Exciting Developments in Robotics Chinese automaker BYD is making waves as it ventures into the world of humanoid robots, according to recent reports. The company has strategically divided its technology arm, creating a unit dedicated to artificial intelligence. This division aims to propel BYD to the forefront of robotics innovation. A Bold Move Within this new framework, BYD has launched an AI laboratory, fittingly named the “future lab.” Initially, this lab concentrated on developing industrial robots for automated guided vehicles, as well as exploring innovative robotic technologies. The initiative marks a significant step for BYD as it navigates the promising field of robotics. Opportunities for Aspiring Technologists On December 13, a WeChat post revealed that BYD is on the lookout for fresh graduate talent with advanced degrees to join its AI division. The company is offering enticing opportunities in cutting-edge research areas including humanoid and bipedal robots, and even quadrupedal mechanical dogs. A Look at Industry Trends BYD is not alone in its pursuit; Chinese automotive giants like Nio and Xpeng are also integrating humanoid robots into their assembly processes. Meanwhile, Tesla is testing its advanced Optimus humanoid robot in various production facilities. With these groundbreaking efforts, BYD is positioning itself at the heart of the robotics revolution, heralding a new era for automated manufacturing processes and beyond. Revolutionizing Robotics: BYD’s Bold Leap into AI and Humanoids Overview of BYD’s Robotics Initiative BYD, a major Chinese automaker best known for its work in the electric vehicle sector, is now setting its sights on the robotics industry. In a strategic move to stay at the forefront of technological innovation, BYD has launched a dedicated division within its technology arm focused on artificial intelligence and robotics. This bold venture is marked by the establishment of an “AI laboratory,” also called the “future lab,” which aims to revolutionize industrial robotics and shape the future of automated manufacturing. Innovations and Features The “future lab” primarily aims at developing industrial robots used for automated guided vehicles. However, its ambitions do not end there. BYD is exploring advanced robotic technologies, including humanoid and bipedal robots, as well as quadrupedal mechanical dogs. These efforts signify a broader trend towards more integrated and intelligent robotics solutions in the assembly line, a crucial step towards optimizing manufacturing processes. Industry Trends and Comparisons BYD’s foray into humanoid robotics places it among the ranks of other automotive giants like Nio and Xpeng. These companies are similarly integrating humanoid robots within their production lines, an indicator of the growing importance of robotics in automotive manufacturing. Tesla is another key player in this space, currently testing its Optimus humanoid robot across various production facilities, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility. Opportunities and Talent Acquisition In a recent WeChat announcement, BYD expressed its commitment to attracting and nurturing talent in the field of AI and robotics. The company is seeking fresh graduates with advanced degrees to join its AI division, offering a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects related to humanoid and quadrupedal robots. BYD’s focus on talent acquisition underscores the importance of human resources in driving innovation and maintaining competitive advantage. Predictions and Future Impact The advancements in robotics being pursued by BYD and its peers have the potential to redefine the landscape of automated manufacturing. The integration of advanced robotics not only promises increased efficiency but also greater flexibility in production lines. As more companies follow suit, we can expect a significant shift in manufacturing paradigms, characterized by reduced labor costs and improved precision. Sustainability and Challenges While robotics provides exciting prospects for the future of manufacturing, it also introduces challenges related to sustainability and job displacement. Companies like BYD will need to consider the environmental impact of their robotic technologies and strive for sustainable practices in production. Furthermore, the automation of jobs raises questions about the future workforce, necessitating a careful balance between technological advancement and job creation. For more information about BYD’s innovative projects and industry solutions, visit their official site at BYD .Published 3:45 pm Thursday, December 26, 2024 By Ernest Bowker Warren Central's Josh Morgan is the 2024 Vicksburg Post football Coach of the Year in Warren County. Morgan led the Vikings to a 9-4 record, the MHSAA Region 2-6A