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Unitree’s $5,900 R1 humanoid robot can run, do cartwheels, and perform handstands

If you haven’t already seen this humanoid from China do cartwheels and handstand walk, or pull off semi-pro level kung-fu skills and fake a fall, you are away from where the future of robotics is headed. This fully customizable humanoid robot may seem harmless and fun to watch pulling off physical acrobatics that I haven’t managed in 40 years of my life, but beneath the surface, it’s also scary. If a robot can mimic complex human movements, behaviours, and even emotions, as this is trained to do, the question isn’t what it can do next, but what it will do if it is customized to do.

Okay, let’s not jump the gun! China-based Unitree is racing ahead of the others, aiming to devise humanoids with unrealistic abilities. Just last week, on July 25, it released a demo video of its R1 humanoid robot. This is more remarkable than many. Yes, it cannot swap its battery pack like the UBTech’s Walker S2 robot, but it does pull off some tricks that have been far from robotic prowess.

Designer: Unitree

Unitree R1 humanoid robot is capable of walking, running, cartwheeling, doing kung-fu, falling on its own will, and getting up like nothing ever happened. Generally, a robot capable of doing half of what the R1 can would set you back upward of $10,000. Unitree has been able to keep the expensive hardware out of the R1’s guts: the entire robot with all its abilities is designed to be lightweight, pretty reliable at what it can be customized to do, all within a very affordable $5,900 price tag. It comprises an 8-core CPU, a 4-microphone array, stereo speakers, and Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for connectivity.

The affordable, ultra-lightweight, and fully customizable robot is aimed at developers, research labs, and educational institutions, but Unitree does not limit tech enthusiasts from getting their hands on the R1, though it cannot shake hands. It is designed to stand 47.6 inches tall and weigh as little as 25 kgs. For its construction, the R1 comprises 26 functional joints, which allow it to do many strenuous exercises with utmost ease and agility. Making it even more capable is the robot’s inherent ability to respond to voice commands using integrated AI-powered speech recognition.

Unitree powers the capable R1 humanoid with a built-in lithium battery pack, which provides up to an hour of runtime before requiring recharge. And its built-in cameras ensure the R1 stays visually aware, balanced, and ready to react, whether it’s doing a handstand or showing off its kung-fu skills. At the time of writing, it isn’t clear what ambitious and practical usage the R1 can have, but it does come with a remote control, so just in case things go south, you can turn the robot off and maybe restructure. Hoping it doesn’t ever come to that!

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MAD Architects Is Redefining Museum Design With This Spaceship-Like Museum In LA

Walking past Los Angeles’ Exposition Park these days, you can’t miss the massive sculptural form rising from what used to be just another parking lot. It looks like a spaceship that decided to touch down and stay awhile, which seems pretty fitting for George Lucas’s museum. MAD Architects’ Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has been slowly taking shape for years now, and after countless delays and a cool billion dollars, it’s finally getting close to opening in 2026. Ma Yansong’s wild design throws every museum convention out the window, creating something that feels more like a piece of art than a traditional cultural institution. Los Angeles is about to get another architectural showstopper, and this one’s unlike anything the city has seen before.

The whole building looks like it’s floating, which was exactly what Yansong was going for. He wanted to create something that felt like a cloud, all soft curves and flowing lines instead of the usual boxy museum approach. The five-story structure stretches across 300,000 square feet, wrapped in this shimmering skin that catches light differently throughout the day. It’s the kind of building that makes you stop and stare, maybe pull out your phone for a photo. You can see Lucas’s influence all over this thing – it’s got that same sense of wonder and otherworldliness that runs through his films.

Designer: MAD Architects

Inside, the museum packs way more than just gallery space. Sure, there are plenty of rooms for exhibitions, but they’ve also squeezed in two theaters, classrooms, restaurants, shops, and event spaces. It’s designed to be a place where people want to hang out, not just shuffle through quietly and leave. The interior flows in this organic way, with natural light flooding in, and these circulation paths make you want to explore every corner. They’ve thought about how people move through spaces, creating both intimate spots for contemplation and these grand areas perfect for big installations or events.

Getting this thing built hasn’t been easy. The original plan called for a 2021 opening, but anyone who’s followed major construction projects in LA knows how that goes. They’ve pushed it back to 2026, which honestly might be for the best given how complex this design is. Watching the construction progress over the years has been fascinating – seeing those curved forms slowly emerge from the steel framework, the facade panels going up piece by piece. The delays have been frustrating, but you can tell the team isn’t cutting corners. This is the kind of project that needs to be done right the first time.

It is fascinating how the building connects with the 11 acres of new parkland that Studio-MLA designed around it. They’re not just plopping a museum down and calling it a day. The whole site includes an amphitheater, these beautiful hanging gardens, and pedestrian bridges that tie everything together. The landscaping has completely transformed what was essentially a dead zone in Exposition Park. Now it’s becoming this green oasis where families can picnic, kids can play, and everyone can enjoy the space, whether they’re museum-goers or not. It’s the kind of thoughtful planning that makes projects like this serve their communities.

When this museum finally opens, it’s going to change how people think about both LA’s cultural scene and what museums can be. The Lucas Museum proves that institutional architecture doesn’t have to be boring or intimidating. Sometimes the best way to honor art is to create something equally bold to house it.

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George Lucas’ Sci-Fi Museum Is Finally Treating Comics Like the Art They Are

When George Lucas made his first-ever Comic-Con appearance last weekend, he wasn’t there to talk about Star Wars sequels or Indiana Jones reboots. The 81-year-old filmmaker came to San Diego to show off something much more personal: his billion-dollar love letter to visual storytelling. The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is set to open in 2026, and it’s about to change how we think about comics, illustrations, and basically every form of art that tells a story.

Designer: Ma Yansong of MAD Architects

A Building That Looks Like It Escaped From His Movies

The museum itself looks like something straight out of a Lucas film. MAD Architects designed this wild, flowing structure that seems to hover over Los Angeles’ Exposition Park like a massive spaceship. The building’s curves and organic shapes make it look alive, almost breathing. You know how Lucas always loved pushing boundaries with special effects? Well, this building does the same thing for architecture.

The 300,000-square-foot space sits on an 11-acre campus that includes two theaters, a library, restaurant, and community spaces. But here’s the cool part: the landscape design creates artificial hills, canyons, and groves right above the parking garage. They used hidden foam to shape the terrain, basically building a whole new topography from scratch. The gardens will be free and open to everyone, even if you don’t buy a museum ticket.

Construction photos from this summer show the building nearing completion. Those sculptural canopies and flowing exterior walls are taking their final shape. After more than a decade of planning and delays, Lucas is finally ready to open his doors in 2026.

What really gets me excited about this project isn’t just the futuristic architecture. It’s how Lucas is treating comic books and illustrations with the same respect traditionally reserved for oil paintings and marble sculptures. The museum’s collection includes works by comic legend Jack Kirby alongside pieces by Norman Rockwell and contemporary artist Kadir Nelson. That’s not an accident.

For too long, museums have acted like there’s some invisible hierarchy between “high art” and “popular art.” Comics get stuck in the basement while paintings hang in the main galleries. Lucas is basically saying that’s nonsense. A Jack Kirby comic panel can be just as meaningful and technically accomplished as any gallery piece. The museum defines narrative art as work that tells stories and captures universal cultural truths. That definition covers everything from ancient cave paintings to modern graphic novels.

During his Comic-Con presentation, Lucas showed preview footage that jumped seamlessly between traditional fine art and comic strips, between Star Wars sculptures and historical illustrations. The message was crystal clear: it’s all art, and it all matters.

This isn’t just a Star Wars shrine, though Lucas will certainly display his extensive archive of models, props, and costumes. He’s been collecting narrative art for over 50 years, building a collection that spans cultures and centuries. Instead of selling it off, he decided to create this public institution. “I love all art, no matter what it is,” Lucas said at Comic-Con, and you could tell he meant it.

Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, who serves on the museum’s board, talked about how the institution offers “a visual past that belongs to everyone.” He’s even considering moving some of his personal collection there. When directors like del Toro are willing to entrust their art to your museum, you know you’re doing something right.

The timing couldn’t be better. We’re living through an explosion of visual storytelling, from graphic novels to digital art to interactive media. Traditional art institutions have been slow to embrace these new forms. Meanwhile, Lucas is creating a framework that can accommodate whatever comes next in visual storytelling technology.

Why This Matters Beyond the Art Scene

What Lucas is really creating here is more than just another museum. He calls it “a temple to the people’s art,” and that phrase captures something important. This isn’t about celebrating obscure masterpieces that only art historians understand. It’s about recognizing the visual stories that actually shape how people see the world.

Think about it: more people have probably been influenced by comic books than by most paintings hanging in traditional museums. Yet which one gets taken seriously by cultural institutions? Lucas is flipping that script entirely.

