Articles tagged with "AI-robotics"
China builds humanoid robot with realistic eye movements, bionic skin
China’s AheadForm Technology has developed a highly advanced humanoid robot named Elf V1, featuring lifelike bionic skin and realistic eye movements designed for natural daily interactions. The robot integrates 30 facial muscles controlled by brushless micro-motors and a high-precision control system, enabling expressive facial features, synchronized speech, and the ability to convey emotions and interpret human non-verbal cues. This design aims to overcome the “uncanny valley” effect, making interactions with humans more natural and engaging. Powered by self-supervised AI algorithms and enhanced with Large Language Models (LLMs) and Vision-Language Models (VLMs), Elf V1 can perceive its environment, communicate intelligently, and adapt in real-time to human emotions and behaviors. AheadForm envisions these robots providing assistance, companionship, and support across various industries, bridging the gap between humans and machines. The company’s previous Lan Series offered more cost-efficient humanoids with 10 degrees of freedom, while Elf V1 represents a
roboticshumanoid-robotbionic-skinAI-roboticshuman-robot-interactionadvanced-control-systemsemotion-recognition‘World’s first’ war-ready robot dog that fires grenades unveiled
Skyborne Technologies has unveiled CODiAQ (Controller-Operated Direct-Action Quadruped), described as one of the world’s first war-ready robot dogs capable of autonomously firing grenades. Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, CODiAQ is designed to provide small military units with a remotely operated lethal option that can be rapidly deployed and controlled by a single operator. The system integrates modular weapons, including a HAVOC 40mm grenade launcher and a CHAOS 12-gauge shotgun, supported by advanced AI-assisted targeting software that enables autonomous aiming, target tracking, and engagement in complex environments. CODiAQ is engineered for rugged operational conditions, featuring IP-67 certification for dust and water resistance, and the ability to traverse difficult terrain, climb stairs, and navigate confined spaces. Its AI-driven autonomy allows independent navigation, freeing operators to focus on mission-level decisions. The robot’s precision fire capability supports
robotautonomous-robotmilitary-technologyAI-roboticsrobotic-weaponsquadruped-robotdefense-technologyFigure AI designs Figure 03 humanoid for AI, home use, and scaling - The Robot Report
Figure AI Inc. has unveiled its third-generation humanoid robot, Figure 03, featuring a comprehensive redesign of hardware and software aimed at enhancing AI integration, home usability, and scalability for mass production. The robot incorporates a new sensory suite and hand system designed to reduce manufacturing costs and improve suitability for household environments. The company, based in San Jose, California, recently established a new supply chain and manufacturing process to support large-scale production, with plans to ship 100,000 units over the next four years. Figure AI has rapidly advanced its humanoid technology, earning a 2024 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award and securing over $1 billion in committed capital, resulting in a $39 billion valuation. Figure 03 is built around Figure AI’s Helix physical AI model, enabling advanced reasoning and intelligent navigation in complex, cluttered spaces like homes. The robot’s vision system offers twice the frame rate, significantly reduced latency, and a wider field of view compared to its predecessor, supporting high-frequency
robothumanoid-robotartificial-intelligencerobotics-innovationsensory-technologytactile-sensorsAI-roboticsAti Motors releases Sherpa Mecha dual-armed mobile manipulator for manufacturing - The Robot Report
Ati Motors has launched the Sherpa Mecha, a dual-armed mobile manipulator designed for manufacturing applications. Unlike robots that strictly mimic human form, Sherpa Mecha emphasizes high-performance functionality tailored to industrial needs, such as machine tending, heavy bin transport, and parts inspection. The robot integrates deeply into manufacturing ecosystems to enhance information flow, automation, and system integration. Developed with input from academic and industry partners and tested on active factory floors, Sherpa Mecha features a humanoid-inspired design with proven actuation systems and modular AI, ensuring reliable performance and easy integration with existing automation lines. Founded in 2017 and based in Rochester Hills, Minnesota, Ati Motors specializes in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) with AI, serving sectors including automotive, aerospace, and electronics. The Sherpa Mecha was first introduced in July 2023 for collaborative innovation and is now commercially available. Ati Motors’ broader AMR portfolio includes various material movers such as the Sherpa XT Lite, Sherpa Lite
robotindustrial-automationmobile-manipulatormanufacturing-roboticsautonomous-mobile-robotsAI-roboticsdual-armed-robotHumanoid robot 'superworker' offers dexterous industrial assistance
Ati Motors, an Indian AI and robotics company, has introduced the Sherpa Mecha humanoid-inspired robot designed specifically for practical industrial applications rather than human-like imitation. Unlike traditional humanoid robots that focus on replicating human appearance and motion, Sherpa Mecha prioritizes functionality on manufacturing floors, performing tasks such as machine tending, material transport, and heavy bin handling. The robot features high-performance actuators, precision gripping, 3D navigation, and a 26-pound payload capacity, moving on wheels for enhanced speed and safety in industrial environments. This design reflects Ati Motors’ philosophy of creating robots “for industry, not spectacle,” emphasizing utility and integration over biomimicry. Sherpa Mecha is positioned as a “tool-forward industrial superworker” capable of continuous, fatigue-free operation and seamless integration into existing automation lines. Developed in collaboration with research institutions and industrial partners, the robot has undergone extensive testing to ensure reliability and compatibility. Ati Motors promotes Sherpa Mecha as a customizable platform
roboticsindustrial-automationhumanoid-robotAI-roboticsmanufacturing-technologyautonomous-robotsindustrial-superworkerYUAN Unveils Next-Gen AI Robotics Powered by NVIDIA for Land, Sea & Air - The Robot Report
YUAN, a leader in Industrial Video PCs, has introduced its next-generation AI robotics platforms—Pandora NX Super and AIR NX Super—powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin technology. These platforms are designed for versatile applications across land, sea, and air, enabling advanced real-time video analytics and autonomous decision-making. Key sectors benefiting from these innovations include maritime safety, agriculture, and aerial inspections, where the integration of NVIDIA’s AI and sensor fusion technologies enhances operational efficiency and situational awareness. In maritime safety, YUAN’s Smart Sea Patrol system utilizes NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin and Isaac ROS for multi-sensor fusion, delivering 360-degree monitoring and real-time threat detection. This system supports coast guard operations, offshore platform monitoring, and autonomous vessel navigation by identifying hazards, unauthorized vessels, and environmental threats such as oil spills and illegal fishing. In agriculture, YUAN’s Smart Farming solutions employ AI-driven drones and ground robots equipped with multispectral imaging, LiDAR, and GNSS
roboticsAI-roboticsNVIDIA-Jetsonautonomous-systemssmart-farmingmaritime-safetyedge-AIChina tests robot dogs to unlock moon’s secrets, help build lunar base
China is developing robotic dogs to explore lunar lava tubes—underground tunnels formed by ancient volcanic activity—that could serve as protective sites for future moon bases. Researchers from Peking University have created two types of robot dogs, named “Anteater” and “Salamander,” each with specialized features to navigate the moon’s challenging terrain. These robots are equipped with autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, 3D mapping, and embodied intelligence, enabling them to scout narrow, uneven, and low-light environments similar to lunar caves. Testing is currently underway in a lava tube–like cave in Northeastern China, chosen for its geological similarity to expected lunar conditions. The motivation behind this research is China’s ambition to establish a crewed lunar base within these underground caves, which offer natural protection from radiation, micrometeorites, and extreme temperature fluctuations on the moon’s surface. More than 200 pits and large underground cavities have been identified on the moon, with NASA confirming a significant cavity in 2024. These
roboticslunar-explorationrobot-dogsautonomous-navigationspace-technologyAI-roboticslunar-base-developmentUncrewed military vehicle to be built for US Army's high-risk missions
