Negotiating the morality of human-robot relations

Designers who use ethics to shape better companion robots will end up making better humans too.

How Australia can reap the benefits and dodge the dangers of the Internet of Things

The IoT presents great opportunities, but it brings many risks too. Problems include excessive surveillance, loss of privacy, transparency and control, and reliance on unsafe or unsuitable services or devices.

The future of drones

Drones have entered the mainstream but while there have been welcome advances in agriculture, aerial photography and product deliveries, it’s hard to ignore their less welcome applications.

Wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey

It’s not rocket science – or is it? A UNSW Sydney astronomer explains how the right sci-fi watchlist can make physics easier to understand.

When is a science not a science?

The scientific method has allowed mankind to understand and conquer the world around him, but even science may have its limits in dealing with complex human and moral issues.

Is there life on… Venus?

The discovery of phosphine in the balmy upper clouds of Venus may be a sign of anaerobic life floating high above its hellish surface.

Australia can lead a biotechnology revolution

The Australian government needs to develop a bold vision and strategic plan to create the data-driven healthcare system and bioeconomy of the future.

Robot wars

An armed weapons system capable of making decisions sounds like it’s straight out of a Terminator movie. But once lethal autonomous weapons are out in the world, there could be no turning back.

Internet of junk

5G could force greater product obsolescence as non-compatible devices get left behind, but there are ways to stem the e-waste avalanche.

Farewell to the jumbo-jet

With flights grounded and Australia’s borders shut, Qantas has retired its final Boeing 747 several months earlier than initially planned.  The jumbo jet was pivotal in reducing Australia’s tyranny of distance.

The brave new world of agriculture

Advanced automation and genetic technologies need to be adopted globally in each region to deliver local food production capability that can provide secure sources of food in future pandemics.

Women in STEM still fall short of workplace equality

In 2016, women represented just 29% of workers with university qualifications in science, technology, engineering or maths. And that was before the pandemic disruption.