Ace, Sony's AI robot capable of beating professional ping pong players

Ace, Sony’s AI robot capable of beating professional ping pong players

One of the areas where artificial intelligence performs worst is the real world. Until now, AI systems have offered performance capable of surpassing humans in the digital environment, such as in chess or certain video games, but the physical world is a complex challenge where perception, planning, and millisecond speed must be combined. That’s why there are so few robots that compete well in human physical sports. Until now. Nature magazine publishes research on Sony’s Ace project, a robotic arm capable of playing table tennis with elite amateur and professional players and, on occasion, beating them.

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The MNAC accuses the Sijena judge of violating the Constitution by failing to comply with her obligation to protect heritage

The MNAC accuses the Sijena judge of violating the Constitution by failing to comply with her obligation to protect heritage

The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) considers that some of the decisions adopted by the Huesca judge Rocío Pilar Vargas, as a member of the Judiciary, “are contrary to the mandate set out in article 46 of the Constitution, which places the obligation to guarantee the conservation and promotion” of Spanish historical, cultural and artistic heritage on all public authorities. This was communicated yesterday in an appeal for reconsideration that has the support of the Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, who hours earlier stated in Congress that he abides by the Supreme Court’s final ruling, but that if any appeal was filed to protect this heritage asset, “it will always have the support of the Ministry of Culture, just as all the technical reports prepared by its board have had their support”.

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The myth that young people don't read: 80% of Generation Z makes books "sexy" on social media

The myth that young people don’t read: 80% of Generation Z makes books “sexy” on social media

For years we have been told that young people were not interested in books. However, data from the 2025 barometer of reading habits and book purchases in Spain indicate that almost 8 out of 10 young people in Spain read in their free time, above other age groups. A change that coincides with an obvious phenomenon: never before have books had such a presence on social media.

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Ten ideas to enjoy on Sant Jordi

Ten ideas to enjoy on Sant Jordi

The great day of reading and civic coexistence is approaching. Sergio Vila-Sanjuán, editor-in-chief of La Vanguardia’s Cultura/s supplement, comments on the special supplement dedicated to literary novelties and recommends ten works in the categories of narrative in Spanish, Catalan and international, journalism and biography, and books about Barcelona. To facilitate the best choice for readers tomorrow, April 23rd.

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A Volkswagen engine of more than 5 billion euros

A Volkswagen engine of more than 5 billion euros

Volkswagen Group España Distribución (VGED), responsible for distributing vehicles, parts and spare parts of several brands of the German giant in the country, is experiencing a sweet moment. Despite the challenges of the European automotive sector, it closed 2025 with record revenue figures. The Barcelona-based company achieved a turnover of 5,045 million euros, after growing 23% over last year, and breaks the 5,000 million mark for the first time.

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A new lawsuit against TikTok reveals its tolerance with sex and violence

A new lawsuit against TikTok reveals its tolerance with sex and violence

One more twist. A TikTok content moderator has filed a criminal complaint against Majorel SP Solutions, a subcontractor in Barcelona for the Chinese platform, and against her three direct supervisors at the company for the severe psychiatric damage caused by the job. She earned 1,430 gross euros per month. The complaint includes six documents and a video that accurately describe what moderators should remove and what they should let pass. The bar was set very low.

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