Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”Taylor Swift 'Eras' tie-in book is a smash, selling more than 800,000 copies in first week NEW YORK (AP) — Just one retail chain was enough for Taylor Swift to have the top-selling book last week and the biggest opening week of 2024. According to Circana, Swift’s “Eras Tour Book” sold 814,000 copies over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Circana tracks around 85 percent of the print market, but the “Eras” numbers are more precise: Swift sold the book exclusively through Target, which launched the “Eras” tie-in on Black Friday. Sales soared even as some fans complained online that the book included typos and other errors. Representatives for Target and Swift did not immediately response to requests Wednesday for comment. WWE is seeking a bigger stage and Netflix, pushing for more live events, is providing it WWE will perform on a stage next month that could be vastly larger than its current home on cable television when it makes its “Raw” debut on Netflix. The sports entertainment company is moving to a platform with about 283 million subscribers worldwide as it departs its current home on the USA Network, which averaged 688,000 viewers in prime-time last year, according to the Nielsen company. For Netflix, onboarding the WWE is part of strategic move to air more live events on the heels of a hugely successful fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul that was viewed by more than 60 million people. Michigan court upholds light sentence for woman who killed dad in dispute over ride DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Court of Appeals has declined to overturn a light jail sentence for a young woman who killed her father by burning him with a dangerous powder. Prosecutors said Megan Imirowicz was upset when her father couldn’t drive her to a hair appointment before her 18th birthday party. Imirowicz was sentenced to only a year in jail in 2023. She actually spent more than a year in custody because she was locked up before trial and while awaiting her punishment in suburban Detroit. Sumo wrestlers bring 1,500 years of tradition to London as the sport has an international moment LONDON (AP) — London’s Royal Albert Hall is preparing to host a different kind of spectacle: Sumo wrestling. Wrestlers put on an exhibition of heavyweight grappling to promote a tournament scheduled for next October. It marks only the second time an elite five-day tournament will be held outside Japan. The first was held in 1991 at the same venue. Organizers are hoping to whip up the kind of excitement that was generated three decades ago, when the deeply ritualistic sport attracted sell-out crowds and a national television audience. The end of an Eras tour approaches, marking a bittersweet moment for Taylor Swift fans NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The global phenomenon that is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is coming to an end after the popstar performed more than 150 shows across five continents over nearly two years. Since launching the tour in 2023, Swift has shattered sales and attendance records. It's even created such an economic boom that the Federal Reserve took note. But for many who attended the concerts, and the millions more who eagerly watched on their screens, the tour also became a beacon of joy. It's become a chance not only to appreciate Swift’s expansive music career, but also celebrate the yearslong journey fans have taken with her. Jury revisits key videos in NYC subway chokehold death trial NEW YORK (AP) — Jurors have asked to review police and bystander video at the heart of the New York City chokehold manslaughter case against Daniel Penny. The request came during a second day of deliberations Wednesday. The anonymous jury also asked to rehear part of a city medical examiner’s testimony. The request included testimony about her decision to issue a death certificate without getting toxicology test results for Jordan Neely. He was the agitated subway rider whom Penny held him around the neck for roughly six minutes. Penny has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. Prosecutors say he recklessly killed Neely. Penny's defense maintains he was justified in acting to protect fellow subway riders from Neely. Relatives hunt for the missing after Guinea stadium crush amid fears official death toll is too low CONAKRY, Guinea (AP) — Kambaly Kouroumah was searching a local morgue for his teenage brother, Adama, who died after chaos erupted at a soccer game in southern Guinea’s Nzerekore city. Adama, 15, was among 56 people that officials said were killed in Sunday's crush, although rights groups reported a death toll nearly three times higher. Local media, rights groups and witnesses say security forces used tear gas to respond after fans began to throw stones to protest a referee's decision during the soccer game that was organized in honor of Guinea's junta leader, Col. Mamadi Doumbouya. Many