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

Show Notes 20 February 2026Story 1: Watch a robot swarm “bloom” like a gardenSource: ArsTechnica.comLink: 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.ady7233See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80QqrFmvIr0&t=2sStory 2: Electric semi-trucks could serve as mobile AI data centers, a Belgian startup proposes Source: Interesting EngineeringLink: 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 enginesSource: 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: CaltechLink: 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.comLink: 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 ScienceLink: 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 EnergySource: Inc. MagazineLink: 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.comLink: https://www.livescience.com/health/mind/psychedelics-may-rewire-the-brain-to-treat-ptsd-scientists-are-finally-beginning-to-understand-how