Entertainment

The United Kingdom’s entry for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest has been confirmed as electronic artist Look Mum No Computer. The announcement, made by the BBC, marks a departure for the UK’s Eurovision strategy, selecting an artist known for creating music using self-made instruments and a distinctly DIY aesthetic. The contest will be held in Vienna, Austria, next year.

Look Mum No Computer, whose real name is Ellen Dix, is a YouTuber and musician celebrated for her experimental approach to electronic music. She designs and builds her own synthesizers and instruments, documenting the process on her popular YouTube channel, which boasts a significant following. Her unique sound and innovative methods have garnered attention within the electronic music community and beyond, making her a compelling choice to represent the UK on the international stage.

The artist was unveiled by Scott Mills, as reported by multiple news outlets. This selection signals a potential shift towards embracing more unconventional and technologically driven acts for the UK at Eurovision. The UK has been actively seeking a strong showing at the contest, and Look Mum No Computer’s distinctive style could offer a fresh perspective.

Dix’s music is often described as experimental and electronic, blending elements of techno, ambient, and DIY sound design. She’s known for her live performances, where she demonstrates her instrument-building process alongside her music. Her approach challenges traditional notions of music production and performance, appealing to a broad audience interested in innovation and creativity.

Who is Look Mum No Computer?

Ellen Dix, performing as Look Mum No Computer, has built a dedicated online following through her YouTube channel, where she shares tutorials and demonstrations of her self-built synthesizers. She began building her own instruments out of necessity, driven by a desire to create sounds that weren’t readily available through commercial products. This led to a unique and highly personalized musical style. Her channel currently has over 370,000 subscribers as of February 17, 2026.

Beyond her YouTube presence, Look Mum No Computer has released several EPs and albums, receiving critical acclaim for her innovative sound design and experimental compositions. She has similarly performed at various music festivals and events, showcasing her live instrument-building and performance skills. Her music often explores themes of technology, creativity, and the intersection of art and science.

UK’s Eurovision Strategy and Vienna 2026

The UK has a long and varied history at the Eurovision Song Contest, with mixed results in recent years. The BBC has been actively seeking a strategy to improve the UK’s performance, and the selection of Look Mum No Computer suggests a willingness to take risks and embrace artists who offer something different. The 2026 contest in Vienna presents an opportunity for the UK to showcase its creativity and innovation on a global platform.

Vienna was selected as the host city following Austria’s victory in the 2025 contest. The city is known for its rich musical heritage and vibrant cultural scene, making it an ideal location for the Eurovision Song Contest. The event is expected to attract a large international audience and generate significant economic benefits for the city and country.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is scheduled to take place in May. Further details regarding the UK’s entry, including the song title and staging plans, are expected to be announced in the coming months. Fans of the contest and electronic music enthusiasts alike will be eagerly anticipating Look Mum No Computer’s performance in Vienna.

As Look Mum No Computer prepares to represent the UK, her unique blend of musical innovation and DIY ethos is poised to capture the attention of Eurovision audiences worldwide. The contest promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and creativity, and the UK’s entry is undoubtedly one to watch.

What are your thoughts on Look Mum No Computer representing the UK at Eurovision? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends!

The rise of humanoid robots in manufacturing is rapidly shifting the focus to advanced battery technology, particularly solid-state batteries. Global automakers are increasingly viewing these robots as pivotal to the next wave of production innovation, but widespread adoption hinges on overcoming current energy storage limitations. The demand for batteries capable of powering these complex machines for extended periods is driving a renewed interest – and intense competition – in solid-state battery development.

While solid-state batteries promised a revolution in energy density and safety, their commercialization has faced delays. This has led to a continued reliance on existing lithium-ion battery technologies, like ternary and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, as interim solutions. However, the potential of solid-state batteries remains significant, especially as companies like Tesla and Hyundai Motor Group accelerate their plans to integrate humanoid robots into their production lines.

Hyundai Motor Group intends to deploy its “Atlas” work-oriented humanoid robots at its U.S. Factory by 2028. Initially, these robots will focus on tasks like parts sorting, with plans to expand their capabilities to include parts assembly by 2030. The company aims to establish a production system capable of producing 30,000 units annually by 2028, according to reports.

The Push for Longer Run Times

Tesla is also making significant strides in the humanoid robot space. The company recently announced it will unveil the third generation of its “Optimus” robot in the first quarter of 2026. This version is designed with large-scale production in mind, marking a crucial step towards making humanoid robots a practical reality. Production of the Optimus is slated to take place at Tesla’s Fremont, California factory. The need for extended operational capacity is a key driver behind the focus on solid-state battery technology.

Why Solid-State Batteries Matter for Humanoid Robots

Solid-state batteries offer several advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries. They are inherently safer, with a reduced risk of fire, and boast a higher energy density, allowing for more power in a smaller package. This is particularly crucial for humanoid robots, where battery size and weight are significant constraints. The limited space within a humanoid robot necessitates a battery that can deliver sustained power without compromising safety or adding excessive weight.

According to an analysis by Samsung Securities, Tesla’s Optimus robot, weighing 73 kg, utilizes a 2.3 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack weighing approximately 11 kg. This represents around 16% of the robot’s total weight (18% for the second generation). This illustrates the substantial portion of a humanoid robot’s mass currently dedicated to its power source, highlighting the potential benefits of a more energy-dense and lightweight solid-state battery.

K-Battery Companies Lead the Charge

South Korean battery manufacturers – LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On – are at the forefront of solid-state battery development, vying to be the first to achieve commercialization. These companies are investing heavily in research and development, aiming to overcome the technical challenges that have hindered the widespread adoption of this technology. The race is on to create a battery that can meet the demanding requirements of the emerging humanoid robot market.

CES 2026 underscored this shift, with the focus moving beyond mere technological demonstrations to the practical application of robots in industrial settings. The ability to sustain operation for a full workday – the standard eight-hour shift – is a critical hurdle, and solid-state batteries are increasingly seen as the key to unlocking that capability.

What’s Next for Humanoid Robots and Battery Tech?

The convergence of humanoid robotics and solid-state battery technology is poised to reshape the manufacturing landscape. The next few years will be critical as companies work to scale up production and address the remaining technical challenges. The successful commercialization of solid-state batteries will not only enable more capable and efficient humanoid robots but also have broader implications for the electric vehicle industry and other energy storage applications. The momentum gained at events like CES 2026 suggests that the future of robotics is rapidly approaching, and the battery is at its heart.

What are your thoughts on the future of humanoid robots? Share your comments below and let us know what impact you think this technology will have on the workforce.