RoboBall: Rolling Robot Maps Moon Craters Rovers Can't Reach

The Evolution of RoboBall: A Spherical Robot for Challenging Terrains

What started as a vision at NASA two decades ago is now becoming a reality at Texas A&M University, thanks to the efforts of two determined graduate students. This innovative project, known as RoboBall, is a "perfect sphere" designed to access areas that are otherwise unreachable.

Unlike traditional robots, RoboBall cannot flip over, which allows it to navigate through diverse environments, from the depths of lunar craters to the shifting sands of a beach. Its unique design makes it ideal for exploring places where other machines might struggle.

Two Versions in Development

The concept of RoboBall was initially developed by Dr. Robert Ambrose at NASA in 2003. He created and tested a prototype, but the project was put on hold as attention shifted to drivable rovers for astronaut missions. However, after moving to a university setting, Ambrose revived the idea with new funding.

Now, graduate students Rishi Jangale and Derek Pravecek are leading the development of this groundbreaking robot. Their goal is to create a machine capable of exploring uncharted and challenging terrains. The RoboBall project is based on the simple concept of a “robot in an airbag,” with two versions currently in development.

The first version, RoboBall II, is a 2-foot-diameter prototype used for trial runs to test power output and control algorithms. The second version, RoboBall III, has a larger 6-foot diameter and is being designed to carry various payloads, such as sensors, cameras, or sampling tools, for future real-world missions.

To showcase its versatility, the RoboBall will undergo extensive outdoor testing, including field trials on the beaches of Galveston, Texas. These tests will demonstrate the robot’s ability to transition from water to land, a key feature that sets it apart from existing robots.

By observing its buoyancy and adaptability in a real-world setting, the team aims to prove that the RoboBall can navigate a wider range of environments than its wheeled or legged counterparts. "Traditional vehicles stall or tip over in abrupt transitions. This robot can roll out of water onto sand without worrying about orientation. It’s going where other robots can’t," said Jangale.

Exploring the Moon’s Craters

The features that make RoboBall so versatile also present significant challenges. Any mechanical issues with the robot require a complete disassembly since it is sealed inside a protective shell. As a result, diagnosing a failed motor or disconnected sensor is a difficult and time-consuming process.

"If a motor fails or a sensor disconnects, you can’t just pop open a panel. You have to take apart the whole robot and rebuild it. It’s like open-heart surgery on a rolling ball," noted Pravecek.

Moreover, there is no blueprint for a soft-shelled, self-rolling robot; hence, the RoboBall team needs to invent solutions to every challenge they face. Despite these hurdles, the robot continues to exceed expectations.

RoboBall II set a new speed record when it reached 20 mph, about half of its theoretical power limit. This achievement highlights the potential of the project.

Future Vision for RoboBall

The long-term vision for RoboBall is to make it a fully autonomous and remotely deployable exploration tool. One day, this robot could be launched from lunar landers to map steep crater walls on the moon or deployed from drones to survey post-disaster areas on Earth.

Once in position, a swarm of these ball-like robots could map the terrain, send data back to operators, and even deploy instruments in locations too dangerous or difficult for human access. This technology has the potential to revolutionize how we explore both our planet and beyond.

I Tried Notion's New Feed View and It Revolutionized My Daily Planning

Understanding Notion's Feed View

Notion is a highly versatile tool packed with features that cater to various needs, from task management to project planning. However, some of its features often go unnoticed, and one such feature is the Feed view. This view offers a unique way to interact with your databases, making it an essential addition to your workflow if you haven't already started using it.

The Feed view functions similarly to scrolling through social media platforms like Instagram. Instead of seeing posts, you'll see entries from your Notion databases. Each entry appears as a scrollable card, displaying the actual content of the page without requiring you to click and open a new page. You can preview, comment on, and engage with the content directly from the main view, making it an efficient way to manage tasks and data.

The Power of Feed View

What makes the Feed view particularly powerful is that it retains all the database functionalities that Notion users have come to appreciate. You can still filter, sort, group, and organize your data just as you would in other views. However, instead of navigating through a table and clicking individual items to access their pages, everything is displayed in one cohesive view.

This feature allows you to get the most information from your databases in the simplest way possible. Each entry appears as a post, with the page content visible in the feed. You can easily see task descriptions, notes, updates, and any additional data you've added to each task without any hassle.

