The Andrews Labor Government is making Victoria's Tech Schools more high-tech than ever, with funding for equipment like robots, benchtop milling machines and spectrometers to help them deliver innovative science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) programs. Minister for Education James Merlino today announced the state's 10 Tech Schools will share in $4.18 million through the 2021-22 Tech School Equipment Renewal Fund, helping them invest in cutting-edge equipment to help secondary students build their skills in STEM – preparing them for the jobs of the future. Monash Tech School will purchase an FTIR spectrometer – which is used in the space industry and medical research, and will allow students to analyse the composition of metals and alloys, geology samples, precious metals and gemstones, polymers and plastics, glass, and ceramics. A second benchtop milling machine at Whittlesea Tech School will ensure more students can see the creation of a product from start to finish during their schooling, supporting pathways to advanced manufacturing industries. Yarra Ranges Tech School will purchase educational robots – enhancing students' skills and experience in digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and health care and social assistance.

Talking to a human financial adviser at your local bank may be a thing of the past. A bank in China has launched the world's first personless branch run entirely by technology. Customers are greeted by humanoids who answers inquiries via voice recognition. These banking humanoids are able to do most things a human assistant could, including opening accounts, transferring money and making investments. A bank in China claims to be the world's first person-less branch where customers are greeted by humanoids (pictured) who are able to manage everything State-owned Beijing-based China Construction Bank (CCB) says its unmanned Shanghai branch will make banking more convenient and efficient.