Microsoft Shares Vision For AI Agents, And Backs Anthropic’s Open-Source Protocol - 1

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Microsoft Shares Vision For AI Agents, And Backs Anthropic’s Open-Source Protocol

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Microsoft’s Chief Technology Officer, Kevin Scott, announced on Sunday that the company expects artificial intelligence agents to interact and enhance memory capabilities in order to provide better service, including by integrating technologies from different companies. The tech giant also backed Anthropic’s open-source protocol.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • Microsoft expects AI agents to enhance memory capabilities and interact with AI systems developed by other companies.
  • The tech giant supports Anthropic’s MCP and encourages broader industry collaboration.
  • The company is using structured retrieval augmentation to reduce computing power requirements.

According to Reuters , Scott shared a few updates and thoughts with the media and analysts at the headquarters in Washington, ahead of Microsoft’s Build conference in Seattle—which takes place today, and where experts will share with developers the latest tools and programs for AI systems.

Scott explained that Microsoft is focusing on encouraging the industry to adopt standards for AI and allow multiple systems, from different firms, to collaborate. The CTO also said that the tech giant is backing Anthropic and Google’s Model Context Protocol (MCP), and compared the protocol to the hypertexts linking websites in the 90s.

Anthropic also recently announced “Integrations,” a feature to connect its chatbot Claude to popular tools and apps through its MCP program.

According to Scott, the MCP has the potential to build an “agentic web” and improve collaboration. “It means that your imagination gets to drive what the agentic web becomes, not just a handful of companies that happen to see some of these problems first,” said Scott.

Microsoft also expects AI agents to develop improved memories so that the AI systems can be more helpful to users. “Most of what we’re building feels very transactional,” added Scott regarding the current agentic AI technology and acknowledging its potential.

The problem with enhancing AI models is the energy cost, as it requires more computing power. Microsoft is working on a new approach called “structured retrieval augmentation,” which allows AI agents to build a roadmap to remember conversations by extracting short bits of information.

A few days ago, Microsoft introduced a new feature for AI agents on Copilot Studio called “computer use” which allows advanced AI systems to perform complex tasks and take control of the user’s desktop and interact with applications.

Robot That Helps Seniors Walk, Sit, And Avoid Falls - 2

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Robot That Helps Seniors Walk, Sit, And Avoid Falls

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

MIT researchers created E-BAR, a robot designed to help seniors move safely at home, supporting them during daily tasks and preventing falls.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • E-BAR lifts users and catches falls with airbags.
  • The robot moves with omnidirectional wheels.
  • It works without a harness or wearable device.

MIT recently announced that its engineers developed a robot system which could revolutionize senior care for people living at home. The E-BAR (Elderly Bodily Assistance Robot) functions as a robotic handlebar system, providing assistance in walking, sitting, standing, as well as automatic fall protection.

The E-BAR works as robotic handlebars following the person around. Users can walk independently, or use the device for support when needed. The device enables users to transition from sitting to standing, while its side airbags can instantly inflate to protect against injuries during potential falls.

“Many older adults underestimate the risk of fall and refuse to use physical aids, which are cumbersome, while others overestimate the risk and may not exercise, leading to declining mobility,” said MIT Professor Harry Asada.

“Our design concept is to provide older adults having balance impairment with robotic handlebars for stabilizing their body. The handlebars go anywhere and provide support anytime, whenever they need,” Asada added.

The robot doesn’t need the user to wear a harness. “The idea behind the E-BAR structure is, it provides body weight support, active assistance with gait, and fall catching while also being completely unobstructed in the front. You can just get out anytime,” said graduate student Roberto Bolli.

The current E-BAR system operates through remote control, but the researchers claim that future versions will assist and move autonomously. The design maintains a slim profile which enables users to navigate through doors and compact home environments. The robot uses special wheels to move in any direction and includes airbags that are soft but fast-acting.

Tests show the robot helps users perform tasks like bending, reaching, or getting into and out of bathtubs safely.

“I think eldercare is the next great challenge,” Bolli said. “We see it as an unexplored frontier in America, but also an intrinsically interesting challenge for robotics.”