Robots and AI technology just solved two problems you didn't know had the same answer. After an ice storm in China, a quadricopter drone flies out, finds the loaded power lines, and repels down a tiny robot that latches on and rides the line like a zip line, spinning blades chopping ice the whole way, operating in fog, low visibility, and active snowstorms without sending a single person up in a helicopter.

 

The robot restaurant in China was built for a community of senior citizens. Bowls come with printed instructions. Tables have handholds. A robot at the entrance scans your face and your tongue, assesses your health conditions, factors in your horoscope, and recommends your meal. The tech expert covering this story was born a super taster, meaning coffee tastes like body odor to him, and he's the first to admit he's not sure about the science of tongue scanning while being his own best argument for it.

 

Pokemon turns 30 this Friday in Japan, where 10 hotels are running full Pokemon room immersions and piloting a rental clothing concept: arrive with one bag, wear rented clothes the whole trip, leave the same way. It's either the future of travel packing or a bowling shoe situation. Kris Abel has thoughts.

 

Topics: robots and AI technology, power line ice clearing drone, robot restaurant China, Pokemon 30th anniversary, rental clothing Japan

 

GUEST: Kris Abel | realkrisabel.com | @realkrisabel


Originally aired on 2026-02-24

Robots and AI technology just solved two problems you didn't know had the same answer. After an ice storm in China, a quadricopter drone flies out, finds the loaded power lines, and repels down a tiny robot that latches on and rides the line like a zip line, spinning blades chopping ice the whole way, operating in fog, low visibility, and active snowstorms without sending a single person up in a helicopter.
&nbsp;
The robot restaurant in China was built for a community of senior citizens. Bowls come with printed instructions. Tables have handholds. A robot at the entrance scans your face and your tongue, assesses your health conditions, factors in your horoscope, and recommends your meal. The tech expert covering this story was born a super taster, meaning coffee tastes like body odor to him, and he's the first to admit he's not sure about the science of tongue scanning while being his own best argument for it.
&nbsp;
Pokemon turns 30 this Friday in Japan, where 10 hotels are running full Pokemon room immersions and piloting a rental clothing concept: arrive with one bag, wear rented clothes the whole trip, leave the same way. It's either the future of travel packing or a bowling shoe situation. Kris Abel has thoughts.
&nbsp;
Topics: robots and AI technology, power line ice clearing drone, robot restaurant China, Pokemon 30th anniversary, rental clothing Japan
&nbsp;
GUEST: Kris Abel | realkrisabel.com | @realkrisabel
 Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-24

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.