TL;DR: researchers recreated Tiktaalik roseae to study vertebrate evolution, SonicSense unveiled a robotic hand with ultrasonic texture detection, and Dubai’s GITEX tech show featured AI robots driving smart city solutions for urban living.

1. Robots Bring Ancient Fish to Life, Revealing Their First Steps on Land

Researchers have utilized advanced robotics to recreate the movements of an extinct fish species, Tiktaalik roseae, a crucial link in the evolutionary transition from water to land. By programming robots to mimic the anatomy and motion patterns of Tiktaalik, scientists have reconstructed how these ancient creatures might have taken their first steps on land around 375 million years ago. This fusion of robotics and paleontology offers insights into the biomechanics of early land movement, helping to bridge gaps in our understanding of vertebrate evolution. These findings suggest that the evolutionary leap to walking on land was not a sudden jump but a gradual process with aquatic species adapting over time.

Major takeaway: By simulating ancient creatures, robotics is helping scientists unlock the secrets of early vertebrate movement, shedding light on the pivotal transition from water to land.

2. Robots Gain Ability to “Hear” Objects Through Vibration

A new breakthrough in robotics is changing how artificial hands perceive the world. Engineers have developed the SonicSense robotic hand, which uses ultrasonic waves to detect and differentiate between various textures and objects without needing to physically grasp them. By emitting sound waves and analyzing their reflections, the hand can "feel" surfaces, even delicate or fragile ones, with high precision. This innovation marks a significant step forward in making robotic prosthetics and industrial robots more capable and sensitive, offering potential applications in fields ranging from healthcare to manufacturing.

The SonicSense technology allows the robotic hand to detect slight differences in texture, pressure, and even moisture, enhancing its ability to interact with a wide range of materials safely. This precision and sensitivity could revolutionize how robots handle tasks that require a delicate touch, such as surgical procedures, food processing, and quality control in factories.

Major takeaway: SonicSense's use of sound waves for non-contact sensing brings unprecedented sensitivity to robotic hands, enabling them to handle delicate tasks with precision, setting a new standard for robotic touch.

3. AI and robots take center stage at world’s largest tech event

Dubai’s GITEX Global, one of the world's largest tech events, is highlighting the latest in AI and robotics, with a strong focus on smart city innovations. Among the standout exhibits are advanced robots designed to enhance urban living, such as autonomous security patrols, intelligent waste collection systems, and customer service bots for retail and hospitality. These robots leverage AI to streamline city management, reduce operational costs, and improve the quality of life for residents.

The event showcases Dubai’s vision of a smart, tech-driven future, where robots and AI systems handle routine tasks—like monitoring public safety, managing infrastructure, and providing personalized customer service. From humanoid robots that assist with airport services to autonomous delivery systems, GITEX is demonstrating how integrated robotics can make cities more efficient, safe, and responsive to the needs of citizens. Dubai aims to lead by example, turning ambitious concepts into real-world solutions that other cities around the globe might adopt.

Major takeaway: GITEX Global in Dubai emphasizes how AI and robotics can transform cities, showcasing solutions that improve urban living through smart, automated systems.

About Lucid Bots: 

Founded in 2018, Lucid Bots Inc. is an AI robotics company that is committed to uplifting humanity by building the world's most productive and responsible robots that can do dangerous and demanding tasks. Headquartered in Charlotte, the company engineers, manufactures, and supports its products domestically, which include the Sherpa, a cleaning drone, and the Lavo Bot, a pressure-washing robot. Lucid Bots' products are elevating safety and efficiency for a growing number of customers around the world. Lucid is a Y Combinator-backed company, with investments from Cubit Capital, Idea Fund Partners, Danu Ventures, and others. Lucid Bots was recently recognized as the 4th fastest growing manufacturing company in the United States.