Robot Swarms, Mobile AI Semi-Trucks, and Supercomputing Jet Flaws w/ Ralph Bond

Show Notes 20 February 2026

Story 1: Watch a robot swarm “bloom” like a garden
Source: ArsTechnica.com
Link: https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/01/watch-a-robot-swarm-bloom-like-a-garden/
See research paper here: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.ady7233
See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80QqrFmvIr0&t=2s

Story 2: Electric semi-trucks could serve as mobile AI data centers, a Belgian startup proposes
Source: Interesting Engineering
Link: https://interestingengineering.com/ai-robotics/belgian-startup-data-centers-electric-semi-trucks
See also: https://windrose.tech/

Story 3: World-first - supercomputer discovered this invisible flaw in all jet engines
Source: Slashgear.com
Link: https://www.slashgear.com/2093053/frontier-supercomputer-jet-engine-blade-simulation/

Story 4: Bubble Bots: Simple biocompatible microrobots autonomously target tumors Source: Caltech
Link: https://researchimpact.caltech.edu/research-news/bubble-bots-simple-biocompatible-microrobots-autonomously-target-tumors
See research paper here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-025-02109-6


Honorable Mentions Story: Microbes in Space Mutated and Developed a Remarkable Ability Source: ScienceAlert.com
Link: https://www.sciencealert.com/microbes-in-space-mutated-and-developed-a-remarkable-ability

Story: Scientists watch microscopic plant 'mouths' breathing in real time with palm-sized tool Source: Live Science
Link: https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/plants/scientists-watch-microscopic-plant-mouths-breathing-in-real-time-with-palm-sized-tool

Story: This Startup’s Air‑Powered Fuel Could Rewrite the Future of Energy
Source: Inc. Magazine
Link: https://www.inc.com/maria-jose-gutierrez-chavez/this-startups-air-powered-fuel-could-rewrite-the-future-of-energy/91296983

Story: Psychedelics may rewire the brain to treat PTSD. Scientists are finally beginning to understand how.
Source: LiveScience.com
Link: https://www.livescience.com/health/mind/psychedelics-may-rewire-the-brain-to-treat-ptsd-scientists-are-finally-beginning-to-understand-how