BAE Systems and Forterra have partnered to rapidly prototype an autonomous Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) for the U.S. Army, aiming to develop a highly survivable, self-driving vehicle with broad autonomous mission capabilities. The prototype, planned for demonstration in 2026, will leverage Forterra’s AutoDrive full-stack autonomous system integrated onto the AMPV’s modular chassis. This collaboration combines combat vehicle production expertise with advanced autonomous technology to provide soldiers with enhanced battlefield dominance and operational flexibility. Forterra’s interoperable mobile platform supports diverse payloads and seamless integration across various mission systems, enabling vehicles to operate independently or as part of a connected force. The AutoDrive system is designed for extensibility and integration, ensuring adaptability to evolving battlefield complexities and compatibility with other U.S. Army systems such as the Bradley A4 and M109A7 Paladin. The AMPV program itself is critical to replacing legacy vehicles like the M113, enhancing the Armored Brigade Combat Team’s
robotautonomous-vehiclesmilitary-technologyunmanned-systemsAI-roboticsdefense-technologyautonomous-military-vehiclesWhat Tesla’s Optimus robot can do in 2025 and where it still lags
Tesla aims to produce 5,000 Optimus humanoid robots by 2025, positioning the robot as central to its future under the vision of integrating AI into the physical world. CEO Elon Musk has claimed that 80% of Tesla’s future value will derive from Optimus and related AI ventures, signaling a shift from purely an automaker to a “physical AI” platform. Demonstrations through 2024 and 2025 have shown Optimus performing basic locomotion with improved heel-to-toe walking, simple household chores like sweeping and trash removal, and basic manipulation tasks such as handling car parts. These capabilities are enabled by a unified control policy—a single neural network trained using vision-based inputs and human video data—which Tesla highlights as a scalable approach to skill acquisition. However, Optimus’s current functionality is largely limited to structured or lightly staged environments with known objects and controlled lighting, lacking robust autonomy in unstructured homes or fully operational industrial settings. While the robot shows smoother full-body coordination and
robothumanoid-robotTesla-OptimusAI-roboticsautomationneural-networksrobotics-developmentGhost Robotics’ Vision 60: Soldier’s New Best Friend?
The Ghost Robotics Vision 60 is a quadruped unmanned ground vehicle designed for military applications, resembling a dog but built specifically for combat environments. Weighing 51 kg and equipped with an NVIDIA AI system, it can navigate challenging terrains by climbing, crawling, and swimming—capabilities that surpass traditional wheeled vehicles. Its multifunctional role includes scouting, carrying equipment, and creating 3D threat maps, making it a versatile asset on the battlefield. Engineered to endure extreme conditions ranging from Arctic cold to desert heat, the Vision 60 combines endurance, autonomy, and adaptability to support soldiers in diverse environments. By integrating advanced AI and robust mobility, this robotic platform aims to enhance battlefield reconnaissance and operational efficiency, potentially becoming a critical tool for future military operations.
robotunmanned-ground-vehicleAI-roboticsmilitary-technologyquadruped-robotautonomous-robotbattlefield-roboticsU.K.-based startup Humanoid unveils HMND 01 Alpha mobile manipulator - The Robot Report
Humanoid, a London-based robotics and AI startup founded in 2024 by Artem Sokolov, has unveiled the HMND 01 Alpha, a dual-armed mobile manipulator designed for industrial applications. Developed in just seven months, the robot aims to address labor shortages in manufacturing by supporting workers rather than replacing them. The HMND 01 Alpha stands 220 cm tall, can move at speeds up to 7.2 kph, and features 29 active degrees of freedom. It can carry payloads up to 15 kg with both arms and is equipped with versatile end-effectors—a dexterous five-fingered hand or a simpler parallel gripper—allowing it to handle a range of tasks from delicate manipulation to heavy lifting. Its perception system includes 360-degree RGB cameras and depth sensors, enabling comprehensive environmental awareness. Humanoid targets a $38 billion industrial market in Europe, with plans to expand globally where robot density remains relatively low despite productivity benefits. The company emphasizes
robothumanoid-robotindustrial-automationAI-roboticsmobile-manipulatorlabor-shortage-solutionmanufacturing-roboticsUK startup launches fastest-developed humanoid robot for logistics
UK-based robotics and AI startup Humanoid has unveiled the HMND 01 Alpha, the fastest-developed humanoid robot prototype designed for industrial logistics, retail, and manufacturing tasks. Developed in just seven months by a team of around 170 experts, the nearly 87-inch tall wheeled robot integrates multiple AI workflows powered by NVIDIA’s Jetson Thor platform, enabling autonomous operation, real-time adaptation to environments, and simultaneous running of large-scale generative AI models. The robot can move at speeds up to 4.4 mph, carry payloads of 33 lbs or more, and operate in confined spaces such as factory floors and store aisles. The HMND 01 Alpha features advanced perception capabilities with 360-degree RGB cameras and depth sensors, 29 active degrees of freedom (excluding end-effectors), and interchangeable end-effectors including a dexterous five-fingered hand or a simpler parallel gripper. It can reach items from floor level up to two meters high and handle shelf depths
roboticshumanoid-robotAI-roboticsindustrial-automationlogistics-technologyautonomous-robotsNVIDIA-Jetson-ThorDyna Robotics closes $120M funding round to scale robotics foundation model - The Robot Report
Dyna Robotics Inc. has secured $120 million in a Series A funding round to accelerate the development of its next-generation robotics foundation model aimed at creating general-purpose robots for commercial environments. Building on its earlier $23.5 million seed round and the launch of its DYNA-1 model, the company emphasizes that its proprietary foundation model enables robots to achieve over a 99% success rate during continuous 24-hour operation. The model’s strength lies in its ability to generalize across diverse environments—such as hotels, restaurants, laundromats, and gyms—allowing robots to function effectively out of the box without additional data, and to improve rapidly through on-the-job learning. Dyna’s approach centers on designing foundation models that combine generalization with high performance, enabling robots to master a wide range of manipulation skills and adapt to complex tasks through continuous learning. The company’s leadership team, including co-founders Lindon Gao and York Yang and former Google DeepMind researcher Jason Ma, brings extensive
roboticsfoundation-modelsAI-roboticsgeneral-purpose-robotsrobot-learningcommercial-robotsrobotics-fundingWaymo’s Tekedra Mawakana on Scaling Self-Driving Beyond the Hype
The article highlights Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana’s upcoming appearance at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, where she will provide an in-depth discussion on the current realities and challenges of scaling autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. Moving beyond the common hype and sensational headlines about crashes or overpromises, Mawakana aims to address the practical aspects of deploying self-driving cars at scale, including rider safety, public trust, regulatory hurdles, operational complexities, and competition from companies like Tesla. Her session promises a grounded perspective on what is working in the AV industry, what still requires improvement, and the broader implications of bringing autonomous mobility to mainstream use. Mawakana brings over 20 years of experience in global tech strategy to her leadership role at Waymo, where she is focused on advancing the Waymo Driver technology and expanding its reach. In addition to her role at Waymo, she serves on Intuit’s board and advises various tech and social impact ventures. The article positions her session
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carsWaymomobility-technologyAI-roboticstransportation-innovationFigure reaches $39B valuation in latest funding round
Figure, a San Jose-based humanoid robotics company, has secured its largest funding round to date, raising over $1 billion in a Series C round that values the company at $39 billion. The round was led by Parkway Venture Capital and included major investors such as Brookfield Asset Management, Nvidia, and Intel Capital. Since its founding in 2022, Figure has raised nearly $2 billion, reflecting strong investor interest in robots designed to work alongside humans in industrial environments like warehouses and factories. The new funding will be used to expand Figure’s fleet of humanoid robots, develop infrastructure to speed up robot training, and enhance advanced data collection efforts. Despite its rapid growth and high valuation, Figure has taken legal steps to control its stock distribution, issuing cease-and-desist letters to unauthorized secondary market brokers. CEO Brett Adcock has previously described Figure as the most “sought-after” private stock earlier in 2025.
