A research team conducted a study to improve robots' performance in multiple peg-in-hole assembly in adapting to different working scenarios, including different object geometry and pose. Using a flexible and reusable sequential control policy framework, they explored how to apply artificial intelligence technology more efficiently in industrial scenarios. Their sequential control policy framework demonstrated higher training efficiency with faster convergence and a higher success rate compared to the single control policy for long-term multiple peg-in-hole assembly tasks.

Austria's ability to weather Gazprom's recent gas supply halt to OMV highlights the significant progress made since 2022, when Europe faced severe economic risks due to heavy reliance on Russian gas. A study led by the Complexity Science Hub shows how coordinated responses, including gas storage and alternative supply routes, can mitigate potential damage, and offers key lessons for future crises.

A pioneering study using an Artificial Intelligence (AI) interviewing platform, conducted by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and marketing research firm Research Network, has revealed new insights into the attitudes of Singaporean youths towards parenthood. The report, titled “Young Singaporeans' Attitudes Toward Parenthood: Key Findings and Policy Implications”, sheds more light on young Singaporean’s hopes, fears, and unique perspectives that shape their family planning decisions. A total of 230 participants were involved in the study and the survey questions were designed by Professor Gemma Calvert, a neuromarketing pioneer from NTU’s Nanyang Business School. Using an AI interviewing platform developed by US-based tech startup Listen Labs (listenlabs.ai), participants can share their candid opinions without social pressure or fear of judgment from a human interviewer, resulting in an unprecedented depth of authentic insights. Key findings from the study indicate that financial concerns are the top barrier to having children, with 70 per cent of respondents citing the high cost of living and the financial demands of raising a family in Singapore.            

A new study assessing provincial and territorial variations in reimbursement criteria of drug coverage for patients covered by Canada's public pharmacare programs for two common cardiovascular conditions revealed significant inequities and deficiencies in access to medications and treatment. The article appearing in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, published by Elsevier, exposes the complexities of the Canadian drug review process and makes a case for a unified framework to improve the present infrastructure, moving towards ensuring the best care for patients with cardiovascular disease.

To commercialize a completely new way of creating colors, a coalition between Kobe University and the venture capital firm ANRI received startup development funding of ¥300 million from the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). With their lightweight, unfading and environmentally friendly way of producing color, they want to first enter the security ink and cosmetics markets before moving on to paints for cars, airplanes and other mobility applications.