The Artemis II commander sent a subtle message back to Earth just minutes before he and his crew shattered a record set by Apollo 13 in 1970.

The four-person team, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, reached a maximum distance of 252,757 miles from Earth at 1.57pm ET, becoming the farthest humans ever to travel from the planet.

The Apollo 13 crew previously held the record, traveling 248,655 miles from Earth during their dramatic emergency return mission more than five decades ago.

Wiseman’s family watched the historic moment unfold from the viewing gallery on the ground.

When mission control told him his two daughters were smiling as they saw their dad on a big screen, the commander responded by forming his hands into a heart, a quiet sign of love sent across more than 250,000 miles of space.

Weisman then radioed to NASA’s Mission Control: ‘From the cabin of Integrity, as we surpass the farthest distance humans have ever traveled from planet Earth, we do so in honor of the extraordinary efforts and achievements of those who came before us in human space exploration.

‘We will continue our journey even farther before Mother Earth succeeds in pulling us back to everything we hold dear, but we must use this moment to challenge this generation and the next to ensure this record is not long-lived.’

The crew also spotted an unnamed crater on the moon, labeling it ‘Carroll’ after Wiseman’s wife, who died of cancer in 2020.

The four-person team reached a maximum distance of 252,757 miles from Earth at 1.57pm ET, becoming the farthest humans ever to travel from the planet

Reid Wiseman’s family watched the historic moment unfold from the viewing gallery on the ground. When mission control told him his two daughters were smiling as they saw their dad on a big screen, the commander responded by forming his hands into a heart

The Artemis II milestone is just one of several historic moments expected Monday, as the astronauts prepare to become the first humans in decades to view the Moon’s far side with the naked eye, bringing them within 4,070 miles of the lunar surface.

Later in the mission, the crew is also set to witness a rare solar eclipse from lunar orbit, beginning at 8.35pm ET and lasting roughly one hour.

Capsule Communicator Jenni Gibbons radioed to the Artemis II crew from Mission Control: ‘On April 15, 1970, during the Apollo 13 mission, three explorers set the record for the farthest distance humans have ever traveled from our home planet.

‘At that time, over 55 years ago, Lovell, Swigert and Haise flew 248,655 statute miles away from Earth. Today, for all humanity, you’re pushing beyond that frontier.’ 

NASA Flight Director Brandon Lloyd and others also marked the milestone by emailing the crew with ‘the longest person-to-person message ever sent in human history.’ 

The crew is now heading toward the far side of the moon, the lunar hemisphere that permanently faces away from Earth. 

Unlike the familiar near side, it features a rugged, cratered terrain with a thicker crust and fewer dark volcanic plains.

Moments after breaking the Apollo record, Hansen got on the radio to announce two newly named craters. 

Reid Wiseman, commander of Artemis II, is a single parent to his daughters Ellie and Katherine. They lost their mother, Carroll, in 2020 to cancer

Weisman lost his wife Carroll (left) to cancer in 2020

One crater was named ‘Integrity,’ after the Orion capsule used by the crew during the historic mission.

‘If you were to look at Orientale on the far side and then draw a line straight up to Ohm on the far side, relatively in the middle is an unnamed crater, and we would like to suggest it be called Integrity,’ Hansen said. 

But the most emotional moment came when Hansen revealed the name of a second crater. ‘It’s a bright spot on the Moon, and we would like to call it Carroll,’ he said.

Wiseman and Koch could be seen wiping away tears. 

The announcement prompted the astronauts to embrace, while mission control in Houston fell silent in a rare moment of reflection.

This is a developing story… More updates to come. 

By SHIVALI BEST, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

Published: 04:33 EDT, 4 April 2026 | Updated: 23:37 EDT, 4 April 2026

It’s often described as the ‘female pleasure centre’. 

And now the clitoris has been mapped for the very first time.

To create the map, scientists used state–of–the–art X–ray imaging techniques to scan two postmortem female pelvic samples. 

Their results revealed a complex web of nerves branching through the female sexual organ – including many that are crucial for orgasms. 

The researchers, from Amsterdam UMC, hope the map will help to break the cultural taboo surrounding women’s sexual health. 

‘The clitoris is a unique organ in the female body, responsible for sexual pleasure,’ they wrote in their study. 

‘Early references to the clitoris can be traced back to ancient times, exemplified by the writings of Aristotle. 

‘However, the cultural taboo around female sexuality has hindered its scientific investigation for centuries.’

It’s often described as the ‘female pleasure centre’. And now the clitoris has been mapped for the very first time

The clitoris is the only human organ with the sole purpose of providing pleasure.

It’s made up of nerves that carry electrical impulses between the brain and the rest of the body, which enable women to feel and respond to touch.

While the tip (glans) of the clitoris is found outside the body, much of the organ is located internally.

This includes the dorsal nerve – a wishbone–shaped nerve that runs down either side of the clitoral shaft and is responsible for clitoral sensation.

Until now, mapping the sexual organ has been problematic. 

Writing in their study, published as a preprint on bioRxiv, the researchers, led by Ju Young Lee, explained: ‘The detailed anatomy of the clitoris is challenging to address through a gross dissection, as most of its parts are embedded internally, surrounded by pubic bone and several pelvic organs. 

‘While clinical imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging can capture the gross 3D morphology, they lack the spatial resolution required to resolve the detailed structures.’

Instead, the researchers took micron–scale CT scans of the female pelvises, using a ‘synchrotron radiation X–ray source’. 

The researchers took micron–scale CT scans of the female pelvises, using a ‘synchrotron radiation X–ray source’. This allowed them to map the nerves running through the sexual organ in unprecedented detail – with some measuring just 0.2mm in diameter

One of the most surprising findings surrounds the dorsal nerve (DNC), which is responsible for clitoral sensation. Previous studies have suggested that this ‘gradually diminishes’ as it reaches the tip –but the researchers found that this isn’t the case

This allowed them to map the nerves running through the sexual organ in unprecedented detail – with some measuring just 0.2mm in diameter. 

