The emergence of large language models (LLMs) and agentic systems is enabling autonomous 6G networks with advanced intelligence, including self-configuration, self-optimization, and self-healing. However, the current implementation of individual intelligence tasks necessitates isolated knowledge retrieval pipelines, resulting in redundant data flows and inconsistent interpretations. Inspired by the service model unification effort in Open-RAN (to support interoperability and vendor diversity), we propose KP-A: a unified Network Knowledge Plane specifically designed for Agentic network intelligence. By decoupling network knowledge acquisition and management from intelligence logic, KP-A streamlines development and reduces maintenance complexity for intelligence engineers. By offering an intuitive and consistent knowledge interface, KP-A also enhances interoperability for the network intelligence agents. We demonstrate KP-A in two representative intelligence tasks: live network knowledge Q&A and edge AI service orchestration. All implementation artifacts have been open-sourced to support reproducibility and future standardization efforts.

Neutron imaging has helped reveal historical discrepancies hidden within a collection of illegally trafficked Iron Age swords. But the nine ancient Iranian weapons aren't wholesale forgeries--according to an October 8 announcement from researchers at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, they were assembled by fusing metal fragments from multiple different artifacts together to form "Frankenstein's monster" pastiches in order to boost their potential black market value. To determine each roughly 3,000-year-old sword's alterations, researchers relied on a tool not often seen in archeology. As explained in a study published on Tuesday in the Journal of Archaeological Science, a team from Cranfield University, the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, and the British Museum used neutron tomography to analyze the weapons after they were recently seized by authorities at the UK border. Instead of more common X-ray techniques, the equipment's neutron beams allow it to generate renderings of a subject's internal features even if surrounded by dense material like bronze and iron.

The humble jar of honey might seem sweet and innocent, but experts warn that British shoppers have been getting stung when spending on this staple. Investigations have revealed that unscrupulous honey producers around the world bulk out their products with cheap sugars that are almost impossible to detect. However, scientists have now developed a test which can easily spot the difference between fake and real honey - without even opening the jar. The light-based technique can detect the unique chemical signature of real honey as well as the syrups that try to imitate it. While the test isn't readily available yet, experts told MailOnline that consumers may be able to spot the frauds in their cupboards using nothing more than their phone torch within five to 10 years.

Claire talked to Dr Paul Dominick Baniqued from The University of Manchester all about brain-computer interface technology and rehabilitation robotics. Paul Dominick Baniqued received his PhD in robotics and immersive technologies at the University of Leeds. His research tackled the integration of a brain-computer interface with virtual reality and hand exoskeletons for motor rehabilitation and skills learning. He is currently working as a postdoc researcher on cyber-physical systems and digital twins at the Robotics for Extreme Environments Group at the University of Manchester. Sean Katagiri is a robotics engineer who has the pleasure of being surrounded by and working with robots for a living.

With an anticipated 39.5 million domestic/household robots expected to be in our homes by 2021 (IFR, 2018), Cranfield University is calling for members of the public to comment on a survey launched to identify people's views on robot ethics. Dr Sarah Fletcher, Head of Cranfield University's Industrial Psychology and Human Factors research group who are managing the survey, said: "With the increasing ways in which robots and robotic systems are impacting on our everyday lives, it is important that we have ethical standards that are informed by public opinion. "While some of the scenarios in the survey may seem futuristic and far-fetched, they are potentially just around the corner as we have already seen a rapid rise in robot technology in domestic settings. Who would have thought 10 years ago that a robot could be vacuuming your floor or mowing your lawn?" The survey explores how comfortable people would be with various robot roles and responsibilities in six different scenarios to enable designers, developers and manufacturers to understand how people feel about accepting robots and AI into their everyday lives. Respondents of the survey so far have revealed that people remain sceptical about the roles they would feel comfortable handing over to domestic robots, with more than 60% believing there should be a limit to what a domestic robot should be allowed to do. M. Osman Tokhi, Professor at London South Bank University and Chair of the Ethics of Robots and Autonomous Systems sub-committee, said: "The robotics technology is advancing at a fast pace and as robots will continue to share the same environment with us in various sectors of life, new challenges and ethical issues are expected to emerge.

Cranfield University has announced plans for a world-leading Professorship in Autonomous Systems and Artificial Intelligence at the University, sponsored by BAE Systems, a technology leader in this field. The Professorship will be a research leadership role at the University, bringing together research in UAV's, Space and artificial intelligence (AI) adding to Cranfield's leading reputation in the fields of autonomous systems and AI. Advances in machine learning, high-performance computing, data science, multimodal sensing, and control are merging together to create enormous opportunities for intelligent, autonomous, or semi-autonomous systems. Such artificial intelligence systems are starting to achieve cognitive abilities such as language, attention, and creativity, promising to improve the safety and efficiency of systems for space technology and increasingly autonomous systems in aerospace and aviation. Julia Sutcliffe, Chief Technology Officer, BAE Systems Air, said: "Autonomous systems and artificial intelligence have the potential to provide a substantial positive impact upon product, service, and industrial capabilities. This prestigious appointment, in a growing and highly disruptive field, will enable BAE Systems to exploit the latest technologies in these areas to continuously improve our engineering and manufacturing processes, and give our customers a differentiating capability in the field."

Goodwood Festival of Speed is the place to be if you're into cars and tech. The huge event in West Sussex has evolved a lot over the 25 years of its existence too, much like the vehicles it showcases. While a lot of those creations are from yesteryear, FOS always features the latest in cutting edge technology, some of which could be found in the Goodwood Festival of Speed Future Lab for 2018. Inside there you could also enjoy a virtual reality autonomous trip, but we managed to go one better and experience the real thing. This year, as part of the 25th FOS anniversary celebrations, Siemens came up with a cool idea by fitting out a 1965 Ford Mustang with all the kit to make it fully autonomous.

An animal charity in San Francisco has become a target for much global criticism and local abuse, all because of the behaviour of its most recent recruit: an R2-D2-style robot. The 1.5m-tall Knightscope security robot had been trundling around neighbouring car parks and alleyways recording video and stopping to say hello to passers by – but ended up being accused of harassing homeless people. A social media storm led to calls for acts of retribution, violence and vandalism against the charity. The Knightscope itself was regularly tipped over, once covered in a tarpaulin, smeared with barbecue sauce and even covered in faeces. Problems with electronic workers are becoming more common.