Latest news with #Piaggio
Boston Globe
3 hours ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
‘We're able to explore more behaviors a lot more quickly': How one local robotics company uses AI
Harvard for investigating its 'continued eligibility' for a program that gives visas to international students and faculty. Columbia to restore its federal funding after the administration accused it of allowing antisemitism. President Trump's name appears in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein that his administration is refusing to release, . Separately, a House committee voted to subpoena and files from the administration, while a judge rejected an administration request to unseal other documents in the case. Two fired Market Basket executives accused the grocery chain's board of dismissing them Write to us at . To subscribe, . TODAY'S STARTING POINT In conversations about artificial intelligence, the future tense tends to get a workout. Will AI lead to mass layoffs? Which AI company will end up on top? Will the US's new AI strategy, which the White House Yet for many Americans, AI is already a daily reality. AI-powered chatbots provide customer service, That's also true for local businesses. Earlier this year, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce was looking for ways to help firms navigate AI adoption. 'People seem to be hungry for, 'Well, how are other people using it?'' said Jim Rooney, who leads the Boston Chamber. Advertisement Rooney's solution was a survey. The anonymized results, I wanted to better understand what local businesses' use of AI looks like in practice. Today's newsletter is the first in a two-part series about what I found. Advertisement Better, faster, smarter When I visited Piaggio Fast Forward on a recent Friday, the Charlestown-based robotics company's brick-walled offices were largely devoid of people. But they were populated by something else: a fleet of squat, rotund machines. This was the gita (pronounced like a Bostonian saying Derek Jeter's surname), which Piaggio unveiled in 2019. Essentially a backpack on wheels, the gita mini and gita plus — and stores groceries, gear, or other cargo beneath a central hatch. The robot's camera and sensors detect color and depth, which, with the push of a button and a warbly chime, lets it 'pair' with a specific person and automatically trundle along behind them during errands. The experience feels like having R2-D2 at your heels. (The resemblance is no longer implicit; Piaggio recently reached a licensing agreement with Lucasfilm and Disney to sell $2,875 gita mini s that So where does AI come in? When Tyson Phillips first joined Piaggio to lead its research and development team, the technology wasn't on the menu. But about two and a half years ago, he came to see it as a necessity. Phillips's engineers built their own AI models to help train the company's robots to interact with people and the environment. 'It's actually very difficult to program a robot to do something,' Phillips said. 'AI is shortening that process a lot.' To train the machines, Phillips invites paid human guinea pigs into a high-ceilinged space in Piaggio's offices. Its floor features lines of colorful tape, mannequins, and other obstacles that simulate what a robot might encounter in the outside world, like doors, walls, and people. Using motion capture cameras, Phillips records the volunteers navigating those obstacles, then distills the data into algorithms to program the robots. Advertisement A Piaggio Fast Forward employee presses a button to "pair" with one of the robotics company's gitamini robots. David L. Ryan/Globe Staff Part of AI's advantage is that it isn't human. Where a flesh-and-blood observer might write off a volunteer's subtle turn or weight shift while opening a door as intuitive, AI can recognize such moves as potentially valuable datapoints. 'With AI tools, we are hoping to identify those much smaller, more nuanced behaviors,' Phillips said. And for a relatively small company like Piaggio, the added analytical firepower helps. 