championship, and the Class 6A semifinals. (Ernest Bowker/The Vicksburg Post) Warren Central’s Josh Morgan earned The Vicksburg Post’s Warren County Coach of the Year award for the eighth time in 15 seasons. He has a 111-70 career record. (Walter Frazier/For The Vicksburg Post) Warren Central's Josh Morgan is the 2024 Vicksburg Post football Coach of the Year in Warren County. Morgan led the Vikings to a 9-4 record, the MHSAA Region 2-6A championship, and the Class 6A semifinals. (Ernest Bowker/The Vicksburg Post) In a football season full of good things, one of the best that happened to Warren Central might have been a humiliating defeat. A mistake-filled loss to Clinton in their opener served as an eye-opener for the Vikings. They went back to work and made the necessary adjustments to ensure it didn’t happen again — and it rarely did. A seven-game winning streak brought home the MHSAA Region 2-6A championship and a trip to the Class 6A semifinals. It also earned the man steering the ship, Josh Morgan, The Vicksburg Post’s Warren County Coach of the Year award. Morgan earned the honor for the eighth time in his 15 seasons on Highway 27, but deflected credit to his entire coaching staff and players for the long-term success. “We’ve got a great staff. The thing about our staff is all of us are aligned. We are all pulling in the same direction and it makes all the difference in the world,” Morgan said. “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit. Everybody understands their role, how we all align, and our goals and how we do things. Our coaches are top-notch. Our kids around here are mighty lucky to have them.” The Vikings were riding high heading into their season opener against Clinton in the Red Carpet Bowl in August. They’d won the Region 2-6A title in 2023 and had most of a talented roster returning. That good feeling evaporated quickly. Warren Central lost three fumbles, failed to score on three drives inside the 5-yard line, allowed a long touchdown run, and had a blocked punt returned for a touchdown in a 26-20 loss that forced them to take a hard look in the mirror. “In football games, you don’t play well and you lose some. What we try to focus on is how we respond, and we chose to get better from it. We had hard conversations, hard coaching, and the players knew that they could do better and we could be better,” Morgan said. “But I thought that we did that after every loss. I thought we were able to find a way to get better, and use this to get better, and be mature enough to not point fingers and to take blame and ownership, and move forward and get better,” he continued. “This team did a really good job of that, being mentally tough and finding ways to get better.” The Vikings took two more non-region losses to Class 7A powers Madison Central and Brandon — both of those teams reached the state semifinals — then found their groove when they got to pick on people their own size. They allowed a total of 32 points in their five region games, while at the same time the offense steadily improved. The Vikings won their second consecutive Region 2-6A championship , with four of their five league games decided by at least 12 points. At one point, Warren Central went 12 quarters without allowing a touchdown. “The thing about this team was, I thought we got better all the way up to the very end,” Morgan said. “I think about when we went up to Columbus and just had to handle business, and we did that. We really hit another gear after the Neshoba game. We really got things going in the right direction and being more consistent. A lot of that credit goes to our coaches, but also our players.” A first-round win over Saltillo — Warren Central’s first postseason shutout since 1994 — came next, and then a 21-3 victory over South Panola that sent the Vikings to the semifinal round of the playoffs for the first time since 1994. Warren Central had been to the playoffs 25 times in the past 30 years, but kept running into a wall in the second round. It reached that level 11 times, including eight of the previous 10 seasons, without breaking through. Finally, they played their best game at the best time. “When we were hitting the second round we were coming into our own and played our best game of the year against a really good opponent,” Morgan said. “It was really good to see us get over that hump. The biggest thing was watching our kids get to experience that kind of environment and come out and be successful.” The magical season ended with a 23-10 loss to Grenada in the North State championship game. Grenada blew out Hattiesburg 43-14 the following week to win its first state championship. It was a tough finish for the Vikings, but after a couple of weeks to reflect it didn’t diminish a great season. Warren Central won back-to-back region championships for