Latest news with #droneTechnology
The Independent
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Ukraine claims win in Russia's slow battle for Sumy
Ukrainian forces have successfully halted Russia 's recent advance into the northern Sumy region, stabilising the front line near the border, Ukraine 's top military commander announced on Thursday. Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander in chief of Ukraine's armed forces, stated that these successes in Sumy have strategically prevented Russia from deploying approximately 50,000 troops, including elite airborne and marine brigades, to other critical areas of the front line. However, this claim could not be independently verified, and Russian officials have yet to issue a comment. Across the broader 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) front line, Russian forces have continued to make slow, incremental gains in certain sectors. These advances, however, have come at a significant cost in terms of troop casualties and armoured vehicles. The outnumbered Ukrainian army has increasingly relied on drone technology to counter Russian pressure. Despite months of US-led international efforts aimed at de-escalating the protracted conflict, which has now spanned more than three years, a resolution remains elusive. Sumy, the city which is the capital of the Ukrainian region of the same name, had a prewar population of around 250,000. It lies about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the front line. Russia's push into the Sumy region earlier this year compelled Ukraine to strengthen its defenses there. A special defense group has been formed to improve security in Sumy and surrounding communities, Syrskyi said. It's focusing on improving fortifications and accelerating construction of defensive barriers. In March, Ukrainian forces withdrew from much of Russia's neighboring Kursk region, parts of which they had controlled after a surprise cross-border attack in August. That retreat enabled Russia to launch a counteroffensive that advanced between 2-12 kilometers (1-7 miles) into Ukrainian territory, according to different estimates. Ukrainian officials say fierce fighting is also taking place in the eastern Donetsk region. The Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday that its forces have captured two villages, Novoserhiivka and Shevchenko, in Donetsk. Capturing Shevchenko marked an important stage in Russia's ongoing offensive that is trying to break into Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, which borders Donetsk and is a major industrial center, according to the Defense Ministry. Meanwhile, the two sides continued to launch long-range strikes. Russia's Defense Ministry said that 50 Ukrainian drones were downed over nine regions overnight, including three over the Moscow region. Ukraine's air force said that Russia deployed 41 Shahed and decoy drones across the country overnight, wounding five people. It said that 24 drones were either intercepted or jammed.
Sustainability Times
23-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'They Gave the Drone an Elephant Trunk': Flexible Robot Arm Grabs, Bends, and Slips Into Tightest Spaces With Shocking Precision
IN A NUTSHELL 🐘 Researchers at the University of Hong Kong have developed the Aerial Elephant Trunk (AET) , a flexible robotic arm for drones. , a flexible robotic arm for drones. 🚁 The AET is inspired by an elephant's trunk and allows drones to maneuver in tight and complex environments. in tight and complex environments. 🔧 This innovation eliminates the need for conventional grippers, enabling drones to handle objects of various sizes and shapes. and shapes. 🌍 The development of the AET is set to drive growth in the low-altitude economy, enhancing drone applications in industries like logistics and public safety. The intersection of innovation and nature-inspired technology has taken a fascinating turn with the development of the Aerial Elephant Trunk (AET). This extraordinary creation stems from the efforts of researchers at the University of Hong Kong, who have designed a flexible, trunk-like robotic arm capable of attaching to drones. This advancement opens new possibilities for drones, allowing them to perform complex tasks in challenging environments where rigid tools fall short. As drones continue to revolutionize industries from disaster response to infrastructure maintenance, the AET stands out as a beacon of progress, offering unprecedented adaptability and functionality. The Innovation Behind the Aerial Elephant Trunk Inspired by the remarkable dexterity of an elephant's trunk, the Aerial Elephant Trunk represents a significant leap forward in drone technology. Traditional drone arms typically rely on rigid structures with limited range and maneuverability. In contrast, the AET employs a soft, flexible design, enabling it to grasp and manipulate objects of various sizes and shapes with ease. This adaptability is a game-changer, allowing drones to perform tasks in complex and unpredictable environments. Professor Peng Lu, leading the team at the University of Hong Kong, emphasizes the AET's ability to change its shape, which is crucial for handling diverse aerial manipulation tasks. The AET's design eliminates the need for conventional grippers, which often struggle with weight and size constraints. Instead, the arm wraps around objects, providing a secure grip without traditional gripping mechanisms. This innovation not only expands the operational capacity of drones but also paves the way for more sophisticated applications in industries ranging from logistics to public safety. 