This Week’s Awesome Tech Stories From Around the Web (Through October 5) – Singularity Hub

AUTOMATION

UPS Gets FAA Clearance to Roll Out a Fleet of Delivery DronesAllison Matyus | Digital TrendsThe move essentially will allow UPS to create its own drone airline. The companysUPS Flight Forward programnow has full FAA Part 135 Standard certification to operate a fleet of drones beyond an operators line of sight and the ability to fly drones at night. The companys Matternet drones will at first be used for the delivery of medical products and specimens.

Boston Dynamics Spot Robot Dog Goes on SaleErico Guizzo | IEEE SpectrumThe machines animal-like behavior regularly electrifies crowds at tech conferences, and like other Boston Dynamics robots, Spot is a YouTube sensation whosevideos amass millions of views. Now anyone interested in buying a Spotor a pack of themcan go to the companyswebsiteand submit anorder form.

Should Central Banks Issue Digital Currency? Suddenly, Its an Urgent Question.Mike Orcutt | MIT Technology ReviewFor years, powerful central banks around the world have claimed to be studying digital currencies, and most have left open the possibility that one day they might launch their own. That day may be dawningmuch earlier than anyone expected.

Elon Musk Just UnveiledStarship, SpaceXs Human-Carrying RocketDaniel Oberhaus | WiredBehind [Elon Musk] stood the hull of a gleaming, bullet-shaped rocket clad in stainless steel. It looked like something pulled straight from the pages of a pulp science fiction novel, but this is no fantasy. Starshipis quite unlike anything thats ever been sent to space. Its a vehicle that Musk hasdescribed as a strange cross between a rocket booster, a crew capsule, and a skydiver.

Artificial Skin Gives Haptic Feedback, Could Let You Feel VRGeorgina Torbet | Digital TrendsThe skin is made of silicone and electrodes, and it can conform to shapes such as wrapping around a fingertip or wrist to provide feedback in the form of pressure or vibration. The next step will be to develop a fully wearable prototype for applications in rehabilitation and virtual and augmented reality, Sonar said.

Image Credit:drmakete lab /Unsplash

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This Week's Awesome Tech Stories From Around the Web (Through October 5) - Singularity Hub