Walk along: An Experiment on Controlling the Mobile Robot'Spot' with Voice and Gestures Abstract Robots are becoming increasingly intelligent and can autonomously perform tasks such as navigating between locations. However, human oversight remains crucial. This study compared two handsfree methods for directing mobile robots: voice control and gesture control. These methods were tested with the human stationary and walking freely. We hypothesized that walking with the robot would lead to higher intuitiveness ratings and better task performance due to increased stimulus-response compatibility, assuming humans align themselves with the robot. In a 2 2 within-subject design, 218 participants guided the quadrupedal robot Spot using 90 rotation and walk-forward commands. After each trial, participants rated the intuitiveness of the command mapping, while post-experiment interviews were used to gather the participants' preferences. Results showed that voice control combined with walking with Spot was the most favored and intuitive, while gesture control while standing caused confusion for left/right commands. Despite this, 29% of participants preferred gesture control, citing task engagement and visual congruence as reasons. An odometry-based analysis revealed that participants aligned behind Spot, particularly in the gesture control condition, when allowed to walk. In conclusion, voice control with walking produced the best outcomes. Improving physical ergonomics and adjusting gesture types could improve the effectiveness of gesture control. Introduction Robots have traditionally been viewed as devices designed to efficiently perform repetitive tasks, mainly in industrial settings and logistical operations. However, with the advancement of AI, robots increasingly take on new roles. Modern robots can understand and adapt to their surroundings, paving the way for mobile robotics. The human-machine interface (HMI) plays a vital role in the control of mobile robots, as these robots are not yet capable of fully autonomous operation in open-ended environments (e.g., Endsley, 2017; Ezenkwu & Starkey, 2019; Hatanaka et al., 2023; Pianca & Santucci, 2023).

Tourists can now use an AI drone to follow them around and take pictures. Taking off from the palm of your hand, the HOVERAir X1 can record you from 50ft in the air or chase after you at 15mph. The lightweight device uses AI to keep focused on you and can be directed where to go with simple arm movements. It might not be for budget travellers however costing 419 for the basic package compared to around 10 for the humble selfie stick. The device was shown off at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which is known for unveiling the future tech trends about to hit the mainstream.

Klipsch's redesigned T5 II true wireless earbuds are a big improvement over the T5 that debuted in 2019. However, the company's 2020 models didn't offer active noise cancellation (ANC) and only the pricier Sport version had wireless charging. Today, Klipsch is making both of those standard features with the T5 II ANC, plus it's throwing in AI-powered features from true wireless pioneer Bragi and Dirac HD Sound. All of the additions make this model a true flagship, right down to the premium price of $299. The T5 II ANC has the same design for both the earbuds and the case as the T5 II.

Google is reportedly working on a new version of its Nest Thermostat that will come with gesture controls. Bloomberg reports the company will show off the new device, which will cost just $129, "in the coming weeks." While the lower price point will be appealing -- previous versions started at $249 or $169 for the stripped down Thermostat E -- the most intriguing feature is the addition of gesture controls. According to Bloomberg, the gesture controls would be similar to those used in Google's Pixel 4. That phone was equipped with a specialized sensor that used radar to detect motion at close range. It's been previously reported that Google might adopt this same tech in its 4th-generation Nest Thermostat, but now we have a better idea of how this might work.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI and ML) technologies have come a long way since its first inception. Who would have thought that we would have a working model of actual computer-based assistants that can do things like manage our schedules? Who would have thought that we could even use these assistants to manage our homes? These things can even be used to diagnose cancer patients, something impossible without doctors even five years ago. AWS is at the forefront of AI and ML technology. As one of the world's largest technology innovators, they would naturally be at an advantage to feed enough data to the technology and accelerate their development.

For more than 4,000 years, the advertising industry has been defined by new technologies that allow companies, governments and individuals to attract and retain the interest of their target audiences. In Egypt, papyrus was used to deliver some of the world's first commercial advertising in poster form. The first ever advertising "jingle" or sonic logo was the result of ladies of the night in 750 BC Greece hammering nails into their shoes to produce a distinctive tone to attract clients. The advent of the printing press, radio, television, and now the internet and social media have all radically changed the way in which products are sold. In the mid-1990s, as companies and organisations began recognising the internet's potential as a marketing tool, huge amounts of time and money were poured into establishing online footprints.

Tap made a name for itself with its futuristic wearable keyboards, now it's introduced a new Minority Report-style feature guaranteed to make you feel like you're in a sci-fi movie. The Tap Strap 2's new AirMouse feature lets you control any Bluetooth-connected device with a simple, untethered wave of the hand. It comes with three modes of operation. First up is Mouse Mode, where you can control a cursor, click and scroll just like you would with a normal mouse (great for taking selfies). Then there's Multimedia Mode, where you can use airborne gestures to play and pause music, adjust volume and skip to the next or previous track.

Human-robot teaming offers great potential because of the opportunities to combine strengths of heterogeneous agents. However, one of the critical challenges in realizing an effective human-robot team is efficient information exchange - both from the human to the robot as well as from the robot to the human. In this work, we present and analyze an augmented reality-enabled, gesture-based system that supports intuitive human-robot teaming through improved information exchange. Our proposed system requires no external instrumentation aside from human-wearable devices and shows promise of real-world applicability for service-oriented missions. Additionally, we present preliminary results from a pilot study with human participants, and highlight lessons learned and open research questions that may help direct future development, fielding, and experimentation of autonomous HRI systems.

Face it: You need more sleep. Casper, which has gone from podcast-sponsoring, mattress-in-a-box-shipping, memory-foam-evangelizing startup to high-priced bedding and furniture company, also thinks you need more sleep -- or at least a better way to fall asleep. That explains why it's released the Glow, a smart light built to lull you to sleep, help you get out of bed, and keep you safe from self-inflicted foot injuries in the middle of the night. It sounds like a good idea, but do you really need a fancy nightlight to catch some zzz's? The Casper Glow is a wireless, gesture-controlled LED lantern that dims or illuminates over the course of 45 minutes to ease you into a deeper sleep, or gently rouse you from said sleep in the morning.

Google's latest mobile OS just got closer to landing on your smartphone. The search giant revealed new details about Android P, which is the successor to its Android O, or Oreo, software that currently runs on billions of smartphones. As is customary, Android names each of its software iterations after desserts, but it's likely that Google won't reveal Android P's actual name until later this year. That being said, Google did announce plenty of new features that are on the way with Android P, including'Digital Wellness' tools to limit screen time, iPhone X-like gesture controls and sophisticated AI to extend your phone's battery life. Google is overhauling Android's design with a new update, introducing cleaner lines, simpler navigation and more minimalist icons.