One of the most surprising findings surrounds the dorsal nerve (DNC), which is responsible for clitoral sensation. 

Previous studies have suggested that this ‘gradually diminishes’ as it reaches the tip –but the researchers found that this isn’t the case. 

‘The DNC does not diminish but instead exhibits a complex tree–like branching pattern within the clitoral glans,’ they explained. 

The researchers hope the findings will help to address the knowledge gap in women’s sexual health – noting that the penis was mapped more than 30 years ago. 

What’s more, the map could help to redefine the ‘danger zone’ used in female genital cosmetic surgeries.  

‘In recent years, popularity for such surgeries has dramatically increased, exemplified by a 70% increase in labiaplasty from 2015 to 2020,’ they explained. 

‘The “danger zone” has been suggested to help surgeons avoid nerve damage during the operation.’

NASA’s Artemis II crew say they received a terrifying warning message as their spacecraft passed the ‘point of no return’ on its trip to the moon.

The Orion capsule, containing astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen, is finally on its way to the moon after carrying out a ‘translunar injection burn’.

This engine burn is a key manoeuvre that nudges the spacecraft out of Earth’s orbit and on its trajectory towards our lunar neighbour.

But 20 minutes after the burn the team received a terrifying ‘cabin leak’ emergency message.

‘We did get a warning message for “cabin leak suspected”,’ astronaut Hansen said in the crew’s first live interview from space.

‘This grabs your attention because… you go right from doing this burn and you’re heading to the moon to thinking, “Are we going to have to cancel this burn, start getting into our spacesuits and figuring out how to get home in a day or less?”‘

A cabin leak is a serious issue, as it could compromise the structure of the spacecraft and potentially expose the crew to the vacuum of space.

Luckily, investigations revealed the message was just an anomaly – and on-board cabin pressure was unaffected.

The view from the spacecraft as it carried out the translunar injection burn, nudging the Orion capsule towards the moon 

‘Houston helped us out – they confirmed they were seeing good cabin pressure and so were we on-board,’ Hansen said. ‘We did the burn and now we’re heading to the moon and feeling good.’

The launch on Wednesday evening marked the start of a mammoth 685,000-mile (1.1million km) trip around the dark side of the lunar surface.

It is the first time in more than 50 years that humans have set off towards the moon.

In the first 24 hours of its journey, the Orion spacecraft orbited Earth while the crew carried out safety checks and got some sleep.

‘The Orion spacecraft recently ignited its main engine on the service module for about six minutes to provide about 6,000 pounds of thrust,’ NASA wrote on X.

‘Next stop: lunar flyby.’

Now that its main engines have fired, the capsule is being propelled to the moon.

On flight day six, Orion will reach its farthermost point from Earth as it sails 6,400 miles (10,299km) beyond the lunar surface.

The astronauts give their first live interview from space, making heart shapes with their hands towards the camera

NASA’s mission control confirmed they were seeing good cabin pressure following an emergency ‘cabin leak’ message

That will surpass Apollo 13’s distance record, which would make the Artemis II astronauts the most remote travellers.

‘There is nothing normal about this,’ mission commander Wiseman said in the interview.

‘Sending four humans 250,000 miles away is a Herculean effort and we are now only just realising the gravity of that.’

The team also revealed they had experienced some issues with the cabin being cold.

‘We’re wishing we had the lower temperature sleeping bags with us,’ Glover said.

‘Houston’s been working with us to change fan speeds and temperature set points and we’ve actually been able to warm it up a lot better in the last half day or so.’

The crew also said they have had their first meal together in space – and described their ‘comical’ sleeping arrangements.

‘Victor has got a nice little nook, Jeremy has been stretched out on seat one and I’ve been sleeping under the displays just in case anything goes wrong,’ Reid said.

NASA shared this picture taken from the Orion spacecraft, with the caption: ‘Earth peeks through the capsule window, reminding us that a view like this relies on the ingenuity and hard work of countless people back home’

‘Christina has been sleeping head-down in the middle of the vehicle, kind of like a bat, suspended from our docking tunnel.’ 

The team also described their surprise at even taking off.

‘Probably one of the things that surprised all of us was when those solid rocket boosters actually lit and we left the pad,’ Hansen said. ‘It was just a moment of disbelief – the fact that we launched, it just totally takes you by surprise even though you’re expecting it.’

After looping around the moon the Orion craft will begin its journey back to Earth.

It will take another four days to return, which the astronauts will fill by conducting key safety demonstrations, including testing procedures designed to shield the crew against dangerous radiation from solar flares.

As Orion approaches Earth, it will separate key components before plunging into the ⁠atmosphere ​at speeds of about 25,000mph (40,233kph).

The spacecraft is expected to splash down ​in the Pacific Ocean, where recovery teams will retrieve the crew.

The voyage aims to pave the way for a moon landing in 2028 which, if successful, will be the first time humans have set foot on the moon since December 1972.

Another picture taken from Orion. NASA said: ‘We see our home planet as a whole, lit up in spectacular blues and browns. A green aurora even lights up the atmosphere in the north’

The Artemis II mission’s Orion capsule leaves Earth, backlit by the sun as a crescent, on its way to fly by the moon

The moment space fans waited more than 50 years for as NASA launched its Artemis II mission to the moon on Wednesday evening

Part of what makes Artemis II riskier than NASA’s standard missions is that it is testing relatively new technology.

Compared to a spacecraft such as the SpaceX Crew Dragon, which has been used dozens of times, the Orion spacecraft has only been used once, during Artemis I.

‘Orion’s life support and deep-space systems have never been flown with a crew before,’ explained Chris Bosquillon, co-chair of the Moon Village Association’s working group for Disruptive Technology & Lunar Governance.

This creates a risk that one of the critical systems might fail once Orion has already left the atmosphere.

If something had gone wrong during the first day, while Orion was still in low-Earth orbit, the crew could simply have fired the engines to make an early return to Earth.

But if part of the engines or life support system fail once the trip to the moon had begun, things would be much more complicated.

