【TechNews Digest】Top 10 Technology News Today

Hello, I am your Tech News Curator. Today, we present 10 key topics from the technology industry, including humanoid robot marathon participation, European patent trends, AI safety concerns, and wearable cooling devices.

1. Humanoid Robots Outpace Humans at Beijing Half Marathon

In the half marathon held in Beijing, dozens of Chinese-made humanoid robots ran at speeds surpassing human runners, generating buzz. The winner was a robot developed by smartphone manufacturer Honor, with a time of 50 minutes 26 seconds. While the pace exceeded the human world record, there were moments where they stumbled near the finish line, highlighting technical challenges. Held on a parallel course ensuring safety, this event symbolizes the rapid evolution of robotic motion performance.

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2. EPO Publishes 2025 Dashboard; Japan Ranks 4th

The European Patent Office (EPO) published the 'EPO Technology Dashboard 2025', analyzing trends in European patent applications. Japanese companies and inventors maintained the 4th position in application volume. They showed presence in battery, automotive, and quantum technology sectors, though AI-related applications showed a declining trend. Sony Group ranked first among Japanese companies, and Toyota Motor improved its ranking significantly. Utilization of the European Unitary Patent system is also expanding, increasing the importance of intellectual property management in Japanese companies' global strategies.

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3. Concerns Over AI Development Escalate to Violence; Social Issue Intensifies

Cases are being reported where concerns over the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are becoming radicalized and escalating into violent acts. Following incidents such as the assault on the OpenAI CEO's residence, securing the safety of industry leaders has become a challenge. Movements justifying violence online are also visible, raising concerns about extremist factions within social movements. While tech companies are strengthening security, they are also emphasizing the importance of peaceful discussion platforms, facing pressure to respond so that fear of technology does not lead to social unrest.

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4. Asahi Shimbun Report: Detailed Timing of Beijing Robot Marathon

According to Asahi Shimbun reports, in the humanoid robot half marathon held in Beijing, the top robot finished with a time of 48 minutes 19 seconds. However, due to race regulations, time was added, making another robot's 50 minutes 26 seconds the official winning time. State media CCTV China also covered this competition, which was designed as a venue to test endurance and balance capabilities towards the practical application of robot technology, attracting attention from the industrial sector.

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5. Kewpie 3-Minute Cooking: Bean Korma Curry

CBC TV's "Kewpie 3-Minute Cooking" introduced a recipe for Bean Korma Curry. This authentic curry is completed simply by frying ingredients in a frying pan; flavor can be determined using curry powder or ketchup without needing to gather individual spices. Nutritional information showing 745kcal energy and 3.7g salt content is clearly displayed. Cooking programs are utilizing technology to disseminate information so busy modern people can easily prepare nutritionally balanced meals.

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6. BBC Report: Runners vs. Robots, Beijing Marathon

BBC featured the Beijing Half Marathon as "Runners vs. Robots," reporting that the winning machine "Lightning" left humans behind. Approximately 40% of participating robots operated autonomously, while the rest were remotely controlled. Recording 50 minutes 26 seconds, far exceeding Uganda's human world record, it demonstrated technical maturity. This competition is viewed as an important step to verify robot operation in complex public environments, not merely a demonstration.

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7. Euronews: China Tests Humanoid Robots in Real Environments

Euronews reported that China tested humanoid robots in actual race environments in Beijing. The winning model "Tiangong Ultra" completed the race in 2 hours 40 minutes, earning praise for adaptability to spectators and uneven terrain. Engineers used data from pro runners to improve stride and energy efficiency. China positions humanoid robots as a strategic field and plans to hold related competitions such as the World Humanoid Robot Games to aim for expanded industrial utilization.

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8. Virginia Tech Skydiver Collision Accident

During a game at Virginia Tech, an accident occurred where a skydiver collided with the scoreboard, and NBC News released footage of the incident. Amid rising concerns regarding safety during events, this video spread widely as news footage. It serves as a case questioning the balance between technical effects and safety assurance, sparking discussions on risk management for performances using drones and aircraft in sports events.

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9. Wearable Cooler from Sony Spin-off Sees 50% Sales Increase

The wearable device "REON POCKET" from Sony Thermo Technology, a spin-off from Sony Group, has gained popularity as a countermeasure against heatwaves. 2025 fiscal year sales grew 1.5x compared to the previous year. The function of directly cooling the back while worn around the neck is supported by business professionals. Characterized by a design hidden within clothing, the idea originated from temperature gap experiences during business trips to Shanghai. It became an unusual success story commercialized after achieving its goal via crowdfunding.

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10. Sankei News Report: REON POCKET Global Expansion Accelerates

Sankei News focused on accelerating REON POCKET's global expansion. Having separated from Sony to increase agility, the company launched a high-end model with double the cooling area for the Western market. Cumulative sales have surpassed 840,000 units, aiming for 1 million by year-end. While domestic sales were the main focus, it is now available in 20 countries. Fitting lifestyles is key, and they aim to expand market share globally while deepening understanding of overseas styles.

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