Robotics is a smoking-hot industry that's evolving by literal leaps and bounds, and the top researchers in the field are also some of sci-fi's geekiest fans. Robin Murphy, the Raytheon professor of computer science and engineering at Texas A&M University, specializes in artificial intelligence for robotics. As a component of her curriculum, she writes "Science Fiction, Science Fact," a series of provocative, engaging articles that highlight the myriad differences between the robots and droids depicted in popular science fiction films and the best sci-fi TV shows and actual robots and autonomous machines working in the real world. Although "The Mandalorian" and "The Book of Boba Fett" excel in depicting visually arresting Star Wars droids, their mechanical designs are not only impractical but often no match for real robots, Murphy explained in a column in the journal Science Robotics (opens in new tab). In addition to being one of the finest minds in robotics, she's the distinguished author of several MIT Press books on the topic, including "Robotics Through Science Fiction (opens in new tab)" (2018), "Introduction to AI Robotics (opens in new tab)" (2001, 2018) and "Disaster Robotics (opens in new tab)" (2014).

Its fellow countdown – run by ABC Classic – usually does not. As its name implies, the Classic 100 is typically a more subdued affair. Unlike its boozy, bombastic cousin, the ABC's classical music station broadcasts the top 100 over multiple days. And since its inception in 2001, the annual countdown has been themed around certain genres or forms, asking listeners to vote for their favourite operas, symphonies and, one year, French compositions. This year, though, the Classic 100 might sound a little different.

At the end of season 2 of The Mandalorian (which aired in December 2020, so spoiler alerts are meaningless but here we are), a DeepFaked CGI version of Luke Skywalker makes a surprising appearance to recruit the young Grogu for his upcoming Jedi revival scheme. It was both a cool and creepy moment, with the impressive digital imaging nestling way too comfortably in the heart of the Uncanny Valley. It was so ineffably unsettling that a random YouTuber tried to fix the scene himself -- and did such a good job that Disney hired him. When CGI DeepFake Luke Skywalker returned in The Book of Boba Fett, his robotic performance was noticeably more convincing. But there was something about his voice that was still … off.

AI and machine learning technologies are leading the change in almost every area of life. From business and medicine to entertainment and education, AI disrupts how we use tech. One of the most notable examples of this shift in technology is the multimedia industry, where AI continues to deliver results that were simply unimaginable. One of the newest innovations is that of generating AI voices. Three of the most impactful instances of technological innovation for multimedia in 2021 took place when AI helped clone the voices of cultural icons for social and entertainment initiatives.

Deepfake technology is on the rise in Hollywood, and here's how it will change the movie industry as time goes on. There has been an increased desire in Hollywood recently to use various forms of de-aging technology to bring back performers who are no longer alive or achieve realistic depictions of their younger selves. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, for example, digitally recreated Peter Cushing in a controversial decision to bring Grand Moff Tarkin back to the franchise. Meanwhile, de-aging technology has become incredibly common as everything from the MCU to The Irishman has used it to recreate younger versions of their stars. Hollywood is now in the early stages of figuring out how to apply deepfake technology in various ways to achieve similar results.

Luke Skywalker's CGI face in the character's The Mandalorian cameo was met with a lot of criticism, and fans even tried to fix the scene with various tools and programs. One of those fans did so well, Lucasfilm has hired him to help it ensure its upcoming projects won't feature underwhelming de-aging and facial visual effects. That fan is a YouTuber known as Shamook, who uses deepfake technology to improve upon bad CG effects and to put actors in shows and movies they never starred in. In the comments section of a video that replaces Christian Bale with Robert Pattinson as the Batman in Christopher Nolan's film, Shamook wrote that he joined Lucasfilm/Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) a few months ago. When asked what his role within the company is, he said his official title is "Senior Facial Capture Artist."

Now that Fortnite has launched Season 5 with characters from Disney's The Mandalorian, it's introducing a new skin from Sony's universe of games. You can now play as Kratos from the God of War series, either as a single skin or in a bundle with a Mimir back bling -- a Norse god you actually carry around on your back. Best of all, even though God of War is a PlayStation exclusive, you can use the Kratos skin on any platform. As we mentioned before, Fortnite's Jonesy is recruiting diverse characters to secure the Zero Point energy source, which explains the presence of the Mandalorian and now Kratos. According to a tweet from @FNBRLeaks, Halo's Master Chief could arrive soon, too.

Have you heard the good news? Disney is available to stream on Google smart displays, just like many other popular streaming services including Netflix and Hulu. Technically you've always been able to watch Disney on a Google smart display (like the Nest Hub Max) by casting from another device, but that's not quite as smooth as calling out, "Hey Google, play Hamilton on Disney ." With the new update, it's easier than ever to catch up on all of your favorite movies and more when your Disney account is connected to a Google smart display--all you have to do is ask. Here's how to watch Disney using your Google-enabled smart display.

The Star Wars brand has been extended to a creative, block-based platform -- and no, we're not talking about Lego this time. The Star Wars DLC pack is available now in Minecraft, featuring a new map, skin pack, texture set, mobs and item reskins, a fresh UI, and original soundtrack and sound effects. It also unlocks ridable vehicles like speeders and X-Wings. The Star Wars Minecraft bundle includes characters and locations from A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and The Mandalorian. It features 12 planet dioramas connected by Hyperspace travel, including Tatooine, Endor, Hoth, Nevarro and Sorgan.

You can now use Google Assistant voice controls to navigate Disney content on smart displays like Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max. To use the feature, you'll have to link your Disney subscription to your Google Home or Assistant app. Then, just say something like "Hey Google, play The Mandalorian," to stream content. From the start, Disney has been available on Google Assistant smart displays like Nest Hub. You can already use Assistant to play Netflix, Hulu, CBS All Access and HBO content, so it only makes sense that the same feature would be available for Disney .