The absolute worst-case scenario would involve multiple systems failing, including the propulsion system, leaving Orion unable to alter its course.

This is the moment the BBC’s science editor was left in tears during NASA’s Artemis II lift-off. 

The spacecraft will take four astronauts on the first manned mission to reach the moon since 1972.     

It officially launched yesterday evening on its mammoth 285,000-mile (1.1 million km) round trip to the dark side of the moon before returning to Earth on April 6. 

The BBC‘s Science Editor, Rebecca Morelle joined hundreds of other spectators in Florida to witness the historic launch. 

As Artemis II’s booster ignitions are activated, sending large plumes of smoke billowing across the launch pad, the excitable reporter can be heard saying ‘oh my goodness’ and repeatedly clapping.

The rocket then blasts off into the sky to thunderous cheers from crowds gathered at the Kennedy Space Centre.

‘Oh my goodness that is spectacular,’ a visibly emotional Ms Morelle said. 

‘It’s not just want you see and you hear as the rocket lifts off. You can feel the force of it through your body. This is the most powerful rocket that NASA has ever built.’ 

The BBC’s Science Editor, Rebecca Morelle (pictured) joined hundreds of other spectators in Florida to witness the historic launch

Artemis II officially launched yesterday evening on its mammoth round trip to the dark side of the moon before returning to Earth on April 6

The roaring engines of the massive spacecraft then interrupt Ms Morelle as it commences its journey towards the stars.

She can be seen struggling to be heard over the thunderous noise as she looks over her shoulder at the rocket in wonder. 

Artemis II will take American astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen farther into space than any human has ever gone before, breaking the previous record set by Apollo 13 in 1970. 

Four minutes into the historic journey, Artemis II crossed the boundary into space with no issues with the flight reported and a clear view of their target destination. Mr Wiseman, the mission commander, said: ‘We have a beautiful moonrise. We’re headed right at it!’

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman reported that Artemis II suffered a temporary communications problem after launch and was still dealing with a ‘controller issue’ with the toilet on board the Orion capsule.

However, all major systems were still functioning and the crew was busy preparing for the next stages of their orbital burn over Earth before the space agency declared the spacecraft ready for its trip to the moon. 

Just after 6pm in the US, Mr Wiseman declared ‘Full send,’ as he and his crewmates sat atop NASA’s towering rocket, confirming they were ready for launch.

From mission control, launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson delivered an emotional message to the crew, telling them they carried ‘the heart of this Artemis team, the daring spirit of the American people and our partners across the globe, and the hopes and dreams of this generation.’

From left to right: Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, NASA astronauts Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch

‘Good luck. Godspeed, Artemis II. Let’s go,’ she said, following the final launch checks. 

The crew will spend the first one to two days conducting extensive systems checks.

These include testing Orion’s life-support, propulsion, navigation and communications systems to ensure the spacecraft is ​ready to head into deep space.

Once checkouts are complete, Orion’s propulsion system will perform ​a critical engine burn known as translunar injection, sending the spacecraft out of Earth orbit and onto a trajectory ‌toward ⁠the moon.

It will take three to four days for the Artemis II crew to reach the moon, with the Orion spacecraft projected to enter what NASA calls the moon’s sphere of influence on day five.

This is the point at which lunar gravity overtakes Earth’s pull and begins guiding the spacecraft toward its destination.

Day six is likely to be historic for NASA and the rest of humanity, as Artemis II conducts its lunar flyby and travels to the dark side of the moon.

The spacecraft will not only reach a point farther from Earth than any previous crewed mission, but NASA confirmed that the astronauts will be able to see a lunar eclipse – when the moon blocks out the sun. 

After looping around the moon, the Orion craft will begin its return journey, leaving the moon’s gravitational influence and heading back toward Earth.

It will take another four days to return, which the astronauts will fill by conducting key safety demonstrations, including testing procedures designed to shield the crew from dangerous solar radiation from solar flares. The crew will also practice manually steering the spacecraft.

As Orion approaches Earth, it will separate key components before plunging into the ⁠atmosphere ​at speeds of about 25,000 miles per hour (40,233 kph).

Testing ​the capsule’s heat shield during high-energy re-entry is one of the mission’s primary objectives.

The spacecraft is expected to splash down ​in the Pacific Ocean, where recovery teams will retrieve the crew.

Parachutes will deploy to slow the spacecraft before it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean, bringing the landmark mission to an end. 

Artemis III, NASA’s next space mission, is set to launch in 2027 and will see two astronauts land on the surface of the moon and stay there for about a week. 

This will be the first time man has set foot on the moon since Apollo 17 in December 1972. 

By RACHEL BOWMAN, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER and CHRIS MELORE and STACY LIBERATORE, US SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR and KATRINA SCHOLLENBERGER, US HEAD OF LIVE NEWS

Updated: 17:59 EDT, 1 April 2026

The countdown clock has begun this afternoon for the launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission to the moon from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The countdown began at 4.44pm EST with a two hour launch window starting at 6.24pm EST, depending on weather. If the early April window is missed, mission managers will wait for the next best orbital alignment, with backup windows scheduled throughout the week until April 6. 

The launch was delayed earlier as engineers worked on a critical safety issue within the rocket. 

Derrol Nail, a NASA commentator who is in the launch control room claimed there was a problem with the Space Launch System rocket’s flight termination system. If not corrected, the rocket wouldn’t have been able to take off.

Engineers also discovered a problem with the battery on the launch abort system, which ejects the capsule containing the astronauts away from the rocket in case of an issue during flight.  

Artemis II will send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen on the first mission to reach the moon since 1972.

The ten-day journey will see the astronauts launch into orbit Wednesday night, and then separate their Orion spacecraft from the launch vehicle, break out of low-Earth orbit, circle the moon and then return.

The historic flight is the first step in NASA’s new multi-step to land on the moon by 2028 at the earliest.

