Technology

China's latest technological advancement has sent ripples of concern through Australia. This innovation, a new method of producing steel called flash ironmaking, could significantly diminish China's reliance on imported iron ore, a commodity that has been a cornerstone of the Australian economy for decades. China, in its pursuit to become the world's leading economic power, has become the biggest steel producer globally, relying heavily on Australia's high-quality iron ore to fuel its industries. This has been a lucrative relationship for Australia, with iron ore exports generating billions of dollars in revenue and tax revenue that supports essential services. However, this dependence may soon change. Professor Zhang Wenhai, a renowned Chinese engineer, has developed a revolutionary technique that transforms the steelmaking process. His method, flash ironmaking, involves injecting finely ground iron ore into an extremely hot furnace using a special device. […]

The US and China are locked in an intensifying technological rivalry, with the latest salvo coming from the outgoing Biden administration in the form of new export controls on advanced semiconductor technology. These measures, aimed at curbing China's development of cutting-edge AI and military capabilities, have drawn sharp condemnation from Beijing and further strained relations between the two global powers. The US Commerce Department announced restrictions on the sale of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and access to American technology for numerous Chinese companies. The goal, according to US officials, is to impede China's progress in developing advanced AI tools with potential military applications and to undercut its domestic semiconductor industry, which poses a threat to US national security. China's Commerce Ministry responded swiftly, denouncing the US actions as "unilateral bullying" and a threat to global supply chain stability. In a tit-for-tat […]

German automotive supplier Bosch has announced plans to lay off 5,000 employees globally, with a significant portion of the job cuts affecting its German workforce. This move comes as the German auto industry grapples with a myriad of challenges, including market stagnation, the transition to electric vehicles, and rising competition from Chinese manufacturers. Bosch cited the need to adapt to changing market conditions, reduce costs, and invest in new technologies as the primary drivers behind the planned layoffs. The company highlighted the stagnation in global vehicle production and the reduced demand for parts in electric vehicles as contributing factors. The job cuts will affect various divisions within Bosch, including its steering systems division, where up to 1,300 jobs are expected to be eliminated. This announcement follows previous layoff announcements in December 2023 and adds to the growing number of job […]

Elon Musk's neurotechnology company, Neuralink, has been granted approval by Health Canada to conduct its first clinical trial in the country. The trial will focus on evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a brain implant designed to help paralyzed individuals control digital devices with their thoughts. The implant aims to assist individuals with quadriplegia, or paralysis of all four limbs, by allowing them to control external devices such as computers and smartphones simply by thinking. This technology has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for people with severe disabilities. Neuralink has already conducted successful trials in the United States, where two patients have received the implant. Both patients have demonstrated the ability to use the device to perform various tasks, including playing video games, browsing the internet, and engaging in creative activities like 3D design. The company […]