly specialized lifting equipment. Traditional crawler cranes can perform many of these tasks, but they often require large assembly areas, substantial ground preparation, and lengthy setup times.

Zoomlion said the LW3600-240NB was developed specifically to address these challenges in the ultra-high-tower and large-megawatt wind power market.

Designed for giant wind turbines

According to the company, the crane offers a lifting height exceeding 791 feet and a maximum lifting capacity of 240 tons.

One of its key advantages is a relatively compact installation footprint. Zoomlion says the system requires a working area measuring just 35 by 55 meters and a ground bearing capacity of only 0.18 MPa, potentially reducing site preparation requirements compared with some conventional heavy-lift solutions.

The crane is intended to support the installation of wind turbines with capacities exceeding 10 megawatts and hub heights above 656 feet, a segment expected to expand as developers seek higher energy yields from fewer turbines.

Beyond wind farms, the company revealed that the crane could also be used in large-scale infrastructure projects, including bridge construction, power generation facilities, chemical plants, and industrial installations.

Engineering for extreme heights

Operating at elevations above 656 feet introduces a unique engineering challenges.

Strong winds can create significant loads on both the crane structure and the components being lifted. To improve stability, Zoomlion said the crane employs a low-load-ratio design and high-strength forged clamping-ring connections intended to enhance wind resistance and structural integrity.

The company also claimed the system can withstand wind conditions up to Level 10 on the Beaufort scale. Additional features include dual-cylinder synchronous jacking technology designed to improve climbing and tower-extension safety, along with an intelligent digital control system that monitors operations throughout the crane’s lifecycle.

Beyond a single crane

Perhaps the more significant announcement is Zoomlion’s broader strategy for wind farm construction. Rather than marketing the LW3600-240NB as a standalone machine, the company is positioning it as part of a comprehensive lifting solution for large wind projects. The concept involves using multiple compatible systems and shared infrastructure to create an assembly-line approach to turbine installation.

As wind farms increasingly deploy taller towers and larger rotor diameters, reducing installation time could become just as important as increasing lifting capacity.

A humanoid robot has successfully reached the summit of Ecuador’s Chimborazo volcano. This is a new milestone in efforts to push legged robots beyond controlled environments into some of the world’s harshest environments.

The robot, a modified Unitree G1 named “Pemba,” recently completed an expedition to the 20,341-foot (6,200-meter) peak, according to project details shared by the team and reported by Humanoids Daily. The climb is the first stage of an ambitious “Triple Crown” robotics expedition that could eventually see the humanoid attempt Mount Everest.

Unlike the increasingly common videos of robots dancing, running, or performing acrobatics, the Pemba project is designed to answer a different question. Can humanoid robots become useful tools in remote environments where humans face significant risks and conventional machines struggle to operate?

A robot designed for the wilderness

The project is led by engineer Pablo Berlanga Boemare, founder of Geologic Dome, who previously worked on conservation initiatives with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in regions including the Congo Basin and the Amazon rainforest.

Pablo has posted a video on X, in which he notes that the concept emerged from a practical challenge. Many protected areas rely on extensive networks of stationary cameras and sensors to monitor wildlife, illegal logging, poaching, and environmental changes. The team argues that mobile robotic platforms could eventually provide a more flexible alternative.

Rather than installing thousands of fixed cameras across remote regions, a humanoid robot equipped with cameras, sensors, satellite connectivity, and onboard AI could patrol large areas autonomously while collecting environmental data. The project envisions future systems powered by solar energy and connected through satellite networks such as Starlink.

Introducing Pemba.

The first humanoid to climb to 20,000ft.

Everest next. More below. pic.twitter.com/k1BHkRLYjm

— pabs (@pabloberlangab) June 7, 2026

The reality behind the summit

While the ascent of Chimborazo represents a significant achievement, it was not a fully autonomous climb. According to the project team, Pemba walked independently on sections of terrain with inclines of less than 30 degrees. During steeper and more technically demanding portions of the 16-hour summit push, expedition members carried the robot.

The goal now is to gradually expand the robot’s autonomous capabilities through reinforcement-learning systems trained to handle increasingly difficult terrain. The challenge goes far beyond locomotion.