'Say Goodbye to Solar Panels': New Origami Energy Cell Generates Power Anywhere With Revolutionary Foldable Tech Unmatched Performance in Challenging Environments The AET excels in environments where traditional drones falter. Its flexible structure allows it to navigate narrow pipelines, maneuver around obstacles, and perform precise tasks in confined spaces. This capability is particularly valuable in disaster response, where drones equipped with AET arms can remove debris from collapsed structures or damaged power lines. The combination of reach and precision makes the AET indispensable for inspecting and repairing infrastructure that is otherwise difficult to access. By overcoming the limitations of rigid arms, the AET opens new avenues for drone applications. Its ability to adapt to different shapes and sizes enhances its utility in unpredictable situations, making it a vital tool for emergency responders and maintenance teams. As the technology continues to evolve, the potential for AET-equipped drones in various sectors is immense, promising to transform how we approach complex aerial tasks. 'China Risks $117 Billion Collapse': This Scientist's Rare-Earth-Free Super Magnet Could Wreck an Entire National Industry Driving the Growth of the Low-Altitude Economy The introduction of technologies like the AET is set to drive significant growth in the low-altitude economy, which encompasses sectors such as aerial logistics, infrastructure monitoring, and remote area servicing. As countries increasingly adopt drones for industrial and emergency applications, the demand for advanced systems like the AET is expected to rise. Professor Lu and his team are committed to enhancing aerial manipulation performance and reliability, setting the stage for more versatile drone systems. The success of the AET highlights the potential for drones to become essential tools in public safety, energy maintenance, and beyond. By expanding the capabilities of drones, the AET not only extends their reach but also redefines their role in various industries. This innovation aligns with the broader trend of integrating technology into infrastructure management and emergency response, offering practical solutions to complex challenges. 'Robot Skin Heals Itself': Scientists Unveil Breakthrough Tech That Repairs Damage Instantly Without Any Human Intervention The Future of Aerial Robotics As the study published in Nature Communications demonstrates, the AET marks a significant step forward in aerial robotics. Its unique combination of flexibility and functionality challenges conventional notions of what drones can achieve. This breakthrough not only enhances the operational capabilities of drones but also inspires further advancements in the field of soft robotics. Aerial robotics is poised for a transformative era, with the AET paving the way for more dynamic and adaptable systems. These developments hold the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries, from logistics to public safety, showcasing the profound impact of integrating nature-inspired designs into modern technology. With these advancements, we are left to ponder: What other natural phenomena could inspire the next wave of technological innovation? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (27)
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Red Cat Holdings (NasdaqCM:RCAT) Raises US$47 Million in Equity Offering
Red Cat Holdings recently completed a follow-on equity offering, raising $46.75 million, which could have positively influenced its share price by addressing liquidity concerns. However, the announcement of a class action lawsuit alleging exaggerated production and contract values introduced potential uncertainty. Concurrently, Red Cat's support for U.S. executive orders advancing drone technology might bolster its strategic alignment, potentially offsetting some negative impacts. Despite these developments, the 27% price increase for the quarter is contrasted against the overall market's 10% annual rise, indicating Red Cat's price move is notably divergent from broader market trends. We've identified 4 possible red flags for Red Cat Holdings (1 is a bit concerning) that you should be aware of. AI is about to change healthcare. These 22 stocks are working on everything from early diagnostics to drug discovery. The best part - they are all under $10b in market cap - there's still time to get in early. Over the last five years, Red Cat Holdings' total shareholder return has increased by a very large percentage, showing substantial growth when compared to its shorter-term market performance. Within the past year, Red Cat outpaced both the general US market and the US Electronic industry, which returned 10% and 15.4% respectively. This highlights the company's significant upward trend despite current challenges. Recent corporate actions, such as the follow-on equity offering and support for technological regulations, could influence revenue positively, aligning with forecast revenue growth of over 100% per year. However, legal uncertainties might impact earnings projections, as the company remains unprofitable and is not expected to achieve profitability within the next three years. The share price remains volatile, yet analysts are consistent in forecasting a substantial increase, with a price target nearly doubling the current share price, suggesting market confidence in Red Cat's future potential despite present hurdles. Understand Red Cat Holdings' earnings outlook by examining our growth report. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NasdaqCM:RCAT. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Xabi Alonso introduces drones to Real Madrid training