Setting Up and Customizing Feed View

Getting started with the Feed view is straightforward. Simply click the settings icon at the top right of your database, then navigate to the layout section and select the Feed view from the list of available options. Alternatively, you can type /feed view on any page to create a new database with the Feed view as the default layout.

There are several configuration options available to customize the Feed view according to your preferences. You can adjust how the data is displayed, set up filters, and even modify the layout of individual pages within the feed. To do this, open any page and click the "Customize layout" button located above the page title. This button only appears when you hover over the page name, so be sure to look for it.

Once you've clicked the button, you can adjust settings such as the page structure, enable or disable discussions, and control how inline comments are shown. The way you configure your feed will depend on your specific needs. For instance, if you're using the Feed view for personal planning, it's recommended to disable Page discussions in the Customize layout menu to reduce unnecessary elements from your view.

Streamlining Your Workflow with Feed View

Feed view significantly simplifies working with databases. Large tables with numerous rows and data can be overwhelming, especially when time is limited. Checking task details usually requires clicking on each item to open a new page, which can be inefficient.

In contrast, the Feed view allows you to see your entire day's workload sorted or filtered in a single glance. Instead of cryptic task titles in a table, you can quickly assess what needs to be done. If you're working with a team, leaving comments on individual items is an effective way to update everyone involved and have quick discussions. These comments appear directly beneath each item, making them easy to reference later if needed.

Overcoming Database Anxiety

For many users, the transition from traditional spreadsheets like Excel and Google Sheets to Notion can be challenging. I used to experience "database anxiety" when working in Notion because of the complexity of the databases. While I built my entire workflow in Notion, the complicated structures ended up hindering my productivity.

One of the reasons I struggled with Notion was the lack of flexibility in using formulas. Unlike spreadsheets, where you can pick data from any cell or range, Notion's formula capabilities are more limited. This led to inefficient tracking, forcing me to return to my spreadsheets.

However, the Feed view has made a significant difference. It presents relevant data at a glance while keeping major details hidden, reducing the cognitive load on my brain. This means I spend less time deciphering what a task requires and more time quickly accessing the information I need before moving on.

Conclusion

Feed view is an excellent alternative to traditional table views, especially for daily planning. While table views have their uses, the Feed view takes the lead in terms of simplicity and efficiency. If you're feeling overwhelmed by a massive table of pending tasks, visualizing your data differently might be the key to unlocking better productivity. Whether you're managing personal tasks or collaborating with a team, the Feed view offers a practical and user-friendly approach to working with your databases.

Google introduces 'preferred sources' feature. How to add Desert Sun

Understanding Google’s ‘Preferred Sources’ Feature

Google has introduced a new feature called “preferred sources,” designed to help users tailor their news experience by highlighting content from their favorite websites. This feature allows users to customize how they receive information within the Top Stories section of Google Search. By selecting preferred sources, users can ensure that the latest updates from their go-to news outlets appear more prominently in search results.

The feature was launched on August 12 and gives users the ability to filter their news consumption based on personal preferences. Whether you're interested in sports, local news, or any other topic, Google will prioritize content from your selected sources when relevant information is available.

How to Add the Desert Sun as a Preferred Source

Adding the Desert Sun to your list of preferred sources is a straightforward process. You can use a direct link provided by Google or follow these steps:

1. Search for a topic that is currently in the news.
2. Click on the icon next to "Top Stories" to access the settings.
3. Choose your preferred sources, which could include the Desert Sun or any other news organization you regularly visit.
4. Refresh your search results to see more content from your chosen sources.

This method ensures that whenever you perform a search related to a topic covered by the Desert Sun, you’ll see the most recent articles from that outlet first.

Additional Ways to Stay Connected with the Desert Sun

Beyond the “preferred sources” feature, there are several other ways to keep up with the Desert Sun:

• Follow on Social Media: The Desert Sun maintains an active presence on platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram. Following them on these channels ensures you never miss important updates.
• Use the Official App: Download the Desert Sun app on your Apple or Android device to receive real-time news alerts and updates directly on your phone.
• Subscribe to Newsletters: Sign up for newsletters that cover topics of interest to you. This is a great way to get curated content delivered straight to your inbox.
• Become a Subscriber: A subscription offers full access to all the content published by the Desert Sun, ensuring you stay informed about everything happening in your community and beyond.

