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BBC News
a day ago
- Science
- BBC News
EleBot the revolutionary 3D printed elephant robot
We are never short of a robot story here at Newsround, but this one is particularly cute! Check out EleBot, an adorable robot elephant who can perform tricks like picking flowers and going bowling. However, EleBot isn't just cute, it's also paving the way for the future of because EleBot was created using technology that was inspired by real elephants. When creating the robotic elephant researchers from Switzerland's EPFL University used special 3D printed 'tissues'. These 'tissues' are what makes EleBot so scientists used a "lattice structure" to build the robot - this makes it strong yet also able to move smoothly and perform actions like picking flowers or kicking a is an important step for engineers in creating robots that can move like real animals. By using the special structure and technology scientists were able to build the robotic elephant with a soft trunk that can twist, bend and this, scientists have struggled to recreate the complex arrangement of muscles and bones of living use of 3D printing shows how technology can be used to create muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones that have a vast range of that is an exciting development for the future of robots.
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Swiss AI For Public Good: A ProSocial AI Blueprint For The World?
Cow in Swiss Montains Current Artificial intelligence development resembles a high-stakes race between tech giants. But Switzerland has chosen a different path. The Swiss AI Initiative's forthcoming large language model represents more than just another technological milestone, it embodies a transformative vision of how AI can be systematically designed, deployed and governed to serve humanity's highest aspirations. The Swiss Approach: Public Infrastructure For Public Good ETH Zurich and EPFL announced in July 2025 that they will release a groundbreaking large language model developed entirely on public infrastructure. Trained on the "Alps" supercomputer at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre the new LLM marks a milestone in open-source AI and multilingual excellence. This 70-billion parameter model, scheduled for release in late summer 2025, represents a radical departure from the proprietary, closed-source models that dominate today's AI landscape. The model represents a significant milestone in open AI development, offering multilingual fluency in over 1,000 languages and dialects. The initiative emerged from the Swiss National AI Institute, created in October 2024 by ETH Zurich and EPFL to provide a long-term and national perspective on AI-based research, education and innovation. Rather than pursuing general-purpose models that compete with ChatGPT, Switzerland aims to develop large language models for specific applications in fields such as science, education, healthcare, robotics and climate studies. The ProSocial AI Framework: 4 T's For Transformative Technology The Swiss model exemplifies what scholars and practitioners call ProSocial AI — a comprehensive methodology to ensure artificial intelligence serves as a catalyst for human flourishing and planetary well-being. ProSocial AI offers principles for the design, deployment and governance of an approach that results in AI systems that are deliberately tailored, trained, tested and targeted to uplift people and planet. It represents more than mere ethical guidelines; it's a strategic reimagining of AI's role in society. The ProSocial AI methodology centers on 4T's framework — Tailored, Trained, Tested, and Targeted — which are embodied by Switzerland's initiative. Let's examine how each principle manifests in this project: Unlike generic AI models designed for broad consumer use, Switzerland's approach prioritizes specialized applications. The Swiss model is tailored to excel in domains where the country has established expertise and where AI can deliver maximum societal benefit. This targeted approach ensures that computational resources and research efforts focus on solving real-world problems rather than creating yet another general-purpose chatbot. The multilingual capabilities spanning over 1,000 languages reflect Switzerland's commitment to inclusivity and global accessibility. By prioritizing linguistic diversity, the model ensures that AI benefits extend beyond dominant languages to serve marginalized communities worldwide. The Swiss model's training on public infrastructure represents a fundamental shift toward transparency and accountability. Unlike proprietary models trained on undisclosed datasets, this initiative emphasizes open processes that can be scrutinized, validated and improved by the global research community. This approach addresses critical concerns about AI bias, data quality and algorithmic transparency. By making the training process public, Switzerland enables other nations and institutions to learn from, replicate and improve upon their methodology. ProSocial AI demands rigorous testing not just for technical performance but for societal impact. AI must be tailored to specific needs, trained on diverse data to reduce bias, tested for ethical performance and targeted at solving measurable societal challenges. Switzerland's focus on scientific, educational and healthcare applications ensures that the model undergoes domain-specific validation in areas where accuracy and reliability are paramount. The public nature of the project enables independent researchers to conduct comprehensive evaluations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability