News 12.08.2024

Need to Know

Humanoid AI factory robot now comes with common sense, a Japanese Starbucks powered by sweet potatoes and why Gen Z reject social media’s overconsumption trap.

Humanoid AI factory robot evolves with common sense and self-correction

Figure 02, US

US – The humanoid AI robot known from Figure has undergone a significant evolution from Figure 01, emerging as the newly enhanced Figure 02. Building on its predecessor’s capabilities, Figure 02 introduces advanced features designed to revolutionise factory work. Just ten months after the launch of Figure 01, the updated model not only assists with tasks but also interacts with human colleagues and self-corrects its actions.

One of the standout features of Figure 02 is its ability to engage in conversation. Equipped with speech-to-speech software and advanced AI models developed in collaboration with OpenAI, the robot can chat with workers through embedded microphones and speakers. This conversational ability is complemented by its visual language model, which enables the robot to understand and process visual and textual information using its six RGB cameras.

Figure 02’s self-correcting learned behaviour marks a leap forward in AI technology. The robot can recognise its own errors, learn from them, and adjust its actions accordingly. Tested at a BMW manufacturing plant, Figure 02 has begun to gather data and undergo further training. These developments hint at the potential of robots becoming an integral part of tech-led Work State Futures.

Strategic opportunity

In addition to manufacturing, how can robotic assistants be used to streamline workflows, thereby freeing up your workforce to engage in higher-value activities such as education, training or upskilling?

Sorry Nonna re-imagines pasta sauce with a nostalgia-driven twist

Sorry Nonna, Australia Sorry Nonna, Australia
Sorry Nonna, Australia Sorry Nonna, Australia

Australia – Sorry Nonna is shaking up the pasta sauce aisle with a cheeky approach that challenges traditional flavours while paying homage to the past. With a nod to the timeless wisdom of grandmothers globally, the brand acknowledges the value of tradition without being afraid to break the rules.

Sorry Nonna moves beyond the uninspired sauces that have dominated shelves for decades. Instead of sticking to the expected aesthetics, the brand has stolen one of Nonna’s pasta sauce recipes and spiced it up, pushing the flavour boundaries by incorporating global ingredients and a touch of liquor.

Its Gochujang Arrabbiata is a bold fusion, and with a zesty flavour launching later this summer, the brand is set to redefine what pasta sauce can be, and it couldn’t have said it any other way: ‘Sorry Nonna. It’s just better.’

In our macrotrend report Functional Feasting, we discuss the The New Novelty-Nostalgia Equation where old classics are being re-imagned through innovative and fresh branding.

Strategic opportunity

Explore ways to refresh and modernise your traditional products by infusing them with contemporary flavours, playful branding and eye-catching packaging while still retaining the original appeal. This can attract a new generation of customers who appreciate tradition but seek novelty

Japanese Starbucks store to be powered by sweet potatoes

Starbucks Starbucks

Japan – Starbucks is partnering with Kirishima Shuzo Brewery to develop an eco-friendly Starbucks complex in Miyakonojo City, powered by sweet potatoes.

The concept is a nod to the region’s famed shochu production, a Japanese distilled beverage made from sweet potatoes.

The facility will utilise biogas and electricity generated from shochu lees (a byproduct of the distillation process) and potato scraps, making it the only Starbucks in the world run by sweet potato power. The site will also incorporate thermal discharge from the distillation process for winter heating and use food waste as fertiliser for coffee crops to further enhance its sustainability credentials.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Mount Kirishima and Okimizu River, the complex will feature a Starbucks drive-through and a Kirishima Shuzo store. A botanical garden will be visible from both venues, creating a feeling of being close to nature. Construction begins in autumn, with an opening slated for spring 2026.

For more inspiration on ways to respond creatively and effectively to the unfolding global emergency, check out our Sustainability topic.