 

Follow the Daily Mail for the latest updates

Breaking:NASA launch team working on battery issue that could threaten final countdown

NASA communications officials Derrol Nail has reported that launch team technicians are currently troubleshooting an issue with a battery on board the rocket which had a temperature ‘out of range.’

‘Although it’s not a constraint for launch right now, it would be when that temperature is checked in side of T-minus six minutes,’ Nail said.

Currently, NASA workers are not sure if the issue is a problem with the battery itself or with the sensor which monitors its temperature.

The countdown is continuing while technicians work to determine the cause of the problem and correct it before launch time at 6.24pm ET.

WATCH: Historic moment NASA’s Artemis II crew head to the launchpad

Anne Wilson to sing National Anthem for launch

American Christian singer Anne Wilson will perform the National Anthem for the Artemis II launch.

‘As America prepares to send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over 50 years, her voice will help open this historic moment,’ NASA wrote on X.

Weather forecast for launch upgraded less than 60 minutes to launch

NASA weather officer Mark Burger reported that the weather at the Kennedy Space Center has improved, giving Wednesday’s launch of Artemis II a 90 percent chance of an on-time launch.

Previously, Burger had said there was an 80 percent chance of the launch window avoiding any rain that was forecasted to be in the area around Florida.

Astronauts on International Space Station watching Artemis II launch

Astronauts on the International Space Station posted on social media that they are watching the Artemis II launch.

‘Godspeed, Artemis II!’ astronaut Jessica Meir wrote on X.

Orion’s hatch is close

The door of the Orion spacecraft is closed, marking the completion of one of the most critical steps for the Artemis II crew.

Inside the White Room at Launch Complex 39B, the controlled-access point where the astronauts entered the spacecraft, the closeout crew inspected seals, secured fasteners and verified that the hatch was airtight.

This process ensures Orion is fully pressurized and ready for flight. Once the hatch is closed and locked, the astronauts are officially sealed inside their spacecraft, marking a major milestone on the path to liftoff.

Breaking:NASA fixes potentially critical problem with Artemis II… Rocket declared ‘a go for launch’

NASA revealed that a problem with the flight terminiation system has been fixed after technicians scrambled to use gear from the now decommissioned space shuttles to correct an issue with Artemis II.

NASA communications official Derrol Nail said: ‘The range is go.’

‘You combine that with the fact that the rocket and ground systems here are also working, no constraints, clear board here is great news.’

With the potentially critical systems problem corrected. Launch of Artemis II is still on track for 6.24pm ET.

Eight-year-old Rise creator reflects on winning design contest

Lucas Ye’s design for the zero gravity indicators was picked from over 2,600 submissions and also won him a trip to watch the Artemis II launch from Kennedy Space Center.

The 8-year-old from California told NASA the plushie’s designed was inspired by the iconic Earthrise photo taken during Apollo 8.

He said he was, ‘Really, really, really, really, really, really, really surprised and very happy’ to win and be here.

What is the Artemis II mission plan?

The 32–story Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is set to blast off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with a two-hour launch window beginning at 6.24pm ET.

The mission is set to last 10 days, and the four astronauts on board will reside in the Orion capsule atop the rocket.

After liftoff, the astronauts will spend the first 25 hours circling Earth in a high, lopsided orbit. They’ll use the separated upper stage as a target, steering their Orion capsule around it as docking practice for future moonshots.

If all goes as planned, Orion’s main engine will hurl the crew to the moon some 244,000 miles away.

On flight day six, Orion will reach its farthest point from Earth as it sails 5,000 miles beyond the moon.

After emerging from behind the moon, the crew will head straight home with a splashdown on flight day 10.

Breaking:NASA issues ‘no go’ for Artemis II launch after critical system failure as teams scramble to fix issue

Less than two hours prior to the launch of Artemis II, NASA reported that the flight termination system is currently a ‘no-go,’ meaning the problem will need to be corrected before the rocket can safely launch Wednesday night.

Officials at Kennedy Space Center revealed that the ‘range is working,’ meaning that technicians were looking into an issue at the launch site, even though no other issues with the rocket were causing the launch countdown to stop.

NASA communications officials Derrol Nail: ‘Every rocket has a flight termination system. It’s the system that the eastern range here uses in order to, send a destruct signal to a rocket in case it veers off path.’

‘So it’s a very critical importance safety component, in terms of how the range keeps the public safe here, we understand that the flight termination system, they’re working in an issue.’

‘The bottom line of all this is at this moment, the range is no go up. But that is not stopping us from moving forward in the countdown.’

‘We can continue to, process and work the countdown. The closeout crew will continue to do their work, and and the launch team will continue to do their work as well.’

This is a breaking story. More details to follow.

WATCH: Artemis II launch – What to expect from historic moon mission

Exclusive:NASA administrator Jared Isaacman discusses the Artemis II launch

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman sat down with the Daily Mail to talk about President Donald Trump’s plan to return to the moon.

Humanoid robots are serving up meals and entertaining customers at a McDonald’s in Shanghai – and they even wear the famous uniform.

The machines, supplied by Chinese firm Keenon Robotics, have been deployed as part of a trial and hint at a future where bots handle routine tasks at fast food restaurants.

In videos posted online, diners can be seen interacting with cyborgs dressed in the iconic red and yellow uniforms behind counters.

One humanoid, wearing a black uniform with the word ‘chef’, greets members of the public as they arrive.

Others make the famous ‘M’ sign synonymous with the brand and showcase some dancing moves.

Meanwhile children can be seen chasing other robots disguised as cute animals as they deliver food and clean floors around the restaurant.

‘Watch the robot squad suit up and enjoy the McDonald’s party!’ Keenon Robotics wrote online. ‘Our humanoid series are leading the squad and hitting the streets.

‘It’s a showcase of how service automation is becoming a seamless part of global dining, and how technology brings more smiles to every mealtime.’

In the video, one robot can be seen touching its thumb and index finger together to make an ‘okay’ sign at a customer

In the video, one robot can be seen touching its thumb and index finger together to make an ‘okay’ sign at a customer.

