UBTECH's Stormtrooper missed Force Friday and The Last Jedi's release -- no surprise, really. The robotic toy moves pretty slowly, all things told. Perhaps it was a matter of getting things just right, or maybe it was the pains of dealing with such a high-profile license for the first time. Whatever the case, the Chinese robotics startup has just taken the wraps off one last piece of Star Wars tech for the year -- and it's a doozy.

That's my summary anyway, and while I understand if you feel like I'm glossing over one or two important events, I would ask you to remember what those important events actually were. Best to concentrate on those bots, a least for a little while. Shitty robots will forever have a special place in my heart because they remind me of myself, a shitty human. YouTuber Simone Giertz has had this genre sewed up since 2016, but my personal favorite shit-bot this year was a grubby specimen that lives in a pizza box and uses facial recognition to shoot lasers into the eyes of anyone it sees. God bless the Knightscope K5, for it is truly a trailblazer in human-robot relations.

LG first laid the foundation for its AI efforts at CES 2017 when it announced DeepThinQ followed by the initiative to include Wi-Fi in its entire line of premium appliances launched this year. Advancing the company's innovations in AI, LG opened the Artificial Intelligence Lab in Seoul in June under company's CTO to tie together all its diverse AI research in technologies that recognize, deduce and learn from voice, video and sensors. LG's AI Lab has contributed to the development of the world's first space-learning air conditioner as well as intelligent refrigerators, washing machines and robot vacuum cleaners. "Our new ThinQ platform for LG's intelligent products is the latest way that LG is delivering innovations that make consumers' lives easier and more enjoyable," said David VanderWaal, vice president of marketing for LG Electronics USA. "LG ThinQ enables deep learning technology and connectivity across household products, delivering even greater capabilities and convenience." In the United States, LG already offers the most extensive range of Wi-Fi enabled appliances available* today featuring its LG SmartThinQ Wi-Fi connectivity.

Netflix is using AI to follow viewer habits. The AI then chooses the best image or photograph to present and advertise movies that it thinks you would like. It makes sure the movies put their best foot forward and shows you the best side of it, based on your preferences. If you're an action movie type, it's going to choose photos of the movie that best shows this side of the movie. If you're one for romantic films, it'll show images that portray emotions that you'll experience watching the film.

Researchers, entrepreneurs and tech giants are taking artificial intelligence (AI) to new frontiers and transforming daily activities in health, education and commerce.

Artificial Intelligence (better known now as AI) and machine learning are trendy terms these days – but few people agree on what the terms really mean. AI is tossed about by Elon Musk, mentioned in the movies, and is attached to a growing number of personal, business, and government products. Artificial intelligence is when a computer uses advanced algorithms to mimic traditional human abilities such as problem-solving and learning from its experiences. Machine learning – a significant element in AI – is when computers take a lot of data, learn from it, and make decisions without being explicitly programmed to do so. AI already enables personal assistants such as Alexa and Cortana, to listen for your requests and, based on your preferences and those with similar tastes, pick out a playlist of your favorite songs.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. The ability to argue, to express our reasoning to others, is one of the defining features of what it is to be human. Processes of argumentation run our governments, structure scientific endeavor and frame religious belief. So should we worry that new advances in artificial intelligence are taking steps towards equipping computers with these skills? As technology reshapes our lives, we are all getting used to new ways of working and new ways of interacting.

"Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle," the sequel to the 1995 film starring the late Robin Williams, is now out in theaters and critics have a lot to say about it. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan teamed up for the new flick, which now features the Jumanji board game as a video game instead, but while some reviewers think the star power is just the icing on the cake, others don't even think the big names save the movie. Here's what critics are saying about "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle." "'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,' a sequel no one asked for to the 1995 Robin Williams original as well as the animated TV series, has enough star power and comic zest to deliver a fun time at the movies. OK, just barely, but we'll take what we can get. "This updated'Jumanji' can't outrun the clichés on its tail, but its puppy-eagerness to please is hard to resist." "Although the action sequences are a bit rote and it always feels like the movie could go further with its satire of video games, the film succeeds thanks to its outstanding cast who have excellent comedic chemistry.

Hong Kong, China It's 2050 and the world revolves around you. From the contents of your fridge to room temperature -- digital assistants ensure your home runs smoothly. Your screens know your taste and show channels you want to see as you enter the room. Your car is driverless and your favourite barman may just be an android. Predictions for an AI-dominated future are increasingly common, but Antoine Blondeau has experience in reading, and arguably manipulating, the runes -- he helped develop technology that evolved into predictive texting and Apple's Siri.

WATCH NOW: In the second episode of this docuseries, truck manufacturer PACCAR is taking advantage of AI to bring autonomy to its fleet, boosting both productivity and driver safety. ABOUT THE DOCUSERIES, "I AM AI": Who are today's leading AI innovators and how are they reshaping entire industries? This original docuseries explores the world's greatest artificial intelligence achievements and the people who are making them happen. Check back often for new episodes.