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RAD Tech News - This Week’s Episode

Table of Contents

• 30,000 Robotic-Assisted Surgeries: Hoag Memorial H …

• AI Meets Culinary Artistry: Nala Robotics Debuts B …

• SpaceX’s Starship Gears Up for Sixth Test Flight A …

• Ukraine Eyes Chernobyl for Small Modular Reactors

Hello RAD Readers!

This week, we’re diving into the latest updates in Robotics, Aerospace, Defense, From surgical robotics milestones to biryani-making AI chefs, and a megarocket gearing up for its next flight, to ambitious nuclear projects in Ukraine, the hard tech world is buzzing with innovation.

Let’s get started!

30,000 Robotic-Assisted Surgeries: Hoag Memorial Hits a Milestone in Robotic Innovation 

Newport Beach’s Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian has achieved a remarkable milestone, completing its 30,000th robotic-assisted surgery. As one of the largest surgical robot programs in the U.S., Hoag has been a pioneer in robotic surgery for 20 years, using 10 da Vinci Surgical Systems from Intuitive Surgical Inc. across specialties like gynecology, urology, bariatrics, and more.

Key Highlights:

- A Leader in Robotic Surgery: Hoag is one of the few healthcare providers in California to surpass 30,000 robotic surgeries, cementing its status as a destination for minimally invasive surgical care.

- Cutting-Edge Technology: The hospital leverages robotic systems to ensure quicker recoveries and superior outcomes for patients.

- Visionary Leadership: “This milestone underscores Hoag’s dedication to enhancing the patient experience and advancing minimally invasive care,” said Robert T. Braithwaite, CEO of Hoag.

AI Meets Culinary Artistry: Nala Robotics Debuts BIRYANIMAN"

Move over chefs—there’s a new biryani master in town, and it’s a robot. Nala Robotics, based in Arlington Heights, Illinois, unveiled BIRYANIMAN, its latest AI-powered kitchen innovation. Capable of replicating the intricate biryani-making process with precision, this culinary robot aims to transform home and commercial kitchens alike.

Key Features of Nala Robotics' AI Kitchen Suite:

- Nala Chef: A versatile robot capable of cooking a variety of dishes.

- Pizzaiola: A robotic pizza maker that takes dough spinning to new heights.

- Wingman: An AI-powered fryer for perfect wings every time.

- Bowls: An automated salad and bowl maker for healthy eats on demand.

- Spotless: A fully automated dishwashing robot for seamless cleanup.

CEO’s Vision: “BIRYANIMAN isn’t just a machine—it’s a culinary artist,” said Ajay Sunkara, CEO of Nala Robotics.

SpaceX’s Starship Gears Up for Sixth Test Flight After Historic Booster Grab"

SpaceX is prepping its 400-foot Starship megarocket for its sixth uncrewed flight test, potentially launching as early as Monday evening. Coming off a historic test last month that included a mid-air booster grab, the next flight brings Starship closer to crewed missions.

Key Highlights:

- 400-Foot Megarocket: Starship, composed of both a rocket and a vehicle, continues to make strides toward becoming a crewed spaceflight workhorse.

- Historic Milestone: Last month’s test saw SpaceX successfully nab a returning booster mid-air for the first time, showcasing incredible precision in reusability.

- What’s Next: With more uncrewed flights planned, SpaceX is working toward achieving the milestones needed for human missions.

From Disaster to Innovation: Ukraine Eyes Chernobyl for Small Modular Reactors

Chernobyl Considered as Site for New Small Modular Reactors. The Chernobyl exclusion zone is being considered as a potential site for Ukraine’s new wave of small modular reactors (SMRs). The move marks a bold step in repurposing land near the infamous 1986 nuclear disaster site for clean energy development.

Key Developments:

- Technical Discussions: Ukrainian officials and representatives from nuclear giant Energoatom have conducted multiple site visits to evaluate the suitability of Chernobyl for SMRs.

- Future Vision: Ukraine plans to develop up to nine Westinghouse AP1000 reactors and 20 Holtec SMRs across the country.

- International Partnerships: At COP29, partnerships were announced to pilot clean hydrogen production, transition coal-fired plants to SMRs, and decarbonize Ukraine’s steel industry using SMR technology.

Closing Thought: 

From operating rooms to space, kitchens to nuclear innovation, RAD Tech is shaping the future across every frontier. Whether it’s robots or reactors, these stories highlight the relentless pursuit of progress in hard tech.

Stay RAD and stay ahead!