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First AI-powered self-monitoring satellite launched into space

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A satellite the size of a mini fridge is about to make big changes in space technology—and it’s happening fast.

Researchers from UC Davis have created a new kind of satellite system that can monitor and predict its own condition in real time using AI. This marks the first time a digital brain has been built into a spacecraft that will operate independently in orbit. And the most impressive part? The entire project, from planning to launch, will be completed in just 13 months—an almost unheard-of pace in space missions.

A Faster Path to Space

Most satellite projects take years to develop and launch. But this mission, set to take off in October 2025 from a base in California, has broken records by cutting the timeline to just over a year. That’s due in part to a partnership between university scientists and engineers and Proteus Space. Together, they’ve built what’s being called the first “rapid design-to-deployment” satellite system of its kind.

UC Davis graduate students Ayush Patnaik (left) and Adam Zufall (right) working on a payload that will travel into space this fall. The payload is a digital twin that will use AI software to measure the activity and predict the future state of the battery. (CREDIT: Mario Rodriguez)

A Smart Brain for the Satellite

The most exciting feature of this mission is the custom payload—a special package inside the satellite built by researchers. This package holds a digital twin, which is a computer model that acts like a mirror of the satellite’s power system. But unlike earlier versions of digital twins that stay on Earth and get updates sent from space, this one lives and works inside the satellite itself.

That means the satellite doesn’t need to “phone home” to understand how it’s doing. Instead, it uses built-in sensors and software to constantly check the health of its own batteries, monitor power levels, and decide what might happen next.

“The spacecraft itself can let us know how it’s doing, which is all done by humans now,” explained Adam Zufall, a graduate researcher helping to lead the project.

By using artificial intelligence, the satellite’s brain doesn’t just collect data. It also learns from it. Over time, the system should get better at guessing how its batteries and systems will behave next. That helps the satellite adjust its operations on its own, even before problems arise.

“It should get smarter as it goes,” said Professor Stephen Robinson, who directs the lab that built the payload. “And be able to predict how it’s going to perform in the near future. Current satellites do not have this capability.”

Working Together Across Disciplines

Building this kind of technology takes teamwork. The project brings together experts in robotics, space systems, computer science, and battery research. In addition to Robinson and Zufall, the team includes another mechanical engineering professor who focuses on battery management. His lab studies how batteries behave under different conditions, including in space.

A satellite made by Proteus Space with payload help from UC Davis researchers, is planned for an October launch that the aerospace company says would make it the fastest-ever launch-qualified satellite. (CREDIT: Proteus Space)

Graduate students in engineering and computer science also play major roles. One student helps design the spacecraft’s software, while others work on how the AI makes predictions and responds to changes in power levels.

Together, they’ve built a model that can monitor voltage and other readings to understand how much energy the satellite can store and use.

The satellite will carry several other payloads, both commercial and scientific. But the real highlight is this AI-powered system that watches itself and adjusts on the fly.

What Happens After Launch

Once launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, the satellite will move into low Earth orbit. It’s designed to stay active for up to 12 months, gathering data and testing its smart brain in the harsh conditions of space. This type of orbit sits a few hundred miles above the Earth’s surface—far enough to test the systems, but close enough for short communication times.

The Proteus team just broke the record for the fastest launch qualified custom bus satellite ever. (CREDIT: Proteus Space)

After its mission ends, the satellite will continue to orbit for another two years. By the end of its life, gravity and drag will pull it back toward Earth, where it will burn up safely in the atmosphere. This kind of planned decay helps keep space clean and reduces the risk of debris collisions.

The whole mission shows how fast and flexible future space projects might become. Instead of waiting years to build and test systems, researchers could design, launch, and operate smart satellites in a matter of months. That could open the door to more frequent missions, more advanced designs, and smarter satellites across the board.

Changing the Future of Spacecraft

Satellites that can take care of themselves offer big advantages. Right now, spacecraft rely on ground teams to tell them what to do, run checks, and respond to problems. This creates delays, increases costs, and adds risk.

