Articles tagged with "AI-in-manufacturing"
The 16 top logistics, manufacturing, materials startups from Disrupt Startup Battlefield
The article highlights 16 standout startups from TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield 200 competition in the logistics, manufacturing, and materials sectors. These startups were selected for their innovative solutions addressing industry challenges. In logistics, notable companies include GigU, which helps ride-share and delivery drivers optimize trip profitability; Glīd, developing autonomous vehicles for freight movement in railyards; and Kinisi, a robotics firm using advanced sensory and large language model (LLM) technology to adapt robots for warehouse tasks efficiently and safely. In manufacturing and materials, several AI-driven startups are featured. CloEE uses AI to analyze machine performance data to enhance manufacturing efficiency and machine maintenance. CosmicBrain AI provides a no-code/low-code platform for robot training, simplifying the process of teaching robots new tasks. Delft Circuits develops specialized network cables tailored for quantum computing’s unique requirements. Other notable startups include ExoMatter, which uses AI to accelerate material science R&D by screening inorganic crystalline materials for performance and sustainability, and MycoF
roboticsautonomous-vehiclesAI-in-manufacturingmaterials-sciencequantum-computing-materialsindustrial-IoTAI-platformsHumanoid robots to join chip production factories for the first time
European semiconductor leader STMicroelectronics (ST) has partnered with Italian firm Oversonic Robotics to deploy RoBee, a custom cognitive humanoid robot, in semiconductor manufacturing for the first time. This marks the inaugural use of humanoid robots in logistics and production within semiconductor factories. RoBee is uniquely certified for both industrial and healthcare sectors and is designed to autonomously operate in complex environments, enhancing collaboration with human workers through AI-driven perception, decision-making, and interaction capabilities. Its applications include pick-and-place tasks, real-time data collection, and integration with industrial automation systems to improve production planning and logistics. STMicroelectronics emphasized that scaling automation and robotics, including humanoid integration, is critical for maintaining long-term competitiveness and improving product quality. The deployment of RoBee aims to support complex manufacturing flows, shorten cycle times, increase employee safety, and boost operational efficiency. This initiative underscores ST’s commitment to pioneering strategic and sustainable technologies in the semiconductor industry. The collaboration’s international launch will be showcased through live demonstrations
robothumanoid-robotssemiconductor-manufacturingindustrial-automationcognitive-roboticsAI-in-manufacturinglogistics-automationHumanoid robots will take over factory jobs within 5 years: Xiaomi CEO
Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun has predicted a rapid transformation in manufacturing over the next five years, driven by artificial intelligence and humanoid robots becoming central to factory operations. Highlighting the company’s electric vehicle plant, Lei pointed to AI-powered inspection systems that perform tasks much faster and more accurately than humans, exemplifying the shift toward intelligent automation. He envisions humanoid robots replacing workers in repetitive or precision-heavy factory roles and anticipates this industrial automation market will grow into a trillion-yuan sector reliant on partnerships and shared engineering platforms. Beyond factories, Lei expects household humanoid robots to emerge as an even larger market, requiring higher performance to handle complex daily tasks. Xiaomi has already demonstrated robotics capabilities with its CyberOne humanoid robot and is expanding its AI and robotics teams as part of a broader strategy to integrate smart systems across products and production. Lei emphasized that intelligent manufacturing not only boosts efficiency and accuracy but also frees human workers to focus on creative and technical roles, aligning with China’s national goals for modernizing
robotshumanoid-robotsfactory-automationAI-in-manufacturingXiaomi-roboticsindustrial-robotssmart-factoriesRapid carbon-to-stone tech nears industry deployment after 2,500-hour operational run
Paebbl, a Netherlands-based startup specializing in carbon mineralization, has achieved significant engineering milestones that bring its rapid carbon-to-stone technology closer to industrial deployment. Unlike the natural process that takes centuries, Paebbl claims it can lock CO₂ into rock-like materials within hours at a scale suitable for commercial use. Recently, the company’s R&D center surpassed critical operational benchmarks, including 500 continuous hours at its Demo plant and over 2,000 hours at its Pilot plant, marking a transition from isolated tests to continuous operation. These achievements demonstrate a rapid scale-up trajectory and coincide with growing demand from construction firms seeking lower-carbon materials. The Demo plant, equipped with comprehensive sensor systems, enables real-time data collection and remote monitoring, accelerating development through immediate feedback and an internal AI knowledge system that facilitates seamless information flow. Paebbl heavily relies on digital twins and extensive simulations to optimize reactors and production lines, aiming to reduce costs and speed material development. The Pilot plant maintains consistent output while cost
carbon-capturecarbon-mineralizationmaterials-scienceindustrial-technologydigital-twinsAI-in-manufacturingdecarbonization-materialsARM Institute opens technology project call to speed submarine manufacturing - The Robot Report