that private initiatives often lack. Rather than pursuing AI for its own sake, Switzerland's initiative targets specific societal challenges where AI can make a measurable difference. The focus on science, education, healthcare, robotics and climate studies reflects a strategic alignment with global priorities and Switzerland's national strengths. This targeted approach ensures that AI development serves clear societal purposes rather than merely advancing technological capabilities. By prioritizing ethics, sustainability, and inclusivity, ProSocial AI ensures that AI becomes a forceful tool for fostering long-term health for individuals, communities, and the planet. A Model For Global Collaboration As of February 2025 Switzerland had no dedicated AI laws. Rather than a comprehensive approach to AI regulation, Switzerland is taking a tailored approach, focusing on implementing the Council of Europe's AI Convention and making targeted adjustments to existing laws. Instead of a Swiss equivalent of the EU AI Act, Switzerland is focusing on sector-specific adjustments and non-binding measures to promote responsible AI practices. By developing AI on public infrastructure and releasing it as open-source, Switzerland demonstrates that nations can maintain technological sovereignty while contributing to global knowledge commons. Their LLM initiative also signals a shift toward more collaborative and transparent AI development. This model stands in stark contrast to the diverse regulatory approaches emerging globally. The European Union has implemented the EU AI Act, which entered into force on 1 August 2024 and will be fully applicable on 2 August 2026. The EU's risk-based approach bans applications that create unacceptable risk, such as government-run social scoring of the type used in China, while subjecting high-risk applications to specific legal requirements. Meanwhile, China focuses on state control and AI ethics, while the US relies on a market-driven approach, lacking federal oversight but allowing state-level AI regulations. Singapore offers yet another model with the ambition that decisions made by AI should be explainable, transparent and fair. Their GenAI Framework is the first step towards fostering a trusted ecosystem for generative AI. Switzerland's approach is particularly relevant as nations worldwide grapple with these varied AI governance challenges. The AI dilemma (balancing safety with innovation) is universal, yet each jurisdiction pursues unique solutions. The new model aligns with the EU framework while maintaining its commitment to innovation and openness, potentially offering a middle path that combines regulatory rigor with collaborative development. Practical Takeaways: 4 A's For Global Implementation ProSocial artificial intelligence is a transformative approach aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It advocates for AI systems centered on human values, equity, and global cooperation. And the Swiss AI Initiative offers valuable lessons for citizens and leaders worldwide in that pursuit. 4 A's can help citizens to start implementing ProSocial AI principles even if they do not live in Switzerland: Examine the AI tools you use daily. Questions worth exploring: Are they transparent about their training data and decision-making processes? Do they reflect diverse perspectives and values? How much control do you have over the AI systems that affect your daily life, and what are the implications of relying on foreign, proprietary AI platforms? Support organizations and initiatives that prioritize open-source AI development and transparent governance. Explore opportunities to advocate for AI literacy programs in your communities. Look for ways to support public AI infrastructure and research capabilities in your region, perhaps by backing initiatives that focus on specific domains where your community has expertise rather than competing directly with tech giants. Explore possibilities to support policies that require transparency in AI systems that affect public welfare. Advocate for legal frameworks that incorporate the 4 T's approach for AI systems used in public services. Support international partnerships for sharing AI research and best practices, following Switzerland's example of contributing to global knowledge commons. Recognize that AI development is a collective endeavor where public awareness and engagement can shape outcomes. Small actions — from choosing transparent AI tools to supporting open-source initiatives — contribute to a broader movement toward beneficial AI. Remember that the most sustainable AI strategies may emerge from collaboration rather than competition. Switzerland's approach suggests that communities can maintain technological sovereignty while contributing to shared global knowledge. Switzerland's AI for Public Good initiative represents more than a technological achievement; it offers one possible roadmap for how communities might harness artificial intelligence to serve broader human aspirations. By exploring the ProSocial AI framework and the 4T's methodology, citizens worldwide can consider how AI development might serve not just economic interests but the broader goals of human flourishing and planetary well-being. The Swiss model suggests that in the age of artificial intelligence, sustainable competitive advantage may come less from having the largest AI model than from having the most thoughtful, transparent, and socially beneficial one. As we navigate an AI-transformed world, Switzerland's approach offers one example of how technology might be developed as a force for good — if we choose to pursue that path.
