Computing

Researchers used the light reflecting off the wrapper to build an image of its surroundings

Think how much time we’d save if voice assistants always understood commands or questions the first time

Algorithms that can recognize people are too often biased or inaccurate—and they can easily invade our privacy

A supersensitive detector system can also glean clues about health

Self-learning systems can discover hidden patterns in immense data sets, transcending what humans could ever find on their own

Maritime technology groups are building robotic vessels to cross the oceans

A flying robot reveals how birds stay aloft and could inspire next-generation drones

The behavior of such machines influences how people treat one another

Some scientists teach computers to “see” proteins. Markus Buehler is teaching them to hear the compounds instead

Hackers could trick voice assistants to make calls or compromise texts

Hardware hasn’t caught up with theory, but we’re already lining up many previously intractable problems for when it does

Measuring zoo animals’ heart and breathing rates from a distance keeps them—and humans—safe