Technologies

See a flying, walking bipedal robot tackle a slackline and skateboard

Don’t let this feed into your unfounded fears of some silly robot apocalypse.

It’s a good thing we’re not living in some sci-fi dystopia where sentient robots are out to get us. Instead, let’s focus on the very real accomplishments of Leonardo, a bipedal robot with a unique way of getting around.

Leonardo stands for «LEgs ONboARD drOne,» but you can call it LEO for short. LEO is the creation of Caltech researchers, who were inspired in part by how birds can flap their wings and also hop and walk with their legs. The robot is able to pull off tricky moves like walking on a slackline and riding a skateboard.

«LEO is the first robot that uses multi-joint legs and propeller-based thrusters to achieve a fine degree of control over its balance,» Caltech said in a statement on Wednesday. The university shared a video where LEO shows off how it blurs the lines between human-like robots and drones.

The Caltech team published a paper on the robot today in the journal Science Robotics. LEO’s versatility means it can call on its walking skills, its flying ability or a combination of the two depending on the terrain and its goals. Caltech described LEO as having «uncanny balance.»

After seeing videos of Boston Dynamics harassing their own robot creations, you might wonder how LEO would respond. «Because of its propellers, you can poke or prod LEO with a lot of force without actually knocking the robot over,» said Elena-Sorina Lupu, a co-author of the paper.

The researcher are already eyeing ways to make LEO more energy efficient by upgrading the leg design to rely less on the propellers for balance while walking. The team is also working on making it more autonomous so it can assess its environment and decide how best to navigate it.

The robotics team sees a possible future for this technology on Mars, where it could represent a new generation of rotorcraft. The concept would build on the success of NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter. Imagine Ingenuity with legs, able to land safely on uneven terrain. LEO, the interplanetary explorer? It could happen.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im