A smaller, cube–shaped ‘cleaning’ bot features a touchscreen and has been designed to look as if it is wearing a tie.

Jon Banner, the executive vice president of McDonald’s, explained the robots were there for a ‘temporary greeting’.

‘Just to be clear – the robots were part of the grand opening of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum restaurant,’ he wrote on social media.

‘The robots were requested by the museum to draw attention. Mission accomplished!’

He added that the robots ‘were not involved in any service or operational functions’.

While the machines were part of a trial – and were only around for about five days – some people believe it won’t be long until they’re rolled out more widely.

‘Shanghai is the test market,’ one person wrote on X. ‘If the unit economics work the rollout does not stay in China.’

The machines, supplied by Chinese firm Keenon Robotics, have been deployed as part of a trial and hint at a future where bots handle routine tasks at fast food restaurants

Another said that this is the ‘real future’, adding: ‘Humanoid robots greeting customers and delivery bots bringing your food – automate the kitchen a bit more and boom, McDonald’s stores basically run themselves with zero staff.’

However, others warned the robots would be ‘destroyed’ if rolled out elsewhere.

According to Keenon Robotics, its ‘Dinerbot T10’ boasts 3D vision for ‘safer obstacle avoidance in complex environments’.

It comes with open–access trays to allow diners to easily pick up their food, and features a six–wheel shock–absorbing chassis to prevent spillage during sudden stops.

Its screen can be programmed to display different animal faces, including a cat, bunny and deer, while a range of voices can be picked from.

Meanwhile their ‘Kleenbot C40’ features a triple–brush system for separating dry and wet spillages. It has been designed to ‘easily handle crowds and irregular obstacles’, and can pick up objects including hair, paper scraps, dust, coffee and juice.

While the Keenon website does not list prices, these models retail for around £11,500 to £16,000 online.

Their recently-released ‘XMAN-R1’ humanoid was designed specifically to interact with people – but appears to come with a $100,000 price tag online. 

A small cube–shaped ‘cleaning’ bot features a touchscreen and has been designed to look as if it is wearing a tie (left). Meanwhile children can be seen chasing a ‘Dinerbot’ disguised as a cute animal as it delivers food around the restaurant

Their recently-released ‘XMAN-R1’ humanoid was designed specifically to interact with people – but appears to come with a $100,000 price tag online

Last week, the shocking moment a dancing robot went berserk at a restaurant was caught on camera.

Customers at the Haidilao hotpot restaurant in San Jose, California , were enjoying their meals when a humanoid started showing off some moves.

While performing a dance routine, involving waving its arms and shaking its hips, the robot suddenly slams its hands down on a table.

This sends chopsticks and bright yellow sauce flying into the air, while staff race over to try and turn it off.

But the humanoid continues to dance throughout the altercation – which saw three employees wrestle with the robot and try to drag it away by the scruff of its neck.

More than 230 people had to be rescued across Oahu in a dramatic fight against fast-rising floodwaters as a powerful Kona-low storm system battered Hawaii.

All the while a major dam remains under dangerous pressure and the damage could soar past $1 billion.

At least 233 rescues were carried out on Friday alone officials said, as roads disappeared under water and neighborhoods were inundated following days of relentless rain. 

Despite the scale of the disaster, authorities said no fatalities have been reported. 

‘This is the largest flood that we’ve had in Hawaii in 20 years,’ Governor Josh Green said during a joint news conference with Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, comparing the crisis to the devastating Manoa floods of the early 2000s.

The chaos comes after earlier fears that the Wahiawa Dam on Oahu was at risk of failure, prompting urgent evacuation orders for communities downstream in Haleiwa and Waialua on the island’s North Shore. 

The reservoir had surged well above normal levels after torrential downpours dumped huge volumes of rain across the region.

Residents were urged to help neighbors only if it was possible to do it safely, but let them know about the alert, and not waste time packing belongings.

A view of a storm-damaged home near floating felled branches in flood waters caused by severe rains in Waialua

The Wahiawa Dam in Oahu (Pictured) is at ‘imminent risk of failure’ due to rising water levels at the Wahiawa reservoir and heavy downpours

The Wahiawa Dam on the island of Oahu is at an ‘imminent risk of failure’ according to the Oahu Department of Emergency Management.

The evacuation order applies to anyone currently in Haleiwa between Puuiki Street and Kamehameha Highway and areas of Waialua between Kukea Circle to Otake Camp. 

According to the Honolulu Star Advertiser, the downpours have caused the water level in the Wahiawa reservoir to rise to over 85 feet. That amount is well above the normal spillway level of about 80 feet.

Governor Green cautioned that additional bands of rain expected over the next three days could worsen conditions, as already saturated ground struggles to absorb more water.

‘This storm could cost over a billion dollars of damage to both the private and public sector,’ the governor said.

Flash flood warnings remained in effect across Oahu into the evening, while emergency crews continued to respond to calls for help from stranded residents.

The impact has stretched beyond Oahu. On Maui, evacuation warnings were issued for Iao Valley in Central Maui and parts of Kihei in South Maui as conditions deteriorated.

Emergency shelters have been opened on multiple islands to accommodate displaced residents, while officials continue to monitor reservoirs, waterways and vulnerable infrastructure.

Mayor Blangiardi praised both first responders and residents for their cooperation during a fast-moving and dangerous situation.

A road is inundated with floodwaters caused by severe rain

Debris from a storm-damaged house sits against a bridge along Kaukonahua Stream

Thousands of residents in Hawaii have been urged to gather their families and leave their homes immediately before the Wahiawa Dam fails

If the dam breaks, officials warned that it could lead to life-threatening floods Haleiwa and Waialua (Seen in Red) on the Island of Oahu’s North Shore.

Green also acknowledged the public’s response, thanking residents for heeding evacuation warnings and acting quickly. ‘This is a major threat to our people and to our state and your responsible behavior has made it easier for us to respond,’ he said.

Hawaii has been inundated with rain from a pair of heavy storm systems known as ‘Kona lows’ which have dumped between eight and 12 inches of rain in certain areas over the last day.