By leveraging these tools, you can maintain a consistent connection with the Desert Sun and receive timely, relevant news tailored to your interests. Whether through the new Google feature or traditional methods, staying informed has never been easier.

SP+ Projects: Georgia Tech vs. Colorado Final Score

Georgia Tech Faces a Tough Challenge in Boulder

With just four days until the Gameday, Georgia Tech is preparing to make the trip to Boulder for one of the most anticipated matchups of the week. The Yellow Jackets will face off against Colorado in what is expected to be a highly competitive game. While Georgia Tech is a slight favorite, the Buffaloes are seen as a formidable opponent under the leadership of head coach Brent Key.

The question on everyone's mind is: who will come out on top? Many experts believe this game could be a close contest, with opinions divided on which team will prevail. According to Bill Connelly’s SP+ projection model, Colorado has a 51% chance of winning, with an estimated final score of 30-29.

Understanding the SP+ Model

SP+ is a sophisticated college football analytics tool developed by ESPN analyst Bill Connelly. In his own words, SP+ is "a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency." Connelly created the system in 2008 at Football Outsiders and has since refined it based on his growing experience with college football statistics.

Unlike traditional rankings that reward teams for big wins or bold scheduling choices, SP+ focuses on sustainable performance metrics. It aims to predict future success by evaluating how well a team plays over time, regardless of luck or circumstances. A team that wins through sheer luck may see its rating drop, while a team that loses due to bad fortune might still receive a positive rating.

Brent Key’s Respect for Colorado

Brent Key has expressed deep respect for Colorado, acknowledging the challenges his team will face when they step onto the field. The Buffaloes have a strong offensive line and a veteran defense that led the Big 12 in sacks last season. During a recent press conference, Key highlighted the strength of Colorado's defense:

"Colorado has a lot of returning players on defense. I think there are seven or eight guys from last year’s starting lineup, and many more in the two-deep. With 20 defensive players who are juniors or seniors, they have a lot of experience and leadership. That’s a huge advantage."

Key also praised Colorado’s defensive coordinator, Robert Livingston, for transforming the team’s defensive strategy. Livingston previously spent a decade in the NFL before taking over the defense. On the offensive side, the Buffaloes have brought in a new coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, who has over 20 years of experience in the NFL. Shurmur is expected to help develop a powerful offensive line that could be among the largest in the country.

Game Details and Expectations

Georgia Tech vs. Colorado is set to kick off on Friday night at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN. Fans can expect a high-stakes matchup between two well-prepared teams. Both programs have made significant investments in their rosters and coaching staffs, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.

For Georgia Tech, the challenge lies in adapting to the fast-paced style of play that Colorado brings. The Yellow Jackets will need to execute efficiently on both sides of the ball to have a chance at victory. Meanwhile, Colorado will look to leverage its experienced roster and strategic coaching to maintain its dominance.

As the game approaches, all eyes will be on how each team performs under pressure. With so much at stake, this matchup promises to be one of the highlights of the early season.

Meta partners with Midjourney to license technology

Strategic Partnership Between Meta and Midjourney

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has entered into a significant agreement with Midjourney, a leading generative AI lab. This partnership involves licensing Midjourney's "aesthetic technology" to enhance future models and products developed by Meta. The collaboration aims to elevate the visual quality of Meta's offerings, making them more engaging and visually appealing for users.

According to Alexandr Wang, Meta's chief AI officer, this technical partnership will bring together the research teams of both companies. This joint effort is part of Meta's broader strategy to improve the visual elements across its platforms. By integrating Midjourney's advanced image-generation capabilities, Meta hopes to offer better creative tools for both individual users and marketers.

Midjourney is well-known for its ability to generate high-quality images from text prompts. The company offers its tools through a subscription model, allowing users to access its services on a regular basis. In a post on X, Wang expressed his admiration for Midjourney, stating that the company's work is impressive and aligns with Meta's goals of delivering top-tier products.

Wang highlighted that Meta's approach involves combining talent, a strong compute roadmap, and strategic partnerships with industry leaders. This collaborative strategy is expected to drive innovation and improve the user experience across Meta's platforms. The integration of Midjourney's technology could potentially reduce content production costs and increase user engagement, according to reports from Reuters.