roboticshumanoid-robotswarehouse-automationrobot-trainingAI-roboticsindustrial-robotsrobotics-fundingFigure AI raises $1B in Series C funding toward humanoid robot development - The Robot Report
Figure AI Inc. has raised over $1 billion in its Series C funding round, pushing its valuation to $39 billion. The San Jose-based company aims to accelerate the development and large-scale deployment of general-purpose humanoid robots through its Helix embodied intelligence platform and BotQ high-volume manufacturing environment. Figure plans to produce and ship 100,000 humanoid robots over the next four years to assist with household and commercial tasks. Recent demonstrations showcased the robots’ capabilities, including folding laundry and loading a dishwasher, powered by the Helix vision-language-action (VLA) model and supported by a next-generation GPU infrastructure developed in partnership with NVIDIA. The funding round was led by Parkway Venture Capital with participation from major investors such as NVIDIA, Intel Capital, LG Technology Ventures, and Qualcomm Ventures. Figure AI is expanding its workforce across manufacturing, software, and systems integration to support commercialization efforts. The company has already delivered Figure 02 systems to paying customers and won a 2024 RBR50 Robotics Innovation
robothumanoid-robotsAI-roboticsrobotics-manufacturingembodied-intelligencerobot-automationrobotics-fundingThis $30M startup built a dog crate-sized robot factory that learns by watching humans
San Francisco-based startup MicroFactory has developed a compact, dog crate-sized robotic manufacturing system designed for precision tasks such as circuit board assembly, soldering, and cable routing. Unlike traditional humanoid or large-scale factory robots, MicroFactory’s enclosed workstation features two robotic arms that can be trained through direct human demonstration as well as AI, enabling faster and more intuitive programming for complex manufacturing sequences. Co-founder and CEO Igor Kulakov emphasized that this approach simplifies both hardware and AI development while allowing users to observe the manufacturing process in real time. Founded in 2024 by Kulakov and Viktor Petrenko, who previously ran a manufacturing business, MicroFactory built its prototype within five months and has since received hundreds of preorders for diverse applications, including electronics assembly and even food processing. The company recently raised $1.5 million in a pre-seed funding round, valuing it at $30 million post-money, with investors including executives from Hugging Face and Naval Ravikant. MicroFactory plans to
roboticsmanufacturing-automationAI-roboticsrobotic-armstabletop-robot-factoryhuman-robot-interactionprecision-manufacturingTesla Optimus Disappoints Internet
The recently released footage of Tesla’s Optimus robot on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been met with disappointment from viewers. Despite Tesla’s significant emphasis on Optimus as a key future product, the new visuals failed to impress the internet audience, raising concerns about the robot’s current capabilities and readiness. This negative reception could have implications for Tesla, which has been banking on Optimus to play a major role in its product lineup and technological innovation. The skepticism expressed online may reflect broader doubts about the timeline and feasibility of Optimus meeting Tesla’s ambitious goals, potentially impacting investor and public confidence in the project’s progress.
robotTesla-Optimushumanoid-robotrobotics-technologyAI-roboticsautomationTeslaTesla proposes new pay package for Elon Musk worth up to $1T
Tesla has proposed a new 10-year compensation plan for CEO Elon Musk that could be worth up to $1 trillion. The plan is tied to ambitious benchmarks, including increasing Tesla’s overall valuation from about $1 trillion to over $8 trillion. If approved, Musk would receive more than 423 million additional shares, increasing his control of the company to approximately 25%. This move comes amid challenges in Tesla’s core car business and Musk’s prior threats to leave if he did not gain more voting power. The proposal will be subject to a shareholder vote at Tesla’s upcoming annual meeting. Tesla framed the compensation plan as critical to advancing its broader vision of ushering in an era of “sustainable abundance” through innovative and affordable technologies at scale. The company emphasized Musk’s “singular vision” as essential to navigating what it calls a “critical inflection point” in society, referencing its recently published “Master Plan Part IV.” However, Musk himself has given limited acknowledgment to the plan, noting it
robotenergyTeslaautonomous-technologysustainable-energyelectric-vehiclesAI-roboticsUBTECH secures $1B in financing for Middle East humanoid production - The Robot Report
UBTECH Robotics Corp., a Shenzhen-based humanoid robot developer, has secured a credit line of up to $1 billion from Infini Capital to expand its industrial humanoid robot production, marketing, and deployment. The two companies plan to establish a joint venture to build a “superfactory,” a research and development center, and regional headquarters in the Middle East. This partnership aims to help UBTECH maintain leadership in robotics development, accelerate commercialization, and increase market share and profitability. UBTECH, founded in 2012, focuses on low-cost humanoid robots for sectors such as education, customer service, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing, with notable partners including BYD, Geely Auto, and Foxconn. The company recently won a $12.6 million contract from Miyi Automotive Technology, marking one of the largest current procurement orders for humanoid robots. Infini Capital, which holds a 5% equity stake in UBTECH, will provide flexible financing options through its High-Tech Fund, including
roboticshumanoid-robotsUBTECHindustrial-robotsrobotics-manufacturingAI-roboticsrobot-productionTechCrunch Mobility: Waymo’s Big Apple score and Nvidia backs Nuro
The article from TechCrunch Mobility covers several key developments in the autonomous vehicle and electric vehicle (EV) sectors. Serve Robotics acquired AI startup Vayu Robotics for an estimated $45-50 million to enhance its autonomous sidewalk delivery robots. Nuro, an autonomous vehicle tech startup, raised a Series E funding round with new investors including Nvidia, alongside existing backers like Baillie Gifford and Icehouse Ventures. Uber also made a significant multimillion-dollar investment in Nuro, reportedly exceeding its prior $300 million investment in EV maker Lucid. Other notable funding news includes ARK Invest backing Chinese autonomous driving firm Grid Aero, and Group14 securing investment from major industry players like SK, Microsoft, and Porsche while acquiring full ownership of a joint venture in South Korea. Additional updates highlight industry moves such as Hertz selling preowned vehicles on Amazon Autos, Redwood Materials partnering with Caterpillar on battery-electric underground loaders, and Tesla planning new in-car voice assistant features. The Routing Company, a startup focused on
robotautonomous-vehiclesAI-roboticselectric-vehiclesbattery-materialsenergy-storagemobility-technologySouth Korea unveils humanoid robot with 40-newton fingertip strength
South Korean robotics company WIRobotics has introduced ALLEX, a general-purpose humanoid robot designed for real-world applications emphasizing safety, versatility, and responsiveness. Unveiled at Korea University of Technology’s Robot Innovation Hub, ALLEX features 15 degrees of freedom enabling life-like movements and complex interactions. It can detect forces as small as 100 gram-force without tactile sensors and delivers a fingertip force of 40 Newtons. The robot’s arm system boasts significantly reduced friction and rotational inertia compared to conventional collaborative robots, along with a gravity compensation mechanism that allows it to perform high-load tasks efficiently without excess energy use or mechanical stress. ALLEX is lightweight, with its hand weighing about 700 grams and the shoulder assembly 5 kilograms, yet it can lift over 3 kilograms with one hand, offering a superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to many larger robots. ALLEX distinguishes itself from other humanoid robots like Figure 02 and Digit by prioritizing precision, dexterity, and safety over
robothumanoid-robotroboticsautomationAI-roboticscollaborative-robotsindustrial-robotsServe Robotics acquires Vayu Robotics to enhance delivery robots
Serve Robotics Inc., a developer of sidewalk delivery robots, has acquired Vayu Robotics, a company specializing in large-scale AI models for urban robot deployment. This acquisition aims to enhance Serve’s physical AI capabilities by integrating its autonomy stack and real-world sidewalk data with Vayu’s AI foundation models and scalable simulation-powered data engine. The combined technology is expected to enable safer, faster, and more adaptable navigation for delivery robots, facilitating Serve’s expansion into new markets and use cases. Serve Robotics, which launched a delivery service in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and has completed tens of thousands of deliveries for partners like Uber Eats and 7-Eleven, plans to leverage this acquisition to accelerate its goal of reducing delivery costs to $1. The company holds scalable multi-year contracts, including deploying up to 2,000 robots on Uber Eats across multiple U.S. cities. Vayu’s CEO Anand Gopalan highlighted the synergy between Vayu’s AI expertise and Serve’s operational scale and cost focus, positioning Serve
robotautonomous-deliveryAI-roboticslast-mile-logisticsServe-RoboticsVayu-Roboticsurban-robotsMachines compete in martial arts at World Humanoid Robot Games
The World Humanoid Robot Games, held in Beijing at the National Speed Skating Oval, brought together over 500 humanoid robots from 280 teams across 16 countries to compete in a diverse range of events over three days. The competition featured 487 contests spanning 26 categories, including traditional sports like soccer and boxing, scenario-based challenges such as hospital medicine sorting and hotel cleaning, as well as fashion showcases and artistic performances. The opening ceremony highlighted human-robot collaboration through a blend of robotics and live performances, including robots executing complex martial arts movements and participating in a fashion runway that merged Chinese cultural heritage with robotics. The event emphasized both autonomous and teleoperated robot capabilities, with teams leveraging AI, visual recognition, and 5G networks to demonstrate advanced decision-making and adaptability in real-world tasks. Leading Chinese companies and top universities, alongside international teams from countries like the U.S., Germany, and Japan, showcased their humanoid robots, aiming to illustrate how these machines can integrate into human life
robotshumanoid-robotsAI-roboticsrobot-competitionsautonomous-robotsteleoperationrobot-applicationsAi2 says new MolmoAct 7B model brings AI into the physical world - The Robot Report
The Allen Institute for AI (Ai2) has introduced MolmoAct 7B, an embodied AI model designed to bring advanced artificial intelligence into the physical world by enabling robots to perceive and interact with their surroundings more intelligently. Unlike traditional models that convert language instructions directly into movements, MolmoAct processes 2D visual inputs to generate 3D spatial plans, allowing robots to understand spatial relationships and plan actions accordingly. This model emphasizes transparency, safety, and adaptability, providing step-by-step visual reasoning that lets users monitor and adjust robot behavior in real time. Ai2 describes MolmoAct as an “action reasoning model” (ARM) that interprets high-level natural language commands and breaks them down into a sequence of spatially grounded decisions, enabling complex tasks like sorting objects to be executed as structured sub-tasks. MolmoAct 7B was trained on an open dataset of approximately 12,000 robot episodes captured in real-world household environments, such as kitchens and bedrooms, showcasing diverse tasks
robotembodied-AIMolmoAct-7Bspatial-reasoningaction-reasoning-modelAI-roboticsvisual-waypoint-planningFigure humanoid robot uses Helix AI brain to fold laundry smoothly
Figure’s humanoid robot, powered by the Helix AI brain, demonstrates advanced capabilities in folding laundry with human-like smoothness and adaptability. Helix is a Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model that integrates perception, language understanding, and learned control to enable robots to follow natural language commands and perform complex tasks without heavy programming or repeated demonstrations. In a recent video, the robot carefully folds towels one by one, handling each item with steady, deliberate movements and stacking them neatly, showcasing its ability to manage unfamiliar household objects through intuitive spoken instructions. Helix’s architecture consists of two core components: System 1 (S1), a fast visuomotor policy that executes real-time actions, and System 2 (S2), a slower, pretrained vision-language model responsible for scene and language comprehension. This design allows the robot to balance quick, precise movements with complex reasoning. The AI model controls the robot’s upper body with high dexterity, enabling fluid wrist, torso, head, and
robothumanoid-robotAI-roboticsmachine-learningautomationvision-language-action-modelrobotics-control-systemsWatch: China’s MagicBot humanoid robot pulls 551 pounds with ease -65 Main, SEO
MagicLab, a Chinese robotics startup, has unveiled its AI-enabled humanoid robot, MagicBot, showcasing its remarkable strength by pulling a cart carrying three adults weighing approximately 551 pounds (250 kg). The demonstration video highlights the robot’s ability to pull progressively heavier loads—176 pounds, 375 pounds, and finally 551 pounds—while maintaining a walking speed that decreases from 1.57 mph to 0.67 mph as the weight increases. MagicBot is a third-generation AI-controlled robot designed primarily for industrial automation but is versatile enough to perform domestic tasks, public service roles, and specialized functions such as search and rescue. Equipped with 42 degrees of freedom, advanced sensors including LiDAR, RGBD and fisheye cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and a proprietary navigation algorithm, MagicBot achieves human-like movement and situational awareness. It can carry loads of up to 44 lbs per arm and handle delicate objects with sub-millimeter precision, thanks to high-torque servo actu
robothumanoid-robotAI-roboticsindustrial-automationMagicBotrobotic-sensorsrobot-navigationAgility Robotics, Boston Dynamics see leadership changes - The Robot Report
Agility Robotics and Boston Dynamics, two leading humanoid robotics companies, are undergoing significant leadership changes. Aaron Saunders, Boston Dynamics’ chief technology officer (CTO) for over 20 years and an early developer of BigDog and Spot robots, announced his departure. Saunders played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s technological vision and aligning R&D with business goals, contributing to advancements such as the redesign of the Atlas robot. His exit marks the end of a notable era at Boston Dynamics, where he helped push the boundaries of physical AI capabilities. At Agility Robotics, Melonee Wise, who joined as CTO in 2023 and later became chief product officer (CPO), is leaving the company at the end of the month. Wise led both engineering and product teams and has a distinguished robotics background, including leadership roles at Zebra Technologies, Fetch Robotics, and Willow Garage, where she contributed to foundational robotics technologies like ROS and the PR2 robot. Following her departure, Agility announced internal restructuring
roboticshumanoid-robotsBoston-DynamicsAgility-RoboticsAI-roboticsrobotics-leadershiprobot-development30 humanoid robot teams to play soccer tournament in Beijing
