Articles tagged with "autonomous-robot"
Autonomous robot clears 6,000-sq-ft NJ driveway during snowstorm
During Winter Storm Fern, a New Jersey homeowner, Tom Moloughney, successfully tested an autonomous robotic snow blower from Yarbo to clear his 6,000-square-foot driveway. The robot, equipped with GPS and sensor-based navigation, methodically cleared snow, including on slopes and curves, while Moloughney stayed indoors. The machine autonomously returned to its charging dock when the battery ran low and resumed work after recharging, completing the task over an extended period without manual intervention. Videos of the robot’s performance went viral, showcasing the potential of emerging autonomous yard-maintenance technology. However, Moloughney emphasized that the system required significant upfront effort to set up. He spent considerable time programming the robot, physically guiding it around the driveway to define boundaries, and optimizing snow-throw angles before the storm. The technology is not yet plug-and-play and demands careful configuration to handle challenges such as dense ice under snow or uneven surfaces. Despite these limitations, the successful deployment during a heavy snowstorm suggests
robotautonomous-robotrobotic-snow-blowerGPS-navigationyard-maintenance-technologybattery-chargingautonomous-mappingI watched LG’s new home robot CLOid do laundry but I have questions
At CES, LG unveiled CLOid, an AI-powered home robot designed to assist with a wide range of domestic tasks such as folding laundry, making breakfast, and home security patrols. CLOid features autonomous movement, multiple cameras and sensors, and integration with LG’s ThinQ smart home app to provide proactive assistance. It operates using a vision language model that interprets visual data and verbal commands, enabling it to perform actions similarly to digital assistants like Siri. Unlike smaller domestic robots like Amazon’s Astro, CLOid has a humanoid form with two arms, allowing it to physically interact with household objects. However, during a live demonstration, CLOid’s performance was notably slow and cautious, handling tasks like moving laundry and preparing breakfast with significant hesitation and limited fluidity. While LG promotes CLOid as part of its “Zero Labor Home” vision—aiming to automate mundane chores so users can focus on other activities—the robot’s current capabilities appear limited and its commercial availability remains uncertain. LG confirmed CLOid
robothome-robotAI-powered-robotLG-CLOidsmart-homedomestic-robotautonomous-robotRobot plays high-speed ping-pong with 0.02-second reaction time
At CES 2026, Singapore-based Sharpa introduced North, an autonomous humanoid robot designed to demonstrate human-level dexterity and rapid responsiveness. North features a remarkable 0.02-second reaction time, allowing it to process and respond to environmental changes almost instantaneously. This capability enables the robot to perform complex tasks such as winning a high-speed ping-pong rally autonomously, tracking and intercepting balls in real time without human intervention. North’s mechanical design includes the Sharpa Wave, a dexterous robotic hand with 22 active degrees of freedom and over 1,000 tactile pixels per fingertip, enabling precise manipulation tasks like extracting a single card from a deck or assembling a delicate paper windmill through a 30-step sequence. Beyond its hand dexterity, North boasts a wide upper-body range of motion and is powered by a proprietary neural network and advanced optimization, allowing it to excel in “contact-rich” tasks with sustained precision over long durations. Unlike specialized robots limited to single tasks
roboticshumanoid-robotautonomous-robotdexterous-robotic-handreal-time-reactionAI-roboticsCES-2026Humanoid robot Wanda targets real-world service work in UniX AI’s CES 2026 reveal
UniX AI is preparing to unveil its next-generation humanoid robots, Wanda 2.0 and Wanda 3.0, at CES 2026, marking a shift from demonstration-focused prototypes to commercially deployable service robots. Designed for real-world, repeatable service tasks, these full-size humanoids feature advanced hardware including 23 high-degree-of-freedom joints, an 8-DoF bionic arm, and adaptive grippers, enabling dexterous manipulation and autonomous operation in dynamic environments. UniX AI emphasizes the robots’ ability to learn workflows, adapt to new routines, and perform consistently across various service sectors such as hotels, property management, security, retail, and education, with a stable production capacity of 100 units per month. The Wanda series will be demonstrated performing practical tasks like drink preparation, dishwashing, clothes organization, bed-making, amenity replenishment, and waste sorting in simulated real-world settings. Powered by UniX AI’s proprietary technology stack—combining
robothumanoid-robotservice-robotautonomous-robotAI-roboticsCES-2026UniX-AIMuscular humanoid robot folds towel autonomously by watching humans
US startup Kinsi Robotics has developed the KR-1, a muscular humanoid robot capable of autonomously folding towels by observing human demonstrations. The robot uses simultaneous perception, planning, and dexterous manipulation to pick up towels from random positions and fold them neatly, mimicking human behavior. Central to this capability is kinesthetic teaching, a method where a human operator physically guides the robot through the task while the system records visual inputs and corresponding arm and gripper movements. This approach allows the robot to learn a flexible, adaptable skill rather than a fixed sequence, enabling it to handle varying towel configurations. Unlike rigid objects, soft deformable materials like towels pose a significant challenge for robots due to their continuously changing shape, which is difficult to model with traditional physics-based methods. Instead, KR-1 learns through repeated experience, internalizing how the towel responds to different manipulations by mapping visual cues directly to physical actions without explicit labeling of towel features. This experiment exemplifies a broader trend in robotics toward learning
roboticshumanoid-robotautonomous-robotkinesthetic-teachingrobotic-manipulationAI-in-roboticssoft-object-handlingMeet Sand Hound — The Robot Built to Walk Where Humans Can’t
Sand Hound is a quadruped robot developed collaboratively by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center and the University of Delaware, designed to navigate challenging coastal terrains such as beaches, dunes, and shifting shorelines where humans and traditional machines often fail. Equipped with advanced sensors including LiDAR and cameras, Sand Hound autonomously maps ground instability, erosion, and terrain changes in real time, adapting to the dynamic and unpredictable nature of sandy environments influenced by tides, storms, and wind. Weighing about 70 pounds and standing roughly two feet tall, Sand Hound combines rugged military-grade durability with sophisticated environmental awareness, enabling it to traverse difficult landscapes without sinking or slipping. Tested along North Carolina’s coastal ranges, the robot demonstrates potential as a vital tool for coastal defense, providing continuous monitoring and data collection that could enhance erosion management and disaster response. Sand Hound represents a new class of autonomous coastal guardians, capable of performing tasks that are dangerous or impossible for humans and conventional vehicles.
robotautonomous-robotquadruped-robotmilitary-technologyterrain-mappingLiDARenvironmental-sensorsKR1 humanoid robot handles fragile, heavy loads safely in factories
Kinisi, a US robotics startup, has introduced the KR1, a next-generation autonomous humanoid robot designed for safe, precise handling of fragile and heavy loads in dynamic industrial environments such as warehouses and factories. Unveiled in July 2025, the KR1 features a dual-handed manipulation platform capable of lifting up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms) with fine motor accuracy. Unlike traditional fixed automation, KR1 uses real-time 3D perception from fused cameras, LiDAR, and SLAM to navigate and operate safely alongside humans, moving at speeds up to 2.4 m/s with adaptive control for confined spaces. Its mobility is enhanced by a wheeled base and active suspension, allowing stable transport over uneven surfaces. The robot employs advanced AI and demonstration-based learning, enabling operators to teach tasks quickly without programming, while its onboard NVIDIA Jetson module runs real-time transformer models for perception and planning. KR1 operates autonomously without constant cloud connectivity, ensuring fast responses, data privacy,
roboticshumanoid-robotindustrial-automationAI-roboticsmobile-manipulationlithium-ion-batteryautonomous-robotUnitree's new wheeled humanoid robot can work for 6 hours nonstop
Unitree Robotics, a Chinese robotics company, has introduced the G1-D, its first wheeled humanoid robot designed for fast, repetitive tasks in industrial, warehouse, service, and retail environments. The G1-D comes in two versions: a stationary Standard model and a mobile Flagship model that moves on a wheeled base at speeds up to 1.5 meters per second (5 feet per second). Standing between 49.5 and 66 inches tall and weighing up to 176 pounds, the robot features advanced dexterity with up to 19 degrees of freedom and arms capable of carrying up to 6.6 pounds. It is equipped with high-definition binocular cameras and wrist-mounted cameras, supporting various end effectors such as two-finger grippers, three-finger manipulators, and a five-finger dexterous hand to handle diverse tasks. The Flagship G1-D model is powered by an Nvidia Jetson Orin NX module delivering up to 100 TOPS
roboticshumanoid-robotAI-roboticsindustrial-automationwarehouse-roboticsAI-model-trainingautonomous-robotWorld-first convertible robot switches between biped, quadruped forms
Direct Drive Technology, a Hong Kong-based robotics firm, has introduced the world’s first fully modular embodied intelligence robot called the D1. This innovative robot can autonomously reconfigure itself to switch between bipedal and quadrupedal forms, allowing it to adapt to various terrains and tasks. The quadruped mode offers stability and is suited for uneven or chaotic terrain, while the biped mode is lighter and more efficient on flat surfaces. The D1 demonstrates versatile capabilities such as rolling over smooth terrain for scouting, walking on rough terrain while carrying payloads up to 100 kg, and even recovering from falls with precision. Each biped section weighs 24.3 kg, can roll at speeds up to 11 km/h, and operates for over five hours on a two-hour charge, powered by a Jetson Orin NX 8GB processor running Ubuntu 22.04. The D1’s modular design allows two biped units to combine into a quadruped, expanding its functional
robotmodular-robotbiped-robotquadruped-robotautonomous-robotDirect-Drive-Technologyembodied-intelligence‘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-technologyFrom sea to space, this robot is on a roll - Robohub
The article discusses the revival and development of RoboBall, a spherical robot originally designed by Dr. Robert Ambrose in 2003 while at NASA. Unlike traditional wheeled or legged robots, RoboBall’s perfect spherical shape prevents it from flipping over, allowing it to navigate challenging terrains such as lunar craters or sandy beaches. After shelving the project for years to focus on rovers, Ambrose reignited the RoboBall concept upon joining Texas A&M University in 2021, supported by university research initiatives. Graduate students Rishi Jangale and Derek Pravecek have been instrumental in advancing the project, enjoying significant autonomy in directing the robot’s development and testing. RoboBall exists in two main prototypes: RoboBall II, a 2-foot diameter model used for testing power and control, and RoboBall III, a larger 6-foot version designed to carry payloads like sensors and sampling tools for real-world missions. Upcoming field trials aim to demonstrate its ability to transition from water to
roboticsspherical-robotautonomous-robotrobotic-explorationterrain-adaptabilityNASA-roboticsrobotic-researchVideo: Chinese humanoid robot picks up tennis balls like a human
The article highlights a new video from Chinese robotics company LimX Dynamics showcasing their humanoid robot, Oli, autonomously picking up tennis balls with human-like dexterity and balance. Without any remote control or motion-capture assistance, Oli visually tracks and retrieves tennis balls scattered on the floor, demonstrating real-time perception, adaptive locomotion, and precise manipulation. The robot repeatedly collects and deposits the balls into a basket, maintaining stable gait and fluid motion throughout the task, underscoring its advanced embodied intelligence and autonomous capabilities. Oli stands 165 cm tall, weighs 55 kg, and features 31 degrees of freedom, enabling fine motor control and agile movements such as bending, reaching, and grasping. Its modular design supports quick reconfiguration for research and development. Equipped with multi-sensor fusion—including IMUs and Intel RealSense depth cameras—Oli achieves 3D spatial awareness and object recognition critical for dynamic environments. The platform also offers extensive connectivity, development tools, and simulation support to facilitate
robothumanoid-robotautonomous-robotroboticsmotion-planningsensorsartificial-intelligenceGhost 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-roboticsLas Vegas' New Robot Host
Oto the robot, located at the Otonomus Hotel in Las Vegas, is gaining attention for its engaging conversational abilities and helpful tips for tourists exploring the city. The robot serves as a friendly host, enhancing the visitor experience by combining technology with hospitality. The Otonomus Hotel aims to position itself as a pioneer in integrating advanced technology into guest services, using Oto to showcase how robotics can improve customer interaction and provide personalized assistance. This initiative reflects a broader trend of leveraging automation and AI to innovate within the hospitality industry.
robothospitality-robotautonomous-robotrobotics-technologycustomer-service-robotOtonomus-Hotelconversational-AIThis $5K Robot Can Change Your Life
The Unitree R1 is a $5,900 humanoid robot standing 127 cm tall and weighing 35 kilograms, designed to integrate into everyday environments rather than being confined to laboratory settings. Powered by advanced AI, the robot can walk, maintain balance, pick up objects, and adapt to its surroundings in real time, showcasing a level of versatility and responsiveness uncommon in similarly priced robots. Intended for practical use in diverse settings such as classrooms, hospitals, and homes, the Unitree R1 aims to be more than just a machine—it aspires to become a helpful companion or assistant in daily life. Its combination of mobility, object manipulation, and adaptive capabilities positions it as a potentially transformative tool for personal and professional applications.
