A hyperscale data center called Project Jupiter is planned for the New Mexico desert, backed by $165 billion in bonds. But its massive thirst for water and power from gas-fired plants is sparking a major environmental fight.
Apple CEO Tim Cook’s total compensation for 2025 hit $74.3 million, a figure driven by massive stock awards and performance payouts. The package underscores how executive pay at the tech giant is tied directly to the company’s financial success.
Alphabet’s valuation reached $3.92 trillion, edging past Apple’s $3.80 trillion on January 8. This marks the first time Google has been more valuable than Apple since 2019, with Nvidia still leading at $4.49 trillion. The shift is linked to Google’s aggressive edge AI strategy, including new models
Facing budget cuts, science institutions often turn to outsourcing and partnerships. But a 20-year study of NASA missions reveals this drives up hidden coordination costs and can stifle the very innovation they’re trying to protect.
The wild predictions about AI are giving way to more sober forecasts for 2026. According to analysts, next year will be about governance, proving ROI, and confronting new risks as AI moves into critical infrastructure.
Universal Robots, Robotiq, and Siemens have debuted an integrated palletizing system at CES 2026. The solution pairs a UR20 robot with a palletizing cell, all managed through Siemens’ new Digital Twin Composer software for real-time optimization.
Roborock unveiled a prototype robot vacuum called the Saros Rover that can climb stairs. It uses articulated legs to move in a froglike pattern, but it took three minutes to climb just five steps. The company has no price or release date, calling it a developmental product.
Robotic lawn mowers are ditching their old, restrictive boundary wires. New camera and sensor-based systems are finally giving them the freedom to navigate complex yards autonomously.
According to SpaceNews, 2026 will be a defining year for Europe’s space sector. Key rocket tests, major budget decisions, and the progress of critical constellations will reveal if the continent’s ambitions can match reality.
SMD is strengthening its foothold in Asia’s booming offshore wind sector. The company just secured a contract to supply a specialized trencher and its Quantum EV ROV, marking that vehicle’s first sale in the region.
