Latest news with #Skills
North Wales Live
6 days ago
- General
- North Wales Live
Teens branded 'Gen Air Fryer' as they can't boil egg or mash potatoes
Teenagers across the UK have no idea how to boil an egg or mash potatoes - and have been branded 'Gen Air-Fryer." Nearly 4 in 5 parents say they're concerned about their children's lack of cooking skills, with half of 16–18-year-olds admitting they've never used basic kitchen tools such as a rolling pin, potato masher, or even a whisk. Instead of preparing meals from scratch, teens are turning to quick fixes like instant noodles, takeaways, microwave meals, and air fryer dishes. Two-thirds of parents say they still do all the cooking for their teens, with 73% feeling they had better kitchen skills at the same age. Over half of teens say they want to improve their kitchen confidence, and nearly 4 in 5 regularly consume food content on social media. In fact, a third have hundreds of recipe videos saved on their 'For You' pages. The research also revealed the skills teens want to learn in the kitchen, include: Making pizza dough (45%) Making fried chicken (31%) Making Yorkshire puddings from scratch (30%) Making homemade smash burgers (28%) Cooking a perfect, medium-rare steak (21%) Making homemade sushi (19%) Properly carving a chicken (19%) To help bridge the skills gap and prepare young adults for culinary independence, HelloFresh has launched 'HelloFresh Skills' - a new series of guided recipes designed to build confidence in the kitchen. Featuring six core cooking categories - Batter, Baking, Dough, Protein, Potato, and Sauce - each recipe is rated by difficulty and designed to help families cook, learn, and eat together. Home cook Vogue Williams hosted a live cooking demo of the new Skills recipe range at The Great British Food Festival, showing her support for the campaign and encouraging families to get hands-on in the kitchen. Vogue said, 'When I left home for uni, I had a limited selection of meals I'd cook for myself and didn't experiment much in the kitchen. Since then, I've built up my repertoire of go-to recipes I cook for the family, like smashed potatoes and pesto pasta, but I still think it's so important to keep learning and trying new things. That's why I'm working with HelloFresh on the launch of their new Skills recipes which have been designed to help families cook, learn and eat together, and to give people the confidence to try recipes and techniques they wouldn't ordinarily attempt. The whole family has benefitted from me sharpening my skills in the kitchen – I've made all sorts of delicious meals, from chocolate fondant to homemade sushi. Involving the kids in the prep work is a fun way to spend time together too.'
Sharjah 24
07-07-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Abdul Hamid Al Yasi: Sharjah Youth launches "Skills Lab" prog
Al Yasi stated that the Skills Lab programme includes over 100 diverse activities from July 7 to 24, except for Al Waseet center, where activities will conclude on July 31. He noted that the events will be distributed across the cities and regions of Sharjah, including Al Waseet, Khorfakkan, Kalba, Dibba Al Hisn, and Mleiha. The programme aims to provide participants with opportunities to benefit from these activities and discover and develop their skills. He encouraged all youth to join the programme either by registering directly at the centers or through Sharjah Youth's social media channels. The programme includes a Professional Skills Lab, Visual Arts Lab, Science and Technology Lab, Film Arts Lab, Youth Studio, Sports Activities Lab, Creative Crafts and Industries Lab, among other diverse programmes.