Another angle of the satellite. (CREDIT: Proteus Space)

By placing real-time digital twins on board, future satellites could adjust to problems on their own. They could shut down failing parts, save power when needed, or warn engineers of upcoming issues days in advance.

This would reduce the workload for ground teams and improve the life and safety of space missions.

The team behind this project believes their work is just the beginning. With more advanced AI tools and faster build times, space technology could move at a much quicker pace. More importantly, it could become smarter, more reliable, and more responsive to change. This satellite might be small, but it could help start a big shift in how space systems are built and run.





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Fujitsu’s high-precision skeleton recognition AI adopted to enhance figure skating athlete training — TradingView News

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KAWASAKI, Japan, July 5, 2025 – (JCN Newswire) – Fujitsu Limited today announced that its high-precision skeleton recognition AI technology, which enables the digitization of three-dimensional human movements, has been adopted for use by the Japan Skating Federation. The technology will be used to analyze and enhance the training of figure skating athletes at a training camp to be held at the National Training Center, located at Kansai Airport Ice Arena, from July 3 – 5.

Conventional motion capture technology is impractical for training purposes due to the time-consuming setup, slow result output, and limitations in the number of performances that can be analyzed. Furthermore, markerless motion capture technology, which relies on general video footage for analysis in figure skating, faces challenges in accurately analyzing complex movements such as jumps and spins due to posture deviations and misrecognition. The Japan Skating Federation chose Fujitsu’s skeleton recognition AI technology, developed since 2016 in the fast-paced and complex field of gymnastics, because of its high precision and its ability to reflect analysis results in real-time.

Other features

– Technology based on the world’s first and only internationally-recognized AI gymnastics scoring system

– Proprietary correction algorithms significantly reduce jitter (estimation error) in posture recognition, previously a challenge in image analysis using deep learning

– Photorealistic technology generates large amounts of training data, shortening the learning period significantly. Processes that traditionally required months of manual work can now be automated and completed within a matter of hours.

Future Plans

Fujitsu aims to expand use of its high-precision skeleton recognition AI technology beyond the sports industry into areas such as workload analysis in manufacturing, early disease detection in healthcare, and the utilization of analytical data in the entertainment sector.

Under Fujitsu Uvance, Fujitsu’s cross-industry business model to address societal issues, Fujitsu will continue to advance people’s well-being in society through the use of data and AI, in collaboration with Uvance partners.

Morinari Watanabe, President, International Gymnastics Federation and Member of the International Olympic Committee, comments:

“The IOC announced the Olympic AI Agenda in 2024, recommending the use of cutting-edge technologies, including AI, to enhance scoring fairness and competitive strength. I am very pleased that training based on ice movement analysis, which was previously considered impossible, has been realized. I hope this initiative will lead to the improvement of competitive strength and the further development of the skating world.”

Yohsuke Takeuchi, Director/Chair of High Performance Figure Skating, Japan Skating Federation, comments:

“The Japan Skating Federation carries out analysis of athletes’ jump performance. Marker-based 3D analysis equipment presents significant challenges, including the inability to analyze during trials and the significant time required for analysis, which delays feedback to athletes. We expect that Fujitsu’s high-precision skeleton recognition AI technology and its rapid output of results will solve these problems and contribute to the swift improvement of athletes’ competitive performance. The Japan Skating Federation will further expand the application of this technology and consider its use for motion analysis during competitions as part of its ongoing efforts to utilize cutting-edge technology to improve athletic performance and enhance fan engagement.”

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsu.

Press Contacts

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Source: Fujitsu Ltd

Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.



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TwentyOneVC Launches Proprietary AI Trading Program, Expanding Access to Institutional-Grade Technology

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London, UK – TwentyOneVC, a growing force in the digital investment space, has officially launched its proprietary AI trading program, offering a new level of strategy and speed to its community of investors. The platform-exclusive technology introduces advanced automation and precision once reserved for institutional firms, now made accessible through the company’s private investment environment.

