NASA sends a Solar Orbiter probe to map poles of the sun:
The US space agency NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are sent a new probe toward the Sun to map its poles. The aim is to help researchers grasp how the sun`s vast bubble of energy affects Earth and humans in space.
Solar Orbiter:
♦ The Solar Orbiter was launched atop an Atlas 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida on February 9.
♦ The satellite deployed an array of solar panels and antennas before setting off on its 10-year voyage to the Sun.
♦ It has been designed to use the gravitational influence from Earth and Venus to whip itself as close as 26 million miles from the Sun or 95% of the distance between the sun and Earth. The probe will map the sun`s poles, which could allow scientists for the first time to observe the concentrated source of solar wind that permeates our solar system.
New Zealand unveils first AI police officer called Ella:
New Zealand Police has recruited an Artificial Intelligence (AI) cop called Ella to the force. New Zealand`s Intela AI and Soul Machines led the AI and digital human development of the AI cop.
AI cop Ella:
♦ Ella is a life-like virtual assistant. It uses real-time animation to emulate face-to-face interaction in an empathetic way.
♦ It will be stationed in the lobby of the force`s national headquarters in Wellington from 17 February.
♦ It will welcome visitors to the building, telling the staff that they`ve arrived, and directing them to collect their passes.
♦ It can talk to visitors about certain issues, such as the force`s non-emergency number and police vetting procedures.
♦ After reviewing its current roles, a range of new responsibilities will be added in the future.