Arabian Post
30-06-2025
- Science
- Arabian Post
Robots Learn Delicate Touch with Tactile Skills AI
Mohamed bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence has unveiled a pioneering embodied‑AI framework called Tactile Skills, enabling robots to master intricate physical tasks with human‑level precision. Spearheaded by Sami Haddadin, MBZUAI's vice‑president for research, and published in Nature Machine Intelligence on 23 June 2025, the approach promises to bridge a long‑standing divide between human dexterity and robotic automation. The system leverages a structured curriculum inspired by vocational training and neurobiology. Host‑defined process taxonomies guide robots through tactile subtasks—such as connector alignment and material handling—streamlining learning and reducing dependence on trial‑and‑error methods. In trials, robots achieved near‑100 per cent success across 28 industrial tasks, including plug insertion and precision cutting, even when conditions varied unexpectedly. Haddadin emphasised the breakthrough: the framework 'bridges the gap between human expertise and robotic capability… reliably mastering intricate tasks with precision and adaptability'. Unlike conventional machine‑learning methods, Tactile Skills combines expert knowledge and reusable haptic control modules, reducing energy consumption and set‑up time while achieving industrial‑grade speed and accuracy. ADVERTISEMENT Crucially, the architecture appears to democratise automation. Operators without extensive robotics training deployed the system effectively, signalling a shift towards accessible, flexible automation across sectors. In one demonstration, robots assembled a complex bottle‑filling device, underscoring real‑world relevance. The emergence of Tactile Skills arrives amid broader momentum in physical AI, where robots are evolving beyond pre‑programmed sequences to exhibit embodied intelligence. Google DeepMind recently released an on‑device version of its Gemini Robotics model, enabling vision‑language‑action capabilities offline and requiring only 50–100 demonstrations to learn new tasks. This aligns with physical AI trends prioritising simulation‑to‑real transfer, vision–action integration and multisensory perception. Parallel advances include MIT's simulation‑powered system, enabling robots to infer an object's weight and softness through handling alone, and Amazon's Vulcan, a sensor‑enhanced warehouse robot equipped with tactile grasping capabilities to manage a broader range of objects in logistics environments. Within this context, Tactile Skills stands out by combining theoretical rigour, hands‑on taxonomies and near‑perfect success rates. The framework eschews massive datasets and generic deep‑learning, instead embedding human expertise directly into robotic curriculum—emulating mastery acquisition akin to skilled trades. Looking ahead, the implications span manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and home automation. The ability to train robots rapidly on delicate physical tasks opens doors to automating activities previously deemed too nuanced for machines. Moreover, lowering technical barriers empowers smaller firms and facilities to deploy adaptable robotics at scale. Nonetheless, challenges remain. Real‑world deployment demands robust hardware, reliable sensor systems and fail‑safe protocols. Ethical considerations also surface—workforce displacement, quality control and safety monitoring require balanced oversight. Integrating tactile precision with existing robotics infrastructure may involve standardising interfaces and establishing trustworthy deployment guidelines. Academic and industry experts note that the next phase will involve generalising tactile curricula beyond initial tasks. Emerging tactile-language-action models demonstrate early promise in translating language instructions into fine‑grained physical actions—crucial for open‑ended applications. Meanwhile, meta‑learning techniques are enabling robots to 'learn to learn,' from minimal data, suggesting even greater flexibility ahead. As embodied intelligence matures, Tactile Skills signals a shift: robots will no longer rely solely on data scale, but on structured skill pedagogy. If education‑inspired frameworks replicate across platforms, robotics could finally conquer the delicate, dexterous domains that have thwarted automation—transforming industries and daily life alike.