the first time since 2003-04 and, with a 9-4 record, won nine games or more for the fourth time in five seasons. It all further cemented Warren Central’s status as one of Mississippi’s top high school football programs. “Had a good year. Did some really good things,” Morgan said. “I’m really proud of our coaches, really proud of our players, because we put a lot into it. A lot of hard work. I was glad to see them have a successful year and be able to accomplish those things.” Vicksburg Post Coaches of the Year 2024 – Josh Morgan, Warren Central 2023 – Blake Purvis, Porters Chapel 2022 – Todd McDaniel, Vicksburg 2021 – Josh Morgan, Warren Central 2020 – Josh Morgan, Warren Central 2019 – Josh Morgan, Warren Central 2018 – Michael Fields, St. Aloysius 2017 – Josh Morgan, Warren Central 2016 – Josh Morgan, Warren Central 2015 – Josh Morgan, Warren Central 2014 – B.J. Smithhart, St. Aloysius 2013 – Tavares Johnson, Vicksburg 2012 – Josh Morgan, Warren Central 2011 – Alonzo Stevens, Vicksburg 2010 – Todd Montgomery, Central Hinds 2009 – Curtis Brewer, Warren Central 2008 – B.J. Smithhart, St. Aloysius 2007 – Randy Wright, Porters Chapel 2006 – Jim Taylor, St. Aloysius 2005 – Randy Wright, Porters Chapel 2004 – Randy Wright, Porters Chapel 2003 – Robert Morgan, Warren Central 2002 – Jim Taylor, St. Aloysius 2001 – Robert Morgan, Warren Central 2000 – Robert Morgan, Warren Central 1999 – Robert Morgan, Warren Central 1998 – J.J. Plummer, Porters Chapel 1997 – Robert Morgan, Warren Central 1996 – Bubba Booth, St. Aloysius 1995 – Robert Morgan, Warren Central 1994 – Robert Morgan, Warren Central 1993 – Robert Morgan, Warren Central 1992 – Bubba Booth, St. Aloysius 1991 – Robert Morgan, Warren Central 1990 – James Knox, Vicksburg 1989 – James Knox, Vicksburg 1988 – Robert Morgan, Warren Central 1987 – Joe Edwards, St. Aloysius Ernest Bowker is The Vicksburg Post's sports editor. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post's sports staff since 1998, making him one of the longest-tenured reporters in the paper's 140-year history. The New Jersey native is a graduate of LSU. In his career, he has won more than 50 awards from the Mississippi Press Association and Associated Press for his coverage of local sports in Vicksburg.
Octave also added five rebounds for the Seawolves (4-8). Ben Wight shot 4 of 7 from the field and 3 for 3 from the line to add 11 points. CJ Luster II shot 3 for 8 (2 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line to finish with 11 points. Kellen Tynes led the way for the Black Bears (8-6) with 15 points, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Jaden Clayton added 15 points, four assists and three steals for Maine. AJ Lopez finished with 13 points and four assists. Stony Brook went into halftime leading Maine 34-30. Octave put up 10 points in the half. Octave led Stony Brook with 14 points in the second half as his team was outscored by two points over the final half but held on for the victory. Both teams next play Sunday. Stony Brook visits Albany (NY) and Maine plays Boston University at home. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
The STEM Parrot Foundation has made a significant contribution to education in the Ashanti Region, donating 50 volume-type computers, 300 sketchbooks, and other essential educational materials to five junior high schools. This initiative, supported by local organizations and the UK-based Ledyen Education Consultancy, aims to improve students’ skills and equip them for future success. Nana Agyemang Prempeh, the Executive Director of the STEM Parrot Foundation, officially presented the donation to Mr. Michael Lawson of Trans 360 Logistics in Kumasi, with logistics managed by Mr. Emmanuel Omarie. The donated volume-type computers, specifically designed for educational use, will play a crucial role in enhancing students’ digital literacy. The accompanying sketchbooks are expected to foster creativity and deepen learning in subjects such as science and the arts. Nana Prempeh also announced the launch of the “Girls in STEM” initiative, set to roll out in 2025. The program will encourage young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Additionally, the Foundation plans to introduce community-based STEM clubs in junior high schools to further promote STEM education and career paths. The schools benefiting from the donation include Bredi JHS, Mentumi D/A JHS, P3 Wo De3 D/A JHS, Enkaakyi D/A JHS, and Kwantia D/A JHS. Mr. Emmanuel Omarie received the items on behalf of the five schools. The total value of the donation is estimated at approximately USD 22,000 (GHS 266,000), which includes the cost of the 50 volume-type computers, the 300 sketchbooks, and associated logistics expenses. This initiative was made possible through the support of Ledyen Education Consultancy, UK.