Strategic opportunity

Collaborate with local businesses to repurpose waste and by-products into green energy, transforming facilities into innovative eco-hubs that resonate with sustainability-minded consumers

Stat: Gen Z reject social media’s overconsumption trap

Photography by Liza Summer Photography by Liza Summer

US – In an era when social media dominates people’s habits, a new trend is emerging among Gen Z and Millennials who are increasingly wary of the overconsumption driven by online influencers. A recent survey by The Harris Poll, conducted on behalf of Credit Karma, reveals that young people are becoming ‘de-influenced’ – resisting the pressure to purchase items advertised on social media.

The survey highlights that nearly 40% of Americans have bought products through social media in the past year, with 23% of these purchases resulting in more than £785 ($1,000, €916) on credit. Despite this, a significant shift is occurring: 69% of all respondents and a striking 88% of Gen Z report being de-influenced, choosing not to buy products they’ve seen advertised online.

The primary reason behind this change is a growing distrust of social media influencers, with 32% of all respondents expressing scepticism. For Gen Z, the leading cause of de-influence is a concern about unhealthy levels of consumption fuelled by social media promotions, a sentiment that aligns with their eco-conscious values, as revealed in The Overconsumption Mindset.

Strategic opportunity

As influencer fatigue grows, consider partnering with content creators from non-fashion sectors, such as academia or business, to lend your brand credibility

Previous News Articles
Web Summit 2024: Thirsty brands, Trump vs Hollywood and designing for sustainability

News

Web Summit 2024: Thirsty brands, Trump vs Hollywood and designing for sustainability

On day two of Web Summit, attendees spread their attention across start-up pitches, the exhibition floor and a series of talks and panels covering ...
Technology : Pop-culture & Media : Society
Shiseido celebrates Japanese craft in award-winning holiday display

News

Shiseido celebrates Japanese craft in award-winning holiday display

Shiseido’s holiday window display, Beauty From Within, at the Shiseido Parlour in Ginza, Tokyo, has won Window Display of the Year at the Frame Awa...
Retail : Beauty : Design
Meta expands VR education with global university partnerships

News

Meta expands VR education with global university partnerships

Meta is advancing its mission to integrate virtual reality (VR) in education, partnering with 13 universities across the US and the UK to beta-test...
Youth : Technology : Design
Stat: The fashion industry braces for another stormy year

News

Stat: The fashion industry braces for another stormy year

According to McKinsey & Co’s and The Business of Fashion’s annual State of Fashion report, the global fashion industry faces steep challenges i...
Fashion : Sustainability : Society
Web Summit 2024: Pharrell Williams, industrial forests and immersive influencing

News

Web Summit 2024: Pharrell Williams, industrial forests and immersive influencing

Lisbon, the European Capital of Innovation since 2023, is once again hosting Web Summit, a four-day event that draws over 70,000 attendees and the ...
Technology : Pop-culture & Media : Events
PIX Moving launches AI-enhanced Robo-EV

News

PIX Moving launches AI-enhanced Robo-EV

Robotics company PIX Moving has introduced Robo-EV, a 3D-printed micro-metal car featuring an AI-powered personal assistant designed to assess and ...
Design : Technology : Mobility
British skincare brand Haeckels relaunched with a new identity

News

British skincare brand Haeckels relaunched with a new identity

Haeckels, the British skincare and fragrance brand, is rebranding as Formerly Known As Haeckels (FKAH), distancing itself from the controversial Ge...
Beauty : Advertising & Branding : Retail
Stat: UK study shows sharp decline in reading for pleasure among children

News

Stat: UK study shows sharp decline in reading for pleasure among children

A new UK survey by the National Literacy Trust (NLT) reveals a shocking decline in children’s enjoyment of reading.
Youth : Education : Society
Lava Genie re-invents the guitar for a new generation of players

News

Lava Genie re-invents the guitar for a new generation of players

Lava Genie, a revolutionary stringless sampler guitar, is transforming how musicians interact with the instrument.
Technology : Artificial Intelligence : Design
Adventure-based immersive zoological park to open in Singapore

News

Adventure-based immersive zoological park to open in Singapore

In March 2025, Rainforest Wild Asia, Singapore’s latest 13-hectare zoological park, will open at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
Design : Travel & Hospitality : Sustainability
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN