The New York Police Department terminated its contract for a robotic dog after residents complained.
Why it matters: Robots and drones are becoming a bigger part of policing, but their presence makes some people feel uncomfortable, as they've come to symbolize the growing militarization of the police.
A new generation of heavy-duty 3D printers is increasingly being employed for industrial manufacturing.
Why it matters: 3D printers have long been used to speed the making of prototypes, but the growing ability to design and print a range of materials means they are becoming an integral part of the manufacturing chain.
AI language models are being used to identify instances of racial and gender bias in employee performance reviews.
Why it matters: The tech industry — and all industries — have an ongoing problem with bias in the workplace. AI systems that parse text can help identify bias in at least one area: who companies decide to hire and promote.