Hawaiian officials earlier updated reports that the Wahiawa Dam had not failed, but still pleaded with residents to leave the area at once.

‘Wahiawa Dam has not failed but is at imminent risk of failure. Potential life-threatening flooding of downstream areas,’ Oahu Emergency Management posted online Friday.

Residents fleeing the area have been advised to carpool if possible as traffic during the evacuation has been extremely heavy.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has also issued a flash flood warning for all of Honolulu County.

Nearly one million people live in the county, which encompasses the entire island of Oahu, and that number quickly grows to more than 1.1million after accounting for tourists visiting Hawaii.

Honolulu officials warned in a statement at 4.37pm ET: ‘Radar indicated heavy rain continuing to move over east Oahu. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2.5 inches per hour.’

Fooding covers a residential neighborhood in Waialua, Hawaii, on Friday

The seaward side of the Wahiawa Dam where the outflow of the Wahiawa Reservoir becomes Kaukonahua Stream in Wahiawa, Hawaii

Streets are flooded from severe rains on Friday in Haleiwa, Hawaii

From up above the extent of the flooding is clear to see deluging homes, streets and fields

The scale of the flooding only really becomes clear from the air 

Floodwaters fill the ground level of homes in Waialua, Hawaii, Friday

The situation is becoming extremely dire for Hawaiians in the north – where the Wahiawa Dam is located

‘Flash flooding is ongoing, especially in and around Honolulu, with flowing water on roadways and stalled vehicles.’

On X, emergency management officials urged anyone in the affected area to immediately move to higher ground and avoid traveling through flooded areas or roadways.

While residents in Honolulu, on the southern part of the island, have been urged to seek higher ground, the situation is becoming extremely dire for Hawaiians in the north – where the Wahiawa Dam is located.

‘This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Northern Oahu,’ Honolulu County officials declared at 5pm ET. 

Several public roads are expected to be closed Friday, and landslides are feared along areas with steep terrain.

‘Significant property damage expected to homes and other properties in low lying areas,’ officials warned.

All of the rain and flooding ravaging Hawaii has come from a rare double hit from Kona lows.

These are unusual winter weather systems that bring heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms and flooding by pulling in tropical moisture from the south instead of the usual trade winds from the east.

People are evacuated from Haleiwa, Hawaii, on a bulldozer on Friday

Hawaii has been experiencing a heavy storm system called a ‘Kona low’ that has produced eight to 12 inches of rain in some areas

The first powerful Kona storm hit Hawaii from March 10 to March 16, dumping record amounts of rain, including up to 46 inches in some spots, such as Maui and parts of Oahu.

However, AccuWeather meteorologists have warned that this second Kona storm, which began on Thursday, could quickly lead to devastating damage on Oahu because the ground is still saturated from the earlier storm.

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson warned: ‘The ground is still saturated in the wake of the recent storm, which will lead to rapid runoff that can easily trigger small stream and urban flooding, as well as increase the risk of mudslides and debris flows.’

As US forces step up their bombardment of Iranian defences, the battered regime appears to have found a counter to one of America’s most feared weapons.

Iran’s military claims to have hit an F–35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet with anti–aircraft artillery.

This would be the very first time that an American F–35 has been struck in combat by enemy fire.

Now, experts reveal that the $100million state–of–the–art fighter jet might not be as invisible as the US would like to think.

US Central Command confirmed that the fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing while ‘flying a combat mission over Iran.’

‘The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition,’ Captain Tim Hawkins said. It is unclear if the pilot, who landed at a US base in the Middle East, was injured.

The F–35’s stealth technology should render it all but undetectable by conventional military radar systems, making the hit enormously unlikely. 

However, researchers say that Iranian air defences aren’t relying on radar alone to keep tabs on America’s invisible fighters – with a ‘passive infrared’ system also being used.

Iran’s military claims to have scored a direct hit on a US F–35 Lightning II stealth fighter, marking the first time an American F–35 has been hit by enemy fire  

The F–35 (pictured) should be all but undetectable by conventional military radar systems, but experts claim it is not entirely ‘invisible’ 

What gives the F–35 its stealth ability?

The F–35 Lightning II is a fifth–generation stealth fighter jet developed by Lockheed Martin and used extensively by the United States and Israel.

What makes this long–range fighter so deadly is its ability to avoid or confound enemy radar systems, letting it strike targets without being hit back.

Radar systems work by sending out bursts of electromagnetic signals and listening carefully for how those waves bounce back – like a bat hunting by echolocation.

To avoid detection, the F–35 is specially shaped so that radar signals deflect off its surface like light on a slanted mirror.

The fighter also has the capacity to keep its weapons inside the body of the plane, safely protected by its radar–baffling panels. 

This breaks up the plane’s radar signature, making it significantly harder for enemy systems to spot.

To further enhance this effect, the entire plane is coated with a radar–absorbing material that soaks up incoming electromagnetic signals rather than bouncing them back.

The F–35’s specially shaped panels and radar–absorbing coating mean that it only has the radar cross section of a small bird, making it extremely hard to detect and hit 

Although the F–35’s physical wingspan is 35 feet (10.7 metres), its radar cross–section is about the size of a small bird.

How invisible is the F–35?

Although stealth technology is often compared to an ‘invisibility cloak’, this greatly exaggerates the F–35’s abilities.

Dr Can Kasapoğlu, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, told the Daily Mail: ‘The F–35 is not invisible; it is low observable. 

‘It is designed to delay detection, degrade tracking, and avoid engagement zones rather than eliminate detection entirely.’

Dr Kasapoğlu adds: ‘Any aircraft can be detected under the right conditions; the key issue is when and with what quality.’

Certain types of radar, such as very–high frequency (VHF) and ultra–high frequency (UHF) systems, can beat most stealth systems.

However, the key is that these detections aren’t ‘weapons grade’ – meaning they aren’t high enough quality to guide a missile to impact.

Even as early as 2023, Iran claimed it had the capacity to detect American F–35s flying over the Gulf. 

