Photo by Arthur Hinton on Unsplash

Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded to Researchers for Pioneering Work in Machine Learning

• Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
• Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

• Geoffrey E. Hinton and John J. Hopfield were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics 2024
• The Committee considered their machine learning work crucial for the development of AI as we know it today
• The researchers used tools from physics to develop their artificial neural networks

The Nobel Committee for Physics announced this Tuesday that Geoffrey E. Hinton and John J. Hopfield were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics 2024 “for foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks.”

Mark Pearce, a member of the Nobel Committee of Physics, told CNN that the researcher’s work paved the way for all the AI technology we have today.

Hopfield—a Princeton professor—created the system to associate, restore information, and act as an associative memory, and Hinton—a computer scientist at the University of Toronto and former Google employee— a method to discover properties in data that later evolved to artificial neural networks. The award for the researchers includes 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million). Hinton declared to be “flabbergasted” by the recognition.

The committee explained on X more about the decision and the impact of the researcher’s work. “They have shown a completely new way for us to use computers to aid and to guide us to tackle many of the challenges our society faces,” states the post. “Thanks to their work humanity now has a new item in its toolbox, which we can choose to use for good purposes. Machine learning based on artificial neural networks is currently revolutionizing science, engineering, and daily life.”

On the social media platform, many users complained about the experts’ legacy and its relation with physics. “Ok, but next year go back to awarding actual physics,” wrote one user. “Important work but not physics,” said another.

However, according to the New York Times , the committee explained that Dr. Hopfield and Dr. Hinton “used tools from physics to construct methods that helped lay the foundation for today’s powerful machine learning.”

Image from Freepik

Global Service Robot Sales Surge by 30%, Asia-Pacific Leads Market Growth

• Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
• Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

• Global sales of professional service robots rose 30%.
• Asia-Pacific led sales, accounting for nearly 80% with 162,284 units sold.
• Transportation and logistics robots made up over half of 2023’s sales.

Global sales of professional service robots surged by 30%, with over 205,000 units sold, according to a new report published today by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).

The majority of these sales came from the Asia-Pacific region, which accounted for nearly 80%, or 162,284 units. Europe followed with 33,918 units sold, and the Americas recorded 8,927 units.

Marina Bill, President of IFR, emphasized the growing impact of service robots across industries, saying, “The service robotics industry is on the move: more and more robots are serving on factory floors, in shopping centers or helping with deliveries on the street.”

Transportation and logistics robots led the market in 2023, making up more than half of the total sales. The sector saw a 35% increase, with nearly 113,000 units sold. Notably, in July, Vayu Robotics introduced the world’s first on-road delivery robot , showcasing the sector’s innovative advancements.

As industries like trucking face labor shortages, robots have become essential for automating tasks such as loading and unloading. These robotic solutions are designed to be user-friendly, even for non-technical staff, easing their adoption in industries facing staffing challenges, as noted on the report.

In a similar vein, IKEA announced in July that it is enhancing its warehouse operations with an upgraded AI-powered drone system, set for 24/7 operation . This advanced system aims to streamline inventory management by automating stock checks, thereby reducing ergonomic strain on employees and allowing them to focus on less demanding tasks.

The hospitality industry also experienced significant growth in robot adoption, with over 54,000 units sold in 2023—a 31% increase. Robots in this sector are often used for mobile guidance, information, and telepresence, serving customers in public spaces such as restaurants and hotels, said the report.

They are also being deployed for tasks like food and beverage preparation, enhancing customer service. A notable example is the introduction of Robotic Waiters in Nairobi , attracting locals and tourists alike who are eager to experience this innovative dining concept.

In agriculture, robots are becoming vital as the industry faces demographic changes and labor shortages. Nearly 20,000 agricultural robots were sold in 2023, reflecting a 21% growth. These robots play a key role in precision farming, which aims to increase sustainability and efficiency in food production.

Professional cleaning robots saw a 4% increase in sales, with around 12,000 units sold. While slower compared to other sectors, cleaning robots remain important, particularly for tasks like floor cleaning, which account for about 70% of this segment’s sales.

The report also highlighted growth in medical robots, with sales rising by 36% to approximately 6,100 units. Rehabilitation and non-invasive therapy robots saw the biggest increase, up 128%, while demand for surgery robots grew by 14%, and sales of diagnostic robots increased by 25%.

For instance, NHS Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester announced in September that it will implement the Ion Endoluminal System, a new robotic tool designed to enhance early lung cancer detection and significantly reduce the time required for diagnosis and treatment.

The World Robotics 2024 report also looked at the top countries for service and medical robot manufacturers. The United States leads the way with 199 manufacturers, followed by China with 107 and Germany with 83.

The report underscores the global expansion of the service robotics sector, as automation becomes increasingly essential in industries facing labor shortages and operational challenges.