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The Irish Sun
30-06-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Pitiful Chinese ‘footie robots' stumble through match in hilarious scenes – & one ‘injured' droid taken off on stretcher
TEAMS of football-playing robots have been filmed fumbling around the pitch as part of a new tournament in China. The Beijing-based ROBO League football tournament saw teams of humanoid robots kicking, scoring and tumbling through matches on Saturday. Advertisement 2 Using AI in the robots means they can kick, dribble, plan, make decisions, cooperate and shoot completely on their own Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Four teams faced off in a series of three-on-three games, with the robots operating autonomously using artificial intelligence (AI). Visual sensors in the robots act as their eyes, so they can identify the ball navigate the field. Using AI in the robots means they can kick, dribble, plan, make decisions, cooperate and shoot completely on their own. Human research teams sat on the sidelines watching robots exercise their abilities in motion control, visual perception, positioning and navigation, decision-making, and multi-robot collaboration. Advertisement READ MORE ON ROBOTS The matches went ahead with little human intervention – besides a near pile-up when one robot fell over and nearly took out two others. But despite being designed to pick themselves up after falls, two robots still required stretchers from staff after 'injuries'. Other robots struggled to kick the ball. It is touted as China's first AI football competition. Advertisement Most read in Tech Exclusive It offers a glimpse into the upcoming World Humanoid Robot Games in August, which will also be held in Beijing. China is actively investing in AI and robotics, which is increasingly being utilised in sports. AI robot nurse with creepy 'face' taking over hospital jobs as it patrols halls, delivers meds and tracks patient vitals Cheng Hao, CEO of Booster Robotics, which supplied the robots, said competitions like these will help improve the robots more quickly. He also said that robots playing football with humans safely could build public trust in the future. Advertisement Booster Robotics provided the robot hardware, while university research teams developed their own AI algorithms for perception, decision-making, and game strategies. In the final match, Tsinghua University's THU Robotics defeated China Agricultural University's Mountain Sea team 5-3. 2 Despite being designed to pick themselves up after falls, two robots still required stretchers from staff after 'injuries' Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Read more about Artificial Intelligence Everything you need to know about the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence What is the popular AI How do you use Google's latest AI chatbot What is the AI image generator How do you use Snapchat's My AI tool? What are the What are the
The Irish Sun
18-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Brit holidaymakers warned of ‘perfect storm' this summer leaving you with massive bill – check 5 ‘red flags'
BRITISH holidaymakers are being warned they could be walking straight into a 'perfect storm' - all thanks to a surge in romance scams targeting tourists abroad. Across the UK, Brits are getting ready to start their summer holidays, packing suitcases, booking last-minute flights, and looking forward to relaxing in the sun. Advertisement 2 Scammers know that when people go on holiday, they let their guard down Credit: Getty But behind the scenes of holiday fun and relaxation, there's a growing threat many aren't aware of. Experts warn that criminals are preying on travellers' emotions — using carefully crafted lies, fake love stories, and emotional manipulation to scam unsuspecting victims. This summer, many people risk facing heartbreak and devastating financial losses if caught off guard. The warning comes as fraud analysts raise the alarm across popular tourist destinations like Spain, Greece and Italy, where scammers are increasingly preying on vulnerable British tourists. Advertisement Read more on Technology Scammers know that when people go on holiday, they let their guard down. They're more open to making connections, more likely to share personal details online, and often unfamiliar with local customs. This makes them ideal targets for Romance scams are no longer rare or isolated. Advertisement Most read in Tech Exclusive In fact, last year alone, over $1.3 billion was lost in romance scams in the UK cases are steadily climbing, with victims often too embarrassed to speak out. And these scams don't just play out on dating apps. Criminals are lurking on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and even LinkedIn. Advertisement They're also showing up in travel forums, Airbnb experiences, and WhatsApp groups – ready to charm their way into someone's confidence. Holiday romances might sound like harmless fun, but if someone you're chatting to online says they love you after two days, wants to talk about marriage before you've even met, or keeps cancelling plans to meet up, alarm bells should ring. Romance Scammer Jailed Again - Sharon's Story This kind of fast-forward intimacy is often a tactic known as love bombing – a classic move used by scammers. Other red flags include people who ask for money in emergencies – whether it's for a stolen passport, hospital bill or a sudden need to book a flight. Advertisement It's always urgent, and it's always fake. If someone insists you keep the relationship secret or pressures you to switch conversations to private apps like Telegram or WhatsApp, that's another sign something's wrong. McAfee has also warned about a rise in scams tailored specifically for the summer travel crowd. One common trick is the 'travel buddy' scam, where someone meets you on