North America

North America's largest wildlife overpass has reportedly reduced animal-vehicle collisions by 91% since opening. The crossing allows animals such as deer and elk to safely pass over a busy highway, protecting both wildlife and drivers. The striking result is drawing wide attention online, with many praising it as proof that wildlife infrastructure works and calling for similar projects elsewhere.

The World Sauna Congress has opened in Oslo, bringing together enthusiasts and industry figures as sauna culture spreads worldwide. Organisers point to surging global interest in sauna bathing, once largely confined to Finland and the Nordics, now growing as a wellness trend across North America, Asia and beyond.

In 2021, Australian scientists deployed a robotic largemouth bass into water containing invasive mosquitofish for a 15-minute experiment. The robot's robotic-predator presence was shown to scare the mosquitofish, which are native to North America but harmful in Australian waterways, and disrupt their feeding and reproduction. The study is being recirculated as an example of how robotics can help control invasive species without chemicals or poisoning.

MicroWatt has launched what it says is North America's first UL certified inspection robot designed for hazardous locations. The certification means the robot can operate in environments where flammable gases or vapours are present, such as oil and gas facilities, without needing special approval. The announcement positions MicroWatt ahead of competitors in certified robotic inspection, and industry outlets covering energy operations are picking up the news as robotic inspections expand in the sector.