Robotics & Automation (opens original source in a new tab)Robotics & Automation NewsAI and the Future of Character Design: From Concept to Complete Visual WorldsCreating a memorable character has always been one of the most demanding parts of visual storytelling. Whether it is a film protagonist, a game character, an animated mascot, or a digital influencer, a character needs more than an attractive appearance. It needs personality, consistency, context, and a visual identity that audiences can recognize. Artificial intelligence […] (opens original source in a new tab)
(opens original source in a new tab)STAT NewsSTAT+: Brain organoids, kept alive more than five years, matured like human brainsBrain organoids kept alive more than five years continued to develop and mature, and showed molecular and genetic signatures like those of human brains. (opens original source in a new tab)Megan Molteni·19 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)ElectrekHere’s our first look at the new Hyundai Tucson inside and out [Images]Hyundai revealed the exterior and interior design of the all-new Tucson for the first time, and it already looks like a big upgrade. (opens original source in a new tab)Peter Johnson·19 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)ElectrekVMAX VX2 Lite review: Power and full suspension fun without the heavyweight priceElectric scooters have long demonstrated an interesting dichotomy. On one end of the spectrum, you’ve got cheap commuter scooters that feel like they’re one pothole away from shaking themselves apart. On the other end are increasingly large, dual-motor monsters that weigh 80 or 100 pounds (45 kg) and blur the line between scooter and motorcycle. The VMAX VX2 Lite aims for the sweet spot in the middle. It promises a genuine full-suspension ride, respectable 25 mph (40 km/h) performance, and up to (opens original source in a new tab)Micah Toll·19 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)Supply Chain DiveTrump delays 50% tariffs on Canada imports for 3 daysThe duties will now go into effect Aug. 22, per a proclamation signed Tuesday, as the countries continue to negotiate. (opens original source in a new tab)Phil Neuffer·19 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)Breaking DefenseUS-South Korea military drills cut in half after Trump’s broadsidePresident Donald Trump’s call to drastically shorten the exercise out of deference to North Korea’s leader reportedly took Seoul by surprise. (opens original source in a new tab)Lee Ferran·19 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)VentureBeatVentureBeat names Rob Strechay as its first Lead Analyst, expanding its enterprise AI research pushRob Strechay, until recently managing director and principal analyst at theCUBE Research, has joined VentureBeat as our first Lead Analyst and a founding analyst of VentureBeat Research. His arrival is the next step in a deliberate move at VentureBeat toward deeper specialization: analysis built for the technical decision-makers — the directors, VPs, CIOs, and CTOs — who are evaluating, buying, and deploying enterprise AI.The enterprise AI stack is being rewritten in real time, and the decision- (opens original source in a new tab)mmarshall@venturebeat.com (Matt Marshall)·19 August 2026
Industry News (opens original source in a new tab)IPWatchdogFederal Circuit Upholds PTAB Obviousness Rulings Against Single Cell Sequencing PatentsThe U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) issued a decision today in 10x Genomics, Inc. v. Parse Biosciences, Inc., affirming three Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) final written decisions that found all challenged claims of three 10x Genomics patents unpatentable as obvious. Circuit Judge Cunningham wrote for the court, joined by Circuit Judges Taranto and Bryson, and rejected each of the four challenges that 10x Genomics raised on appeal. The post Federal Circuit Upholds PTA (opens original source in a new tab)Rose Esfandiari·19 August 2026
Robotics & Automation (opens original source in a new tab)Robotics & Automation NewsHow Automated T-Shirt Printing Machines Are Transforming Textile ProductionThe textile industry is growing every year. There is an increased demand for custom T-shirts for businesses, sports teams, schools, events, and personal wear. Due to this, clothing companies require faster and better printing techniques to produce shirts. This is where an automatic T-shirt printing machine can play a large role. These machines support businesses […] (opens original source in a new tab)David Edwards·19 August 2026
Robotics & Automation (opens original source in a new tab)Robotics & Automation NewsX Square Robot showcases full embodied AI portfolio at WRC 2026X Square Robot is showcasing its full portfolio of embodied AI technologies at the World Robot Conference 2026 in Beijing, presenting applications ranging from logistics automation and dexterous manipulation to household robotics and AI training-data collection. The Shenzhen-based company is exhibiting at booth C107 during WRC, which runs from August 19 to 23, bringing together […] (opens original source in a new tab)David Edwards·19 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)Supply Chain DiveNearly 60 members of Congress call for aluminum pricing investigationAt issue is the Midwest Premium, which reportedly incorporates the 50% aluminum tariffs on domestic manufacturers — even those that use domestically recycled aluminum. (opens original source in a new tab)Katie Pyzyk·19 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostMoney and ‘a lot of noise’: how the US’ critical-minerals industry is vying with China’sPatriot Critical Minerals of the US plans to dig into a long-abandoned mining site in the sparsely populated state of Nevada to extract tungsten, an important raw material with industrial uses ranging from aerospace gear to common cutting tools. The company, with only that single asset, is applying to the US departments of defence and energy for funding – now more readily available as President Donald Trump tries to bring critical-minerals production onshore in case China makes the resources... (opens original source in a new tab)Ralph Jennings·19 August 2026
![Here’s our first look at the new Hyundai Tucson inside and out [Images]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Felectrek.co%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2026%2F08%2FHyundai-new-Tucson.jpeg%3Fquality%3D82%26strip%3Dall%26w%3D1400&w=1920&q=75)
