Are you ready to make friends with an AI-powered robot?
He is shaped like a bin and has the curiosity of a six-year-old but Koobo's creator says the robot has the potential to cure loneliness in young and old alike.
science and technology
Dinosaur secret unearthed after hiding in plain sight
A boulder donated by a mine has been kept at a school for decades before researchers discovered it featured a remarkable collection of dinosaur footprints.
Most workers feel overwhelmed by AI but bosses want it
Four out of every five Aussie workers are overwhelmed by changes at work but most executives want to use artificial intelligence to create bigger transitions.
Why the next big AI advance will not just talk but walk
Humanoid robots that can help at home or work are becoming tech firms' next big investment following breakthroughs in artificial intelligence.
Aussie AI, clean energy inventions need urgent funding
Changing tax incentives, creating a spending target, and helping businesses work with researchers could help Australia make breakthroughs the world needs.
The cost of broadband is rising, but so is its speed
Australians are paying more to access the internet but thousands more households are getting access to faster download speeds.
Australia at the ‘bottom of the class’ on research
Australian businesses and governments are investing too little in vital research projects, a discussion paper has revealed.
Workers fear use of AI in hiring and firing decisions
Artificial intelligence technology is already being used to monitor Aussie workers even though laws governing its use are not yet in place.
Kangaroo IVF breakthrough could save endangered koalas
Australian scientists pioneering marsupial IVF breeding techniques say it could pave the way for other marsupial species to be saved from extinction.
Telcos talk up 3G shut down amid ‘dire’ safety fears
Rural Australians have reported poor mobile service and new black spots after the 3G network closure, but the telcos say their coverage is steady or better.
AI angst – workers fear bosses will prioritise profit
Australian workers are reluctant to embrace artificial intelligence, with fewer than one in three believing it will have a positive impact.
Chief scientist lights fuse on nuclear energy debate
The nation's new chief scientist is on a collision course with a possible coalition government over its contentious pre-election pledge for nuclear energy.
AI pioneers look to douse bushfires before they happen
Machine-learning technology could become the next weapon against bushfires with researchers developing a prototype delivering more accurate predictions.
No more warnings for misbehaving telco companies
Telcos who are caught breaching their code of conduct will no longer receive a warning before a fine as the government cracks down on bad behaviour.
A decade past its due date, the NBN promises to deliver
Removing copper connections from the National Broadband Network will come at a cost of more than $6 billion but tech experts say the move will be worth it.
Artificial intelligence ‘secret weapon’ for landing job
From writing cover letters to brainstorming interview questions, Australian jobseekers are using artificial intelligence tools to help land their next role.
Aussies beating America and Europe in AI race: study
Almost half of all Australians are using artificial intelligence technology, a Google study has shown, even though many still have concerns about its impact.
Researchers to give futuristic wind turbine a whirl
A curvy, curly wind turbine will be put to the test in Australia as researchers and a local start-up look for ways to add more to metropolitan areas.
Friendly robots, AI litter boxes: the new tech frontier
Wild, weird and unexpected gadgets have been shown in Las Vegas as part of an annual tech fest, with AI powering some household devices for the first time.
X Corp welcomes Meta’s thumbs-down for fact-checking
Rival social network X has applauded Meta's decision to follow its lead on ditching fact-checking, with its CEO calling the move an endorsement.
CES 2025: tech firms promise AI robots, cars, fridges
Robots, self-driving cars and AI-powered work colleagues may not be far away, according to predictions aired at the Consumer Electronics Show.
Chatbot therapy: can generative AI treat loneliness?
Researchers are creating artificially intelligent companions to help people get through challenges but that does not necessarily cut humans out of the picture.
All ahead AI: fresh risk, different rules, new features
Generative AI tools have already changed the way Australians work, communicate and study. Experts say more changes are coming in 2025.
Brushes with death in the bush as digital gap persists
Towns have been left without power and mobile service during major disasters, with an independent review urging the government to bolster rural connectivity.
Meteor shower set to dazzle stargazers across country
One of the biggest annual meteor showers is set to light up skies across the country and dazzle stargazers.
Apple launches its big AI push but is it too late?
Features launching on Apple devices will write a story, draw an image and summarise articles but the AI push helped by ChatGPT arrives after those of rivals.
AI used to target election fraud and criminal deepfakes
Government agencies are teaming up with Microsoft to track disinformation and criminal acts, with plans to use AI to detect attempts to interfere in elections.
Wanted: one million Aussies, Kiwis to learn AI skills
Microsoft wants to train at least one million Australians and New Zealanders in how to use AI tools over the next two years as part of a worldwide push.
An AI cop could help keep tech in check, inquiry hears
The government should appoint an artificial intelligence commissioner to oversee the technology, an inquiry has heard, amid concerns over unfair uses.
Smartphones still driving professionals to distraction
Calls, messages and apps are even getting the best of paid drivers, a study has found, amid a call to introduce surveillance and safety alerts behind the wheel.
New routes to secure internet for Australia, Pacific
New cables will entrench Australia's role as a state-of-the-art connection point for large volumes of data in a global digital ecosystem, project partners say.