China is preparing to host the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing from August 15 to 17, featuring athletic competitions among humanoid robots, with soccer as a highlight event. The tournament will include 30 teams from around the world, including China, the United States, Brazil, Germany, and Portugal, competing in fully autonomous five-a-side soccer matches. The robots are equipped with visual sensors to locate the ball and navigate the field, and they can recover from falls to continue playing. This event follows the RoboLeague held in June, which served as a precursor and showcased humanoid robots playing soccer for the first time. Teams are using advanced programming techniques such as imitation learning, where robots observe human movements and undergo extensive simulation training to master skills like dribbling, kicking, and shooting. Participants, including engineers from Tsinghua University, expressed excitement about competing on a global stage and demonstrating new algorithms. While some may view the competition as a novelty, experts see it as a valuable platform for
robothumanoid-robotsrobotics-competitionAI-roboticsautonomous-robotsrobot-soccerrobot-learning-algorithmsOli: LimX’s new humanoid robot masters gym, warehouse, dance floor
LimX Dynamics, a Chinese robotics company, has unveiled its full-sized humanoid robot named LimX Oli, designed to advance embodied AI and automation in manufacturing, warehousing, and research. Available in three variants—Lite, EDU, and Super—starting at about $21,800, Oli features a modular arm system with interchangeable attachments such as standard hands, precision grippers, and dexterous robotic hands. This modularity allows the robot to perform a wide range of tasks across different environments, from lifting dumbbells in a gym to sorting items in a warehouse and even performing Chinese kung fu and dancing, showcasing its strength, agility, balance, and full-body disturbance recovery capabilities. Standing 1.65 meters tall with 31 degrees of freedom, Oli is tailored for AI researchers, robotics engineers, and system integrators, offering an open SDK that provides full access to sensor data, joint control, and task scheduling. This flexible hardware-software design and scalable development toolchain make it a powerful
robothumanoid-robotAI-roboticsmodular-roboticswarehouse-automationreinforcement-learningembodied-intelligenceAutonomy-first approach drives Bonsai, farm-ng roadmap
Bonsai Robotics and farm-ng have merged to form a unified agrobotics company operating under the Bonsai Robotics name. The merger combines farm-ng’s hardware expertise, including the modular Amiga robot platform and its upcoming larger Amiga Max vehicle, with Bonsai’s advanced autonomy software, such as the VisionSteer system and fleet management interface. This integration enables growers to manage multiple autonomous robots efficiently, track their progress in real time, and review historical work, all without relying on unreliable GPS signals under orchard canopies. Existing farm-ng customers are already piloting Bonsai’s software on their robots, demonstrating early synergy between the two organizations. The combined company is consolidating teams across software and hardware functions, maintaining software development in the Bay Area and hardware labs in Watsonville and Davis, California. Their shared vision focuses on creating smaller, adaptable robots capable of multi-purpose use across different crop environments and seasons, aiming to reduce equipment idle time and input costs while improving crop productivity and minimizing environmental impact.
robotagriculture-roboticsautonomous-vehiclesfleet-management-softwareAI-roboticsprecision-farmingvision-guidance-systemsWaymo’s Tekedra Mawakana on the truth behind autonomous vehicles at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana will provide an in-depth, realistic perspective on the current state and future of autonomous vehicles (AVs). Moving beyond sensational headlines about crashes and hype, Mawakana will discuss the practical challenges of scaling AV deployment, including rider safety, public trust, regulatory complexities, operational hurdles, and competition from companies like Tesla. Her session aims to clarify what aspects of AV technology are working, what still requires development, and what it truly takes to bring fully autonomous vehicles to widespread use. Tekedra Mawakana brings over 20 years of experience in global tech strategy and leadership to her role at Waymo, where she drives the company’s mission to make the Waymo Driver accessible to the masses and advance autonomous innovation. Beyond Waymo, she contributes to other tech ventures and social impact initiatives. Her appearance at Disrupt offers attendees—ranging from founders and investors to enthusiasts—a rare, insider view of the autonomous
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carsWaymomobility-technologyAI-roboticstransportation-innovationChina’s humanoid robot stuns by opening car door in a 'world-first'
AiMOGA Robotics has achieved a significant breakthrough with its humanoid robot, Mornine, which autonomously opened a car door inside a functioning Chery dealership in China—marking a world-first in embodied AI. Unlike scripted or teleoperated robots, Mornine used only onboard sensors, full-body motion control, and reinforcement learning to identify the door handle, adjust its posture, and apply coordinated force to open the door without any human input. This task, performed in a live commercial setting, demonstrates advanced autonomy and a shift from simulation-based robotics to real-world service applications. Mornine’s sophisticated sensor suite includes 3D LiDAR, depth and wide-angle cameras, and a visual-language model, enabling real-time perception and continuous learning through a cloud-based training loop. The robot was not explicitly programmed to recognize door handles but learned through millions of simulated cycles, with the learned model transferred to real-world operation via Sim2Real methods. Currently deployed in multiple Chery 4S dealerships
roboticshumanoid-robotautonomous-robotsAI-roboticsservice-robotsreinforcement-learningsensor-technologyChina’s robot fighters steal the spotlight at WAIC 2025 showcase
At the WAIC 2025 event in Shanghai, China’s humanoid robotics sector showcased significant advancements, drawing widespread attention with a highlight being a dynamic boxing match between two life-sized Unitree robots. The Unitree G1 robot, notable for its compact 1.32-meter frame, agility, and powerful 120 Nm torque joints, demonstrated human-like fighting abilities with precise strikes and defensive maneuvers. This display underscored important progress in robotics design, motion control, and full-body coordination, impressing both experts and online audiences. The event featured over 150 robots and 60 new intelligent models from more than 80 enterprises, reflecting China’s rapid growth in embodied intelligence and practical robot applications. Innovations included Tencent Robotics X’s VLA language model-powered dual-arm robot capable of real-time task adaptation, Unitree’s third-generation humanoid R1 with multimodal voice and vision integration, and heavy-duty industrial humanoids like Cyborg-R01. Experts emphasized that integrating large language models with
roboticshumanoid-robotsrobot-fightersAI-roboticsautomationUnitree-RoboticsWAIC-2025Unitree Releases Cheapest Humanoid Robot Yet
The article announces that Chinese robotics company Unitree has introduced the Unitree R1, the most affordable humanoid robot currently available on the market. This new robot significantly undercuts the price of existing humanoid robots, which typically cost tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Unitree R1 aims to make humanoid robotics more accessible to a broader range of users and industries. While the article highlights the competitive pricing of the Unitree R1, it does not provide detailed specifications or capabilities of the robot. The key takeaway is that Unitree is positioning itself as a leader in cost-effective humanoid robotics, potentially disrupting the market by offering advanced robotics technology at a fraction of the usual cost. Further information on the robot’s features and performance would be needed to fully assess its impact.
