Is generating electricity by burning rubbish a good idea?
There's a new plant operating here and more proposed across the country.
But as Norman Hermant asks, does the idea just promote a wasteful society?
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Daily Telegraph
an hour ago
- Daily Telegraph
Amazon's robotics, AI push not eliminating jobs, company says
Don't miss out on the headlines from Technology. Followed categories will be added to My News. Amazon warehouses are still a viable job option for unskilled and entry-level workers, executives of the e-commerce giant say, despite massive robotics and AI investments. Speaking to NewsWire in Japan this week, Amazon's global head of PR for robotics and AI, Xavier Chao, compared AI robots and sorting machines to offices having a coffee machine and snacks close to the desks. 'Retention is very, vitally important for us if we want to continue to manage and sustain our business and grow; we have to retain our workforce,' Mr Chao said. 'And so we think that innovation is part of the solution of creating a nice workplace that attracts people, and retains staff.' A worker in front of an item-by-item timer at their station inside Amazon's Chiba Minato warehouse in Tokyo. Picture: NewsWire / Blair Jackson Australia has eight Amazon 'fulfilment centre' warehouses; seven of these do not have Amazon's robots. The custom designed and built robots operate using AI, moving stacks of products for humans to pick and put into boxes. Australia's robotised Amazon warehouse is at Kemps Creek in Sydney, and employs about 2500 workers. With Australia's comparatively low-tech Amazon facilities - compared to warehouses in comparable countries - retraining Australian workers to fix and maintain Amazon's robots has stalled. In June, Amazon announced it would be investing $20bn in data centres in Australia, reiterating concerns about the e-commerce company's entrenchment in the Australian economy. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined Amazon Web Services chief executive Matt Garman in Seattle in June as AWS announced a $20bn investment into data centre infrastructure in Australia. Picture: NewsWire / PMO Anthony Albanese faces internal pressure from high-ranking Labor MPs, The Australian reports, over accusations Amazon undermines labour laws and employs tax avoidance tactics. These criticisms are echoed by unions - the ACTU, TWU and the SDA - who claim Amazon Australia's workplace practices are unethical. Asked if operating in countries with relatively strong workplace protections was tough for Amazon, Mr Chao said 'Right now, what we're really hyper-focused on is can these systems actually benefit our frontline workers, and getting feedback from them'. He argues wide-scale automation is good for workers. 'If we can create the most innovative workplace that we possibly can, we want to try to do three things. 'Safety … Ease - all of us want to have an easier job. 'And then three, it's exposure. So a lot of people who come and work at an Amazon facility, you know, there are people from all walks of life.' *Amazon paid for NewsWire's travel and accommodation in Japan Originally published as Amazon's robotics, AI push not eliminating jobs as tech giant continues automation wave
Daily Telegraph
5 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
Mahindra XUV-3XO: Budget SUV arrives without ANCAP safety rating as 2026 crash test rules change
Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News. Mahindra's newest compact SUV, XUV 3XO, has just launched in Australia with a jaw-dropping price of $23,490k (introductory offer) for the base model and flashy features like a panoramic sunroof, surround-view cameras and level 2 ADAS. It's a zippy, family-friendly SUV that's hard to ignore. But while it may look like the ultimate bargain, it comes with a catch. Mahindra isn't submitting it for ANCAP testing, as it's not mandatory in Australia. Instead, the automaker is working on tuning the vehicle to meet Australia's upcoming 2026 ANCAP protocols which include new benchmarks for post-crash safety, driver monitoring and advanced autonomous braking. That doesn't mean the car won't be tested at all. It's likely ANCAP will independently test the vehicle. RELATED: Australia's in love with Elon again Mahindra XUV 3XO. Picture: Daniel Snare A social media clip recently revealed ANCAP conducted a test on this model; however, its rating has not yet been released. ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg said consumers shouldn't overlook the importance of a verified rating. 'It is positive to hear Mahindra are working to bring safety improvements to their future model line-up, but consumers should be aware that – until independent safety testing is undertaken – the safety performance of any new model arriving in our market is unknown,' she said. Hoorweg emphasised that safety is critical in the compact SUV category. 