'We're able to explore more behaviors a lot more quickly.' That has come in handy to train Piaggio's other robot, kilo, which looks a bit like if Apple designed a flatbed cart. Built for warehouses and factory floors, kilo 'I think we'll use it to allow us to explore situations that we would've been previously uncomfortable in,' he said. Evolutionary vs. revolutionary Piaggio isn't alone. 'Every robotics company's using AI in some way,' Phillips told me. Yet some prognosticators worry that widespread adoption will cause layoffs, particularly among coders. So far, Piaggio says, AI hasn't replaced anyone on Phillips's team, which includes people with backgrounds in AI as well as in biomechanics and neuroscience. In the Boston Chamber's survey, just 7 percent of companies reported job reductions because of AI. Advertisement Instead, just as Piaggio's robots are designed to work alongside people, Phillips hopes that AI will supplement rather than supplant. His engineers still develop algorithms by hand, using AI to check their work. 'We have an idea, we test it, we check it with AI, we tweak the original idea, we tweak the AI, and it bounces back and forth,' he said. Still, that collaborative spirit helps explain why Piaggio's use of AI is mostly evolutionary, facilitating its business without radically reshaping it. But there are companies in Greater Boston trying to use the technology in more revolutionary ways. Next week, in part two of this series, I'll explore that. Related: As Massachusetts lawmakers try to lure AI data centers, environmental advocates from elsewhere warn that the centers 🧩 9 Across: 90° POINTS OF INTEREST UNITE HERE Local 26 represents Fenway Park concession workers who are threatening to strike. Cassandra Klos/Bloomberg Receipts: Massachusetts lawmakers say court-appointed lawyers should've asked the Legislature for raises sooner, rather than launching a work stoppage that has paralyzed state courts. Emails show the attorneys have been asking Labor dispute: Fenway Park concession workers Piling up: Boston 'Pawtriots': The Patriots' first day of training camp saw the team practicing without pads — Advertisement Feeling better: Eight members of a Parisian youth choir are OK Dwight Evans: The former Red Sox right fielder has another shot at making the Hall of Fame this year. Grant Watch: How a researcher from Medfield created the go-to database Changing the subject: Trump and Tulsi Gabbard, his national intelligence director, baselessly claim that Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and other Democrats plotted a 'coup' against Trump years ago and that they could face criminal charges. ( Wares the beef: Beef prices are climbing across the country as drought Sentenced: A judge gave Bryan Kohberger life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing four University of Idaho students in 2022. The victims' family members excoriated Kohberger. ( BESIDE THE POINT 🌽 Cultivating community: An 18th-century farm is flourishing 🎙️ Big deal: 'The Big Dig,' GBH and PRX's nine-episode series about the infamous Boston megaproject, made Time magazine's list of the 100 best podcasts of all time. ( 🤦🏻♀️ A Miss Conduct classic: Their neighbors' floodlights shine directly into their bedroom. The neighbors 🐻 'Da Pope': A Chicago family on vacation gave Pope Leo XIV a T-shirt inspired by the nickname for the city's NFL team. ( Advertisement 📺 Don't be a Debbie Downer: 'SNL' alumna Rachel Dratch discusses 💃 A step ahead: A Boston soul line dancing group is 🎶 Don't worry: Does live music at Logan baggage claim actually reduce travel stress? Thanks for reading Starting Point. This newsletter was edited by ❓ Have a question for the team? Email us at ✍🏼 If someone sent you this newsletter, you can 📬 Delivered Monday through Friday. Ian Prasad Philbrick can be reached at
The Verge
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Verge
I tested the Star Wars droid that carries things for you.