a travel app or forum and suggests tagging along on your trip. Advertisement Once you book flights or accommodation, they either disappear or show up expecting you to foot the bill for everything. Then there's the 'local lover' con – a charming local sweeps you off your feet, says they want to visit you in the UK, but needs help covering visa fees, insurance or a plane ticket. These stories are carefully scripted to tug at your heartstrings – and your wallet. Another risk comes from 'digital dating' scams abroad. Advertisement If your dating app suddenly starts buzzing the moment you land in a tourist hotspot, it's probably not a coincidence. Scammers use geo-location tools to target tourists in areas known for high visitor traffic, knowing people are often more emotionally open and less cautious when travelling. And in a modern twist, the 'crypto Casanova' scam is becoming more common. Here, someone builds a connection with you, casually mentioning their success with cryptocurrency. Advertisement Before long, they're offering to help you invest – but the platform they guide you to is fake, and once you send money, they vanish. While all of this might sound like a warning to avoid holiday romance altogether, McAfee says the key isn't fear – it's awareness. Travellers are being urged to stay smart online. The 5 red flags to avoid They move too fast. They avoid meeting in person or always have a reason to cancel. They need money—urgently. They ask you to keep the relationship private. They want to take the chat off-platform. That means not sharing too much personal information, especially travel details like hotel names or flight numbers. Advertisement Never send money to someone you've only met online, no matter how convincing their story sounds. Trust your instincts, but also use your head – if something feels off, it probably is. If someone claims to be in the same country as you but only replies in the middle of the night, that's a possible red flag. Likewise, if you've had a few drinks, think twice before sending sensitive messages or clicking on suspicious links. Advertisement Scammers often take advantage when people are relaxed and not thinking clearly. Always tell a friend back home who you're talking to. A second opinion can often spot things you might miss. And avoid using public Wi-Fi to access sensitive accounts or dating apps – use a secure VPN if you need to connect while travelling. Advertisement If you suspect you're being scammed, act quickly. Cut off all contact without warning or explanation. Block the person immediately and report them to the platform. If you've already sent money, inform your bank as soon as possible – they may be able to help. And most importantly, don't stay silent. Scammers rely on shame to keep victims from speaking out. You are not alone, and you're not foolish. These criminals are skilled manipulators with tried-and-tested tactics. 2 McAfee has also warned about a rise in scams tailored specifically for the summer travel crowd Credit: AFP Advertisement
The Irish Sun
25-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
What viral ‘tinfoil Wi-Fi boost' hack is REALLY doing to your internet connection as expert issues warning
HOUSEHOLDS have been urged to avoid a viral 'tinfoil' trick that is claimed to boost Wi-Fi performance. In a last-ditch attempt to boost their internet speeds, web surfers could be slowing it down instead. Advertisement 1 It's best to opt for tried-and-tested speed-boosting tricks, like keeping your router in an elevated space Credit: Getty In clips viewed nearly 60 million times on social media, people have been encouraging others to place a sheet of tinfoil behind their Wi-Fi router, according to Uswitch. The theory is that it will redirect scattered Wi-Fi signals back into the router to improve the connection. That way, the signals don't get lost or dispersed. It is similar to how a satellite dish functions. Advertisement READ MORE ON WI-FI But Richard Dowden, Uswitch's broadband expert, warns that any benefit of the bizarre 'hack' will be small. 'The tinfoil hack could make a tiny difference, as it will cause the Wi-Fi radio waves to be more narrowly focused," he explained. "However, the downside is that the tinfoil may block the Wi-Fi from going behind it, causing more problems." It can be easy to give into frustration, and turn to unusual methods of fixing a sluggish Wi-Fi. Advertisement Most read in Tech Exclusive But it's best to opt for tried-and-tested speed-boosting tricks, like keeping your router in an elevated space. Six objects affecting your Wi-Fi 'If you're concerned about Wi-Fi strength, try repositioning your router and running a speed test in different areas of your home to find the optimal spot," added Dowden. 'For the best broadband performance, place your router in a central location, elevated off the ground, and on a flat, open surface. "Avoid hiding it in enclosed spaces like cupboards or placing it near large obstructions like TVs or bookshelves." Advertisement Wi-Fi boosters or extenders are another good option. These are gadgets that pick up the Wi-Fi signals from your router and spit them out further into the home. 'If your connection is still lagging, consider investing in a Wi-Fi booster or extender - it's a far more reliable solution than tinfoil, which is best left in the kitchen," Dowden continued. 'However, if you're finding your broadband continues to have frequent interruptions, it might be time to consider switching providers to find the one best suited to your needs.' Advertisement APPLIANCES THAT INTERFERE WITH YOUR WI-FI Popular home appliances and electricals can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal when placed too near to your router. These include: Speakers TV Microwave Oven Christmas lights Refrigerator Dishwasher Washing machine Cordless phone Kettle Toaster Water pipes Other people's WiFi routers