News24
03-07-2025
- Science
- News24
Facing climate change, Swiss trees get mist before they're missed
Swiss pine trees are being sprayed with mist as part of a trial to understand how drier or wetter air may affect their ability to survive. Switzerland is experiencing increasingly dry summers - by 2060, there will be 25% less rain in summer, and droughts will last longer. The objective of the trial is to develop forestry strategies and influence the choice of tree species to plant in future. For more climate change news and analysis, go to News24 Climate Future. In a Swiss pine forest, the treetops are being sprayed with mist in a bid to discover the effect that drier or wetter air has on their ability to survive. Eighteen scaffolding towers have been erected between the trees in the Pfynwald in Switzerland's southern Wallis region. High-pressure nozzles mounted on the towers spray vapour over the canopy of some 60 Scots pines, standing 15 metres tall. The study is a unique experiment designed to separate out and analyse the different effects of soil drought and air dryness in a natural forest ecosystem. "The goal is not to spray forests to save them, but to understand why a lack of water in the atmosphere has such a significant impact on forests," project director Charlotte Grossiord told AFP. The trial is being conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). The vapour studies aim to measure the rate of dieback in trees, where the leaves and branches start to wither away. It should help experts anticipate when similar forests will be affected, said Giovanni Bortolami, one of the researchers. The objective is to develop forestry strategies and influence the choice of tree species to plant in future, as Switzerland experiences increasingly dry summers. By 2060, there will be 25% less rain in the summer and droughts will generally last longer, the environment ministry has said. Another goal is to better understand tree mortality, given that trees "allow us to estimate the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere", with CO2 being the main climate-warming greenhouse gas, said Grossiord, a professor of plant ecology. Thirsty air The Pfynwald is one of the biggest continuous Scots pine forests in Europe. It counts roughly a thousand trees, all around a century old. At 615 metres above sea level, and surrounded by towering Alpine mountains in the Rhone river valley, the forest is one of the hottest and driest places in Switzerland - ideal conditions for the researchers. They have been working in the Pfynwald since 2003, studying the dieback of Scots pines due to soil dryness. Some parts of the forest are irrigated, while in others, translucent plastic prevents rainwater from reaching the soil. The mist-creating sprays were introduced last year to study the effects of air dryness, as climate change is resulting in another worrying environmental parameter: thirsty air. At equal humidity, warm air is more "thirsty" than cold air. This "thirst" is called vapour pressure deficit (VPD). VPD is a major factor in determining how much water trees will evaporate through their leaves. With global warming, VPD is increasing, which can cause water stress in vegetation. "Imagine a glass of water in a desert and a glass of water in a rainforest. The temperature is the same. The glass of water empties very quickly in the desert, but not in the rainforest," said Bortolami. It's "exactly the same for trees", which evaporate much more water if the air is drier and therefore "consume water from the soil more quickly", the plant ecophysiology researcher explained. Surprising results The nozzles diffuse water vapour onto part of the canopy during the day to reduce air "thirst" by about 20-30%. The researchers then compare the data with the trees that did not get the water vapour spray. Cables on the forest floor are hooked up to sensors on the tree trunks, which continuously measure their diameter and sap flow - an indicator of water stress. The researchers take other monthly measurements on site. The study will continue until 2028. The initial results show that a lack of water in the soil speeds up the dieback of foliage - an expected outcome for the researchers. "However, we observed that a dry atmosphere will slow down the dieback process rather than speed it up. That's what really surprised us," said Grossiord. The measurements revealed that with less moisture in the atmosphere, trees close their pores to conserve water. But these acclimatisation mechanisms can only help a tree so much. In the Pfynwald, as in other dry Alpine valleys, Scots pines are dying out while young oak trees, some only waist high, are taking their place.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers make crucial discovery on journey toward limitless energy machine: 'A much more reliable method'
Scientists at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne have developed a solution that prevents fusion reactors from overheating, reported. The breakthrough centers on a clever design called the X-point target radiator. This innovation adds a second magnetic control point to tokamak fusion reactors, creating a safety valve that sheds dangerous excess heat before it can damage the reactor walls. Fusion reactors face a massive heat management problem. These doughnut-shaped devices, called tokamaks, use powerful magnetic fields to contain plasma heated to over 100 million degrees Celsius. When this superhot plasma touches the reactor walls, it can cause severe damage that shortens the reactor's lifespan and hurts performance. The Swiss research team discovered that adding a secondary X-point along the reactor's heat exhaust channel creates localized radiation that pulls heat away from sensitive areas. Think of it like adding a second drain to prevent your bathtub from overflowing. "Reducing divertor heat loads is a key challenge for future fusion power plants," Kenneth Lee, first author of the paper, told The EPFL team used its TCV tokamak's unique magnetic shaping abilities to test this concept. Experiments showed the X-point target radiator stays stable across a range of operating conditions, making it much more reliable than previous heat management approaches. "We found that the X-point target radiator is highly stable and can be sustained over a wide range of operational conditions, potentially offering a much more reliable method for handling power exhaust in a fusion power plant," Lee said. Fusion energy could change how we power our world. Unlike coal and gas, fusion creates massive amounts of electricity without producing harmful gases or long-lived radioactive waste. A single fusion plant could power