hospitality industry

A bar staffed by robot bartenders is set to open in Kyoto, Japan. The venue's operators stress that despite the futuristic setting, the robots are not controlled by artificial intelligence. The announcement is drawing attention as novelty robotic service venues continue to attract curiosity among locals and tourists in Japan's hospitality industry.

Todd Blanche, the US Deputy Attorney General, publicly defended policies touching artificial intelligence and hospital deals, prompting debate about the Justice Department's approach to antitrust enforcement in healthcare and technology. Critics question whether the department is going soft on consolidation in hospitals and AI industry concentration, while supporters argue the stance reflects a pro-innovation agenda.