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EUIPO Warns Of Risks From Illegal Platforms And Counterfeits

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 27, 2024

The Head of Service of Outreach and Knowledge at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), Claire Castel, has issued a stark warning about the dangers associated with using illegal platforms and counterfeit goods. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Castel highlighted the economic and security risks posed by piracy and counterfeit operations, which fund organised crime and expose consumers to identity theft, viruses, and financial scams.

Castel emphasised the necessity of public awareness in combating intellectual property (IP) infringement. She pointed out that, despite improvements in the availability of legal platforms since the early 2000s, illegal streaming and counterfeit products continue to undermine legitimate businesses and sports organisations by diverting necessary funding and revenues. These illegal activities not only jeopardise the financial stability of these entities but also endanger consumers by offering substandard products that fail to meet safety and health standards.

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To mitigate these risks, Castel advised consumers to verify the authenticity of websites by looking for HTTPS in the URL, checking for clear contact information, reading reviews on trusted platforms, and ensuring the presence of legal disclaimers and privacy policies. She also recommended the EU’s agorateka portal, which lists over 4500 legal content sources, as a resource for distinguishing between legitimate and pirated digital content.

Addressing the cost-driven motivations behind the consumption of counterfeit goods and pirated content, Castel acknowledged that affordability and accessibility are significant factors. However, she urged consumers to consider the hidden costs of such choices, including health and safety risks, cybersecurity threats, and the support of organised crime. Castel called for a continued European-wide approach to tackling IP crime, supported by the EU policy cycle and member states’ participation.

This comprehensive strategy underscores the need for collective action and consumer vigilance to safeguard economic interests and public safety against the pervasive threat of illegal platforms and counterfeit operations. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too must the measures to protect intellectual property and ensure a secure online environment for all.

Agility Robotics Eyes $400M Investment At $1.75B Valuation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 2, 2025

Agility Robotics, the Oregon-based robotics firm behind the humanoid robot Digit, is reportedly securing a $400 million funding round to ramp up production and refine its robotic offerings. The investment, led by WP Global Partners and supported by SoftBank, would catapult Agility’s valuation to a striking $1.75 billion. This funding round follows a $150 million investment in 2022, underscoring the growing interest in humanoid robots, with companies like Amazon backing the firm’s vision.

The capital injection comes at a pivotal moment, with Agility Robotics also unveiling several key upgrades to Digit. These improvements include longer battery life, autonomous charging capabilities, advanced safety features, and revamped limbs designed to enhance the robot’s range of motion. These refinements aim to ensure Digit can perform complex tasks safely and efficiently alongside human workers in collaborative environments.

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Currently, nearly 100 units of Digit are deployed across key clients such as Amazon and Spanx. Notably, GXO Logistics has integrated Digit into its operations, using it for tote consolidation—an essential task in organizing and moving storage containers in warehouses. This real-world deployment signals a growing acceptance of humanoid robots in operational settings, helping companies tackle labor shortages and improve workflow productivity.

Digit: A Humanoid Robot With Real-World Impact

Founded in 2015, Agility Robotics emerged from Oregon State University with a focus on creating bipedal robots for the logistics sector. The company’s flagship robot, Digit, stands at 5’9” and is built to navigate environments designed for humans, performing tasks like moving boxes autonomously. Equipped with cutting-edge sensors, including cameras and LiDAR, Digit can sense, grasp, and manipulate objects weighing up to 35 pounds, seamlessly integrating into existing warehouse operations.

As labor shortages continue to challenge industries, robots like Digit offer a glimpse into the future of work, where automation alleviates pressure on human workers while boosting productivity.

The Competitive Battlefield: Agility Robotics Vs. Tesla And Figure AI

Agility Robotics is not the only player vying for dominance in the humanoid robotics sector. Tesla’s Optimus robot, unveiled in 2021, presents a formidable challenge. Musk’s vision for Optimus is a low-cost, general-purpose robot that could one day be cheaper than a car. Tesla’s deep expertise in AI, manufacturing, and supply chains gives it an edge, with plans to deploy Optimus in its own factories before launching it to the public.

Meanwhile, startup Figure AI is developing Figure 01, a humanoid robot designed for general labor tasks across industries. Backed by substantial funding and strategic partnerships with OpenAI and Microsoft, Figure AI is integrating advanced language models to enhance its robots’ decision-making. While Figure AI has yet to release its product commercially, it’s positioning itself as a long-term contender in this rapidly evolving space.

In addition, Austin-based Pkus is also in the race, with its humanoid Apollo targeting logistics, manufacturing, and retail tasks. Apptronik, another rising player, aims to create scalable humanoid robots with modular designs, emphasizing immediate commercial applications in industries where automation is becoming crucial.

A Growing Market With Increasing Demand

The humanoid robotics sector is on the verge of exponential growth, propelled by advancements in AI and machine learning. Agility Robotics’ new funding will allow it to scale production, refine its technology, and expand its reach within industries that are increasingly relying on automation. But as competition heats up, success will depend not only on technological breakthroughs but also on cost-effectiveness, safety, and the ability to quickly integrate into existing operations.

Agility Robotics’ $400 million funding round signals an important moment for the company and the industry as a whole. With robots like Digit becoming more capable, humanoid robots are edging closer to transforming industries and reshaping the future of work. As the competition intensifies, the question remains: who will come out on top in this race to redefine automation?