The Augmented Horizon

More is happening in technology beyond just generative AI! Advancements in Extended Reality (AR, VR, Mixed Reality), Robotics, Quantum Computing, and HCI are redefining our reality. We keep you one step ahead of everyone else.

TL: DR - I sort through the best new tech news, so you do not have to!

Would You Like an LLM With Those Fries?

This week’s edition is packed with futuristic weirdness—just how we like it. From Elon Musk getting his Star Trek on with FDA-approved brain implants to restaurant robots flipping burgers, we’re deep in the age of sci-fi becoming real life. And don’t even get me started on the AI robot that’s basically learning how to outsmart us one action at a time. Throw in some AR glasses that don’t make you look like a cyborg and fingertip tech that lets you “feel” the virtual world, and we’ve got plenty of reasons to geek out.

Whether you’re ready to be served a burger by a robot or not, automation is creeping into every corner of life. So, buckle up for some AI revelations, VR breakthroughs, and restaurant robots that might just ask for a raise one day (kidding...hopefully)!

WORTH THINKING: Are Restaurant Jobs Being Replaced by Robots?

You thought flipping burgers was safe from the robotic revolution? Think again. As labor costs and food prices rise, restaurants—from your local mom-and-pop spots to giants like McDonald’s, Chipotle, and Shake Shack—rapidly turn to AI and automation. Robots like Flippy, the fry cook, and Chippy, the tortilla maker, are taking over the kitchen, tirelessly working without needing breaks, health insurance, or tips. Even delivery services are jumping on the automation bandwagon, with bots zipping through streets to bring food to your door faster than you can say, "Hold the onions."

Big brands are diving in headfirst. McDonald’s is testing fully automated drive-thrus, eliminating human interaction, while White Castle has expanded its use of kitchen robots to speed up the food prep process. Meanwhile, Domino’s is rolling out delivery robots, ensuring your pizza arrives with a perfect blend of AI precision. In the back end, companies like Fourth are helping restaurants maximize profits by using AI to streamline everything from inventory to staffing decisions. Fast-food chains also partner with startups like RestokeAI to optimize operations with millions of dollars in new investments. Shake Shack recently partnered with Serve Robotics to introduce robot deliveries in Los Angeles. Chipotle has embraced automation to reduce prep time using Autocado, an AI-powered avocado slicer.

But not everyone is thrilled. A recent survey found that 58% of consumers have mixed feelings or outright concerns about robots in their favorite restaurants. Many worry about losing the human element, like the friendly server who knows your "usual." While automation promises speed and efficiency, some diners feel that the soul of hospitality may be lost, replaced by cold, calculated efficiency. It’s clear that while some embrace the robot revolution, others aren’t quite ready to swap human smiles for silicon servers. As AI continues to learn and adapt, the future of restaurant jobs could be served up on a plate made entirely of automation.

Read More on How Your Job Might Be At Stake!

• 10 Robots Rescuing Restaurant Workers

• Flippy, Chippy, and Autocado: The Rise of Restaurant Robots

• Shake Shack Partners with Serve Robotics for Delivery in Los Angeles

• Consumers Have Mixed Feelings About AI in Restaurants

• How AI Is Making Restaurants More Efficient

• AI in Restaurants: A New Era for the Dining Experience

• How Much of an Impact Will AI Have on Fast Food?

• Major Restaurant Chain Replacing Humans with Robots

WORTH READING

Elon Musk Goes Full Star Trek With ‘Sight-Giving’ Brain Implant
In a plot twist straight out of sci-fi, Musk's Neuralink device that could restore vision just got the FDA's blessing. It’s like he’s aiming to give blind folks the Geordi La Forge treatment with AI-generated sight. Amazing!

Environmentalist Panic: ChatGPT Could Be Killing the Planet, One Query at a Time
Turns out your midnight AI chats may be worse for the Earth than your plastic straw habit. ChatGPT’s energy consumption is raising alarms, proving that the robots might not just take your job—they could ruin your beach days, too.

Fingertip Device Lets You Feel the Digital World Like Never Before
Forget VR gloves! This new fingertip tech is the future of touch in the virtual realm. It promises to give you that real "feeling" while scrolling through pictures of your ex on Instagram—or at least something close to it.

This DIY Robotic Knee Exoskeleton is Giving Tony Stark a Run for His Money
Why pay for expensive Iron Man suits when you can slap drone motors on your knee braces? This DIY robotic knee exoskeleton is like strapping an RC car to your legs—just don’t trip!

China's Humanoid Army? Robots Set to Replace Laborers on Mega Projects
Move over human workers. China's robots are ready to clock in. The country’s mega-projects are going full sci-fi with humanoid robots that could make labor strikes a thing of the past.

Snap CEO’s Vision: AR Glasses That Don't Make You Look Like a Cyborg
Snap’s Evan Spiegel thinks he can get you to wear AR glasses without making you look like a tech nerd. But can Snap Spectacles finally make AR cool, or is it just Google Glass with extra sass?

Virtuix Omni One: The VR Treadmill of Your Childhood Sci-Fi Dreams
Ever wanted to run full speed through a video game? The Virtuix Omni One is here to make that dream come true—minus the sweating and real-world consequences. Your living room may never be the same.

Immersed Visor Targets a Comfortable VR/AR Experience for Your Aching Eyeballs
Finally, a VR visor that doesn’t make you feel like you’ve been in a staring contest with a lightbulb! The Immersed Visor promises comfort in extended reality, aiming for that sweet spot between fun and not frying your retinas.

Unity Software Navigates the Future of AR, With or Without a CEO
Unity might be missing a captain at the helm, but they’re still steering their AR ship forward. Despite some leadership drama, the software giant is doubling down on making augmented reality... a reality.

WORTH WATCHING

New AI Robot Gets Smarter With Every Action It Takes
This AI robot is like a toddler on steroids—learning, adapting, and getting smarter with every step it takes. The more it interacts, the more it evolves, promising to outwit not just other robots but possibly you, too. It’s a glimpse into our future robot overlords, and they’re getting smarter one action at a time!

Interesting Jobs in Tech

Coming soon! I am working with companies and recruiters in the space to add jobs. Do you have any? Please send me the details, and I will include them soon!

I’ve already started to get some submissions and leads for roles, although not all are in the extended tech space. If you want to reach out, please do so at the link above (I'm still setting up the process).

Product:

• Chief Product Officer

Engineering:

• Principal Engineer

• 2 different “Founding Engineer” roles

• Senior Backend Engineer

• Senior Fullstack Engineer

Coming Soon, Q4 Events! Alright, I did not create the list for this week. Again! Sorry! Check out the running list of industry events and conferences for 2024.

Have any questions or additions?

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Portions of this email were assisted by artificial intelligence.