Headliner
Ancient Roman board game stumped experts for decades – until AI played
by Bronwyn Thompson
A slab of limestone excavated in 1984 from the ancient Coriovallum settlement presented a puzzle for researchers of Roman history. Because of its grooves, the stone piece looked like a board game. More than 40 years on, we may have the rulebook.
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Highlights
Robotic legs skate, climb stairs, and balance on one wheel in demo video
by Michael Franco
The Robotics and AI Institute has just released a video of its Roadrunner robot. Although it lacks a torso, the bipedal bot more than makes up for it by rolling, stomping, stair-climbing, and even showing off while using only one of its legs.
Upside-down tiny house packs clever layout and energy efficient design
by Adam Williams
The Véronique is small – even for a tiny house – and maximizes its limited space with an unusual "upside-down" layout. The towable home also boasts some interesting energy saving additions, including a passive heating system.
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More Stories
Clever telescopic camper trailer reinvents a game-changing RV classic
by C.C. Weiss
The 2026 Prattline Low Tow looks at first to be as fresh and cutting-edge as the new generation of Silicon Valley RVs. But it's actually a modern revival of a nameplate that dates back over half a century, proving that sometimes old really is new.
Premium eMTB takes lower cost route to rough riding
by Omar Kardoudi
Aventon's first full-suspension eMTB is dubbed the Current, and it looks, feels, and rides like it should cost twice as much. It doesn't, and that changes everything for the premium segment.
Dutch studio reimagines family homes by stacking life in playful boxes
by Stefan Ionescu
An Amsterdam-based studio has built a home where every activity gets its own stacked box. Rooms sit above and below each other, connected by open voids, with lake views from the top floor.
Electronic warfare upgrade gives Cold War U-2 a new lease on life
by David Szondy
The legendary Cold War-era Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady spyplane is getting a new lease on life as BAE Systems gives it an upgraded version of the AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System (ADS) to protect the aircraft against modern radar and electronic warfare threats.
Self-flushing litter box keeps an AI eye on kitties' urinary health
by Maryna Holovnova
Technology these days is all about making life easier, especially when it comes to chores we don’t enjoy – such as cleaning a cat’s litter box. Hong Kong-based company Petalas is trying to address this with its self-flushing litter box, which also monitors the feline's urinary health.
Elsewhere
Not CGI. Not AI. A look at "a 3D reconstruction of reality that is both photo real and renders in real time."
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