Robotics Summary

A significant power outage in San Francisco affected 130,000 residents, disrupting traffic and leaving Waymo's robotaxi service stalled on city streets. Videos emerged showing Waymo vehicles stranded at intersections with hazard lights flashing, as the blackout caused chaos in the tech hub (The San Francisco Chronicle).

Waymo suspended its service temporarily during the blackout, highlighting vulnerabilities in the autonomous vehicle system (Waymo). In related news, the development of humanoid robots continues to garner attention, though many experts assert that practical applications are still years away, raising questions about safety standards and regulatory frameworks (The Stepback).

Meanwhile, robotics research is making strides in various sectors, with a focus on industrial automation and advancements in robotics technology (The Guardian).