The museum also positions itself as an anthropological institution, not just an art museum. This approach recognizes that narrative art isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about how humans communicate across cultures and generations. A medieval illuminated manuscript and a modern graphic novel are doing the same fundamental thing: using images to tell stories that matter to people.

The educational mission extends beyond the building itself through that incredible landscape design. By creating free public spaces for community gathering, Lucas is showing how cultural institutions can serve their neighborhoods in new ways. The integration of architecture, landscape, and programming represents a fresh model for how museums can operate in the 21st century.

For anyone who’s ever had to defend comics as “real art” or explain why illustration matters, this museum represents validation on the grandest possible scale. Lucas is putting his money where his mouth is, creating a billion-dollar institution that treats visual storytelling as seriously as any other art form.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opens its doors in 2026, and I honestly can’t wait to see how it changes the conversation around art and storytelling. When one of the most successful filmmakers in history decides to spend his fortune celebrating the art of visual narrative, you know something important is happening. Comics, illustrations, and all forms of visual storytelling are finally getting the respect they deserve.

Key Details:

Opening: 2026
Location: Exposition Park, Los Angeles
Size: 300,000 square feet on 11-acre campus
Architect: Ma Yansong/MAD Architects
Landscape: Mia Lehrer + Associates
Cost: Estimated over $1 billion

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This ‘Handheld’ Spotify Car Thing with a Liquid Glass UI Looks Like An iPod On Steroids

Someone reimagined the Spotify Car Thing as a hi-fi handheld audio player, and I can’t stop looking at it. The product goes from a boring piece of car-bound hardware to something portable, untethered, and so much more interesting. It suddenly stops being a better version of your car radio and becomes a better version of an iPod or a Sony Walkman.

Spotify teased their first ever hardware product back in 2021, but the product really didn’t have much of a future as Spotify axed the entire project in 2024, following what seemed like a very bleak response from users. Earlier this year, Spotify even went ahead as to brick the device, turning the device into just a very expensive paperweight. While the Spotify Car Thing’s wings got clipped before it could even take off, designer Bukvity Lorisz decided to just reimagine the ill-fated device as something a little more versatile and contemporary. The Daydream (I love the rebrand) is a Car Thing-inspired handheld player with new controls, and a new liquid-glass-esque interface, packed into a familiar design.

Designer: Bukvity Lorisz

The Daydream gets a new lease of life thanks to an updated design – not a redesign, an update. It still boasts that large knob on the side that becomes a visual icon of sorts (like the iPod’s jogwheel), but also packs a few extra controls on the front as well as the sides. The original Car Thing had a touchscreen, but to be honest, this one doesn’t need it. Controls let you do everything from toggle volume to switch tracks, build playlists, and even do a shared playlist with friends. The Daydream is everything the Car Thing dreamt of becoming.

Inspired by the design styles of Teenage Engineering, Work Louder, and Electronic Materials Office, Bukvity’s design leans heavily into a fusion between nostalgia and the future. The interface looks cutting-edge, paying tribute to Apple’s newly unveiled Liquid Glass visual design, but it still isn’t shy of leaning into ‘button culture’, giving people the joy of tactile control.

There’s your conventional player, but Bukvity doesn’t stop there – the Daydream boasts its own ‘Discovery Assistant’ that lets you intuitively browse the streaming platform or have conversations with an AI to fine-tune playlists, find music, and perhaps even work as a Shazam-like song identifier. A USB-C port on the left side of the device lets you power your Daydream or even alternatively store files on it for local playback. Meanwhile, an aux port gives you wired external playback, although I’m pretty sure a device advanced enough to have an AI assistant also packs Bluetooth.

The Car Thing, as limited as it was, did have potential to revolutionize music. Spotify could have really branched out into the hardware space by creating dedicated hi-fi players like this one too. Daydream sounds like a great name, but the term ‘Pocket Thing’ would have been on brand. Imagine a dedicated Spotify player that you can carry with you. An Aux port, a built-in AI, and the ability to listen to high-fidelity music without an app. Sure, having the Spotify app on your phone sounds more convenient in hindsight, but why game on an Analogue Pocket when you can game on your phone? This handheld player could have become a bit of a niche cult product… instead, existing buyers of the Car Thing are currently sitting on a very expensive heap of plastic.

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3D-printed Gamifries for Switch 2 levels up your snacking with gaming like never before

Gaming can be a very addictive affair, so much so that you don’t want to part away from the screen even for a pee break. The modern times give you the luxury of laid-back fun with capable handheld gaming consoles at your disposal. The one for arcade game lovers is the recently released Nintendo Switch 2. The handheld is designed for non-stop fun without losing focus, in turn leading to endless time on the screen with a longing for more.

