NEWS YOU CAN’T MISS

This Robo-Dog Could Be At Your Doorstep Soon

In Austin, Texas, a robot that looks a bit like a four-legged dog with wheels is now delivering packages straight to people’s doors.

Built by Swiss robotics company RIVR and backed by Jeff Bezos, the robot is being piloted with U.S. delivery platform Veho. Its job? Handle the “last 100 steps” — navigating stairs, curbs, porches, and other obstacles between the van and your front door.

The real world is messy and unpredictable — and RIVR uses AI to learn how to navigate it. That means not just staying upright on sidewalks, but adapting to complex, everyday spaces that challenge most robots.

How it works:

• AI helps it move over uneven ground, stairs, and tight spaces

• A robotic arm places packages where they need to go

• It carries multiple deliveries and can get help from remote human operators

The goal isn’t to replace drivers, but to assist them. While a driver delivers to one house, the robot can handle another nearby. RIVR says this can reduce walking by up to 30% on dense routes — cutting fatigue, saving time, and boosting efficiency.

RIVR is also expanding to the UK through a new partnership with Evri, the country’s largest parcel delivery company. Trials are now underway in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

Right now, there’s just one robot in Austin. But RIVR plans to scale to 100 next year — and eventually millions around the world.

I know CEO Marko Bjelonic: he’s deeply customer-focused and laser-focused. I would bet on him.

AI Can Change Your Mind—Without You Knowing

A new study has revealed a surprising edge in AI communication: OpenAI’s GPT-4 isn’t just better at arguing—it’s better at winning. 

In a series of online debates involving 900 participants, GPT-4 beat human opponents in 64% of cases.

• But its real superpower emerged when it was given personal details—like age, gender, or political views.

• Armed with even basic demographic data, GPT-4 strategically tailored its arguments to resonate with each individual.

• This personalized approach boosted its persuasive power by a staggering 81% compared to human-to-human debates.

The AI didn’t just respond—it adapted, shifting tone and logic in real time to match its audience.

This kind of “microtargeting” is something humans rarely do so effectively. And that’s where the real concern begins. Researchers warn that GPT-4’s ability to personalize persuasion could be weaponized—to manipulate opinions, deepen divides, or subtly sway elections.

The study calls for serious reflection on how AI is integrated into platforms that shape public discourse. Imagine a friendly AI agent calling you up, armed with just enough data to convince you to buy that house, support that policy, or vote for that candidate.

When AI debates better than you—and knows exactly how to push your buttons—it’s not just smart. It’s scary. 😳

Are You Hiding Your AI Use at Work?

A new report from IT firm Ivanti found that nearly one-third of employees are using AI tools at work without telling their bosses.

From writing emails to summarizing meetings, many workers are already using AI to work more efficiently, but they’re keeping it under wraps.

Why? Some say it gives them a secret advantage over colleagues. Others fear admitting how much help they’re getting could make them seem lazy or even replaceable.

But using AI in secret carries risks. Employees may enter sensitive data, like client info or internal documents, into unapproved tools, which could jeopardize both them and their companies.

Ivanti suggests employers get ahead of the trend by setting clear policies, offering training, and encouraging open conversations about AI use. Others argue that as long as the work gets done, how it’s done shouldn’t matter. What’s your take?