Latest articles on Robots

Why AI needs a physical body to reach its full potential

Opinion Mark Lee - 11 Oct 2020

Robots will have to learn from scratch, like babies, if they are to have a sense of self and proper social interactions

Beyond batteries: Beetle bots

Sci-tech Issam Ahmed - 21 Aug 2020

A tiny robot is vaping methanol to power up its artificial muscles and punch above its weight

The computer-human relationship is evolving

Article Brendan Mcaravey - 26 Aug 2019

Many of us already talk to our computers and soon they may suggest better ways for us to work

The future of work we want

Article Staff Reporter - 25 Jan 2019

The world of work is changing and with it inequalities will be exacerbated unless a social agenda is in place and education institutions gear up

Chip labour: Robots replace waiters in restaurant

Article Staff Reporter - 5 Aug 2018

The futuristic restaurant concept is the latest initiative in Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba's push to modernise service

Prepare for the time of the robots

Article Staff Reporter - 16 Feb 2018

A future artificial intelligence-assisted economy means education must get with the programme

Old dog, new tricks: Sony unleashes ‘intelligent’ robot pet

Article Miwa Suzuki - 11 Jan 2018

The 30-centimetre long hound-like machine comes complete with flapping ears and its eyes can show various emotions.

Somaliland’s voting technology shows how Africa can lead the world

Africa Calestous Juma - 14 Nov 2017

In an extension of technological leapfrogging, Somaliland will become the first country in the world to use iris recognition in an election

Jobs and robots: Bracing for technological disruptions to come

Article Calestous Juma - 13 Nov 2017

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence and the fear of joblessness have led to developments on what to do to ensure that robots don’t steal jobs.

Face scanners, robot cleaners to make flying a breeze

Africa Sam Reeves - 1 Sep 2017

Biometric technology has the potential of transforming the experience of airport travel

Eish, robot: Automation is eating jobs

Article Thalia Holmes - 12 May 2017

‘Premature deindustrialisation’ is relegating more and more of our workforce to the service industry

Versatile ‘cockroach’ robots to the rescue

Article Oliver Milman - 10 Feb 2016

The much-loathed cockroach is the inspiration for a new robot which has been earmarked for a range of uses, including search and rescue missions.

Bid to ban autonomous killing machines

Article Staff Reporter - 30 Jul 2015

Over 10 000 people have signed a letter in favour of banning artificial intelligence weapons that select and engage targets without human intervention

Google robots for the operating theatre

Article Staff Reporter - 1 Apr 2015

The robots will help minimise trauma and damage to the patient by aiding surgeons in minimally invasive operations, giving operators greater accuracy.

Dawn of the planet of machines

Article Staff Reporter - 14 Nov 2014

We’ve all seen it in movies, but can supercomputers really rise up and reign supreme over humanity?

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Latest

National

Hawks swoop down with more arrests in R1.4-billion corruption blitz

khaya koko - 22 Oct 2020

The spate of arrests for corruption continues apace in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.

Coronavirus

SANDF hid R200m expenditure on ‘Covid’ drug it can’t use

Sabelo Skiti - 22 Oct 2020

Military health officials are puzzled by the defence department importing a drug that has not been approved for treating coronavirus symptoms from Cuba

National

Epic fail: Africa’s Fortnite battle

Eyaaz Matwadia - 22 Oct 2020

Forced onto the backfoot by poor ping and overseas servers, African gamers are getting creative in an attempt to play one of the biggest competitive games. In the second instalment of our gaming corner, we chat to some of the innovators

Press Releases

Special Reports

Disrupt the corrupt

special reports - 22 Oct 2020

Whistle-blowers should be seen as real heroes in the fight against corruption and we need a change in culture for this to happen

Special Reports

Corporates: A force for good for a sustainable future

special reports - 20 Oct 2020

In order to see people and nature thrive what is required is a strong focus on partnerships – we cannot act alone anymore

Special Reports

Combatting wildlife crime in Southern Africa activity annual programme statement (APS) No. 04

special reports - 20 Oct 2020

Concept papers are sought for implementating activities, for a multi-faceted programme that aims to reduce poaching and illegal trade in wildlife

Special Reports

The financial decisions made during your life journey, and their impact on your retirement outcome

special reports - 19 Oct 2020

The longer you save towards retirement the larger your retirement savings are expected to be due to the effect of compounding interest

Special Reports

In conversation with SA Reserve Bank Governer, Lesetja Kganyago

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

'Make interest rates zero and inflation goes up and then people save less – we need savings to fund investment in this country'

Special Reports

Secure your business from cyber threats

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

Many business-grade security systems now have built-in learning systems and AI to help businesses stay up to date with protection

Special Reports

Mental Health

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

During the pandemic there's been a dramatic increase in depression, anxiety and suicides, according to some of the surveys done

Special Reports

Expert financial advice still recommended – especially in uncertain times

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

A financial advisor is an expert who will help you to protect your wealth and make a realistic plan when unexpected events threaten your wellbeing