The Switch 2, being the hot property for gamers these days, has given a user reason enough to experiment with the current hardware to develop an accessory that’ll not leave you longing for munch time. This is GamiFries, a fan-artist developed fries container that hooks onto the handheld, keeping your crisp fries within a pinch’s distance. Essentially, you don’t have to choose between gaming and munching down your favorite snack ever again!

Designer: 7R135

This 3D printed accessory is crafted in a way that functions glitch-free both in the handheld and docked modes, which leaves me more appreciative of the unique idea. The maker wants others to create one for themselves, hence put up the 3D print files available for free on MakerWorld. The accessory with fasteners connects to the handheld’s built-in magnetic system with a satisfying snap. Coming back to the basic idea, GameFries is made for gamers who want to munch on their fries without having to pause or exit the ongoing game. When playing on the big screen, the idea seems perfect as the two JoyCons hold the thing at a comfortable distance. In the handheld mode, things get a little wide as the screen and the Gamifries are lined up in succession. Handling that whole thing while in action will be a feat in itself for gamers who already have superior reflexes.

The 3D printed fries holder emulates the shape and texture of the McDonald’s packaging, which makes it even more elusive. When hunger strikes, the gamer can pick out a couple of fries mid-game without any unwanted interruptions. This comes in handy when you are playing multiplayer online games where pausing is not an option. Thus, making it perfect for those gaming marathons of addictive MMOs, FPS, or MMORPG titles.

A known issue with the installation and use of the Gamifries is the problem of magnets pushing away the adapters, which the creator says is resolved with recalibration from the screen. The action resolves the reversal of the polarity that is the root cause of the problem. The creator even jokingly mentions on the page that you don’t need to say “Looks like it’s time for another side quest” every time you munch down a lot of fries from the snaking rig.

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Vibrant Turquoise Tiny Home With a Built-In Dog Nook Is Perfect for Pet Families

French builder Baluchon designed the Téméraire, a lovely tiny house that makes small-space living look oh so appealing.. The 19.6-foot structure commands attention through its pretty turquoise aluminum detailing paired with warm red cedar siding. This eye-catching color palette extends beyond mere aesthetics, flowing seamlessly from the exterior roofline through window frames and into carefully placed interior accent walls. It creates an immediate sense of cohesion that elevates the entire living experience. Power comes through standard RV-style hookups, ensuring practical functionality matches the home’s confident design statement.

The Téméraire’s spatial organization reveals Baluchon’s mastery of compact architecture through its dual-loft configuration. The primary bedroom features decorative rope safety barriers that serve both function and visual interest, while a secondary loft provides essential storage space. Below, the living area flows naturally into an improved kitchen that sets new standards for French tiny house design. The bathroom, accessed through a charming barn-style sliding door, maintains privacy without sacrificing the home’s open feel.

Designer: Baluchon

Téméraire stands apart from other tiny homes in the market because of its thoughtful integration of pet-friendly design elements. The staircase incorporates a built-in dog kennel beneath the steps, complete with underfloor storage compartments. This innovative feature transforms typically wasted space into a functional living area for four-legged family members. The design speaks to modern living realities where pets are integral household members deserving of dedicated space. The kennel’s placement maintains the home’s clean lines while addressing practical needs.

Cotton, linen, and hemp insulation fill the walls and floors, providing natural temperature regulation throughout the structure. Wood fiber insulation in the ceiling completes the sustainable approach while maintaining optimal thermal performance. These natural materials create a healthier indoor environment compared to synthetic alternatives. The insulation choices offer superior living comfort while fulfilling environmental responsibility.

The Téméraire’s kitchen shows an impressive evolution in compact European design philosophy. Unlike many French tiny houses that feature minimal cooking facilities, this space offers genuine functionality for serious meal preparation. The layout maximizes counter space while maintaining efficient traffic flow through the narrow footprint. Storage solutions integrate seamlessly into the overall design, ensuring every utensil and ingredient has its designated place.

Baluchon’s Téméraire serves as a compact living space that has been transformed into an architectural statement. The home’s delivery to southwest France marked the completion of a vision that balances aesthetic impact with practical functionality. This tiny house succeeds by refusing to apologize for its size, instead celebrating what great design can achieve within meaningful constraints.

