AI developments: Robot.com unveils delivery dog and hikers stranded by AI planning

San Francisco-based company Robot.com has unveiled R-dog, a four-legged autonomous delivery concept designed to navigate difficult terrain such as curbs and stairs that often obstruct wheeled robots. The R-dog utilizes a combination of wheels, articulated legs, and artificial intelligence to complete the final stretch of package deliveries, and it features the ability to display advertisements during transit.

In a separate incident involving artificial intelligence, three novice hikers from Roseville were stranded overnight in a canyon on California’s Mount Shasta. Authorities stated the group relied on Google Gemini to plan their route and packing requirements. The AI reportedly advised them to carry insufficient food and water for their journey. The hikers missed their turnaround time, wandered off the intended route into Mud Creek Canyon, and one member sustained a knee injury. They were eventually rescued by U.S. Forest Service climbing rangers and Siskiyou County Search and Rescue volunteers.