AI-powered robot butler unveiled

Norwegian robotics firm 1X has introduced NEOGamma, an AI-powered humanoid robot designed for household chores like vacuuming, cleaning and serving tea.

Unlike previous bipedal robots focused on speed and movement, NEO Gamma prioritises practicality. It features a soft fabric suit from Japanese manufacturer Shima Seiki to appear more human-like and operates quietly at just 10 dB. Using motion capture data, it performs tasks naturally and responds to voice commands via built-in microphones.

Banking on “bank soil” for wealth luck

Desperate for financial success, some people in China are buying “bank soil” from online sellers who claim it brings wealth. Priced up to 888 yuan ($120), the soil is collected from potted plants or green spaces outside major banks, including the Bank of China and ICBC.

Sellers promise a high success rate, even recording the collection process to prove authenticity. While mocked on social media, the trend has gained traction, with business owners hoping it boosts profits. Videos of people digging up and bagging the soil have circulated online, though they face no legal consequences beyond possible property damage accusations.

Giant sinkholes threaten Brazilian town

Buriticupu, a town of 55,000 people in the Brazilian Amazon, faces destruction as giant ravines expand rapidly due to erosion-prone soil, poor urban planning, deforestation and heavy rains.

Authorities have evacuated 1,200 residents from high-risk areas, but the crisis worsens. Over the past decade, a single sinkhole has swallowed three streets and over 50 houses. Experts identified 26 giant holes, some merging into ravines up to 20 metres deep. Fearful residents stay awake during heavy rains as the ground collapses.

The local government has declared a state of public calamity, but lacks the resources to halt the crisis. Many fear that without intervention, the entire town could disappear.

Student sues school for graduating illiterate

Aleysha Ortiz, 19, is suing Hartford Public High School for negligence after graduating with honours despite being unable to read or write. Born in Puerto Rico, she struggled with learning difficulties from a young age, but her school failed to provide adequate support. A month before graduation, tests confirmed she was virtually illiterate.

Ortiz used smartphone apps to complete assignments and even her college application to the University of Connecticut. However, she has since struggled in college and took a break for mental health reasons.

She is suing to hold the school accountable, hoping to prevent others from facing the same failure in education.

Published in Dawn, Young World, March 29th, 2025