West Australian
28-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson backs in fossil fuel as part of transition to renewables
Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson has left the door open for a new gas-fired power station in WA to back up renewables, as the Government moves to shut down Synergy's coal-fired power stations by 2030. With the newly re-elected Cook Government moving ahead with a pre-election promise to shift to renewables in five short years, there is growing speculation a new gas-fired power station — either built by the private sector or Government — could also be on the cards to help power homes and businesses when solar, wind and batteries can't. 'Gas is going to be needed for security and reliability in the system going forward up to 2030 and beyond,' Ms Sanderson told The Sunday Times. 'We are not ruling anything in or out at this point. We are also monitoring emerging technologies. 'We are looking actively at what's available, including gas. 'But our focus is on increasing the amount of renewables in the system and delivering the transmission that is required to connect those renewables. 'Security and reliability and affordability are the key principles that we need to achieve, and that mix is renewable energy with gas a firming fuel.' Ms Sanderson is a political force within WA politics. She almost became Premier when Mark McGowan pulled the pin in 2023, but caucus eventually voted for Mr Cook as Mr McGowan's replacement. 'Caucus made the right decision,' she says. 'He (Roger Cook) has been an outstanding leader. He has taken us to a record election win and articulated a strong future for Western Australia.' Being thrust into the key portfolios of Energy and Decarbonisation, Manufacturing, Skills and TAFE in a Cabinet reshuffle after the March election adds to an already impressive CV which also boasts being a former Health Minister. 'He (Mr Cook) has entrusted me with his two signature policies (move to renewables and Made in WA) and I'm really grateful for that trust,' Ms Sanderson said. 'I don't take it lightly. We have a strong working relationship, and a lot of trust between us.' She disputes suggestions she asked to be moved from the demanding health portfolio. 'I didn't ask to leave health,' she said. 'I said to the Premier that I would continue to be in health if that was what he chose, but that I would serve in any way that he wanted me to.' She admits though, she is 'sleeping better' since being shifted into Energy, Manufacturing, Skills and TAFE. 'It (health) is a portfolio that never leaves you,' she said. 'There is no portfolio that impacts people more — from the die they are born till their last breath. But that's also why its such a great job. 'While there are days that are incredibly challenging and difficult (in health) — particularly when you are meeting with parents who have had a really difficult time and are grieving — there are opportunities to make a real impact, and that's one of the great things about it.' Under Mr McGowan and former Energy Minister Bill Johnston, the Labor Government announced in 2022 plans to shut all Synergy-owned and operated coal-fired power stations and replace them with renewables. Under that plan, the Collie Power Station — supplying 340 megawatts of generation in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) that powers WA from Kalbarri to Albany and Kalgoorlie to the east — would shut in 2027. The Muja power station's C and D units — which, combined, currently supply the power grid with 654MW — will close by 2029-30. Removing 1000MW of coal-generated power from the grid — and uncertainty surrounding the future of the privately owned 434-megawatt Bluewater coal-fired power station — has WA Liberals questioning whether the 2030 renewables plan is achievable. 'The State Government's current energy plan simply won't work. It's underfunded and about to run out of time,' Opposition energy spokesman Steve Mr Thomas said. 'There is not enough generation, transmission or distribution capacity in the current Government plan to fulfil its first and primary obligation of providing enough affordable energy for homes and businesses. 'I have said repeatedly in recent years that the Labor Government's uncertain and incomplete plan for energy transition will fail if it is not underpinned by an additional 300 Megawatts of gas-fired generation.' But Ms Sanderson is adamant WA will be ready to be powered by renewables — and gas — by 2030. 'I've never been afraid of a challenge,' she said. 'But this is also a massive opportunity. This is not only an energy transition. It's an economic transition for Western Australia. 'This is the next LNG. This is the next turning point for our economy.' The Minister says, to date, $6.4 billion has been either spent or budgeted towards transmission and renewable energy projects, including batteries. Ms Sanderson said renewable energy already supplied an estimated 38 per cent of SWIS demand in 2024, compared to just 4 per cent in 2009. Figures supplied by Ms Sanderson's office show renewable energy projects mooted for WA from 2025-2030 would supply the State with an additional 9850MW of power — if they all come to fruition. 'We have demonstrated since 2022, that as we are transitioning the system, that we have managed to do that in a sensible and planned transition,' she said. 'We have got both hands on the wheel, and we are managing the projects that are coming into the system to provide that generation. 'The Independent Market Operator has indicated that we have significant battery storage on the system, that we've got a good pipeline of renewable energy generation coming into the system. 'We are doing everything we can to ensure that we maintain energy reliability and security, whilst meeting the growing demand of industry and residents. 'We don't just want to keep the lights on. We want to make sure that industry is able to decarbonise as well, within the SWIS.' Despite the move to renewables, the WA Government has yet to legislate a commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Ms Sanderson said work was being undertaken 'to set a credible pathway to net zero by 2050'. 'As the Commonwealth regulates greenhouse gas emissions, the State Government is reviewing the legislation that was introduced in the last term and working through levers available to set a credible pathway to net zero by 2050,' she said. Although Roger Cook is adamant he will contest the next election as Premier, within political circles there is speculation he will pull the pin before the 2029 poll. Ms Sanderson and Treasurer and deputy leader Rita Saffioti are seen as the two main contenders for the top job. Ms Sanderson dispute suggestions she and Ms Saffioti are political enemies. 'I like working with Rita and I really respect her. I've enjoyed working with Rita, particularly over the last few months in this portfolio,' Ms Sanderson said. 'She is an excellent Treasurer, and she's got a really ambitious manufacturing program in transport, and we will be working really closely together to deliver on the Premier's priorities.' Asked whether she still harbours premiership ambitions, Ms Sanderson said: 'I want Roger to be (a long-term) Premier.'
