Researchers have uncovered deep connections among different types of random objects, illuminating hidden geometric structures. These are not the kinds of objects that concern Scott Sheffield.

Robots are increasingly populating — and in some cases taking over — the workplace, performing tasks that humans aren’t capable of, or making others more efficient. But they can’t do it all just yet.

A viral video showing a man transforming into a series of everyday objects as if by magic has racked up more than five million views on Twitter. The video, posted by ...