Researchers at MIT have unveiled a new technology that could completely redefine quality control in warehouses: a wireless sensor called mmNorm, which allows robots to “see” through boxes without opening them.
The system uses millimeter waves—similar to those used in Wi-Fi networks—that easily penetrate packaging materials and generate detailed 3D images of the objects inside. For example, a robot can detect if a mug handle is broken—without ever touching the packaging.
The sensor works even in chaotic conditions—when boxes are cluttered and objects overlap—accurately distinguishing individual items.
By integrating this technology into mobile robots at fulfillment centers, it becomes possible to automate quality control, speed up order processing, and drastically reduce the number of returned damaged goods.
Defects that would otherwise be discovered only after delivery may soon become a thing of the past. mmNorm doesn’t just save time and money—it sets new standards for precision and efficiency in the logistics of the future.
In Brief: Tech World Highlights
- OpenAI is reportedly planning to release an open-source reasoning model this summer, expected to outperform all other open-source rivals on benchmark tests and be available under a permissive license.
- Tavus launched Hummingbird-0, a new state-of-the-art lip-sync model that scores highest in realism, accuracy, and identity preservation.
- U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing an AI Education Task Force and the Presidential AI Challenge, aimed at integrating AI into K–12 classrooms.
- Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn sent a company-wide email declaring Duolingo an “AI-first” organization, focusing its use of AI on hiring, evaluations, and expanding AI training.
- P-1 AI emerged from stealth with $23 million in seed funding to develop Archie, an AI agent focused on automating complex cognitive engineering tasks.
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