However, this doesn’t mean that Iran had the ability to shoot down American stealth fighters, only to roughly know where they are.

A more plausible explanation for the reported hit on an F–35 is that the Iranian military was using a ‘passive infrared’ system.

Instead of actively sending out radar signals to spot jets, infrared systems scan the sky for the telltale heat signature of a fighter’s engine.

Even though the F–35’s engine is specially designed to reduce its infrared signature, it isn’t enough to prevent short–range detection.

This means that the Iranian attack was more likely to have been an opportunistic close–range ambush rather than a deliberate long–range strike.

Dr Kasapoğlu suggests that the Iranian 358 loitering munition is a ‘natural culprit’.

This nine–feet–long (2.7 m) surface–to–air missile flies slowly in a figure of eight over the battlefield, waiting to spot a target with its infrared detector.

Experts say the F–35 might have been hit by an Iranian 358 loitering munition (pictured). These missiles use a passive infrared detection system rather than radar, allowing them to beat the F–35’s stealth technology at short range

If an F–35 had got close enough, it could have been struck with almost no warning as the 358 locked on to its engine signature. 

In Yemen last year, Houthi rebels demonstrated how even relatively crude infrared systems could be used to great effect to counter stealth technology.

US F–35s flying against Houthi air defences were forced to take evasive actions to avoid being hit by surface–to–air missiles, with one pilot reportedly dodging several attacks.

However, Dr Kasapoğlu maintains that this is a one–off, unattributed case that doesn’t require the US to radically change its strategy.

If passive infrared detectors are being used, they are likely part of a ‘layered detection approach’ rather than a standalone capacity.

This means the F–35’s ability to strike targets long before it is detected will still be a valuable asset.

‘No fundamental shift is required for now. It reinforces the need for disciplined mission planning and continuous suppression of enemy air defences in complex environments,’ Dr Kasapoğlu says.

‘The F–35 remains a reliable fifth–generation platform and a cornerstone of US airpower.’

From ‘gaslighting’ to ‘catfishing’, singletons already have a range of toxic dating trends to get their heads around. 

Now, experts have gazed into the future to predict what they will have to contend with next. 

With the promise of spring on the horizon, many will be emerging from winter hibernation to try their hand at finding love.

However, putting yourself out there can feel daunting, especially when trying to keep up with the latest apps and crazes.

To help, relationship experts have revealed the top trends to look out for this year – and the ones to be especially wary of.

Robyn Alesich, co–founder of polyamorous dating app Sister Wives, warned some could trigger anxiety, low self–worth, reduced intimacy and emotional exhaustion.

While some trends are ‘immensely cruel’, others can lead to feelings of ‘intellectual powerlessness’.

Here, she explains the toxic fads that could ruin your love life.

People have taken to TikTok to complain about ‘future-faking’ – when a potential partner promises a future but never follows through 

Yearner energy

This is the feeling of ‘yearning’ – an intense longing and desire – for somebody you’re dating.

‘Yearning can feel deeply romantic in an era of social media and AI, but longing without reciprocation or consent has its risks,’ Ms Alesich said.

‘It’s important to separate desire from reality, otherwise fantasies can be projected onto unwilling partners.’

Future–faking

This occurs when a potential partner promises a shared future – but with no intention of really following through.

‘A key priority in modern dating is emotional security, regardless of the style of affection. So, in any case, future–faking is immensely cruel,’ Ms Alesich explained.

‘It mimics security without offering it, often keeping someone emotionally invested long past the point where the relationship has stopped moving forward. Repeated exposure to false promises can undermine trust and emotional safety, contributing to anxiety, lowered self–worth, and difficulty forming secure attachments in future relationships.’

Being given a backhanded compliment or subtle insult to make you feel insecure is called negging

Negging

Negging is a backhanded compliment or subtle insult to make you feel insecure in the hope that you’ll suddenly be more desperate for approval.

It can lead to low self–esteem and emotional dependency.

‘Backhanded compliments and subtle criticism can erode self–esteem over time, fostering emotional dependency on a toxic partner, a common pattern seen in psychologically unhealthy relationships,’ Ms Alesich said.

Eco–dumping

This refers to breaking up over ethical lifestyle issues, such as plastic usage or fast fashion.

‘Gen Z cares very deeply about what they believe in,’ Ms Alesich said. ‘And for many young daters, the environment is just that.

‘However, conflict rooted in moral superiority rather than communication can lead to feelings of anxiety and emotional exhaustion. This might foster a sense of intellectual powerlessness for one partner, reducing confidence and heightening anxiety.’

Date–stacking

Date–stacking refers to scheduling multiple dates in a single day or weekend to optimise time and efficiency.

But Ms Alesich warned: ‘Date–stacking can feel practical, especially when signed up to multiple dating apps and want to maximise your chance of connection. However, this trend encourages people to compare dates side by side, potentially reducing them to a personality trait or a physical feature.

‘Dating as an efficiency exercise leads to severe dating fatigue, overwhelm, and likely dissatisfaction.’

Choremance

When you and your partner do errands together instead of traditional romantic activities, this is called ‘choremance’.

‘A choremance appeals to a very busy and burnt out generation of daters,’ Ms Alesich explained.

‘The risk here is decreased intimacy and spiked cortisol as partners don’t feel able to truly relax in each other’s company.’

Apple has surprised fans with a new iPhone, called the iPhone 17e. 

The tech giant usually hosts elaborate launch events at its Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California.

However, it skipped the fanfare this year, simply announcing the device via a post on its newsroom. 

At £599 (and sold for $599 in the US), the iPhone 17e is the same price as its predecessor, the 16e, but comes with twice the amount of storage. 

There’s also a stunning new ‘soft pink’ colour option, which is bound to be a hit with the Instagram generation. 

‘iPhone 17e combines powerful performance and features our users love at an exceptional value, making it a compelling option for customers looking to upgrade to the iPhone 17 family,’ said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice-president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing. 

‘We know our customers want a product that will last, and iPhone 17e delivers just that. 