Express Tribune
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
More players join PCB Skills Camp
The PCB skills camp is in full swing at the National Cricket Academy and is a good initiative which will help the players to remain fit and prepared for international assignments. PHOTO: PCB Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday invited a second batch of players for the second phase of the Skills Development camp after the first phase, featuring 15 players, concluded here at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) on Saturday. The players invited in the second batch include Aamer Jamal, Ali Raza, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Hussain Talat, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Faiq, Mohammad Nawaz, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shahid Aziz and Yasir Khan. According to the cricket board, the players participated in several fitness and fielding sessions from 6am to 8am, while skill-based sessions (net practice) were held from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground and NCA from Monday to Thursday. They also engaged in match scenarios at the LCCA Ground on the final two days of the Skills Development camp. First batch of Pakistan players for Skills Development camp: Aamer Jamal, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Babar Azam, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza and Sufiyan Moqim. Notably, a total of 47 players had been shortlisted to participate in the camp in three groups from June 16 to July 5 and following the conclusion of the first phase, the PCB has also announced the names of 15 players, set to partake in the second phase from June 23 to 28. Director High-Performance Aaqib Javed, in a statement released by the PCB, had shared that the players were invited to the camp after 'detailed discussions' with newly-appointed white-ball head coach Mike Hesson. Javed said that the camp would provide the 47 players with an opportunity to fine-tune their skills during a brief pause from competitive cricket. "We have invited 47 players to the 20-day skills camp at the National Cricket Academy following detailed discussions with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson," said Javed. "This is an invaluable opportunity for the players to take a brief pause from competitive cricket and focus on enhancing their fitness and refining key aspects of their game. With a busy international calendar ahead, this window allows us to provide targeted support to the players, so they can return better prepared for the challenges to come," he added. "There is a complete alignment between the coaching staff at the National Cricket Academy and the national men's team. We are working in close coordination to ensure that every initiative contributes to the long-term progress of Pakistan cricket," he concluded. Hasan Ali joins elite T20 club of Pak bowlers Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali has reached a significant milestone in T20 cricket, becoming the ninth Pakistani and 39th overall player to take 300 wickets in the shortest format. The 31-year-old achieved the feat while representing Birmingham Bears in the ongoing Men's Vitality Blast 2025. He reached the landmark in just 212 matches, highlighting his consistency and effectiveness in T20 cricket. With this achievement, Hasan has joined an elite group of Pakistani bowlers that includes Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Amir. In the ongoing Vitality Blast season, Hasan has been in solid form, picking up 12 wickets in six matches at an average of 17.33. However, his economy rate of 9.38 suggests there's room for improvement in containing runs. Former pacer Wahab Riaz leads the list for Pakistan with 413 wickets in 348 T20 matches. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's Rashid Khan leads the all-time T20 wicket-takers list with an impressive 643 wickets in 477 matches. Most T20 wickets by Pakistani bowlers: Wahab Riaz – 413 wickets, Sohail Tanvir – 389 wickets, Mohammad Amir – 384 wickets, Imad Wasim – 365 wickets, Shahid Afridi – 347 wickets, Shadab Khan – 345 wickets, Haris Rauf – 321 wickets, Shaheen Afridi – 310 wickets and Hasan Ali – 301 wickets.
