Bioinspired Robot Mimics Birds with Self-Launching Wings and Precise Flight Control

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Chinese engineers have introduced RoboFalcon 2.0, a cutting-edge flapping-wing robot capable of self-takeoff and controlled low-speed flight. The new model addresses two major limitations of its predecessor: the original RoboFalcon could not sustain slow flight and required external assistance to lift off. Weighing 800 grams, RoboFalcon 2.0’s reconfigurable wings combine flapping, sweeping, and folding in a single motion, closely imitating bird-like wing mechanics. This design allows for smoother takeoffs and enhanced pitch and roll control in midair, offering a significant step forward in avian-inspired robotics.

Unlike many previous bio-inspired flying machines that relied on simplified, one-dimensional wing movements typical of insects or hummingbirds, RoboFalcon 2.0 incorporates three-dimensional kinematics similar to those observed in birds and bats. This advancement allows the wings to generate lift and maneuverability more naturally, resulting in more efficient flight. According to experiments detailed in Science Advances, wind tunnel testing and simulations confirmed that the sweeping motion of the wings significantly improves lift and pitching stability, enabling precise control during low-speed flights.

A key innovation lies in the robot’s ability to achieve assisted-free takeoffs. By using flexible wing mechanics and coordinated ventral downstrokes paired with tucked upstrokes, RoboFalcon 2.0 produces enough thrust to launch itself independently. This system replicates natural bird flight patterns while keeping the flight control mechanisms less complex, a crucial factor for scalable robotic applications. The underactuated design ensures that the wings do the heavy lifting without overwhelming the control system.

In real-world demonstrations, RoboFalcon 2.0 successfully performed stable low-speed maneuvers and smooth takeoffs, marking a notable milestone for bio-inspired aerial robotics. Researchers believe that the integration of bird-like wing dynamics and self-launch capabilities could pave the way for next-generation flying robots in surveillance, environmental monitoring, and even rescue missions. By bridging the gap between natural avian flight and mechanical design, RoboFalcon 2.0 showcases how robotics can closely mimic the efficiency and adaptability of nature.

Databricks Partners with OpenAI to Deliver Enterprise AI Models

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Databricks announced on Thursday a partnership with OpenAI to bring the ChatGPT maker’s artificial intelligence models directly into its platforms for enterprise clients.

Under the deal, OpenAI’s models will be integrated into Databricks’ cloud-based analytics platform as well as its flagship Agent Bricks product, which helps businesses design, test, and scale custom AI applications and agents. The agreement is expected to generate $100 million in revenue, according to Databricks.

The move marks another step in OpenAI’s expansion beyond its long-time cloud partner Microsoft Azure, as it seeks to accelerate adoption of its tools among corporate users. For Databricks, the deal strengthens its hand against rival Snowflake, which is still in early development of its AI services.

“We’re seeing overwhelming demand from enterprise customers looking to build AI apps and agents on their data, tailored to their unique business needs,” said Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi.

OpenAI’s GPT-5 will serve as a flagship model for more than 20,000 Databricks enterprise customers, the company said.

The agreement builds on an existing partnership: OpenAI already uses Databricks to process AI data, which supports improvements in ChatGPT. Databricks was also among the first to host gpt-oss, OpenAI’s open-weight models that specialize in advanced reasoning.

The announcement comes shortly after Databricks closed a $1 billion funding round, pushing its valuation to $100 billion and securing its place among the world’s most valuable private tech firms.

Google Asks U.S. Supreme Court to Halt App Store Ruling in Epic Games Case

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Google has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block parts of an injunction that would force sweeping changes to its Play Store, as it prepares to appeal its antitrust loss to “Fortnite” maker Epic Games.

In a filing submitted late Wednesday, Google argued that the lower court order is “unprecedented” and would cause reputational harm, safety and security risks, while putting it at a competitive disadvantage.

Epic sued Google in 2020, claiming it monopolized app distribution and in-app payments on Android devices in violation of U.S. antitrust law. A jury sided with Epic in 2023, and Judge James Donato issued an injunction requiring Google to:

  • allow rival app stores inside the Play Store,

  • make its app catalog available to competitors, and

  • let developers add external links in apps so users can bypass Google’s billing system.

Google said the changes would affect over 100 million U.S. Android users and 500,000 developers, asking the Supreme Court to decide by October 17 whether to pause the order. The company plans to file its full appeal by October 27, setting up the possibility for the justices to review the case in their new term beginning October 6.

Epic dismissed Google’s arguments, saying it was using “flawed security claims” to maintain control over Android. “The court’s injunction should go into effect as ordered so consumers and developers can benefit from competition, choices and lower prices,” Epic said.

Earlier this year, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the injunction, noting evidence that Google’s conduct had entrenched its dominance. The full 9th Circuit later declined to revisit the case.

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney praised the ruling, saying developers and users would benefit from more openness in the Android ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Google continues to face other lawsuits from regulators, consumers, and businesses over its search and advertising practices, further intensifying its antitrust battles.