David Holz, founder of Midjourney, emphasized that the company remains independent of outside investors. He also noted that this partnership aligns with Midjourney's mission to provide creative tools to billions of Meta users. This move not only strengthens Midjourney's position in the market but also expands its reach to a larger audience.

This partnership comes at a time when Meta is undergoing some changes within its AI division. Recently, the company implemented a hiring freeze, marking a shift from its previous period of extensive recruitment of AI researchers and engineers. This decision follows months of hiring over 50 AI experts, indicating a strategic realignment of resources.

In addition to the partnership with Midjourney, Meta has also finalized a significant agreement with Alphabet's Google. The deal involves using Google Cloud's services over a six-year period. As part of this agreement, Meta will commit to a minimum expenditure of $10 billion over the next six years to leverage Google Cloud’s servers and storage capabilities.

This multi-faceted approach demonstrates Meta's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and forming strategic alliances to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. By investing in cloud infrastructure and collaborating with leading AI labs, Meta is positioning itself to deliver innovative solutions that meet the needs of its vast user base.

Why You Might Not Need Windows PowerToys Despite Their Productivity Claims

What Are Windows PowerToys and Why Would You Use Them?

Windows PowerToys have been around in various forms since the early days of Windows 95. Initially, they were a set of tools designed for advanced users who wanted to customize and enhance their operating system experience. Over the years, the project fell out of favor, but it was revived in 2019 as an open-source initiative for Windows 10 and 11. Today, PowerToys are actively maintained by Microsoft engineers and community contributors, making them a reliable and free resource for adding extra functionality to your computer.

PowerToys is a collection of individual utilities bundled into one package. This means you can choose which tools to use based on your needs, without being forced to install everything at once. Some of the most popular features include:

• FancyZones: A powerful window manager that allows you to create custom snap layouts. Instead of being limited to half-screen or quarter-screen positions, you can design a grid that matches your workflow. If you like having multiple apps side-by-side, FancyZones makes it easy.
• PowerToys Run: A quick launcher similar to macOS Spotlight. Press a shortcut, type a few letters, and instantly open apps, files, or even perform basic calculations without navigating through menus.
• Keyboard Manager: Enables you to remap keys or create custom shortcuts. If you’ve ever wished a certain key did something different, this tool makes it possible.
• Text Extractor: Copies text directly from images or on-screen elements, much like what’s built into modern smartphones.
• Mouse Utilities: Adds options such as highlighting your cursor when you lose track of it, or using the keyboard to move and click.

In addition to these, there are File Explorer add-ons, a Color Picker for design work, and utilities for renaming or resizing batches of files.

Benefits of Using PowerToys

If you spend a significant amount of time on your computer, especially for work or productivity tasks, PowerToys can help save time and reduce repetitive actions. For example, FancyZones can make a dual-monitor setup more efficient, while PowerToys Run offers a faster alternative to searching through the Start menu. For users who enjoy customizing their systems, PowerToys opens up possibilities that aren’t typically available in standard Windows settings.

Since PowerToys is developed under Microsoft’s umbrella and receives regular updates, it's a safer choice compared to downloading third-party tweaks that might cause instability or security risks. It's also lightweight, as long as you only enable the tools you need and disable the rest.

When You Might Skip PowerToys

On the other hand, PowerToys isn’t essential for everyone. If you primarily use your computer for web browsing, email, or simple tasks, you may not notice much benefit. Some of the utilities are tailored for users who enjoy tinkering with shortcuts and layouts. There is also a learning curve involved—setting up features like FancyZones or custom keyboard shortcuts may take some experimentation before they feel natural.

It's also worth noting that, as with any active open-source project, occasional bugs or quirks can appear in updates. Microsoft usually addresses these quickly, but if you prefer a stable and unchanging environment, PowerToys might feel too experimental for your needs.

Final Thoughts

Windows PowerToys can be seen as a free upgrade pack for users looking for more control and efficiency in their Windows experience. If you're curious and willing to experiment, it's an excellent toolkit to try. However, if you prefer a simpler, more straightforward setup, you won't miss out on anything essential by skipping it.