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Tiny Raspberry Pi display adds a little tech magic to your DIY projects

If you’re curious about the world of DIY electronics or have ever wanted to add a little magic to your Raspberry Pi, the RPI TinynumberHat9 by Andrew Tudori is worth knowing. This clever little gadget is making it easier than ever to add a bright, easy-to-read display to your projects, no matter your skill level. Projects like this can sometimes add a little more ooomph to your device and you don’t need to be a nuclear scientist to use or understand it

The RPI TinynumberHat9 is a small accessory designed for the popular Raspberry Pi single-board computer. It’s called a “HAT,” which stands for Hardware Attached on Top, meaning it sits neatly on top of your Pi, connecting directly and drawing power without the need for messy wires. What sets this HAT apart is its adorable and practical display: a 9-digit, 7-segment LED module that can show numbers, symbols, and even simple animations.

Designer: Andrew Tudori

Why would you want a display like this? Imagine you’re building a simple clock, a home weather station, or even a scoreboard for a family game night. Having a clear, reliable display makes your project more useful and fun. The TinynumberHat9 is perfect for showing important information in a way that’s visible from across the room. Andrew Tudori designed this HAT with everyday makers in mind. It’s compact, affordable, and easy to install. You don’t need to be a coding expert or an electronics engineer to use it. Once it’s attached to your Raspberry Pi, you just need to install a small software library, and you’re ready to start displaying numbers and messages with just a few simple commands.

One of the best features of the TinynumberHat9 is its user-friendly design. The digits are large and bright, making them easy to read even in daylight. There’s also a clever way to control the brightness, so you can adjust it for different projects or rooms. The display can show not just numbers but also some helpful symbols, and you can even scroll messages if you want to get creative. Because it’s open-source hardware, the TinynumberHat9 encourages tinkering and learning. Andrew Tudori has shared the design and code with the world, so anyone can build on his work or customize the display to fit their own needs. The online community around Raspberry Pi projects is friendly and welcoming, making it a great place for beginners to learn and ask questions.

If you’re new to the Raspberry Pi, don’t worry. The TinynumberHat9 is designed to be approachable. Whether you want to display a countdown timer, track your daily steps, or just show off your favorite number, this little HAT can help you do it. The possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination. Technology can sometimes feel overwhelming but things like this stand out for its simplicity and charm. It’s a perfect example of how small, clever inventions can inspire creativity and learning in anyone, regardless of their technical background.

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Vertical mouse concept balances ergonomic design with functionality

I haven’t used a mouse in ages since the trackpad on my MacBook is good enough for me. I understand, though, how some people need a mouse for their work, especially artists and designers. I also understand how it can be tough on the hand and wrist, which is why the vertical mouse was created. However, these mice are often bulky and not ideal for when you’re working at a coffee shop or somewhere outside. All Design Lab has come up with a concept for a vertical mouse that focuses on portability and functionality.

Unlike many traditional vertical mice that tend to be bulky and stationary, this design is all about convenience without compromising comfort. It features an ergonomic shape that helps reduce strain on your hand and wrist during long hours of use, and its adjustable angles allow you to customize the fit to your personal preference. The mouse’s compact form ensures that it easily fits into your bag or even a large pocket, making it perfect for those who work on the go—whether at a coffee shop, coworking space, or while traveling. Despite its travel-friendly size, it remains practical and efficient for use at home or in the office, offering versatility for a variety of work environments.

Designer: All Design Lab

To achieve this, the designers created a vertical mouse with three panels. The largest panel is where your hand comes in contact with the mouse, while the middle panel contains the sensors, Bluetooth button, and wireless charging area. The smallest panel serves as a resting pad for your thumb and also acts as the locking bridge for the other two panels. When you close the mouse, it automatically locks and powers off, preventing any accidental battery drain.

If you’re not used to using a vertical mouse, you can set it at a 47-degree angle for a gentler incline. Once you get accustomed to it, you can switch to the 57-degree angle, which is designed to reduce wrist strain as it is more upright. Internal magnets keep the angles securely in place, and both settings are intended to help you work in a more natural and relaxed posture.

With its smart folding design, adjustable angles, and thoughtful features, this portable vertical mouse concept from All Design Lab could be a game-changer for anyone who needs both comfort and mobility. Whether you’re a designer working from a bustling café or someone who simply wants to reduce wrist strain at home, this mouse offers a flexible and ergonomic solution without sacrificing portability. As more of us continue to balance work between home, the office, and everywhere in between, it’s exciting to see innovations that make everyday tools more adaptable to our lifestyles.

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