robothumanoid-robotUnitreerobotics-technologyaffordable-robotsautomationAI-roboticsNew humanoid robot brings human-like touch to hospitality services
KEENON Robotics unveiled its bipedal humanoid service robot, XMAN-F1, at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2025, showcasing its ability to perform specific hospitality tasks such as mixing drinks, scooping popcorn, and delivering product demonstrations. The Shanghai-based company emphasized that while the robot’s lifelike movements and gestures attract attention, the primary focus is on mastering simple, repeatable tasks before expanding to broader capabilities. CEO Li Tong highlighted a pragmatic approach, aiming for gradual deployment from single to multiple tasks, supported by AI technologies including large language models and multimodal interaction. Beyond individual functions, KEENON demonstrated XMAN-F1’s integration within a broader ecosystem of robots, such as collaborating with logistics and delivery robots in medical and bar settings to create interoperable fleets. The company leverages its extensive experience in electromechanical manufacturing and environmental data collection to advance humanoid robotics. With a significant market presence—holding 22.7% of global commercial service robot
robothumanoid-robotservice-robotrobotics-automationAI-roboticshospitality-technologyKEENON-RoboticsEngineAI raises nearly $140M to develop legged, humanoid robots - The Robot Report
EngineAI, a Shenzhen-based robotics company, has raised nearly $140 million (RMB 1 billion) through its pre-A++ and A1 funding rounds to advance the development and commercialization of legged humanoid robots. The company plans to use the capital to scale trial production, expand its workforce fivefold, and diversify its product lines, focusing on bipedal and full humanoid robots. EngineAI’s technology combines proprietary joint modules that deliver high power, torque, and precision with a hybrid control system integrating traditional controls and reinforcement learning (RL), enabling lifelike, dynamic movements such as complex dances and sprinting with millimeter-level accuracy. EngineAI aims to penetrate the growing global humanoid robotics market, projected by various analysts to reach anywhere from $15 billion by 2030 to $5 trillion by 2050, driven by demand in manufacturing, logistics, and services. The company employs an “open-source hardware + ecosystem profit-sharing” model to accelerate market adoption through strategic partnerships with
roboticshumanoid-robotsreinforcement-learningAI-roboticsrobot-hardwarerobot-softwarerobotics-marketMaxvision buys core robot assets of Aldebaran, including Nao and Pepper - The Robot Report
Maxvision Technology Corp., based in Shenzhen, China, has acquired the core assets and intellectual property of Aldebaran, a French humanoid robot developer that filed for bankruptcy in February. Aldebaran, founded in 2005, was known for its flagship robots Nao and Pepper, which served sectors such as education, healthcare, retail, and scientific research. Nao notably replaced Honda’s Asimo in RoboCup soccer tournaments, and Pepper, introduced in 2014, was designed for emotional interaction but ceased production around 2020-2021. Aldebaran sold approximately 20,000 Nao and 17,000 Pepper units worldwide before entering receivership in June. Maxvision plans to leverage Aldebaran’s technologies in high-precision motion control and emotional interaction to enhance its AI-driven robotics development, expanding its humanoid robot portfolio. The acquisition aims to support deployments in sectors including border security, education, healthcare, eldercare, emergency response, and commercial services. Maxvision
robothumanoid-robotsAI-roboticsNao-robotPepper-robotrobotics-acquisitionrobot-technology-developmentReaching new heights: How Brightpick's Giraffe can lift warehouse efficiency
Episode 204 of The Robot Report Podcast features Jan Zizka, CEO of Brightpick, discussing the development of the Giraffe warehouse robot. Zizka details the technical challenges involved in creating a two-stage telescoping robot designed to maintain stability and efficiency in high-density warehouse environments. Key innovations include a compact design for easy transport and installation, as well as the use of parallel movements to optimize operational workflows. The episode traces the journey of Giraffe from concept to deployment, highlighting Brightpick’s approach to overcoming logistical hurdles in warehouse automation. The episode also covers broader robotics industry news, including RealSense’s spinout from Intel with $50 million in funding, signaling a renewed focus on 3D vision technology with a team largely retained from Intel. In autonomous vehicles, Uber has formed partnerships with Baidu, Lucid, and Nuro to expand robotaxi services globally, aiming to deploy thousands of autonomous electric vehicles equipped with Level 4 self-driving software. Additionally, the global industrial robot
robotwarehouse-automationroboticsautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxielectric-vehiclesAI-roboticsLivestream of RoboCup2025 - Robohub
RoboCup2025 is currently underway in Salvador, Brazil, featuring a diverse range of robotic competitions across multiple leagues, including soccer, rescue, industrial, and home scenarios. After the completion of the first day, teams are actively competing in various tasks and matches, showcasing advancements in robotics and AI. A recorded livestream of day one is available, providing coverage of the competing teams, interviews with participants and organizers, and insights into the event and its different leagues. The event continues with livestreams scheduled for days two and three, which will cover the knockout stages of the competitions, as well as a separate livestream for the award ceremony. These can be accessed via the RoboCup Twitch channel. Additionally, a series of interviews with key RoboCup organizers and committee members offers deeper perspectives on the event’s preparation and specific leagues, such as RoboCupJunior, RoboCupRescue, RoboCupSoccer Small Size League, and the 3D Simulation League. The coverage is supported by AIhub, a non
robotrobotics-competitionRoboCup2025AI-roboticsrescue-robotsindustrial-robotshome-robotsTesla is already trying to expand its Robotaxi service to Arizona
Tesla has initiated efforts to expand its robotaxi service to the Phoenix Metro area in Arizona by applying to test and operate autonomous vehicles with and without drivers. The company began the certification process with the Arizona Department of Transportation (DOT) on June 26, seeking permits for both testing and operating its autonomous vehicles. Tesla’s senior regulatory counsel, Casey Blaine, has engaged in preliminary discussions with Arizona’s DOT and Commerce Authority and is working to connect with local government and law enforcement officials ahead of any launch. This move follows Tesla’s limited robotaxi rollout in South Austin, Texas, which is currently invitation-only, and CEO Elon Musk’s statements about upcoming expansions in Austin and pending regulatory approvals for the Bay Area. Tesla’s robotaxi ambitions face varying regulatory landscapes across states. In California, where Tesla also aims to deploy robotaxis, the regulatory process is more complex, requiring multiple permits from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for testing and deployment, plus additional permits from the California Public Utilities Commission to
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslarobotaxiself-driving-carstransportation-technologyAI-roboticsDiligent Robotics hires 2 former Cruise execs to scale Moxi
Diligent Robotics, known for its hospital-assisting robot Moxi, has strengthened its leadership by hiring two former Cruise executives: Rashed Haq as CTO and Todd Brugger as COO. Moxi automates routine hospital tasks such as delivering supplies, lab specimens, and medications, and has been deployed in over 30 U.S. hospitals, completing more than one million deliveries and saving nearly 600,000 staff hours. The addition of Haq and Brugger, who bring extensive experience in scaling autonomous vehicle technology, aims to accelerate Diligent’s AI-driven product development and expand Moxi’s applications beyond hospitals into broader commercial and assisted living environments. Diligent Robotics leverages core technologies similar to those used in self-driving cars—such as multi-modal perception, human behavior prediction, and real-time planning—to enable humanoid robots to operate autonomously in complex, human-centric settings. CEO Andrea Thomaz emphasized hospitals as a proving ground for their technology, while co-founder Vivian Chu highlighted the
robothealthcare-automationAI-roboticshumanoid-robotsautonomous-systemshospital-logisticsAI-driven-roboticsAgibot unveils humanoid robot that climbs, rolls without camera eyes