Extreme altitudes expose electronics and batteries to freezing temperatures, rapid temperature changes, and reduced cooling efficiency. To cope with those conditions, engineers developed custom thermal management systems and ventilation hardware integrated into the robot’s protective clothing.

Huanoids Daily reports that these modifications build on earlier cold-weather testing conducted in China’s Altay region, where Unitree’s G1 reportedly operated at temperatures as low as -47.4°C (-53.3°F).

Everest remains the ultimate challenge

The team’s long-term objective is to send the humanoid into the Himalayas. According to reporting by The Kathmandu Post, Geologic Dome and Nepal-based Fourteen Peaks Expedition have proposed deploying a robot on Mount Everest as part of a research mission focused on the performance of robotics in extreme environments.

The plan would test the robot between Everest Base Camp and Camp IV at nearly 8,000 meters (26,247 feet), collecting data on battery performance, locomotion, joint stress, and environmental resilience. Researchers also hope future robotic systems could assist with waste collection, glacier monitoring, search-and-rescue operations, and environmental surveying in the Everest region.

However, the project faces an unexpected obstacle. Nepal currently lacks a legal framework governing robotic expeditions on Everest. Officials have reportedly requested new regulations covering non-human climbers before any such mission can proceed. As a result, the Everest attempt has been delayed while organizers work with authorities to establish appropriate guidelines.

More than a climbing experiment

The significance of the Pemba project extends beyond mountaineering. Humanoid robotics companies increasingly claim their machines will eventually operate in warehouses, factories, construction sites, disaster zones, and remote environments. Yet proving those capabilities requires testing outside carefully controlled settings.

Mountain environments offer a uniquely demanding proving ground. Robots must cope with unstable terrain, extreme temperatures, limited communications, power constraints, and unpredictable weather. All conditions that expose weaknesses in both hardware and AI systems.

Whether Pemba ultimately reaches Everest remains uncertain. But its successful ascent of Chimborazo demonstrates that the next frontier for humanoid robots may be some of the most challenging terrain on Earth.

Designed to hunt tanks, support ground troops, and strike targets with precision, these flying gunships have become some of the most feared machines ever to take to the skies. Over the decades, a select group of helicopters has distinguished itself through combat performance, survivability, and sheer battlefield presence. From Cold War legends to modern battlefield predators, these are seven of the deadliest helicopters ever used by military forces around the world.

1. AH-64 Apache

The AH-64 Apache is widely regarded as the world’s most successful attack helicopter. Entering service in the 1980s, it proved its effectiveness during the Gulf War, where it helped destroy large numbers of Iraqi armored vehicles. Armed with Hellfire missiles, rockets, and a 30 mm chain gun, the Apache has accumulated millions of flight hours across conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Syria. Its combination of survivability, sensors, and precision strike capability has made it the benchmark for modern attack helicopters.

2. Mil Mi-24 Hind

Part troop transport and part flying gunship, the Soviet Mi-24 Hind became one of the most feared helicopters of the Cold War. Nicknamed the “Devil’s Chariot” by Afghan fighters, it combined heavy armor, anti-tank missiles, rockets, and troop-carrying capability in a single platform. The Hind saw extensive combat in Afghanistan, Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, earning a reputation for speed, durability, and overwhelming firepower. More than 50 countries have operated the helicopter since its introduction in the 1970s.

3. Bell AH-1 Cobra

The AH-1 Cobra was the world’s first purpose-built attack helicopter and fundamentally changed aerial warfare. Developed during the Vietnam War, it provided close air support, escorted transport helicopters, and hunted enemy positions with rockets, cannons, and missiles. Its narrow fuselage and tandem cockpit became the template for future gunships. The Cobra served as the backbone of U.S. Army attack aviation for decades and remains one of the most influential military helicopters ever built.

4. Kamov Ka-52 Alligator

Russia’s Ka-52 Alligator represents one of the most heavily armed attack helicopters in service today. Its distinctive coaxial rotor system eliminates the need for a tail rotor while improving maneuverability. Equipped with anti-tank missiles, guided rockets, and advanced targeting systems, the Ka-52 has seen extensive combat in Syria and Ukraine. The helicopter became particularly known for conducting stand-off strikes against armored targets while operating beyond the reach of many battlefield threats. Its modern sensors and weapons make it among the deadliest rotorcraft of the 21st century.

