Chinese researchers at Northwestern Polytechnical University have developed a fully transparent, jellyfish-mimicking bionic robot, nicknamed the 'Underwater Phantom.' Designed for stealth underwater surveillance, the drone is nearly invisible when submerged and operates with ultra-low power consumption and near-silent movement.
Chinese researchers at Tsinghua University have developed ACCEL, an all-analogue photoelectronic AI chip. It processes computer vision tasks up to 3,000 times faster and with 4 million times greater energy efficiency than Nvidia's A100 GPU, leveraging a unique light and electronic computing architecture.
General Motors has announced the immediate cessation of BrightDrop electric delivery van production at its CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. Citing low demand and changing market conditions, the decision impacts over 1,100 unionized employees and leaves the plant's future uncertain.
Australia has heightened its focus on distracted driving, with increased enforcement of road safety regulations across all states and territories. While some reports of new explicit bans on eating, drinking, and vaping have been clarified by authorities, these activities can now lead to significant fines and demerit points if they cause driver distraction or loss of vehicle control. Penalties vary by state, with fines potentially reaching over A$1,500 and the use of advanced AI cameras for detection.
Kuwait is set to host the first Gulf Red Crescent Conference on Artificial Intelligence from October 22-23, 2025, at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center. Organized by the Kuwait Red Crescent Society in collaboration with the GCC General Secretariat, the event aims to establish a unified Gulf vision for integrating AI into humanitarian efforts and fostering regional cooperation.
Deutsche Bahn has presented its new ICE L train in Berlin, featuring step-free entry, improved mobile reception, and redesigned interiors. Manufactured by Spanish company Talgo, the train aims to enhance passenger comfort and accessibility, with initial services set to begin in December 2025 between Berlin and Cologne.
All Energy Australia 2025, the Southern Hemisphere's largest clean energy event, will return to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from October 29-30, 2025. Organized by RX Global and the Clean Energy Council, the free-to-attend conference and exhibition is expected to draw over 15,000 industry professionals, 450+ suppliers, and 500+ speakers to discuss advancements in renewable energy.
Chinese flying-car manufacturer Aridge, formerly Xpeng AeroHT, successfully completed its first manned flight in Dubai on October 12, 2025. The company also announced 600 bulk orders for its modular 'Land Aircraft Carrier' from buyers across the GCC, marking a significant step for urban air mobility in the region.
Former TV producer Carlos Costa has realized a childhood dream by opening Cine LT3, a 35-seat arthouse cinema in São Paulo's Perdizes neighborhood. Opened in 2022, the intimate venue champions independent and national films, offering a unique cultural alternative to mainstream multiplexes in Brazil.
Australia is set to enforce new, tougher road regulations from October 10, 2025, targeting distracted driving behaviors such as eating, drinking, and vaping. These nationwide rules will introduce stricter penalties, including significant fines and demerit points, with particular emphasis on provisional license holders (P-Platers) and parents, aiming to enhance road safety across the country.
Coregas has deployed Australia's first Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck for daily operations, marking a significant step in decarbonizing the local freight sector. The truck, supported by Coregas's Port Kembla H2Station, offers zero-emission transport with a range of up to 450 km and rapid refueling.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reiterated his strong opposition to the European Union's 2035 phase-out of new internal combustion engine cars. Speaking at a crucial auto industry summit in Berlin, Merz advocated for technological neutrality and the continued role of e-fuels, citing concerns for Germany's struggling automotive sector.
Bulgaria's Ministry of Innovation and Growth is actively exploring the construction of a large-scale artificial intelligence gigafactory. This strategic initiative involves potential collaboration with tech giant IBM and the European Commission, aiming to establish Bulgaria as a key European technology hub. The project envisions housing over 100,000 advanced GPU chips and requires substantial infrastructure, with operations anticipated to begin between 2027 and 2028.
The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado High Country has seen a substantial price reduction of R$ 103,690 in Brazil, lowering its cost from R$ 573,590 to R$ 469,900. This strategic move aims to enhance the full-size pickup's competitiveness against rivals like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 in the Brazilian market.
Estonia's Milrem Robotics will deliver over 150 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine, funded and coordinated by the Netherlands. This significant defense package, announced on October 6, 2025, will see vehicles assembled in the Netherlands and aims to bolster Ukraine's battlefield capabilities and reduce risks to personnel.
Wolt has officially launched a new home delivery service for Costco in Iceland, allowing customers to order a wide range of products directly from the Garðabær warehouse. The service promises delivery in under an hour, seven days a week, and notably, does not require a Costco membership for shopping, though members receive price benefits. This marks Wolt's first Costco partnership in Europe.
Four teenagers have been charged after an allegedly stolen BMW was pursued by police through Melbourne's eastern suburbs and CBD, striking a pedestrian on Exhibition Street before being abandoned in Bourke Street Mall. The incident occurred on Monday, September 29, 2025.
Croatia's state-owned railway company HZ Putnicki Prijevoz has launched its first battery-powered train, manufactured by Končar, for non-electrified routes. The €17.1 million project, largely EU-funded, aims to modernize the fleet and reduce emissions, initially serving the Virovitica-Bjelovar-Virovitica line before expanding to Split.
China is strategically shifting its electric vehicle industry focus from intense price competition to a race for technological innovation. This new direction, supported by government initiatives, prioritizes the development of advanced technologies such as solid-state batteries and autonomous driving to ensure sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
Monaco has initiated a significant reform of its vehicle registration system, effective September 1, 2025. The changes include removing the year of issue from license plates, simplifying the annual renewal process, and promoting digital payments for approximately 53,000 vehicles. This initiative aims for greater efficiency and aligns with the Principality's broader modernization efforts.
