SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods. This column is a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from JWR [1]. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. In today’s column, more on the rise of robot technology.
The Robot Revolution Is Nigh
Survivalog staff writer Tom Christianson was the first of several folks to suggest this American Spectator article link: The Robot Revolution Is Nigh [2]. An excerpt:
“Since 2022, Tesla has been developing Optimus, a humanoid robot built using many of the same technologies that power Tesla’s vehicles. More recently, Musk claimed Tesla has solved the core challenges that have long held humanoid robotics back.
Speaking at the 2025 All-In Summit, Musk said Tesla was finalizing the design of Optimus version three [3], calling it a ‘remarkable robot.’ According to Musk, Optimus three will feature human-level manual dexterity, an AI system capable of understanding and navigating the physical world, and mass production at scale. Those three elements, he argued, are what other robotics companies lack.”
More About A.I.’s “Transformation”
Reader C.B. was the first of more than a half-dozen blog readers to suggest this article about the leapfrogging advances in A.I.: Something Big Is Happening [4].
AI ‘Arms Race’ Risks Human Extinction
And over at Barron’s: AI ‘Arms Race’ Risks Human Extinction, Warns Top Computing Expert [5].
When Workplaces Seriously Embrace AI
Reader H.L. sent this, from Futurism: Researchers Studied What Happens When Workplaces Seriously Embrace AI, and the Results May Make You Nervous [6].
Power Grids are Stressed
Electricity Demand Is Surging, The Grid Isn’t Ready: IEA [7]. Here is a quote:
“Global electricity demand increased by 3% annually in 2025, following growth of 4.4% in 2024, the IEA said in the report.
Between 2026 and 2030, the annual average growth rate would be 3.6%, driven by higher consumption from industry, electric vehicles (EVs), air conditioning, and data centers, according to the agency.
While emerging economies, including China, India, and the Southeast Asian region, will drive 80% of the additional power demand by 2030, advanced economies see growth in electricity demand after 15 years of stagnation, the IEA said. Artificial intelligence, data centers, and advanced manufacturing support the return to growth in power demand in advanced economies.
U.S. electricity demand rose by 2.1% in 2025 and is expected to grow by nearly 2% annually through 2030. The rapid expansion of data centers will drive half of the increase, the agency noted.”
FBI Targeted Journalists, Ministers, and Political Leaders
Report: The FBI Bent Its Own Rules To Spy on 1,100 ‘Sensitive’ Targets [8]. JWR’s Comments: This is one of the most troubling articles about the abuse of power that I’ve ever read. Something about the article struck me as odd, so I had to re-read it, to fully realize… …how reporter J.D. Tuccille conspicuously omitted mentioning the pertinent timeframes (and corresponding presidential administrations), in most of the article. The underlying GAO repor [9]t has plenty of dates. I can only ask: Which Administration(s) politicized and weaponized the FBI? To quote one key paragraph in the GAO report:
“They noted Type III assessments are primarily opened based on threats and vulnerabilities the FBI identifies as it conducts analysis. According to FBI officials,
increases or decreases between assessments opened in a given year
cannot be attributed to a specific event.”
But the included chart shows there was a huge uptick in new Type III Assessments immediately after January 6, 2021 — The day that Joe Biden’s election was certified. Surely, just a coincidence….
New Mexico Senate Passes Gun and Magazine Ban Bill
Virginia: 25 New Gun Control Bills Introduced
Russia Flexing Nuclear Strength on Finnish Border
At Zero Hedge: Russia Flexing Arctic Nuclear Muscle Along Finnish Border, Defense Minister Warns.
Former Prince Andrew Arrested
This morning in England: Andrew arrested over Epstein scandal [12]. A fair use excerpt:
[13]“Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The former Duke of York became the first senior member of the Royal family in modern history to be arrested when he was taken into custody on Thursday, his 66th birthday.
Police have been assessing claims against Mr Mountbatten-Windsor that emerged in the Epstein files, including allegations that he shared sensitive information with the paedophile when he was a trade envoy.
Thames Valley Police raided his home in Sandringham in the morning, with officers also seen at Royal Lodge, his former home in Windsor.
The King said in a statement that “the law must take its course”.
He said: “I have learnt with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.
“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
JWR’s Comment: Hopefully, this is just the beginning of justice for the dozens of Jeffery Epstein’s wicked co-conspirators.
—
You can send your news tips to JWR [1]. (Either via e-mail or via our Contact [14] form.) Thanks!