‘With A19 for incredible performance, double the entry storage, a smarter camera system, and enhanced durability, iPhone 17e is designed to stay fast, secure, and valuable for years to come.’ 

At £599 ($599 in the US), the iPhone 17e is the same price as last year’s iPhone 16e – but comes with twice the amount of storage 

The iPhone 17e features Apple’s latest–generation A19 chip, which delivers ‘exceptional performance’, according to Apple. 

In terms of camera, the device has a 48MP Fusion camera, although Apple’s describes this as ‘two cameras in one’. 

‘The 48MP Fusion camera enables an optical–quality 2x Telephoto, giving users two cameras in one so they can get closer to the subject and easily frame their shot,’ the tech giant explained. 

‘Users can shoot sharp photos at up to 48MP resolution, or capture in the 24MP default for incredible image quality at a file size perfect for storing and sharing.’

One of the most exciting new features is support for MagSafe charging, which many fans were disappointed was missing on the iPhone 16e. 

This not only enables fast wireless charging up to 15W but also opens the door to a range of new accessories, including chargers, wallets and camera accessories. 

The iPhone 17e is available in three colours – black, white and a new soft pink – and in two storage options. 

While last year’s device cost £599 (or $599 in the US) for 128GB, you’ll be able to get twice the storage for the same price this year – ideal if you’re always running out of space on your iPhone.

One of the most exciting new features is support for MagSafe charging, which many fans were disappointed was missing on the iPhone 16e. This not only allows for fast wireless charging up to 15W, but also opens the door to a range of new accessories, including chargers, wallets, and camera accessories

The new iPhone isn’t the only device Apple has announced today. The company also treated fans to a new iPad Air, powered by M4

Pre–orders don’t begin until Wednesday, with availability from Wednesday, March 11. 

However, the announcement has already generated huge excitement across social media. 

‘Slam dunk on that feature set and price point,’ one delighted fan wrote on X. 

Another added: ‘Excellent value with the addition of MagSafe.’

And one said: ‘Wait, 256GB base storage for $599? If that’s real, Apple is finally listening. 

‘The A19 chip in a budget model is actually insane value.’  

The new iPhone isn’t the only device Apple has announced today. 

The company also treated fans to a new iPad Air, powered by M4. 

The new device is priced at £599 ($599 in the US) for the 11–inch model and £799 ($799 in the US) for the 13–inch model, and is also available for pre–order on March 4, with availability beginning March 11.

‘iPad Air gives users more ways than ever to be creative and productive, offering powerful performance and incredible versatility to help them turn their ideas into reality,’ said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice-president of worldwide product marketing.

‘With its blazing performance thanks to M4, incredible AI capabilities, and game-changing iPadOS 26 features, there’s never been a better time to choose or upgrade to iPad Air.’ 

THE TRILLION DOLLAR RISE OF APPLE

1976: Founders Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne created the company on April 1 1976 as they set about selling computer kits to hobbyists, each of which was built by Wozniak.

The first product was the Apple I. 

1977: Apple released the Apple II in June, which was the first PC made for the mass market. 

Steve Jobs unveils Apple Computer Corporation’s new Macintosh in California on February 6, 1984

1981: Jobs became chairman.  

1984: The Macintosh was introduced during an ad break for the Super Bowl and later officially unveiled during a launch event. It was discontinued a year later and Jobs left the firm.

1987: Apple released the Macintosh II, the first colour Mac.

1997: Apple announces it will acquire NeXT software in a $400 million deal that involves Jobs returning to Apple as interim CEO. He officially took the role in 2000.  

Steve Jobs, then-chief executive officer of Apple, with the iPhone

2001: Apple introduced iTunes, OS X and the first-generation iPod.

The first iPod MP3 music player was released on October 23, 2001, at an event in Cupertino and was able to hold up to 1,000 songs.

2007: Apple unveils the iPhone. 

2010: The first iPad was unveiled.

2011: Jobs resigned in 2011 due to illness, handing the CEO title to Tim Cook. Jobs died in October from pancreatic cancer.

2014: Apple unveiled the Apple Watch. It also unveiled its first larger iPhones – the 6 and 6 Plus. 

2015: After purchasing Beats from Dr Dre, Apple launched Apple Music to compete with Spotify and other music streaming services. 

2016: Apple returned to its roots and announced the 4-inch iPhone SE. Meanwhile, the firm is embroiled in a legal battle with the FBI, involving the agency demanding access to the locked phone used by Syed Farook, who died in a shootout after carrying out a deadly December attack in San Bernardino, California, with his wife. The court order was dropped on March 28 after the FBI said a third party was able to unlock the device.  

2017: Apple introduces the iPhone X, which removes the home button to make way for a futuristic edge-to-edge screen design and a new FaceID system that uses advanced sensors and lasers to unlock phones with just the owner’s face.    

Apple CEO Steve Jobs speaks at an Apple event at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California

2018: In a first for the company, Apple introduces new features in its latest operating system, iOS 12, that encourage users to manage and spend less time on their devices. The move was spawned by a strongly worded letter from shareholders that urged the firm to address the growing problem of smartphone addiction among kids and teenagers. 

2019: In January, Apple reports its first decline in revenues and profits in a decade. CEO Tim Cook partly blamed steep declines in revenue from China.

2020: In March, Apple closes all its brick-and-mortar retail stores outside of China in response to coronavirus. 

2021: In an online virtual event in April CEO Tim Cook declares Apple’s goal of becoming carbon neutral for Earth Day. Later in the year the iPhone 13 was announced. 

2022: In September, the iPhone 14 was announced. One of the new features included a new sensor to detect if a user had been in a car crash as well as an improved camera system. 

2023: Apple brings back its ‘Home Pod’ after the first generation was discontinued. The ‘Home Pod’ can be seen as an alternative to Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home, as it is powered by voice commands. 

2024: Apple makes its first steps into artificial intelligence with the release of Apple Intelligence. The features are not all released at once, with many delayed until the following year.