Designed exclusively for users of TwentyOneVC, the AI program represents a notable step forward in how algorithmic trading is deployed in both crypto and traditional markets. While mainstream algorithmic tools and generic AI trading bots have grown in popularity, particularly in the digital asset space, the firm’s proprietary system aims to offer a distinct advantage, both in accuracy and market adaptability.

The technology’s foundation lies in a multi-year development effort focused on replicating the analytical depth and strategic sophistication typically available only to private equity firms. Until now, such tools were inaccessible to individual investors or even small funds due to cost, complexity, and data limitations. By removing these barriers, TwentyOneVC intends to bring an enhanced parity to the investment world, without compromising the control and oversight that experienced traders expect.

“Over the past decade, there has been a growing divide between the technology available to institutional players and what individual investors can use,” said a spokesperson at TwentyOneVC. “Our goal was to close that gap, not by offering recycled tools, but by building a proprietary system from the ground up, something designed to respond in real time, digest large data streams, and execute with measurable efficiency.”

The firm’s AI engine integrates with a range of trading strategies across digital and traditional asset classes. It analyzes market sentiment, historical patterns, macroeconomic data, and micro-movements across global exchanges. The result is a constantly evolving framework that assists users in identifying patterns and risk factors that might otherwise go undetected.

Unlike some off-the-shelf AI bots that follow rigid templates or react purely to short-term volatility, TwentyOneVC’s program is designed for deeper situational awareness. The system is not sold or distributed externally and remains an in-house technology exclusive to verified TwentyOneVC clients. According to internal sources, early testing has indicated promising consistency in execution timing and exposure control, though the company emphasizes that the tool is meant to complement, not replace, user decision-making.

In parallel with the AI release, TwentyOneVC has also improved one of the most practical aspects of client experience: fund withdrawals. By integrating blockchain infrastructure into its backend, the company now supports rapid withdrawals for clients in Canada and Australia, allowing funds to be moved quickly from trading accounts to local banks. This development bypasses the traditional 2-3 business day delays still common across many investment platforms.

The withdrawal system combines cryptocurrency rails with local banking integrations, streamlining the movement of funds without requiring technical knowledge from users. For investors in fast-paced markets, the ability to respond quickly to liquidity needs can make a critical difference.

TwentyOneVC’s latest offerings reflect a broader trend in the investment industry, one where accessibility, automation, and transparency are no longer luxuries, but expectations. By offering tools that were once out of reach for all but the most well-funded institutions, the company positions itself at the intersection of innovation and usability.

Looking ahead, TwentyOneVC plans to continue refining its AI technology and expand its instant withdrawal capabilities into additional markets. As financial tools evolve, the company’s focus remains fixed on building infrastructure that supports strategic, empowered, and timely investment decisions.

About TwentyOneVC

TwentyOneVC is a private investment platform offering access to a range of asset classes and technology-driven tools for modern investors. With a focus on innovation, transparency, and execution speed, the company blends institutional-grade infrastructure with a client-first approach. For more information, visit www.twentyonevc.com.

Website: www.twentyonevc.com

Investing involves risk and your investment may lose value. Past performance gives no indication of future results. These statements do not constitute and cannot replace investment advice.



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Lumify warns AI readiness must catch up to enterprise adoption

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As artificial intelligence tools move rapidly from novelty to necessity, enterprises across Australia and New Zealand are scrambling to prepare their people – not just their systems – for what comes next.

For Michael Blignaut, an IT and process instructor at Lumify Work New Zealand, this moment feels like déjà vu.

“Cybersecurity is our fastest growing area,” he said, pointing to the same kind of urgency now emerging around artificial intelligence. “Every single one of our partners – AWS, Microsoft, all of them – have got huge amounts of cybersecurity training.”