of the dead were crushed as they tried to escape through the stadium gates, videos showed. Power shortages in Ecuador are melting away the future of a small town’s ice-cream industry SALCEDO, Ecuador (AP) — Ice-cream production in this quiet Ecuadorian town began in the mid-20th century in a convent for Franciscan nuns. The nuns sold their creamy popsicles in town to gather funds for the poor. But the people of Salcedo saw a business opportunity and began experimenting with new flavors and techniques, establishing a thriving popsicle industry that has made their small town famous among ice-cream lovers. But now, the South American nation is struggling with a relentless wave of power cuts that threaten the future of Salcedo’s ice-cream industry, melting away its dreams of a more prosperous future. Senegalese artisans in the spotlight as they exhibit for the first time at a prestigious art event DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — For the artistic and cultural elites of the West African nation of Senegal, the monthlong Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Arts is a celebratory moment. But it wasn’t until this year that the local artisans in the Soumbedioune crafts market, just off the Corniche and at the doorstep on the Medina working-class neighborhood, realized what the Biennale was. Craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the country’s culture, but its role has declined in recent years. As living costs rise, many Senegalese opt for cheaper, Chinese-imported products. And those that can afford it buy Western clothes and furniture to mark their social status. Eminem's mother Debbie Nelson, whose rocky relationship fueled the rapper's lyrics, dies at age 69 Debbie Nelson, the mother of rapper Eminem whose rocky relationship with her son was known widely through his song lyrics, has died. She was 69. Eminem’s longtime representative Dennis Dennehy confirmed Nelson’s death in an email on Tuesday. He did not provide a cause of death, although Nelson had battled lung cancer. Nelson’s fraught relationship with her son, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, has been no secret since the Detroit rapper became a star. Nelson brought and settled two defamation lawsuits over Eminem’s statements about her in magazines and on radio talk shows. In her 2008 book, “My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem,” she attempted to set the record straight.
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia's House of Representatives passes bill banning children younger than age 16 from social media.
Preview: Qarabag FK vs. Lyon - prediction, team news, lineupsHow Trump’s tariffs could drive up the cost of batteries, EVs, and moreLiverpool strengthen grip at top of EPL; Man Utd beaten again
Published 5:37 pm Tuesday, November 26, 2024 By Associated Press NEW YORK — Chuck Woolery, the affable, smooth-talking game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection” and “Scrabble” who later became a right-wing podcaster, skewering liberals and accusing the government of lying about COVID-19, has died. He was 83. Mark Young, Woolery’s podcast co-host and friend, said in an email early Sunday that Woolery died at his home in Texas with his wife, Kristen, present. “Chuck was a dear friend and brother and a tremendous man of faith, life will not be the same without him,” Young wrote. Woolery, with his matinee idol looks, coiffed hair and ease with witty banter, was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978. In 1983, Woolery began an 11-year run as host of TV’s “Love Connection,” for which he coined the phrase, “We’ll be back in two minutes and two seconds,” a two-fingered signature dubbed the “2 and 2.” In 1984, he hosted TV’s “Scrabble,” simultaneously hosting two game shows on TV until 1990. “Love Connection,” which aired long before the dawn of dating apps, had a premise that featured either a single man or single woman who would watch audition tapes of three potential mates and then pick one for a date. A couple of weeks after the date, the guest would sit with Woolery in front of a studio audience and tell everybody about the date. The audience would vote on the three contestants, and if the audience agreed with the guest’s choice, “Love Connection” would offer to pay for a second date. Woolery told The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2003 that his favorite set of lovebirds was a man aged 91 and a woman aged 87. “She had so much eye makeup on, she looked like a stolen Corvette. He was so old he said, ‘I remember wagon trains.’ The poor guy. She took him on a balloon ride.” Other career highlights included hosting the shows “Lingo,” “Greed” and “The Chuck Woolery Show,” as well as hosting the short-lived syndicated revival of “The Dating Game” from 1998 to 2000 and an ill-fated 1991 talk show. In 1992, he played himself in two episodes of TV’s “Melrose Place.” Woolery became the subject of the Game Show Network’s first attempt at a reality show, “Chuck Woolery: Naturally Stoned,” which premiered in 2003. It shared the title of the pop song in 1968 by Woolery and his rock group, the Avant-Garde. It lasted six episode and was panned by critics. Woolery began his TV career at a show that has become a mainstay. Although most associated with Pat Sajak and Vanna White, “Wheel of Fortune” debuted Jan. 6, 1975, on NBC with Woolery welcoming contestants and the audience. Woolery, then 33, was trying to make it in Nashville as a singer. “Wheel of Fortune” started life as “Shopper’s Bazaar,” incorporating Hangman-style puzzles and a roulette wheel. After Woolery appeared on “The Merv Griffin Show” singing “Delta Dawn,” Merv Griffin asked him to host the new show with Susan Stafford. “I had an interview that stretched to 15, 20 minutes,” Woolery told The New York Times in 2003. “After the show, when Merv asked if I wanted to do a game show, I thought, ‘Great, a guy with a bad jacket and an equally bad mustache who doesn’t care what you have to say — that’s the guy I want to be.’” NBC initially passed, but they retooled it as “Wheel of Fortune” and got the green light. After a few years, Woolery demanded a raise to $500,000 a year, or what host Peter Marshall was making on “Hollywood Squares.” Griffin balked and replaced Woolery with weather reporter Pat Sajak. “Both Chuck and Susie did a fine job, and ‘Wheel’ did well enough on NBC, although it never approached the kind of ratings success that ‘Jeopardy!’ achieved in its heyday,” Griffin said in “Merv: Making the Good Life Last,” an autobiography from the 2000s co-written by David Bender. Woolery earned an Emmy nod as host. Born in Ashland, Kentucky, Woolery served in the U.S. Navy before attending college. He played double bass in a folk trio, then formed the psychedelic rock duo The Avant-Garde in 1967 while working as a truck driver to support himself as a musician. The Avant-Garde, which tourbed in a refitted Cadillac hearse, had the Top 40 hit “Naturally Stoned,” with Woolery singing, “When I put my mind on you alone/I can get a good sensation/Feel like I’m naturally stoned.” After The Avant-Garde broke up, Woolery released his debut solo single “I’ve Been Wrong” in 1969 and several more singles with Columbia before transitioning to country music by the 1970s. He released two solo singles, “Forgive My Heart” and “Love Me, Love Me.” Woolery wrote or co-wrote songs for himself and everyone from Pat Boone to Tammy Wynette. On Wynette’s 1971 album “We Sure Can Love Each Other,” Woolery wrote “The Joys of Being a Woman” with lyrics including “See our baby on the swing/Hear her laugh, hear her scream.” After his TV career ended, Woolery went into podcasting. In an interview with The New York Times, he called himself a gun-rights activist and described himself as a conservative libertarian and constitutionalist. He said he hadn’t revealed his politics in liberal Hollywood for fear of retribution. He teamed up with Mark Young in 2014 for the podcast “Blunt Force Truth” and soon became a full supporter of Donald Trump while arguing minorities don’t need civil rights and causing a firestorm by tweeting an antisemitic comment linking Soviet Communists to Judaism. “President Obama’s popularity is a fantasy only held by him and his dwindling legion of juice-box-drinking, anxiety-dog-hugging, safe-space-hiding snowflakes,” he said. Woolery also was active online, retweeting articles from Conservative Brief, insisting Democrats were trying to install a system of Marxism and spreading headlines such as “Impeach him! Devastating photo of Joe Biden leaks.” During the early stages of the pandemic, Woolery initially accused medical professionals and Democrats of lying about the virus in an effort to hurt the economy and Trump’s chances for reelection to the presidency. “The most outrageous lies are the ones about COVID-19. Everyone is lying. The CDC, media, Democrats, our doctors, not all but most, that we are told to trust. I think it’s all about the election and keeping the economy from coming back, which is about the election. I’m sick of it,” Woolery wrote in July 2020. Trump retweeted that post to his 83 million followers. By the end of the month, nearly 4.5 million Americans had been infected with COVID-19 and more than 150,000 had died. Just days later, Woolery changed his stance, announcing his son had contracted COVID-19. “To further clarify and add perspective, COVID-19 is real and it is here. My son tested positive for the virus, and I feel for of those suffering and especially for those who have lost loved ones,” Woolery posted before his account was deleted. Woolery later explained on his podcast that he never called COVID-19 “a hoax” or said “it’s not real,” just that “we’ve been lied to.” Woolery also said it was “an honor to have your president retweet what your thoughts are and think it’s important enough to do that.” In addition to his wife, Woolery is survived by his sons Michael and Sean and his daughter Melissa, Young said.