Agibot has unveiled the X2-N, a next-generation humanoid robot featuring a unique hybrid locomotion system that combines walking and rolling capabilities. The robot’s legs incorporate wheels, allowing it to seamlessly switch between bipedal walking—capable of climbing stairs with loads up to 12 pounds—and wheeled movement for navigating ramps and narrow bridges. Unlike conventional robots relying on cameras or external sensors, the X2-N uses proprioception, interpreting internal data such as joint torque, pressure feedback, and gyroscopic input to sense and adapt to its environment in real time. This sensor-less navigation approach reduces system complexity, latency, and enhances robustness, making the robot highly adaptable to diverse terrains. The X2-N builds on AgiBot’s Lingxi X2 platform, a 1.3-meter tall humanoid robot weighing 74.5 pounds, known for its dynamic interaction capabilities including emotional state detection through facial and vocal analysis. Lingxi X2 also demonstrates advanced AI-driven object manipulation without
robothumanoid-robotproprioceptionhybrid-locomotionsensor-less-navigationAI-roboticsterrain-adaptationTesollo to present humanoid robot hand at AI for Good Global Summit 2025 - The Robot Report
Tesollo Inc., a South Korean robotics company, will showcase its advanced humanoid robotic hand, the Delto Gripper DG-5F, at the AI for Good Global Summit 2025 in Geneva. The DG-5F features 20 degrees of independent actuation, closely mimicking the dexterity and motion of a human hand, enabling complex object manipulation, tool use, and fine assembly. Designed to replicate natural human motion, the gripper supports multiple grip modes (pinch, power, precision) and can be equipped with high-precision force sensors for real-time feedback, slip prevention, and adaptive grasp control. Its size and structure resemble an adult male hand, making it adaptable for real-world industrial and service applications. Built from lightweight, high-strength materials, the DG-5F is durable enough for repetitive, high-speed operations and is compatible with ROS 2 for easy integration with various robotic platforms. Tesollo envisions its robotic hand being used in diverse fields such as AI-driven
roboticshumanoid-robotrobotic-handAI-roboticsindustrial-automationprecision-manipulationROS-2-integrationChina’s ‘slim-waisted’ humanoid robot debuts with human-like skills
China’s Robotera has unveiled the Q5 humanoid robot, a slim-waisted, 1650 mm tall machine weighing 70 kg, designed for practical deployment in sectors like healthcare, retail, tourism, and education. Featuring 44 degrees of freedom (DoF), including the highly dexterous 11-DoF XHAND Lite robotic hand, Q5 excels in precise manipulation and smooth navigation within complex indoor environments. Its compact size and fused LiDAR with stereo vision enable autonomous movement with minimal human oversight. The robot supports full-body teleoperation via VR and sensor gloves and interacts through AI-powered natural dialogue, facilitating responsive, context-aware communication. Powered by the EraAI platform, Q5 integrates a complete AI lifecycle from teleoperation data collection to model training and closed-loop learning, offering over four hours of runtime on a 60V supply. Its 7-DoF robotic arms have a reach extending beyond two meters, allowing it to handle objects at various heights safely and compliantly.
robothumanoid-robotAI-roboticsautonomous-navigationrobotic-manipulationteleoperationservice-robotsChina’s dice-rolling humanoid robot could serve tea, clean dishes
Chinese robotics company AI² Robotics has introduced the AlphaBot 2, a humanoid robot featuring embodied artificial intelligence (AI) that enables it to understand spoken commands, interact physically with its environment, and respond emotionally. Demonstrated at China’s Beyond Expo, AlphaBot 2 can play dice, press buttons, and give a thumbs-up when a human wins. Unlike traditional robots that require extensive programming, AlphaBot 2 learns new tasks from just 5 to 10 demonstrations, marking a significant advancement in robot adaptability. Currently, it is employed in industrial settings such as car factories for material handling and labeling, with plans to assist in luggage cart organization at major Chinese airports by late 2025. Looking ahead, AI² Robotics envisions AlphaBot 2 serving domestic roles, including making tea, cleaning dishes, and aiding elderly care, aiming to become a “robot for every family.” However, widespread home adoption faces challenges such as high costs—starting around $15,000 per unit—s
robothumanoid-robotAI-roboticsembodied-artificial-intelligencedomestic-robotsindustrial-robotsrobot-applicationsAutonomous humanoid robot teams compete in China's soccer tournament
In Beijing, the final leg of the Robo League robot football (soccer) tournament featured four teams of fully autonomous humanoid robots competing without any human intervention. The championship was won by THU Robotics from Tsinghua University, who defeated the Mountain Sea team from China Agricultural University 5:3. Each team had three humanoid robots playing in two 10-minute halves, relying on AI, sensors, and optical cameras to detect the ball and navigate the field with over 90% accuracy. Despite some limitations such as dynamic obstacle avoidance, the robots demonstrated the ability to walk, run, kick, and make split-second decisions autonomously, marking the first fully autonomous AI robot football match held in China. This tournament serves as a precursor to the upcoming 2025 World Humanoid Robot Sports Games, scheduled for August 15 to 17 in Beijing, which will showcase 11 humanoid sport events modeled on traditional human competitions, including track and field, gymnastics, soccer, and synchronized dancing.
robothumanoid-robotsautonomous-robotsAI-roboticsrobot-soccerrobotics-competitionartificial-intelligenceGerman drink-pouring humanoid robot butler eyes $1.2 billion push
German start-up NEURA Robotics is preparing to launch its cognitive humanoid robot and is seeking up to $1.2 billion in funding ahead of the official unveiling in Munich. Founded in 2019 and based in Metzingen, NEURA Robotics has already secured €120 million in investment and $1 billion in orders from major clients like Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Omron Corp. The company aims to bring humanoid robots into everyday homes and workplaces, with their robot capable of tasks such as pouring cocktails, ironing clothes, and making sandwiches. NEURA positions itself as Germany’s only humanoid robotics company and has experienced rapid growth, doubling its workforce and increasing revenue tenfold last year. The robot is powered by NEURA’s AI API, which supports multi-modal interaction including voice and gesture recognition, full cognitive capabilities from object detection to tracking, and decentralized swarm intelligence inspired by social insects. This technology enables groups of robots or algorithms to solve complex problems without centralized control. NEURA’s innovations place it among the
robothumanoid-robotcognitive-roboticsAI-roboticsNEURA-Roboticsindustrial-robotsdomestic-robotsHumanoid robot uses NVIDIA tech to run real-world factory operations
Hexagon, in partnership with NVIDIA, has developed AEON, a humanoid robot designed to perform complex industrial tasks such as machine operation, part sorting, inspection, and asset scanning. AEON targets sectors like manufacturing, transportation, aerospace, and logistics, aiming to enhance precision and reduce human error in dynamic factory environments. The robot integrates advanced mechatronics, multimodal sensor fusion, and real-time AI to function as a flexible, autonomous industrial assistant. AEON’s development was accelerated through extensive simulation training using NVIDIA’s Isaac platform, enabling it to acquire navigation and manipulation skills within weeks rather than months. It operates on NVIDIA’s robotics stack, including Jetson Orin computers for real-time decision-making, with plans to upgrade to the IGX Thor platform to improve collaborative safety. The robot also leverages NVIDIA’s Isaac GR00T foundation model and Mimic tools to learn from human demonstrations and generate synthetic motion data, expanding its capabilities. A key feature of AEON is its ability to capture physical
robothumanoid-robotindustrial-automationNVIDIA-AIrobotics-simulationfactory-operationsAI-roboticsWaymo limits service ahead of today’s ‘No Kings’ protests
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned robotaxi company, is limiting its service on June 14, 2025, ahead of the nationwide “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump and his policies. Service reductions are reported in San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta, and Phoenix, with a complete suspension in Los Angeles. The duration of these service limitations remains unclear. This precaution follows recent protests in Los Angeles where Waymo vehicles were vandalized with anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) graffiti, likely due to perceptions of the vehicles as surveillance tools, similar to how police departments have used them. Waymo has stated that it challenges any requests for data or cooperation that it views as overly broad or lacking legal justification. The company’s cautious approach reflects concerns about civil unrest and the potential targeting of its autonomous vehicles during politically charged demonstrations. The San Francisco Chronicle noted that during periods of civil unrest, authorities may avoid aggressive intervention unless property is directly threatened, highlighting the tense environment surrounding these protests.
