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Tech Tussles: Tesla Rebrands, Robot Baristas Brew, NIH Battles

Tech Industry Sees New Developments in Robotics, Drones, and E-Readers

The tech world saw a flurry of activity in early February 2026, with developments ranging from Tesla's branding aspirations to advancements in drone technology and the enduring appeal of e-readers.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk continued his effort to rebrand the electric vehicle company as something broader, specifically in the realm of AI and robotics, according to TechCrunch. This push comes as Tesla generated $94.8 billion in revenue in 2025, with $69.5 billion stemming from the sale and leasing of EVs, highlighting the continued dominance of its electric vehicle business.

In the drone market, Antigravity offered a discount on its A1 360-degree drone. The Verge reported that the drone was 15 percent off through February 9th. This discount applied to all bundles, with the most affordable option seeing a price reduction of nearly $250 from its $1,599 starting price.

The Verge also explored the world of e-readers, highlighting the Xteink X4, a pocket-friendly device with a button-based interface. Andrew Liszewski of The Verge noted that while the X4 can be challenging to use, a growing community is working to improve its functionality. Liszewski, who has reviewed dozens of e-readers, expressed a fondness for smaller devices, citing the 5-inch Kobo Mini as a personal favorite.

Robotics also made its way into the coffee industry, with The Verge's Allison Johnson reporting on her experience with a robot barista in Seattle. Johnson, a senior reviewer with over a decade of experience covering consumer tech, admitted, "I don’t hate the robot barista like I thought I would," even acknowledging the robot's surprising skill at latte art.

Meanwhile, inside the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ars Technica reported on a power struggle over institute directorships as a new presidential administration prepared to fill thousands of government jobs.

AI-Assisted Journalism

This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.

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