The rule-bending winners of Red Bull Illume Special Image Quest 2020

Spinning off from the Red Bull Illume Quest competition comes Red Bull Illume Special Image Quest 2020, which showcases adventure and action sports imagery, but with an Instagram focus. The winners of the inaugural contest have now been announced.

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US Army’s conversational AI system to get soldiers and robots talking

The US Army is developing a voice interface that allows two-way dialogue between soldiers and autonomous robotic systems. The Joint Understanding and Dialogue Interface (JUDI) is designed to reduce training costs and improve soldier/robot teamwork.

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Non-magnetic material made magnetic using electricity for the first time

Researchers have for the first time managed to use electricity to switch on magnetism in a material that’s normally non-magnetic. This could be a step towards making electronic components out of common materials that might not otherwise be suitable.

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Origami-inspired folding microbots can tackle new tasks when heated

Scientists working in the field of microbots have taken inspiration from origami to produce what they say are first-of-a-kind machines, which can fold into different shapes to take on different tasks through the application of heat.

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More realistic bite sleeve improves training of US Army working dogs

The US Army has developed a more realistic bite sleeve for training military working dogs. Worn during biting exercises, the protective silicone and Kevlar sleeve looks and feels more like a human arm, but still shields the wearer from harm.

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Boom Supersonic teams with Rolls-Royce on world’s fastest civil aircraft

Aviation startup Boom Supersonic is pressing ahead with the development of its flagship supersonic aircraft, the Overture. These efforts have today received a significant shot in the arm, with the company announcing a new partnership with Rolls-Royce.

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First autonomous free flight for Airbus Helicopters’ VSR700 prototype

Airbus Helicopters' VSR700 unmanned aerial system (UAS) prototype has flown autonomously for the first time. At a drone test center near Aix-en-Provence in the south of France, the pilotless rotorcraft performed a 10-minute free flight.

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Volkswagen goes tiny but expandable with new Mini-Camper van

A new VW Caddy calls for a new Caddy Beach camper van, and in this case, a new name: the Mini-Camper. One of the smallest, cutest camper vans out there, the Mini-Camper sleeps adventurous couples and turns into a larger "glamping lodge" on demand.

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Spectacular stars in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year shortlist

The Astronomy Photographer of the Year is one of the world’s top astrophotography competitions, and this year's shortlist offers a selection of the best entries, from mind-bending close-ups of the sun’s surface to a series of Milky Way skyscapes.

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