The robots of the future are already among us

This is the tech you'll need in your post-Covid office

In today's WIRED DAILY, we look at the machines that are bringing a robotic touch to the workplace and examine the tech that will be essential in your post-pandemic life. The robots of the future are already among us Robots might not be coming for our jobs, but they're already proving useful coworkers in fields as diverse as medicine, horticulture and religion. Able to interpret the world around them using sensors and machine learning, these robots have very specific roles to play in industrial processes, working side by side with their human colleagues. Read the full story on WIRED Today's headlines Google faces more controversy about sacking of AI researcher What happened: Since it sacked Timnit Gebru in December of last year, Google has been dogged by accusations of sexism and racism within the company. Now, Bloomberg has revealed that the sacking came after years of friction surrounding how Google handled allegations of harassment and bias. Why it matters: The news is particularly damning for Google as it highlights that the problems within the company go far deeper than the original sacking. One accusation is that a male employee facing sexual harassment allegations was still promoted within the company. TikTok is being sued What happened:  Anne Longfield, former children's commissioner for England, is suing TikTok, claiming that the company extracts children's personal information without sufficient warning. Since the suit is being taken on behalf of millions of children in the UK and EU, each who could receive thousands of pounds, TikTok's bill could run in the billions. Why it matters: A similar case is being brought by Which? director Richard Lloyd on behalf of four million iPhone users who, he says, were illegally tracked by Google. Whether that case is deemed legitimate would have serious repercussions for the success of this one. The EU has unveiled its new AI rules What happened: Recommendations include restricting mass surveillance and the use of AI to manipulate people. These regulations are guidelines only: it will be up to states how they implement them, although this will only be after lengthy debates and modifications by European lawmakers. Why it matters: The move is part of a worldwide crack down on Big Tech. MIT Technology Review points out that a recent blog post by the US Federal Trade Commission suggested it may go even further, cracking down on the sale or use of racially biased algorithms. This is the tech you'll need when you get back to the office   "Hybrid working will mean a change in the way workplaces are managed and designed" Plants that clean the air, smart tracking tech and flexible collaboration rooms are all very 2021 Today's job picks Animation programmer Improbable Apply now Senior manager, services Slack Apply now Listen to the latest WIRED Podcast On the WIRED Podcast this week...   🏌️ Golf is facing an existential crisis    🐶 The pandemic's puppy anxiety problem – and how to fix it     Listen now Get the latest issue of WIRED Prefer a weekly digest? Subscribe to the WIRED Weekly Unsubscribe  |  View this email in your browser  Queries about this email? Contact datacontroller@condenast.co.uk Condé Nast Publications 1 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JU © The Condé Nast Publications Ltd Our Privacy Policy