entire cities on fuel extracted from seawater. The X-point target radiator makes fusion power plants more practical by solving the overheating problem that has plagued reactor designs. This means fusion plants could run longer and more efficiently, reducing electricity costs for everyone. Commonwealth Fusion Systems and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology plan to include the X-point target design in their upcoming SPARC reactor, which looks to demonstrate commercial fusion power. Should the government be paying us to upgrade our homes? Definitely Depends on how much it costs Depends on what it's for No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Diversifying our energy sources with fusion power would dramatically reduce air pollution from coal and gas plants. Cleaner air means fewer respiratory problems, heart disease cases, and premature deaths in communities near power plants. Fusion power could slash electricity bills once the technology scales up. The fuel comes from abundant hydrogen isotopes found in seawater, making long-term operating costs extremely low. Cities and companies investing in fusion power could reap major savings compared to volatile coal and gas prices. The stable costs of fusion electricity would help businesses plan budgets and keep energy affordable for residents. The SPARC reactor incorporating this heat management technology is scheduled for testing in the coming years. If successful, commercial fusion plants using the X-point target radiator could begin operating in the 2030s. The researchers will continue refining their approach with high-power experiments and simulations. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Forbes
26-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Switzerland Transformed Itself Into A Deep Tech Global Leader
ETH Zurich has become a world leader for spin-out tech firms Most people asked to name the world's leading locations for technology innovation would probably point to Silicon Valley or, on the other side of the Atlantic, Cambridge and Oxford in the UK, or even Israel. However, new data charts the quiet rise of another global leader: Switzerland has developed into one of the world's most exciting deep tech ecosystems, the report claims. The Swiss Deep Tech Report 2025, published by Startupticker and the venture capital investment firms Founderful and Kickfund, reveals that Swiss deep tech companies have now collectively created more than $100 billion worth of enterprise value. Switzerland now ranks first in Europe and third worldwide in terms of venture capital funding per capita, the report points out. There is more to come, argues Alex Stöckl, the founding partner of Founderful. 'The trajectory of the past five years suggests we're going to see even more growth over the next five years,' Stöckl says. 'What is to come is crazy: we're now tracking 200 super-early deep tech companies in an ecosystem that is set to grow exponentially.' By 'deep tech', the report founders mean technology developed out of academic or scientific research and development – as opposed to innovation from an entrepreneur. Switzerland's advantage in this regard is that it is home to two of the world's leading scientific universities; ETH Zurich and EPFL, based in Lausanne, have seen more spin-out businesses than any university in Europe other than Oxford and Cambridge. The fact these institutions do not charge tuition fees – and levy only modest administration charges for foreign students – has attracted applications from students worldwide. And this influx of talent has also seen some of the world's biggest technology companies set up bases in Switzerland – Google, Microsoft, Meta and Nvidia all have significant operations in the country; they have recently been joined by artificial intelligence leaders including OpenAI and Anthropic. Certainly, AI is part of the Swiss story, with notable startups such as Neural Concept and raising $27.0 million and $16.6 million respectively over the past year. 'Zurich has quietly become an AI powerhouse,' says Nathan Benaich, the founding partner of Air Street Capital. 'With a deep pool of world-class engineers and researchers, anchored by the likes of Google, Meta, Apple, and Microsoft, and increasingly ambitious academic communities driven by ETHZ, the city is a prime ecosystem for creating AI-first companies.' However, other sectors also boast multiple success stories. In robotics, for example, Anybotics raised $60.0 million at the end of 2024 while RIVR picked up $22.0m last summer. Climate tech, medtech and biotech are all significant sub-sectors of the Swiss deep tech industry. Semiconductors and quantum computing are also important areas of focus. Investors also point to the growing co-operation between start-ups and established companies in Switzerland. 'Whatʼs especially compelling is how tech-forward Swiss corporates are stepping up and actively collaborating with spin-offs from world class institutions such as ETH and EPFL, serving as design partners and helping bring cutting-edge technologies to market,' says Andrei Brasoveanu, a partner at Accel. As a result, investment in Swiss deep tech businesses continues to grow. The report suggests they raised $1.9 billion last year, up from $1.4 billion in 2023 – and that the sector is on course to raise a further $2.3 billion in 2025. 'I see Switzerland as the Israel of Europe,' adds Stöckl. 'Switzerland has become a deep tech powerhouse on the global stage,' argues Nicolas Autret, a partner at Walden Catalyst Ventures. 'Swiss success stories like ANYbotics, Scandit, and Climeworks are due to the convergence of several factors ranging from Swiss academic excellence, a strong IP culture, and close collaboration with Swiss industrial leaders.' Established unicorn businesses in Switzerland with $1 billion-plus valuations include the latter two firms referenced by Autret, as well companies including Crispr Therapeutics, Proton and Sonar. But the report's authors are equally excited by emerging companies just beginning to take off. They cite examples including DePoly in the climatetech subsector, AI specialist Lakera, LimmaTech in biotechnology and Voliro in the spacetech arena. 'Switzerland's top-ranked innovation clusters in Zürich, Basel and the greater Lausanne/Geneva area have been using their existing strengths and unparalleled skills base to reposition and fortify in fields such as medical technology, biotech, robotics and AI applications,' says Sacha Wunsch-Vincent co-editor of the Global Innovation Index at the World Intellectual Property Organization. 'This puts Switzerland at the forefront of the next wave of global innovation.'