'The Mahindra 3XO is entering a very competitive segment with a competitive price-tag, and while some may suggest safety isn't important for the smaller end of the market, in fact the opposite is true,' she said. 'Smaller vehicles, by physical size, are at a disadvantage out on the road. We all drive within a mixed fleet of larger cars, utes, vans, and trucks, so having a high level of structural safety, on-board safety features, and best ability to avoid a crash is critical for those looking to purchase a smaller vehicle.' MORE: Aussies 'not ready' for advanced driver tech Interior of Mahindra XUV 3XO. Picture: Daniel Snare Budget-friendly cars like the XUV-3XO often appeal to younger, more inexperienced drivers or older Australians, who may be more vulnerable in crashes, Hoorweg said. 'We also need to think about the consumer cohorts that are likely to buy these vehicles. They're generally some of the most at-risk – younger, more inexperienced drivers and older drivers who are physically more vulnerable.' Despite the lack of ANCAP testing, Mahindra insists the car is built to high safety standard and has been tested in India. According to the brand, the XUV 3XO features 55 safety features, including six airbags, level 2 ADAS, Bosch electronic stability program and 360 degree camera system. The 3XO on sale today is based on the heavily modified platform originally used by SsangYong's Tivoli, first released here in 2018. The price is right but buyers have to be mindful. Picture: Daniel Snare Mahindra says it has made major structural improvements but admits the car isn't currently tuned to meet ANCAP's stricter rules coming in 2026. A revised model will be submitted for future testing which could result in a higher price. With a current entry price below many hatchbacks and a lengthy 7-year warranty, the XUV 3XO offers strong bang for buck. The base model AX5L offers a sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 6 speaker system for $23,490 drive away (July-August introductory offer). The top spec AX7L adds a panoramic sunroof, leatherette interior and cabin, and a 360-degree camera for $26,490 drive away (July-August introductory offer). But with the current model not built to ANCAP's future crash standards, and a revised version already in the pipeline, buyers need to weigh up whether to buy now or wait. MORE: The end of travel as we know it Originally published as 24k SUV lands but there's a catch
News.com.au
5 hours ago
- News.com.au
Amazon's robotics, AI push not eliminating jobs as tech giant continues automation wave
Amazon warehouses are still a viable job option for unskilled and entry-level workers, executives of the e-commerce giant say, despite massive robotics and AI investments. Speaking to NewsWire in Japan this week, Amazon's global head of PR for robotics and AI, Xavier Chao, compared AI robots and sorting machines to offices having a coffee machine and snacks close to the desks. 'Retention is very, vitally important for us if we want to continue to manage and sustain our business and grow; we have to retain our workforce,' Mr Chao said. 'And so we think that innovation is part of the solution of creating a nice workplace that attracts people, and retains staff.' Australia has eight Amazon 'fulfilment centre' warehouses; seven of these do not have Amazon's robots. The custom designed and built robots operate using AI, moving stacks of products for humans to pick and put into boxes. Australia's robotised Amazon warehouse is at Kemps Creek in Sydney, and employs about 2500 workers. With Australia's comparatively low-tech Amazon facilities - compared to warehouses in comparable countries - retraining Australian workers to fix and maintain Amazon's robots has stalled. In June, Amazon announced it would be investing $20bn in data centres in Australia, reiterating concerns about the e-commerce company's entrenchment in the Australian economy. Anthony Albanese faces internal pressure from high-ranking Labor MPs, The Australian reports, over accusations Amazon undermines labour laws and employs tax avoidance tactics. These criticisms are echoed by unions - the ACTU, TWU and the SDA - who claim Amazon Australia's workplace practices are unethical. Asked if operating in countries with relatively strong workplace protections was tough for Amazon, Mr Chao said 'Right now, what we're really hyper-focused on is can these systems actually benefit our frontline workers, and getting feedback from them'. He argues wide-scale automation is good for workers. 'If we can create the most innovative workplace that we possibly can, we want to try to do three things. 'Safety … Ease - all of us want to have an easier job. 'And then three, it's exposure. So a lot of people who come and work at an Amazon facility, you know, there are people from all walks of life.'
