Artificial Intelligence Update

Speech recognition has come a long way over the past few years:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/25/science/25voice.html?ref=technology

Alternative Energies Update

The addition of carbon nanotubes increases the energy delivery of lithium-ion batteries by up to 10x:

http://web.mit.edu/press/2010/enhanced-battery.html

Robotics Update

A robot learns to play a decent game of pool in just one week:

http://www.willowgarage.com/blog/2010/06/15/pr2-plays-pool

Singularity Update

This long article overviews the Singularity and describes those involved in the concept:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/business/13sing.html?ref=science&pagewanted=all

Computing Update

Scientists achieve a major advance toward making computer circuitry out of graphene, the most promising replacement for silicon:

http://www.gatech.edu/newsroom/release.html?nid=58002

Robotics Update

Self-assembling robot can drive and even fly:

http://www.physorg.com/news195286184.html

Cybernetics Update

A robotic arm dexterously operated by a monkey's brain:

http://www.physorg.com/news194796581.html

Robotics Update

Big Dog's little brother Little Dog is a 5" tall robot able to clamber over a variety of uneven and unstable terrain effectively:

http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/editors/25248/

It almost looks alive....

Computing Update

The world's smallest transistor has been created...with only seven atoms!

http://www.physorg.com/news193896845.html

Transportation Update

Concept car breathes CO2 and exhales O2, like a plant:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20005538-1.html

Nanotechnology Update

Displaying movies and other moving graphics may be powered by a superconducting power source:

http://www.physorg.com/news193635596.html