5. Mil Mi-28 Havoc

Often described as Russia’s answer to the Apache, the Mi-28 Havoc was designed specifically to destroy tanks and provide battlefield fire support. Featuring heavy armor, a powerful 30 mm cannon, and anti-armor missiles, the helicopter has been used in Syria and Ukraine. Unlike the troop-carrying Hind, the Mi-28 is a dedicated attack platform built around survivability and firepower. Its armored cockpit and ability to operate day or night make it one of the most capable attack helicopters currently flying.

6. AH-1Z Viper

The AH-1Z Viper is the latest and most capable evolution of the Cobra family. Operated by the U.S. Marine Corps, it combines decades of combat experience with modern sensors, precision-guided weapons, and advanced targeting systems. The helicopter can carry Hellfire missiles, Sidewinders, rockets, and a 20 mm cannon while operating from ships or austere forward bases. Designed for expeditionary warfare, the Viper has become one of the most versatile and lethal attack helicopters in Western service.

7. Eurocopter Tiger

Europe’s Tiger attack helicopter earned its combat credentials in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, and the Middle East. Developed jointly by France and Germany, it combines high agility with advanced sensors and precision-guided weapons. Though produced in smaller numbers than the Apache or Hind, the Tiger demonstrated its value in counterinsurgency and expeditionary operations. Its combat deployments across multiple continents have cemented its reputation as one of the most effective attack helicopters ever fielded by a European nation.

For years, solid-state batteries have been promoted as the next major breakthrough in electric vehicles, promising greater safety, longer driving range, and faster charging. But while fully solid-state batteries remain years away from widespread adoption, a transitional technology is beginning to reach the market.

Hybrid solid-liquid batteries, often called semi-solid-state batteries, are increasingly finding their way into production vehicles in China as automakers search for new ways to differentiate themselves in an intensely competitive EV market.

According to China Daily, several Chinese automakers and battery manufacturers are accelerating commercialization efforts, viewing the technology as a practical path toward improved battery performance without the manufacturing challenges associated with fully solid-state designs.

What are semi-solid-state batteries?

Conventional lithium-ion batteries use liquid electrolytes to transport ions between the battery’s electrodes. While highly effective, these liquid electrolytes are flammable and can trigger thermal runaway under certain conditions.

Fully solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte entirely with solid materials, potentially offering significant safety improvements and higher energy density. However, manufacturing challenges, high costs, and material limitations have slowed their commercial deployment.

Semi-solid-state batteries sit somewhere between the two approaches. Rather than eliminating liquids completely, they use a combination of solid electrolyte materials and a smaller amount of liquid electrolyte. The result is a battery that retains many of the manufacturing advantages of existing lithium-ion systems while potentially improving safety and energy performance.

This technology is a bridge between today’s batteries and the fully solid-state systems many companies hope to commercialize later this decade.

Why automakers are interested

For China, one of the biggest advantages of semi-solid-state batteries is their compatibility with existing manufacturing infrastructure. Jin Yong, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, told China Daily that the technology offers a realistic route to industrialization because it can leverage China’s extensive lithium-ion battery production ecosystem rather than requiring entirely new factories and supply chains.

For automakers, the potential benefits extend beyond manufacturing. Reducing the amount of liquid electrolyte can lower the risk of thermal runaway, one of the most closely watched safety concerns in the EV industry. Researchers also believe the technology can improve performance in cold-weather environments, where conventional lithium-ion batteries often experience reduced efficiency and slower charging speeds.

Higher energy density is another attraction. By storing more energy within the same weight, future semi-solid-state batteries could help increase vehicle range without requiring larger battery packs.

Chinese manufacturers push commercialization

Several Chinese companies have already begun moving beyond laboratory development. The China Daily report notes that SAIC Motor’s MG brand has equipped its MG4 and MG4X electric vehicles with hybrid solid-liquid batteries developed in partnership with battery manufacturer Qingtao Energy. The company says testing has demonstrated improvements in durability, safety, and low-temperature performance.

