Amazon unveils AI upgrades to boost warehouse efficiency Amazon has announced a major leap forward in warehouse automation with a new initiative focused on “agentic AI” robots capable of performing multiple tasks. At its Silicon Valley Lab126 facility, the company revealed plans for warehouse robots that can unload trailers, retrieve repair parts, and even […]
Amazon unveils AI upgrades to boost warehouse efficiency
Amazon has announced a major leap forward in warehouse automation with a new initiative focused on “agentic AI” robots capable of performing multiple tasks. At its Silicon Valley Lab126 facility, the company revealed plans for warehouse robots that can unload trailers, retrieve repair parts, and even lift heavy objects in tight spaces—all on command.
“Agentic AI” refers to software that can act independently on natural language instructions, a key area of tech investment promising to streamline operations like scheduling. Yesh Dattatreya, head of the Lab126 robotics team, said this innovation will lead to faster deliveries and improved efficiency, especially during peak times like the holidays.
Beyond speed, Amazon claims the technology will also help cut carbon emissions and reduce waste by optimising warehouse operations. Currently, most warehouse robots are limited to single tasks, but the new agentic AI aims to transform them into adaptable assistants.
“With agentic AI, we’re creating systems that can understand and act on commands—turning robots into multi-talented helpers,” Amazon said in a statement.
Meta backs Illinois nuclear plant in first AI-driven energy deal
Meta has struck a groundbreaking deal with Constellation Energy to support the continued operation of the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois for 20 more years. The Clinton plant, producing 1,121 megawatts, powers about 800,000 US homes. Meta’s power purchase agreement, its first with a nuclear plant, will provide financial certainty to keep the plant running after its state subsidies expire in 2027.
As AI and data centre demand surge, tech companies are seeking reliable, low-carbon power. Google has inked deals to supply its datacentres with nuclear power from small reactors, while Microsoft’s contract would revive the infamous Three Mile Island site.
Constellation CEO Joe Dominguez said similar agreements could help keep existing nuclear plants online while meeting tech giants’ massive energy needs. Meta’s Urvi Parekh emphasised the importance of ensuring today’s power plants continue to operate.
This deal could become a model for other big tech firms as they navigate the AI boom’s power demands.
Reddit sues Anthropic over alleged AI data-scraping
Reddit has filed a lawsuit in California against Anthropic, accusing the AI firm of illegally scraping millions of user comments to train its Claude chatbot. The complaint alleges Anthropic used bots to bypass Reddit’s terms of use, ignoring requests to stop. Reddit says it has licensing deals with Google, OpenAI and others, allowing AI companies to train on its data while protecting users’ rights.
Anthropic, founded by ex-OpenAI staff, is Amazon’s main AI partner and competes with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The company denies wrongdoing, claiming its data use is lawful. Reddit’s case differs from others because it focuses on contract breaches rather than copyright infringement.
This lawsuit highlights growing tensions between online platforms and AI developers. AP itself has a licensing deal with OpenAI for some of its text archives. Other outlets, including Axel Springer and The Financial Times, have also signed deals with AI companies amid the industry’s rapid growth.
UK invests £1bn in Digital Battlefield system & Cyber Command
The UK Government will invest over £1 billion in a pioneering “Digital Targeting Web” to enhance battlefield capabilities, announced Defence Secretary John Healey as part of the Strategic Defence Review.
The system will integrate sensors, AI, and advanced communication technologies to pinpoint and eliminate enemy targets faster than ever before.
Defence Secretary John Healey personnel at MoD Corsham. Copyright: MoD
Lessons from Ukraine’s battlefield have driven this innovation, allowing threats identified by sensors on ships or in space to be swiftly neutralised by aircraft, drones, or cyber attacks.
A new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command will oversee UK cyber operations, coordinate offensive and defensive cyber activities, and bolster electromagnetic warfare to jam signals, degrade enemy command, and intercept adversary communications.
This digital upgrade aligns with the Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to secure Britain’s military advantage and create skilled jobs.
It said that the investment supports the Prime Minister’s commitment to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP and reinforces national security in an increasingly contested global environment.
MIT launches initiative to reinvent US manufacturing with AI
MIT has launched the Initiative for New Manufacturing (INM) to revitalise US manufacturing through advanced research, education, and industry collaboration. The program focuses on integrating artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to boost productivity and create high-quality jobs across sectors like energy, healthcare, and transportation.
Founding members—Amgen, Flex, GE Vernova, PTC, Sanofi, and Siemens—will back initial projects, focusing on AI-driven manufacturing improvements. INM’s educational plans include new curricula, workforce training, and a “Factory Observatory” connecting students to real-world production.
MIT President Sally Kornbluth emphasised “human-centred manufacturing jobs” to strengthen communities nationwide.
OnlyFans owner in sales talks
OnlyFans, the UK-based subscription platform renowned for adult content, is reportedly in discussions for a potential $8 billion sale.
Fenix International, the parent company owned solely by Ukrainian American entrepreneur Leonid Radvinsky, is said to be negotiating with Los Angeles investment firm Forest Road Company.
The platform, which boasts over 305 million users and 4 million creators, generated $1.3 billion in revenue in 2023, distributing $6.6 billion to its creators. Radvinsky, who acquired OnlyFans in 2018, has received over $1 billion in dividends since 2020.
Despite its profitability, OnlyFans faces challenges in attracting buyers due to its association with adult content, leading to reputational and regulatory concerns among potential investors.
The company is also exploring other options, including a public stock offering. Both OnlyFans and Forest Road have declined to comment on the potential sale.
