Good morning, Quartz readers! We wanted to give you a heads up that there won’t be a Daily Brief on Monday because our US-based team will be taking the day off. But don’t worry, we’ll be back in your inbox on Tuesday.
Here’s the latest news you need to know:
1. China has announced ambitious plans for its space station, Tiangong. The station will be expanded from three modules to six, increasing its operating lifespan. This comes as the NASA-led International Space Station is nearing retirement.
2. Alibaba is under investigation by Belgian authorities. The probe revolves around a logistics hub in Liège, which Belgian security services suspect of engaging in “espionage and/or interference activities.” However, Alibaba has denied these allegations.
3. Wealthy countries have pledged over $9 billion to help poorer countries fight climate change. While this is a significant amount, environmental organizations are raising concerns about the notable absences from the list of contributors.
4. Hyundai and Kia are following in Tesla’s footsteps by adopting North American Charging Standard Ports for their electric vehicles in the US and Canada. This will allow their drivers to utilize a larger and faster charging network across the continent.
Now, let’s delve into some interesting details:
One small number (12%) and one insightful point by Janet Yellen:
– The US currently only accounts for 12% of global chip manufacturing. The Biden administration’s CHIPS Act aims to increase this number through a $280 billion investment. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the importance of domestic semiconductor manufacturing, stating that abandoning it would be a detrimental strategy for the United States. While the CHIPS Act has faced criticism, Yellen’s point is valid when examining the industry’s historical ties to TV and the space program.
Finally, the future of beer-serving robots is here:
Doosan Robotics specializes in collaborative robots, or cobots, that can serve beer, make coffee, and even deep-fry chicken. The company’s successful IPO raised $312 million on the Seoul stock exchange, making it South Korea’s biggest IPO of the year. Doosan Robotics has ambitious plans to expand its cobots to more locations worldwide.
Additionally, we have some insights into how AI is transforming the retail industry:
Our reporter recently toured a Walmart Supercenter in New Jersey to explore the retailer’s utilization of AI technology. While the senior vice president of operations assured that the store’s employee workforce hasn’t been reduced, AI has found its place in various aspects of retail. Apps are used to assess restocking needs and optimize shelf placement, while consumer-facing applications aid in navigating the vast store spaces. Despite its imperfections, Walmart is investing billions in AI technology, betting on its long-term benefits.
Quartz’s most popular articles:
– Exploring the hot water we’re in with El Niño.
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– Unveiling the story behind China’s role in Indonesia’s first high-speed rail project.
– Understanding the impact of a revolt against Knitting.com and its implications for boycotts on platforms like Reddit and Etsy.
And now for some surprising discoveries:
– Our solar system might have another Kuiper belt beyond the one we already knew about.
– You can now invest in Shrek music and earn royalties whenever it’s streamed or played in theme parks.
– Researchers have found that current AI watermarks intended to combat disinformation can be easily bypassed.
– In a fascinating historical twist, the US used fictional maps to gain public support for entering World War II.
– Possible evidence has emerged of William Shakespeare’s presence on recently discovered floorboards at a theater in Norfolk, UK.
We hope you have a productive day ahead! Feel free to send any news, comments, or interesting artifacts to [email protected]. Remember, reader support is what makes Quartz accessible to everyone. Consider becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Morgan Haefner and Susan Howson.
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