Dongfeng Motor is also advancing the technology through vehicle trials under its Nammi and ePi brands. The company has reportedly set a target to mass-produce batteries with an energy density of 350 watt-hours per kilogram by 2026, a figure that would place it among the most energy-dense automotive batteries currently under development.

Not replacing lithium-ion anytime soon

Despite the growing interest, experts caution against viewing semi-solid-state batteries as an immediate replacement for conventional lithium-ion systems. Production volumes remain limited, costs are still higher than those of traditional batteries, and manufacturers continue working to improve materials, cell design, production consistency, and long-term durability.

Zhu Xichan, an automotive safety expert and former professor at Tongji University, told China Daily that liquid, semi-solid-state, and fully solid-state batteries are likely to coexist for many years because each serves different applications and market needs.

A Chinese robotics company has begun placing its humanoid robots inside real homes, marking a significant step in the race to develop machines capable of performing everyday household tasks.

Wuhan-based GigaAI recently deployed the first batch of 100 SeeLight S1 humanoid robots for household testing, according to reports from China. The trial is being positioned as China’s first large-scale real-home test of a general-purpose humanoid robot designed for domestic use.

While humanoid robots have become increasingly adept at performing carefully choreographed demonstrations, researchers say the real challenge lies in operating inside unpredictable human environments.

From robot demos to real household work

In a demonstration apartment in Wuhan, two SeeLight S1 robots carried out a variety of household chores. According to Global Times and China Daily reports, one robot prepared breakfast by retrieving food items, heating chicken in a microwave, clearing dishes, and loading a dishwasher. Another removed laundry from a dryer, folded clothes, and organized them in a wardrobe.

According to GigaAI, the robots learned these tasks through less than a month of on-site training. The company’s executives argue that household robotics represents a fundamentally different challenge from the acrobatic robot videos that often dominate social media.

“Tasks such as dancing or performing flips mainly rely on what we can call the robot’s cerebellum,” GigaAI co-founder and chief scientist Zhu Zheng told Global Times. “Household robots, however, depend on the brain.”

That distinction reflects a broader challenge in robotics known as embodied AI, where machines must perceive their surroundings, understand spoken instructions, plan actions, and adapt to constantly changing environments.

Check out China's SeeLight S1, a household humanoid robot capable of cooking, doing laundry, folding clothes, and organizing spacespic.twitter.com/oHqbb0B6oZ

— Shenzhen Channel (@sz_mediagroup) May 22, 2026

Why are homes harder than factories?

Factories are structured and predictable. Homes are not. Furniture gets moved, objects are left in unexpected places, lighting conditions change throughout the day, and every household follows different routines.

Researchers often point to Moravec’s paradox, a long-observed phenomenon in artificial intelligence where tasks humans consider difficult, such as advanced mathematics or strategic games, can be easier for machines than seemingly simple activities like folding clothes, grasping objects, or navigating cluttered rooms.

The SeeLight S1 attempts to address this challenge through what GigaAI describes as an embodied foundation model. Rather than following pre-programmed action sequences, the system is designed to process natural-language instructions, interpret its surroundings, create a plan, and execute tasks autonomously. According to the company, the robot can also adapt when furniture layouts change and continue operating even when interrupted during a task.

Still far from a robotic maid

Despite the impressive demonstrations, reports from users and observers suggest there is still considerable room for improvement.

According to Global Times, some household tasks remain slow. Organizing a few books can take several minutes, while folding a single piece of clothing may require more than ten minutes. The robot has also reportedly struggled with tasks such as handling cups without spilling liquids.

Those limitations highlight the gap that still exists between controlled demonstrations and practical household automation. The current SeeLight S1 is therefore less a finished consumer product and more a data-collection platform designed to learn from real-world environments.

GigaAI plans to launch an upgraded SeeLight S2 later this year with a smaller chassis, longer battery life, improved arm reach, and more advanced AI algorithms. The company also intends to expand testing into homes with elderly residents, children, and various living arrangements to expose the robots to a wider range of real-world scenarios.

While humanoid assistants capable of seamlessly handling household chores remain a work in progress, the deployment of 100 robots into actual homes represents an important experiment. The question is no longer whether robots can perform tasks in carefully staged demonstrations. It is whether they can cope with the messy, unpredictable reality of everyday life.