Self-Driving Vehicles Are Here—If You Know Where to Look
Glossy visions of an autonomous future always seem just out of reach. But two insiders say the technology is available on farms and on clear, dry streets.
John Deere’s Self-Driving Tractor Stirs Debate on AI in Farming
The automation, and control of the resulting data, raises questions about the role of human farmers.
The Year Everyone Remembered That Chips Matter
Shortages of semiconductors messed up production of everything from cars to toys. Plans are in the works for more factories, but they’ll take years.
Autonomous Weapons Are Here, but the World Isn’t Ready for Them
A UN report says a drone, operating without human control, attacked people in Libya. International efforts to restrict such weapons have so far failed.
Why the Chip Shortage Drags On and On … and On
Demand is still surging, but it takes time to build new factories. And a history of highs and lows may deter some investors.
The New MacBook Pro Chips Flex the Power of Custom Silicon
The new M1 Pro and M1 Max better integrate the computers’ hardware with their software—much like the iPhone.
LinkedIn’s Exit From China Cuts Another East-West Bridge
The Microsoft subsidiary had agreed in 2014 to censor content in China, but that apparently wasn’t enough for tougher government regulators.
AI’s Smarts Now Come With a Big Price Tag
As language models get more complex, they also get more expensive to create and run. Some companies are locked out.
These Virtual Obstacle Courses Help Real Robots Learn to Walk
Researchers used specialized chips and simulation software to teach a four-legged robot to navigate stairs and blocks.