The ARM Institute has launched a new Technology Project Call aimed at accelerating submarine manufacturing by addressing critical challenges within the U.S. marine industrial base (MIB). The call seeks mature technologies (Technology Readiness Level 7+) that can be demonstrated in shipyard-representative environments to enhance production capabilities for Columbia-class and Virginia-class submarines. Key focus areas include welding automation and monitoring, metrology and in-process inspection, and casting process automation. Proposals must be submitted by Nov. 21 via the ARM member community, as only members can apply. This initiative responds to significant issues facing the MIB, such as workforce shortages, loss of expert knowledge, supply chain instability, and technical hurdles that could be mitigated through robotics and artificial intelligence. The ARM Institute emphasizes collaboration among industry, government, and academia to foster innovation and overcome funding or technical barriers. The project call is part of a broader schedule of calls planned through early 2026, reflecting the Institute’s ongoing commitment to strengthening U.S
roboticsmanufacturing-automationsubmarine-constructionwelding-automationAI-in-manufacturingindustrial-roboticstechnology-readiness-levelFesto Didactic celebrates Manufacturing Day, dedicates efforts to workforce development - The Robot Report
Festo Didactic, the vocational and technical training division of global automation company Festo SE, is celebrating its 100th anniversary alongside National Manufacturing Day, which launches Manufacturing Month in the U.S. Manufacturing Day, organized by the Manufacturing Institute, highlights modern factories and production technologies while promoting STEM education and addressing skilled labor shortages through events and job fairs. Ted Rozier, director of digital, advanced technology, and robotics at Festo Didactic, emphasized the company’s century-long innovation and its broad involvement in areas such as digitization and workforce development. Rozier discussed the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing, noting the importance of using AI thoughtfully to enhance production processes rather than viewing it as a threat. He highlighted the need for education around data classification, predictive maintenance, and the integration of AI tools to empower technicians and operators—currently among the most in-demand manufacturing roles—to make better decisions and improve efficiency. On workforce development, Rozier stressed the importance of teaching practical skills across educational
roboticsmanufacturingworkforce-developmentAI-in-manufacturingautomationindustrial-roboticsSTEM-educationRoboCup Logistics League: an interview with Alexander Ferrein, Till Hofmann and Wataru Uemura - Robohub
The RoboCup Logistics League, part of the Industrial League at RoboCup 2025 held in Salvador, Brazil, focuses on advancing intelligent robotics and AI in smart factory logistics. The league simulates an intra-production logistics scenario where teams of three robots manage the delivery and production of various products using six machines arranged on a playing field. Robots must navigate, avoid collisions, and handle simple manipulation tasks such as moving colored discs that represent product components. The primary challenge lies in production logistics and planning, requiring robots to collaboratively produce complex products within a limited timeframe. Unlike other RoboCup competitions, this league emphasizes long-horizon planning and real-time adaptation due to dynamic order arrivals and interactions with opponent teams. A key aspect highlighted by the league’s organizers is the necessity for online planning and execution monitoring. Since product orders are unpredictable and numerous, pre-planned sequences are ineffective. Robots must continuously replan and adjust their strategies during execution to respond to changing conditions on the field, including the actions of competing teams. This
roboticssmart-factoryindustrial-automationRoboCuplogistics-robotsAI-in-manufacturingproduction-logisticsRoboCup@Work League: Interview with Christoph Steup - Robohub
The RoboCup@Work League is part of the Industrial League within the international RoboCup initiative, which aims to advance intelligent robotics, AI, and automation. The @Work League focuses on mimicking aspects of industrial production systems, particularly the concept of the "factory of the future," where autonomous robots build customized products efficiently on a small scale. Unlike traditional factories that mass-produce identical items on large conveyor belts, the @Work League emphasizes the production of individual pieces with automation. The robots used in the competition are compact, fitting within a one-meter cube, and operate entirely on the ground to simplify logistics and reduce costs. In the competition, robots must autonomously transport objects between various workstations with only a single restart allowed per team, highlighting the need for reliability and consistent performance. Beyond object transportation, teams face specialized tasks such as precision placement—fitting objects into cavities of matching shape and size—and handling objects on a rotating table that simulates a conveyor belt. This rotating table is a practical abstraction
roboticsautomationindustrial-robotsRoboCupfactory-automationautonomous-robotsAI-in-manufacturingMIT unveils 3D printer that turns food scraps into household items
Researchers at MIT have developed the FOODres.AI Printer, a novel 3D printer that transforms food waste—such as banana peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and flower stems—into useful household items like coffee mugs, coasters, and small bowls. The process begins with users photographing their food scraps via a companion app that employs AI-powered image recognition to identify the waste type. The app then suggests printable object designs, and the printer converts the food waste into a bioplastic paste with natural additives. Using a heated extruder system, the printer shapes the paste into the selected item, making the technology accessible even to those without prior 3D printing experience. This innovation addresses the significant environmental issue of food waste, which in the U.S. amounted to 66 million tons in 2019, much of which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions when sent to landfills. By enabling households and communities to repurpose scraps into functional goods, the FOODres.AI Printer promotes a circular
3D-printingsustainable-materialsbioplasticsfood-waste-recyclingcircular-economyAI-in-manufacturingeco-friendly-technologyBosch Ventures is turning its attention to North America with new $270M fund
energy-efficiencyautomotiveclimate-techsemiconductor-manufacturingAI-in-manufacturingdeep-tech-startupsNorth-America-investments