UN resolution

The U.N. Security Council on Monday adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution appealing for a swift end to the conflict and urging a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine, as the world marked the third anniversary since the full escalation of the crisis.

The resolution received 10 votes in favor, none against, and five abstentions including France, Britain, Denmark, Greece and Slovenia.

Robot performs front flip

A HUMANOID robot produced by Shenzhen Zhongqing Robotics successfully completed the world’s first front flip stunt, marking a significant advancement in robot mobility and flexibility.

Compared to a backflip, a front flip imposes higher demands on the robot’s dynamic balance, instant acceleration, and precise landing.

Through in-depth research on robot kinematics, advanced algorithms and sensor technology, Zhongqing’s engineering team accomplished this difficult maneuver. The Shenzhen-based startup, founded in October 2023, recently completed a funding round of 200 million yuan (US$27.5 million) backed by Middle Eastern investors.

Bridge collapse

TWO Chinese workers were among the victims of a highway bridge collapse accident in South Korea. The collapse occurred at a highway construction site yesterday in Cheonan, South Chungcheong province, burying 10 people. Of the 10, four died, five were severely injured, and another was slightly injured.

Boston Dynamics buys Unitree bots

MARC RAIBERT, founder of Boston Dynamics, said the U.S. robot maker’s Artificial Intelligence Institute has bought humanoid robots and many smaller bots from Chinese startup Unitree Robotics for testing and research purposes, Yicai reported.

Raibert noted that he attended the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai during his first visit to China last year, where he was impressed by Unitree’s demonstration and simultaneous release of 27 androids.