Police hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's masked killer after 'brazen, targeted' attack on NYC street
Ravens' running game was crucial in a big win over the Chargers, especially on 4th down
Alan Shearer blasts ‘disastrous’ Manchester City after Feyenoord’s stunning comeback from 3-0 to 3-3
Akamai Technologies Inc. stock underperforms Tuesday when compared to competitors9-Year-Old Becomes CEO of Gabb, Kid-Safe Tech CompanyTiong (third left) exchanging the MoU documents with Soon Koh. AS we look forward to 2025 with renewed hope and peace, let us also not forget to reflect on some of the major events that have shaped Sibu throughout the past 12 months. Two shooting cases The public and Sibu folks, in particular, were shocked by a shooting incident at a coffee shop in Jalan Wong King Huo on Jan 1. The three male victims were having drinks at the coffee shop at about 5pm that day when suddenly two other men, wearing full masks, arrived on a motorcycle and fired at the group before fleeing the scene. The Magistrates’ Court on Dec 19 released the suspect, in his 30s, after the expiration of his three-day remand. Months apart, on Oct 24, a 46-year-old man was shot by an unidentified gunman while he was in his vehicle, waiting to pick up his son from school at Lane 21 of Jalan Wong King Huo. The victim was allegedly shot through the windshield of his car. A nearby security guard, in sharing his accounts of the incident, had initially mistaken the sound of the gunfire as one from a bursting tyre. Alerted by other members of the public, he contacted the police upon seeing the victim lying in a pool of blood by the roadside. Both of the cases are being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder. Diesel smuggling On Aug 26, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested five individuals and seized 1.6 million litres of diesel during a raid on an oil storage depot in Sungai Bidut. RM3.7 million in cash was also seized from the syndicate, allegedly involved in the embezzlement and misappropriation of subsidised diesel belonging to a fishermen’s association. MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, in a statement, reported that three men and two women, aged from 30 to 60 years old, were detained at the MACC branch offices in Sibu after their statements were recorded at 4pm on Aug 26. Through investigations and intelligence conducted by MACC, it is believed that the syndicate has been operating since 2012 and has amassed profits of up to RM400 million by selling subsidised diesel meant for fishermen. A follow-up operation also led to the arrest of an assistant enforcement officer and the director of an enforcement agency, to which all of the suspects were brought to the Sibu Magistrates’ Court. The case is being investigated under Section 16(b)(B) and Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009, in addition to Section 471 of the Penal Code and the Supply Control Act 1961. Kampung Hilir’s devastating fire On Sept 22, a fire swept through Kampung Hilir in Sibu on a Sunday evening, razing 15 wooden houses and leaving over 150 people homeless. Firefighters from the Sibu Central, Sungai Merah and Sibu Jaya Fire and Rescue (Bomba) stations battled to extinguish the massive fire due to the strong winds and the close location of houses, where fortunately no casualty was reported in the incident. The fire was reported to be the third to have struck Kampung Hilir, after the previous ones in 1992 and 2003. File photo shows the fire at Kampung Hilir, at its height. PSB-PDP merger Moving on to a more vibrant political scenario, Sibu also underwent a wave of change this year when former Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh made an announcement of the party’s dissolution. The announcement was made on Aug 19 during a grand ‘Unity Night’, gathering members from PSB and the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) from all over Sarawak. At the event, Soon Koh, the Bukit Assek assemblyman, announced that PSB members had been accepted en bloc into PDP after the former’s dissolution approval letter was received from the Registrar of Societies (RoS) on March 19. The move, said Soon Koh, was to pave way for PSB to join the PDP under the helm of president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, so that together, they could be part of the state’s ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), and in manifestation of comradeship and unity spirit. Following the merger, Soon Koh was appointed as senior vice-president of PDP, while former PSB leaders Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian and Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa were appointed as the party’s vice-presidents. Earlier this year, during a Chinese New Year visit to Soon Koh’s residence, Tiong had said the PDP-PSB merger was done in accordance with the anti-party hopping laws. Merger talks between the two parties began after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on July 13, 2023, in Kuala Lumpur. PSB was first formed by Soon Koh as United People’s Party (UPP) in 2014, before it changed its name in 2019. Sarawak’s Sukma 2024 victory Meanwhile, the Sibu people were proud to have welcomed athletes, officials and visitors to the town for the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma), which