This month’s cubed investigates the development of a ‘child-like’ robot, which is being taught how to speak by researchers at the University of Plymouth. The inspiration for the ITALK project comes directly from nature and the process of language acquisition in young children. The team hopes the research could lead to the development of humanoid robots that learn, think and talk.

Here at cubed we keep you up to date with the science that’s shaping our society and bringing a new dimension to everyday life. We give you the latest innovations in fashion and music, design and digital, film and life, to bring you the products and ideas that will change our world - prepare to be cubed....

Pocket cursor

Is it a phone? Is it a mouse? Mobile phones get even smarter.   

Robodoc

A new surgical robot, the i-Snake, could be a surgeon’s hands and eyes.   

Domestic LEDs

Light Emitting Diodes offer a brighter and safer energy efficient lighting solution.   

NEW Supercomputer Power   

The UK’s most powerful computer is accelerating science.   

NEW iTalk Robots   

A unique opportunity to test language acquisition with a robot that behaves like a child.   

NEW The Sustainable Car   

Fuel-efficient clean energy LIFECar shows how the motor industry could go green.

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Previous issues

Now you can read any previous stories on cubed that you may have missed.   

LearnEnglish Science

Each cubed story has a language skills activity for you to practise your English. After trying these, find more activities like this on the LearnEnglish Science website.   

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