A head-turning technological introduction at the training ground of La Liga giants Real Madrid has on Friday been revealed. This comes amid confirmation that drones were made use of by Xabi Alonso and his staff on Thursday evening. Advertisement Real Madrid are of course in the early stages of something of a new era at present. Following the dismissal of long-time head coach Carlo Ancelotti, the aforementioned Alonso has taken up the reins, bringing with him new ideas, motivations and, as alluded to above, technologies. As per a report from Marca: 'The Tolosa-born coach used Thursday's session in West Palm Beach to record his players with a drone . This new technology, never before used by the Madrid club in training, will allow Xabi Alonso and his entire staff to gather additional information and data on their squad.' Turning attentions away from the training ground and back towards the pitch, Real Madrid will mark their return to action this coming Sunday. Advertisement After a disappointing 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal in their opening fixture at the Club World Cup, Los Blancos are set to lock horns with Mexican outfit Pachuca in another group stage clash. Conor Laird – GSFN
Forbes
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
Russia-Ukraine Are Fighting An Energy War
The brutal war between Russia and Ukraine has a central energy dimension that sets a precedent for other conflicts in the future. Calling this conflict an energy war isn't an exaggeration. It doesn't mean, however, a struggle for resources like oil and gas or critical minerals vital to non-carbon technologies. Instead, it underlines that powerplants, transmission lines, oil refineries, and other such infrastructure are primary targets for both sides. For Russia, this began soon after its initial invasion failed to seize control of Kyiv and Ukraine's government. Kremlin strategy turned to an overall three-pronged program of attacks on civilians, military sites, and the electrical grid, with the main focus on the latter two. As for Ukraine, its targeting of sites in Russia only began in 2024, after Western governments finally gave their permission for employing their long-range weapons across the border. At that point, the Ukrainian military began going after Russian oil refineries and oil storage facilities. These attacks proved effective in seriously damaging several major refineries far from the Russian border, such as Ryazan near Moscow and Volgograd near the north end of the Caspian Sea, with at least 15 others struck one or more times. In 2025, Ukraine has turned to drone technology, creating its own hard- and software, avoiding any need for permission. The attack of June 1, codenamed 'Spider's Web,' in which dozens of drones were dispatched to each bomber site, can be considered a statement that no target in Russia is safe. A similar attack on refineries in particular would be an even greater disaster for the Kremlin. The rationale for attacking energy sites is different for the two countries but overlapping. Ukraine targets refineries and storage sites since these are where high-value fuels (gasoline, jet fuel, diesel) are produced and stockpiled. These fuels generate more revenue than crude oil on a per-unit volume basis and have remained a key source of cash for Russia's war economy. Militarily, they are particularly vulnerable, filled as they are with highly flammable liquids and gases. Data on the last two years of attacks shows them to be an increasing focus of Ukrainian strikes. Moscow's assaults on energy infrastructure are degrading Ukraine's grid, impacting basic services of every kind, turning daily life into a constant struggle. To that end, Russian attacks on such targets have been especially intense in the late fall and winter, as the cold weather sets in. Among the most consequential strikes have been on large power plants, such as the Kakhovka hydropower dam, a major facility on the Dnieper River. In June 2023, the dam suffered explosions and failed, flooding downstream towns and villages, with hundreds drowned and still missing. Though Russia accused Ukraine of the catastrophe, Russian soldiers have been identified in attacks of at least six other hydropower installations. In the first months of the war, Russian troops shelled and took possession of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southeastern Ukraine. With six reactors and a total capacity of 5.7 billion watts, this is the largest power plant in all Europe and larger than any in Russia itself. Explosions, gunfire, and drone attacks have repeatedly threatened the plant, causing damage to buildings and equipment. Close monitoring and visitation of the site by teams from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, have confirmed that all reactors are shut down and, together with the spent fuel pool, remain intact with no radiation leaks at this writing. Yet the 'dangers to nuclear safety continue to be very real and ever-present,' according to Raphael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA. The agency has also had to send teams to the Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, and South Ukraine nuclear plants, which suffered loss of power from Russian attacks, briefly affecting reactor cooling systems. Overall, despite near-heroic efforts to make quick repairs, Ukraine's grid system has been reduced by 50% or more. At the same time, Moscow has ordered its military to avoid attacking any of the major gas pipelines running through Ukraine, in the hope that these might be used again for sending gas to Europe once total victory is achieved. In the meantime, Kyiv shut off the last of such flow on January 1, 2025, marking the end of a 60-year era of connection. As for the future, there is no doubt that if peace can be achieved, many billions of dollars will have to be spent before Ukraine can again supply its economy and people with the energy needed for a fully functioning state.