ran from Aug 13 to 23 this year. The three sports events contested in Sibu were volleyball at Rejang Park Volleyball Stadium; badminton at Sibu Indoor Stadium; and football at Stadium Tun Ahmad Zaidi. Sarawak won gold medal from the women’s volleyball event, and claimed a bronze from the men’s team, alongside first-ever gold medal from Wong Ling Ching who competed in the women’s singles badminton event.Disney’s Quest for Lifelike Robots Takes a Giant Leap Forward Disney’s latest advancement in robotics has captured the attention of tech enthusiasts everywhere. In a recently released video, an incredibly sophisticated humanoid robot demonstrates its dancing abilities by executing complex moves like tapping, spinning, and even moonwalking. The secret behind this impressive display is the innovative Robot Motion Diffusion Model (RobotMDM) developed by Disney Research. This groundbreaking method addresses the challenge of creating lifelike movements in robots, which have traditionally struggled to combine realistic motion with adherence to physical laws. The newly unveiled technology merges kinematic motion generation with a reinforcement-learning tracker that ensures the robot’s actions remain believable and diverse. Disney Research has showcased the RobotMDM’s capabilities through tests on humanoid robots, displaying its robustness and practical applications in dynamic settings. They’ve even provided visual comparisons with other models to prove the effectiveness of this new technology. In recent years, Disney has emerged as a leader in robotic innovation, unveiling creations like free-roaming droids at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the impressive Hulk meet-and-greet technology. Other notable developments include interactive robots such as a skating Judy Hopps at SXSW and the daily performances of a Spider-Man acrobat at Avengers Campus. The introduction of the RobotMDM paves the way for even more immersive experiences at Disney parks, highlighting their commitment to blending technology and storytelling in unique ways. For more updates on Disney’s latest innovations, connect with WDW News Today on social media platforms. Disney’s Robotic Revolution: Bringing Stories to Life with Cutting-Edge Technology Disney’s relentless pursuit of innovation in robotics is setting new standards in the entertainment industry. The company’s latest breakthrough—the Robot Motion Diffusion Model (RobotMDM)—has revolutionized lifelike robot movement, capturing the imaginations of tech enthusiasts globally. How RobotMDM Enhances Robotic Movement The Robot Motion Diffusion Model is a state-of-the-art approach developed by Disney Research to solve the perpetual challenge in robotics: replicating human-like movements that adhere to physical laws. The model ingeniously integrates kinematic motion generation with a reinforcement learning tracker, ensuring that robots can perform a myriad of actions—from simple gestures to complex dance routines like tapping, spinning, and moonwalking—while maintaining an aura of authenticity and fluidity. Applications and Innovations at Disney Parks With the advent of RobotMDM, Disney is set to revolutionize experiences at its theme parks. The technology is already being tested on humanoid robots, demonstrating robust performance in diverse environments. This innovation promises to enhance interactions, making them more engaging and lifelike. From free-roaming droids at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to the interactive Spider-Man acrobatics in the Avengers Campus, Disney’s commitment to robotics is transforming visitor experiences like never before. Pros and Cons of RobotMDM Technology Pros: – Enhanced Realism: Provides robots with more lifelike and diverse movements, enriching guest interactions. – Versatility: Applicable in various settings, from entertainment to customer service. – Innovation Leadership: Reinforces Disney’s position as a pioneer in integrating technology with storytelling. Cons: – Complexity: The sophisticated nature of the technology might lead to higher maintenance requirements. – Adaptation Period: There may be a learning curve for operators to maximize its potential. Future Predictions and Market Implications As Disney continues to refine and deploy the RobotMDM, it is expected to set a benchmark for the entertainment industry, influencing trends toward integrating more advanced robotics into consumer interactions. This innovation may stimulate other sectors to explore similar technologies, potentially leading to collaborative projects or spin-offs that benefit various industries. Trends and Insights The introduction of RobotMDM is indicative of a larger trend within the tech ecosystem: the blending of artificial intelligence with robotics to create personalized and interactive user experiences. Disney’s commitment to sustainability in technology development ensures that these innovations are eco-friendly, potentially inspiring future advancements in eco-conscious robotics. Connecting with Disney To stay updated on Disney’s continual advancements and technological breakthroughs, follow WDW News Today across their social media channels. This ensures you won’t miss out on the fascinating developments as Disney shapes the future of entertainment through technology.