Posted Jul 23, 2025 at 7:27 PM UTC I tested the Star Wars droid that carries things for you. Oh, I had such high hopes for the Piaggio G1T4-M1N1 ('Gita Mini'). An officially licensed Star Wars bot that follows you around, dodging pedestrians while carrying 20 pounds of cargo and playing The Imperial March on its party speaker? Heck yes. But a single walk to the park showed me that this $2,875 bot doesn't have enough smarts. (I couldn't fit all its fails into one video!) Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Sean Hollister Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Sean Hollister Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Entertainment Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Film Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Gadgets Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Hands-on Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Reviews Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Star Wars Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Toys
NZ Autocar
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Vespa Unveils Officina 8 Honouring Its Experimental Origins
Vespa has launched another special edition scooter dubbed Officina 8. It pays tribute to the brand's creative roots. Officina 8 was the department of the Piaggio plant in Pontedera where the Vespa design and engineering took place. This historical workshop, active since the 1950s, housed Vespa's development team of engineers, designers and test riders. All collaborated to shape the original Vespa prototypes. Officina 8 gave rise to projects like the Vespa '98 Corsa' and the models that captured 17 world speed and endurance records in 1950–51. Here, unique machines were crafted using novel techniques like in-house sand casting for experimental engines. This culture of innovation is now honoured in the latest limited-edition release. The Vespa Primavera (available in 50, 125, and 150cc) and Vespa Gtv 300 mechanicals underpin the Officina 8 edition. Both models showcase an exclusive Blu Officina 8 matte metallic finish. This is a deep industrial blue that channels the original machinery and tools of Vespa's workshop. Metal accents in aluminium and brass adorn the bodywork, including the headlight, rear light surrounds, and wheel rims. The Gtv 300 also features a distinctive fairing-style rigid cover and sporty matte black detailing. Both models incorporate design cues from the past: the double-stitched saddle with brass rivets, and a three-dimensional plate that reinterprets the department's badge with a modern twist. These touches celebrate Vespa's craftsmanship while offering a factory-inspired aesthetic. The launch also includes a collector-style Owner's Book documenting the history and legacy of Vespa's experimental development hub through original archives. Read our review of Vespa GTS 300 here. There's also a full Officina 8 accessories and apparel collection. Highlights include a matching industrial blue top box and helmet, technical gloves, and clothing that draws inspiration from traditional workwear. A sports drawstring bag and branded keyring round out the collection.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Piaggio will soon take a call on launching new scooter range in India
HighlightsPiaggio will evaluate plans in June 2025 to enter India's mass scooter segment, moving beyond its premium Vespa brand. India could become an export hub, with new scooters also targeted for the African market. Piaggio is cautious on electric two- and three-wheelers in India due to low margins, despite having products ready. Global markets show mixed trends, with optimism in Vietnam but continued challenges in China and other parts of Asia. Piaggio will begin evaluating the results of its studies on launching a new scooter range for India in June this year. This was revealed by Michele Colaninno , Chief Executive Officer, in a recent Q&A session with analysts in Italy following the company's first quarter results for January-March. The company believes it is high time to enter the mass scooter segment in India 'as we see that we can match the competition now given that the GDP per capita is growing and we think we are now able to compete with other brands'. Colaninno had already indicated in recent times that Piaggio had a great opportunity to be part of the growing scooter segment in India which meant that it had to think beyond the niche premium positioning of Vespa . The feedback in June will show if the Italian automaker is confident of offering a competitively priced scooter range that can strike a chord with Indian customers. Also read: Piaggio CEO says it's time to look at mass segment scooters for India Passage to Africa If things do go according to plan, the new two-wheeler range produced in India will also be shipped out to Africa as part of a larger global strategy for Piaggio. 'As far as other markets are concerned, let's say we are thinking about going into Africa, as you know from India. And I confirm to you that strategically, in the medium to long term, it is a good opportunity for us. And I think that Africa could be the next India for our business,' said Colaninno. It was sometime in July last year when he first spoke of Piaggio's intent to look at a larger part of the Indian scooter pie. 'The mistake we have done in the past is more on the scooter side, where we have not been able to face the competition of low-cost vehicles. We have put in place a new team that will start from now, especially to target those kinds of vehicles,' said Colaninno. While the company would continue to be in the high/premium end with Vespa and Aprilia models, he added that this perhaps was not enough in terms of the overall scooter strategy. 