The Alaskan Logging Threat to Steinway's Legendary Pianos

The Fate of a Historic Sawmill and Its Impact on Steinway & Sons

The decline of logging in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest has far-reaching consequences, even reaching the heart of New York City. In Astoria, Queens, Steinway & Sons, one of the oldest operating factories in the city, continues to craft its iconic pianos using wood from the remote forests of Southeast Alaska. Central to this process is Sitka spruce, a type of wood known for its unique acoustic properties that contribute to the distinct sound of Steinway pianos.

Sitka spruce is used in several key components of the pianos, including the ribs, braces, soundboards, and white keys. This specific wood, sourced from the islands of Southeast Alaska, is prized for its density and resonance. However, the supply chain that delivers this essential material is under threat due to reduced logging activity in the Tongass National Forest.

Viking Lumber, Steinway’s sole supplier of Sitka spruce, is facing a critical shortage of timber. The company operates a sawmill on Prince of Wales Island, 600 miles north of Seattle, which is the last major sawmill in the Alaskan panhandle. Without access to Tongass timber, the facility will be forced to close, according to Kirk Dahlstrom, one of Viking’s owners.

Dahlstrom explained that a recent agreement with Alaska’s government to cut state-owned timber, along with ongoing logging jobs, may provide enough wood to keep the mill running through the winter months. However, he remains uncertain about the future supply of Sitka spruce beyond that period.

The closure of the sawmill would have devastating economic effects on the region. The town of Craig, with a population of around 1,000 residents, would suffer greatly. The mill employs approximately 45 people year-round, and many more workers, including truck drivers, barge pilots, and loggers, would lose their jobs if the operation shuts down.

This situation is not isolated. President Trump has advocated for increased timber harvests from federal forests as part of his broader push to boost domestic production of raw materials. He has also considered imposing tariffs on imported lumber, citing national security concerns. Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department has begun the process of rescinding the “roadless rule,” which limits road construction on federal lands and has hindered logging activities.

Regional Forest Service supervisors are also tasked with developing five-year plans to increase timber harvests by 25% on federal land. Despite these efforts, they do little to address Viking’s immediate challenges. According to Dahlstrom, a 25% increase in logging in the Tongass would barely make a dent in the company’s needs, equating to just a week’s worth of wood.

In recent years, Viking has relied on small federal timber sales but has not been offered a significant tract of land since 2016. That year, a forest management plan was adopted for the Tongass that projected much higher annual harvests than what has actually occurred. In March, Viking, along with a local logging company and the Alaska Forest Association, filed a lawsuit against the Forest Service, Agriculture Department, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, alleging that the government failed to meet the goals outlined in the 2016 plan.

Wood from old-growth forests is highly valued for its quality, but these ancient trees also play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Environmental groups, tribal organizations, and fishing interests have joined the legal battle, opposing large-scale logging of old-growth forests.

Despite being defendants in the case, federal agencies have publicly expressed support for Viking outside of court. A spokesperson for the Forest Service stated that the USDA remains committed to supporting locally based mills and responsible timber harvesting in the Tongass National Forest.

Kirk Dahlstrom’s journey into the logging industry began in 1978 when he and his brother built a sawmill in Washington state. They later expanded their operations to Alaska, where they found an abundance of old hemlocks and no northern spotted owls—environmentalists had previously used the Endangered Species Act to restrict logging in Washington, leading to a decline in timber production.

In Alaska, Viking began cutting Sitka spruce, a strong yet lightweight wood that was instrumental in early aviation and became a key material during World War I. Japanese buyers were among the first to purchase this wood, followed by Steinway & Sons. As other Alaskan mills closed, Viking became the primary supplier to Steinway, as well as a source for guitar makers, aviation firms, and the military.

Steinway’s spruce is transported to Washington for further processing before being shipped to New York, where it is used in the company’s piano manufacturing. Kyle Walters, director of manufacturing at Steinway, noted that the wood is the most expensive component in the pianos, which also include hard rock maple, poplar, and mahogany.

Although Steinway currently has enough spruce to maintain its production of about 1,000 pianos per year, the company is concerned about the long-term availability of the wood. CEO Ben Steiner has written to Alaska officials, urging them to support Viking’s continued operations.

Sitka spruce grows along the Pacific Coast, but the trees needed for Steinway’s pianos are specifically found in Alaska. The brief growing season in the region results in a tighter grain, which enhances the wood’s acoustic properties. According to Steiner, the spruce used by Steinway is among the top 1% of the top 1% available in the world.