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxitransportation-technologyself-driving-carsAI-roboticsTesla sues ex-engineer for stealing Optimus robot’s trade secrets
Tesla has filed a lawsuit against former engineer Zhongjie “Jay” Li, accusing him of stealing proprietary technology from its Optimus humanoid robot program to launch a rival startup, Proception. The complaint alleges that Li downloaded confidential information related to Tesla’s advanced robotic hand sensors onto personal devices before leaving the company in September 2024. Tesla claims that Proception, backed by Y Combinator, used this stolen data to rapidly develop humanoid robotic hands that closely resemble Tesla’s designs, achieving in months what Tesla took years and billions of dollars to build. The lawsuit also highlights suspicious behavior by Li, including researching humanoid robotic hands and seeking startup funding while still employed at Tesla. This legal action comes amid ongoing challenges for Tesla’s Optimus project, which was initially announced in 2021 with plans for a 2023 rollout but has since faced delays, pushing the expected sales date to 2026. Public demonstrations have shown limited autonomous functionality, with many robots remotely controlled by humans. Despite
roboticshumanoid-robotsTesla-Optimustrade-secretsrobotic-hand-sensorsAI-roboticsstartup-litigationAtlas humanoid robot adapts to failure, unlocking next-gen dexterity
Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot Atlas has made significant advancements in dynamic perception and adaptability, enabling it to handle complex, real-world tasks with greater dexterity and reliability. Moving beyond pre-programmed movements, Atlas integrates advanced AI with classical control systems to build a real-time 3D understanding of its environment. This allows the robot to identify objects, assess their properties, and navigate obstacles dynamically, which is essential for performing intricate tasks like picking up car parts and placing them accurately. The robot’s ability to continuously update its environmental model and adjust its actions in real-time helps it compensate for errors such as objects slipping or being out of place. Atlas also demonstrates impressive resilience in challenging scenarios, including operating in poorly lit spaces and overcoming visual obstructions by actively manipulating objects to improve its perspective. A key breakthrough is its capacity to adapt seamlessly to unexpected environmental changes, such as when objects are moved during a task, requiring it to revise its plan on the fly. Furthermore, Atlas can recover from “catastrophic
robothumanoid-robotBoston-Dynamicsdynamic-perception-systemAI-roboticsrobotic-dexterityadaptive-roboticsMilan Kovac, Head Of Tesla Optimus Program, Departs - CleanTechnica
Milan Kovac, the head of engineering for Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot program, announced his departure on June 6, 2025, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. Despite initial speculation about possible conflicts with Elon Musk, Kovac expressed strong support for Musk and confidence in the Tesla team’s ability to advance the Optimus project. Tesla confirmed that Ashok Elluswamy, head of the Autopilot team, will assume leadership of the Optimus program. Both Kovac and Musk exchanged respectful public statements, indicating an amicable transition without signs of urgency or internal strife. Elon Musk continues to position Optimus as a transformative product, claiming it could be Tesla’s most significant development ever, with a target price around $30,000. Musk envisions the robot performing everyday tasks such as folding clothes, walking dogs, and cleaning dishes, and he has publicly declared that autonomy and Optimus are Tesla’s long-term priorities. However, skepticism remains among observers and industry watchers, who note that Tesla’s promotional videos—like the one showing Optimus folding a shirt—are staged and that the robot is not yet capable of autonomous operation. Critics draw parallels to previous Tesla hype cycles, such as with Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, suggesting that Optimus may be similarly overpromised and years away from practical reality. Overall, while Kovac’s departure marks a leadership change, Tesla’s commitment to the Optimus project remains firm under Musk’s vision. Yet, the program faces scrutiny over its current capabilities versus public expectations, highlighting the challenges Tesla faces in delivering on its ambitious humanoid robot goals.
robotTesla-Optimushumanoid-robotautonomous-robotsAI-roboticspersonal-assistant-robotsrobotics-engineeringTesla Moves To Block City Of Austin From Releasing Robotaxi Information - CleanTechnica
Tesla plans to launch a robotaxi service using its Full Self Driving (FSD) technology on public roads in Austin, Texas, starting June 10. However, the company is aggressively seeking to keep details about this trial confidential. Tesla has requested a federal judge to block the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from releasing crash data related to its Autopilot and FSD systems. Additionally, Tesla is pressuring the city of Austin and the Texas Attorney General’s office to withhold information about the robotaxi trial, citing concerns over revealing proprietary and competitively sensitive details such as deployment procedures and operational strategies. Despite public interest, specifics like the exact streets where the geofenced robotaxis will operate remain undisclosed. Tesla’s efforts to maintain secrecy extend beyond Austin, reflecting a broader pattern of limiting transparency about its autonomous driving technology. This includes influencing federal transportation authorities to reduce reporting requirements for robotaxi-related incidents, thereby minimizing public access to safety data. Critics argue that Tesla’s approach prioritizes corporate interests and secrecy over public safety and informed consent, especially given past incidents where Tesla vehicles operating in FSD mode have been involved in crashes, including fatal ones. The ongoing dispute highlights tensions between innovation, regulatory oversight, and the public’s right to information about emerging autonomous vehicle technologies.
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslarobotaxiself-driving-technologytransportation-technologyAI-roboticsFigure AI CEO skips live demo, sidesteps BMW deal questions onstage at tech conference
Brett Adcock, CEO of humanoid robotics startup Figure AI, appeared at the Bloomberg Tech conference amid scrutiny over the company’s progress with BMW, a marquee customer. Adcock avoided providing specifics about the nature or commercial value of the BMW contract, instead emphasizing the technical insights gained from deploying robots on factory floors. Figure AI had previously released videos showing its robots operating in a BMW factory but has not conducted any live demonstrations, citing a company philosophy against attending many events and preferring to showcase via videos. Adcock also revealed that Figure AI has signed a contract with a second, unnamed customer—reported by Bloomberg to be UPS—for initial deployment. Despite the skepticism surrounding Figure AI’s commercial relationships, the company claims its AI-powered robots have human-like fine motor skills and precise object manipulation capabilities. Adcock confirmed plans to manufacture and deploy approximately 100,000 robot units within four years. The company is currently attempting to raise $1.5 billion at a valuation reportedly fifteen times higher than its February 2024 valuation. Additionally, Figure AI has taken steps to restrict unauthorized secondary market trading of its shares, signaling efforts to control its stock distribution amid this fundraising phase.
roboticshumanoid-robotsAI-roboticsfactory-automationindustrial-robotsrobot-deploymentrobotics-startupsUS startup unveils rugged Titan robot for tough industrial workspace
robotindustrial-automationAI-roboticsprecision-engineeringmodular-designoperational-efficiencyTitan-robotNew enabling technologies from Automate 2025
robotIoTindustrial-automationmachine-controlAI-roboticsautomation-technologiesreal-time-data