Lumify Work, formerly known as Auldhouse in New Zealand and DDLS in Australia, is Australasia’s largest provider of corporate IT training, with nearly four decades of experience. It offers education across IT, project management, cybersecurity, and now a growing portfolio in AI. As new technologies go mainstream, organisations are looking for more than just tools – they need a strategy to roll them out responsibly.

“AI has moved from that vague buzzword to a vital business tool,” Blignaut said.

“It’s really reshaping how people think and work.” But he also cautions against a simplistic approach. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all magic wand. Unless companies really think about staff and training, and how they’re going to manage their AI adoption and address ethical concerns, I think there are going to be issues.”

The enthusiasm is undeniable. With tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT entering daily workflows, demand for AI training is exploding – especially among end users.

“Just using Copilot in emails, in Outlook and in Excel seems to get people very excited,” said Blignaut. “It’s that basic end-user usage where there seems to be a lot of wow and excitement.”

But that excitement can mask new risks. “People either don’t trust it, or they’ve been given the wrong answer by whatever tool they use. But there’s also an overreliance: everything from ‘it can solve all our problems’ to ‘it’s not doing what I need’.”

This rapid adoption has elevated issues like data privacy, governance, and training fit-for-purpose. “AI governance is knowing what people are going to do with data, how companies are going to adopt AI and really use it to the potential benefit of the organisation,” Blignaut said. In regulated sectors or for firms handling sensitive data, that means rethinking internal frameworks – starting with education.

Blignaut’s advice for businesses still unsure about jumping into AI? Start smart.

“It’s about thinking through your adoption strategies—and not being slow about putting in place really great implementation pathways,” he said. “How are we going to get everybody in the organisation to use their tools while staying safe and not opening the company up to breaches in privacy and all of those ethical bits and pieces?”

Assessment tools are a useful starting point. “There are a good number of AI readiness assessments – or Lumify can also help with that,” he said.

“Before you adopt any new technology or tool, there’s that initial awareness to see where the company is at and what they’re actually going to use it for, and making sure everybody’s aware of where the business actually needs AI and how it can assist.”

As with cybersecurity, the upskilling challenge isn’t limited to technical staff. Training now spans everyone—from executives navigating governance to frontline workers learning prompting. “I like having people in class with me,” said Blignaut, “but I think that’s where we’re going to settle: a bit of a mix.”

Hybrid training delivery – once rare pre-COVID – is now standard. Lumify offers formats ranging from one-day intro workshops to five-day technical intensives, delivered in-person, online, or both.

Vendor-specific certifications remain strong, especially those from Microsoft and Amazon. But interest is also growing in tool-agnostic programs, such as AI Certs, an internationally recognised certification body. “We’ve also got a really cool set of vendor-neutral or tool-neutral tools through AI Certs,” Blignaut said. “With all things AI, it’s amazing how things are changing—and changing again. Keeping certifications current and standard is going to be a huge amount of work for them, but so far, so good.”

Blignaut said one skill will become foundational: the ability to prompt AI effectively. “To me, it’s always about the prompting,” he explains.

“Being able to ask the right question, being able to really frame your prompt. Across all of those platforms, being able to ask the right question or prompt – I think that’s where the challenge is going to be for everybody.”

He also emphasises critical thinking and iterative refinement. “AI does hallucinate. Being agile about this thinking – not being shy to iterate and double-check your answers, reframing and re-asking the question in another way and being quite specific—iterating, iterating and iterating again is absolutely important.”

Blignaut believes AI will be a net creator of jobs, but not without disruption. Lumify is already designing reskilling programs to help displaced workers transition into new roles, including non-technical tracks that focus on digital literacy and adaptability.

Ultimately, Blignaut said, the companies that thrive in an AI-enabled world will be those that treat training as a continuous, strategic function – not a one-off fix.

“Before you can lead in AI, you’ve got to understand it,” he said. “And that starts with asking the right questions – of your people, your data, and your systems.”



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