Biometrics & EUDI Wallets: Georgia Tech researchers and UC Irvine say Yoti shares biometric data with third parties, while Yoti disputes the claims; meanwhile Spain’s regulator AEPD says biometrics can’t be the only verification method for digital ID wallets under GDPR, raising concerns that EUDI Wallets may need device-bound or knowledge-based alternatives to meet high-value use standards. Robotics for non-experts: Georgia Tech’s PAIR Lab unveiled COBALT, letting people control robotic arms from a smartphone over the internet, aiming to lower the barrier to robotics and also support AI training data collection via a global smartphone user network. Energy security in the South Caucasus: At the 31st Baku Energy Forum, SOCAR described a major expansion around Israel’s Tamar gas—covering exploration, a Tamar stake, LNG shipments, and talks tied to power restart plans—positioning Azerbaijan as a flexible gas buffer amid regional disruptions. Smart infrastructure & monitoring: Experts at Baku Energy Forum highlighted rapid adoption of sensors, machine learning, and real-time monitoring to upgrade aging pipelines, warning of a “silver tsunami” as experienced operators retire. Georgia transport upgrades: Georgia reissued tenders for the Rustavi–Red Bridge and Algeti–Sadakhlo highway sections, including a 61.2 km four-lane concrete route with bridges and interchanges, financed via EIB loans plus the state budget. Sustainability near data centers: Google will fund $1M in wetlands restoration in South Georgia near its Douglas County data center, as local backlash against data centers grows. Armenia elections with tech-policy stakes: Multiple reports frame June 7 polls as geopolitically decisive, with Russia-West alignment and the peace process with Azerbaijan at the center.