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Sony AI develops robot capable of competing with elite table tennis players
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Sony's artificial intelligence unit has developed an AI-powered robotic arm named "Ace" that can perceive, react to, and return shots from elite-level table tennis players. The research, published in the journal Nature, details how Ace, a bulky industrial robot, can make split-second decisions and execute agile movements. In initial tests, Ace won three out of five matches against elite players, with other matches being competitive. Sony AI noted that Ace continued to improve its performance, winning more recent matches against professionals with higher shot speeds and more aggressive shot placement. According to Sony AI, this development lays the groundwork for AI systems that can safely and reliably operate in dynamic physical environments, extending beyond previous table tennis robots that only reached amateur levels. Peter Stone, chief scientist at Sony AI, stated that AI operating at an expert human level in such conditions opens the door to a new class of real-world applications.
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The Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC has announced it is welcoming members from other political parties across the nation, expressing confidence in winning Nigeria's 2027 general elections. Speaking in Owerri, Imo State, the party's National Vice Chairman, South East, Chief Teddy Obey, characterized the NDC as a "clean, uncompromised platform" for Nigerians seeking an alternative to "recycled promises." Obey highlighted the NDC's status as Nigeria's newest political party and its lack of ongoing litigation as key advantages. He noted that other parties are involved in legal disputes, while the NDC is focused on building its structure. Obey was in Imo State to address grievances and prevent any suspicion of compromise, aiming to demonstrate the party's distinct approach. He also announced interim appointments for the party in Imo State, including Reginald Uwakwe as Interim State Chairman and Fabian Onyekwulisi as Chairman of both the Contact and Mobilisation Committee and the Candidate Selection Processes Committee.
Must ReadThe US government has reclassified cannabis, making it easier for Americans to use the drug for medical reasons and enabling more research into its safety and efficacy. Marijuana has been reclassified as having moderate to low addiction potential, a move that acting attorney general Todd Blanche stated would expand patients' access to treatments and empower doctors to make better-informed healthcare decisions. Previously, cannabis was classified as "Schedule I," a category for drugs with "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse," which includes substances like heroin and methamphetamine, according to the US Drug Enforcement Agency. It has now been moved to the third rung of the five-level Drug Schedule. The Department of Justice indicated that Thursday's action followed President Donald Trump’s executive order in December concerning increased medical marijuana research.
The City Boy Movement in Abia State, coordinated by Don Igbokwe, has been successfully inaugurated across all wards, local government areas, and three zones in the state. The movement, described as the most organized pro-Tinubu group under the leadership of Mayor Lucky Igbokwe, aims to influence voters to support President Bola Tinubu for a second term. In a recent interview, Igbokwe stated that the chapter has established a strong and fully functional grassroots network following the inauguration of LGA coordinators, executives, and polling unit teams. He emphasized that the movement is non-violent and uses moral persuasion to encourage Abia youths to vote for the President, enabling him to complete his initiatives in the state and the South East. Igbokwe cited the establishment of the South East Development Commission, EEDC, as one of the President's achievements. He urged Abians to support the movement, asserting that their backing would position them at the center of Tinubu's government, leading to more development initiatives and benefits for the state's youth.
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