'But at the same time, I think we have to be ready and able, more able than ready to fill the gap, let's say, with the competition that we have on scooters,' he said. If you take the Honda Activa, if you take TVS, they produce millions and millions of Colaninno There was a specific reference to competitors who have had a good run in the mass scooter space where numbers continue to grow at a brisk pace. 'If you take the Honda Activa, if you take TVS , they produce millions and millions of vehicles,' Colaninno pointed out. The Piaggio CEO was, however quick to add that such a comparison would not be apt. 'You cannot compare us with Honda, obviously, which has been there in the two-wheeler market for years in India. But we have…I think that we will take the right decisions to be ready and to enter the big volume market there. Not with the Vespa, not with the bike.' Upbeat about India The recent analyst session clearly reaffirmed the CEO's optimism about the Indian market and why he believed that it was imperative for his company to play a bigger role here. 'I am positive on India, I think it is a good place to be in. It is an enormous opportunity to be there…we will launch electric vehicles in the next (few) years and will continue to launch also thermic (internal combustion engine) vehicles in India in the next years,' he elaborated. The generous feedback for India continued with Colaninno insisting that it was a place where Piaggio was growing at an earnings level and that it was 'happy' about being there. 'We will introduce totally new vehicles in India because it is a different market. But for Europe and the US, I don't see the necessity to introduce totally 100% new vehicles,' said Colaninno Also read: Vespa maker Piaggio posts record margin despite 'anomalous' economy As far as electric mobility options for India was concerned, the company preferred to adopt a wait-and-watch attitude even while the transition was happening quite rapidly. 'The market is still going well. Electric mobility in India in the three-wheeled and two-wheeled business is low-margin. We have the vehicles, but we are not pushing, just waiting to see better purchasing power and reducing costs in the country,' he said. More specifically on electric three-wheelers, a segment that is growing quite fast, Colaninno pointed out that Piaggio was familiar with this business in India. 'We have 2,000 people there in a big factory. The three-wheeled electric vehicle market is subsidised and the state is putting money for this. We have the vehicles, no problem,' he added. Low margins inevitable In his view, the margins are 'lower for everybody' and it was not as if Piaggio was at a disadvantage compared to competition. The company plans to push mostly in big Indian cities and not for rural areas where the electric market is 'zero'. 'Given that we have done investments and we have the vehicle, we will be on the market. Obviously we are happy about the thermic engines that are more rural in India and we are gaining some market share over there in the specific segment,' said Colaninno. Asia is down, the consumer market is not recovering, especially in the premium market, even though we saw Vietnam in the last quarter that has shown, let's say, a plus. Even if it is a small plus, it is a plus compared to previous Colaninno While there was ample cause for cheer when it came to India, the scenario for Piaggio was not all hunky-dory elsewhere. 'Asia is down, the consumer market is not recovering, especially in the premium market, even though we saw Vietnam in the last quarter that has shown, let's say, a plus. Even if it is a small plus, it is a plus compared to previous quarters,' said Colaninno. And Vietnam, according to him, was 'very important for us, because it is a good market, it is a rich market and it is a high margin market'. Piaggio would now wait to see a 'rebirth' of the Asian markets. 'There is some slightly positive event in Vietnam. Thailand and Indonesia are still interesting for us,' he said. China strategy China, likewise, was 'still suffering' with the automotive market showing low numbers. Piaggio has a production facility in the country that is in the midst of restructuring and will be ready by the end of 2026. 'We are thinking of launching dedicated products for China market with our brands,' said the CEO. However, given that it is home to one of the biggest electric mobility businesses in the world, 'we will invest in those kind of vehicles' for the Chinese market. 'For the time being, it is not for exports, because outside of China, that business is still very, very low. We are investing, we will continue to invest in all the technologies — thermic engines, safety, electric engines — because we think the market will evolve, it will take time, but we will be ready to fulfill the needs of the customers, whether it is thermic or whether it is electric,' reiterated Colaninno.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
1 dead after car crashes into motorized scooter in Orange County
According to Highway officials, a 2012 Piaggio LX moped rider died in a collision with a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe on Landstreet Road near Avenue C. The accident happened as the moped was traveling east in the outer lane and had slowed down for traffic. The SUV, also moving east in that lane, did not slow down and collided with the moped from behind, throwing the rider off. The rider was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead. The driver of the SUV was unharmed and remained at the scene. This incident is still under investigation. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
