Weekend Edition

Exoskeletons, Cyberscooters, tiny AI robots and more!

[Machine Society is the newsletter formerly known as Mike’s List!]

Brilliantly Bad Ideas

Why build muscle when you can buy it?

Who needs physical fitness when you can just buy a Dnsys X1 Exoskeleton? This low cost, minimalist external robot muscle apparatus uses AI to anticipate and integrate with human movement. It reduces energy output by up to 50%, according to the maker, and enables you to run faster, carry heavier loads and cheat during marathons.

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When you want a Cybertruck but can afford a scooter

The Infinite Machine P1 is an electric moped that’s every bit as ugly as a Tesla Cybertruck, but won’t crush your finger. It can also be app-controlled for locking, unlocking, tracking and immobilization if someone steals it (nobody’s going to steal it). If you’ve got one and aren’t getting the attention you crave, you can hang a speaker (sold separately) on the side and force your music on everyone. Best of all, it goes 55 mph, which isn’t bad, with a range of 60 miles (you can also add two batteries for a longer ride, and it charges with a standard household outlet).

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This tiny, self-balancing robot puts AI in motion

A Chinese company called Luwu Intelligence made a self-balancing robot based on a Raspberry Pi and ChatGPT. It’s called the XGO-Rider. It uses sensors, including a 5MP camera, and has microphones and a speaker for interaction. The platform is open-source and you can program it with Blockly and Python. It can basically do all the things ChatGPT can do, and also roll around like a tiny Segway. It can mimic your body movements, and watch the house while you’re away.

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The electric car market is going to the dogs

The Electrified GV70, Genesis is getting a luxury package for dogs, called the Genesis X Dog — maybe. It goes into the back of the SUV, and offers a heated dog cushion, electric dog shower, special dog blow dryer, soothing dog music speaker, collapsing dog ramp and collar/leash rig for safety during drives. For now, it’s just a concept, but the company might sell them later.

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Shameless Self-Promotion

• Why you’ll soon have a digital clone of your own

• Researchers develop malicious AI ‘worm’ targeting generative AI systems

• Read ELGAN.COM for more!

• Love food and travel? Check out our Gastronomad blog!

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My Location: Sitges, Spain

(Why Mike is always traveling.)