Clone Robotics Neural Joint Controller V2 Robotic Hand
A robotic hand rests on a plain tabletop, its pale synthetic skin pulled taut over the hidden math of a network of fibers that appear to pulsate like veins under tension. The fingers curl over to form a grip that feels almost too fluid, almost like a human hand. This is Clone Robotics’ most recent demonstration of their Neural Joint V2 Controller, a system that transforms a complex jumble of artificial muscles into something that responds well and isn’t prone to wobbling.

Pocket8086 DOS Handheld Computer
If you find yourself staring longingly at an old floppy disk and wondering where all the charm has gone in modern gadgets, the Pocket8086 might just be the ticket to bring you back to the warm light of a CRT. This compact device from Chinese manufacturer 8086YES! manages to compress the essence of an 80s IBM PC XT into a clamshell that’s smaller than the typical tablet, which is quite a squeeze to say the least.

PS5 Sim Digital Edition Console
Holiday shopping season typically means crowded stores, but buying a console online flips that script. The PS5 Slim Digital Edition is a sleek option you can slip right into Sony’s universe without the bulk of the extras which can be a real pain for anyone who just wants a simple setup. They’ve knocked the price down to $399 (was $499.99), so right now its a great deal for gamers who just want some real power without all the fuss.

MIT Ultrasonic Device Water Harvesting Air
Photo credit: Ikra Iftekhar
Engineers at MIT created a flat device that hums with sound waves too rapid for human ears to detect. These waves rattle water droplets from materials absorbed from the air, converting humidity into a constant stream of clean liquid. In areas where taps run empty and rivers remain far, this system offers a quiet revolution. There are no large factories or endless pipes necessary. Just air, a little vibration, and a few ingenious bits operating in tandem.

RAI Institute Baseball Robot
A pair of robots stand seven meters apart on an indoor court, their hands outstretched in the same way that outfielders do. One robot throws a baseball at its partner at 70 mph, which is a pretty good high school fastball, while the other’s receiving arm springs forward in a blur to catch the ball mid-air with a quiet thud against a bespoke glove. Without missing a beat, the glove flicks back, and the robot whips the ball back, creating a flawless arc through the air. All of this was captured on camera in a brief tech demo by RAI Institute researchers last week.