robothumanoid-robotAI-powered-robotrobotics-technologyUnitree-R1personal-robotautonomous-robotChina unveils world's first autonomous robot for hybrid pollination
Chinese scientists have developed GEAIR, the world’s first AI-powered autonomous robot designed for hybrid pollination in plant breeding. Combining artificial intelligence and biotechnology, GEAIR can independently identify flowers and perform precise cross-pollination, significantly reducing the time, cost, and human error traditionally associated with hybrid breeding. This innovation promises faster breeding cycles and improved efficiency in producing high-quality crop varieties. The research team, led by Xu Cao at the Institute of Genetics and Development Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, enhanced the robot’s effectiveness by using gene editing to create male-sterile flowers, facilitating easier hybrid seed production. Integrating GEAIR with advanced farming techniques like “de novo domestication” and “speed breeding,” they established an intelligent robotic breeding factory capable of rapidly generating superior plant varieties. This technology notably advances soybean hybrid breeding in China and exemplifies the potential of combining AI, robotics, and biotechnology to revolutionize agricultural breeding practices. The study detailing this breakthrough was published in the journal Cell
robotAIbiotechnologyhybrid-pollinationprecision-agricultureautonomous-robotcrop-breeding'Uncle Bot' goes viral in China for lifelike moves and dadcore drip
The article highlights the viral sensation of "Uncle Bot," a humanoid robot in China that has captured public affection due to its lifelike movements and distinctive "dadcore" fashion style. Dressed in casual gym shorts, sneakers, and a T-shirt reminiscent of a relaxed middle-aged man, Uncle Bot gained fame after a video of it jogging down a hill amassed over 80 million views on social media platforms like Douyin and X. Beyond jogging, the robot has been seen engaging in various human-like activities such as visiting temples, waving at people, posing for photos, and even walking a robot dog, which has endeared it to fans who treat it as a charming, sentient character. Uncle Bot is actually a Unitree G1 model developed by the Chinese robotics company Unitree. Priced around $16,000, the G1 is engineered for advanced mobility and autonomous interaction, equipped with 3D LiDAR sensors, depth cameras, microphones, multi-jointed limbs, a
robothumanoid-robotUnitree-G1roboticsautonomous-robotrobot-mobilityrobot-sensorsPride gear-wearing humanoid robot woos crowd in West Hollywood
“Jake the Rizzbot” is a 4.3-foot humanoid robot developed by China-based Unitree Robotics that has gained viral attention for its flamboyant Pride-themed attire and charismatic street performances in West Hollywood, California. Equipped with AI-assisted motion and remotely controlled in real time, Jake combines advanced robotics—such as 23 degrees of freedom, 3D LiDAR, and RealSense cameras—with a playful personality that uses Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang to engage pedestrians through compliments, jokes, and flirtatious remarks. Its design allows for agile, human-like movement, and it runs on a quick-swap battery enabling up to two hours of operation. Jake first gained recognition in Austin, Texas, where it was seen interacting with crowds and even posing with a Waymo robotaxi, symbolizing technological innovation. Videos of Jake dancing, jogging, and bantering have spread widely on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, making it a notable example of combining robotics with performance art.
robothumanoid-robotAI-robotUnitree-Roboticsautonomous-robotAI-interactionwearable-technologyNew humanoid robot handles pick-and-place tasks with accuracy, speed
Kinisi Robotics, a US-based startup founded in 2023, has introduced KR1, an autonomous humanoid robot designed for precise pick-and-place tasks in industrial and warehouse environments. Equipped with two hands and a wheeled base, KR1 combines human-like strength and dexterity to handle a variety of objects—from heavy boxes to delicate items—with accuracy and speed. It supports a payload of up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms), operates for up to eight hours on a single charge with hot-swappable batteries, and navigates smoothly on flat warehouse floors without the complexity of legged locomotion. The robot’s onboard intelligence enables it to autonomously avoid obstacles, adapt to changing workflows, and learn from simple demonstrations, allowing rapid deployment and easy scaling with minimal infrastructure changes. KR1 operates independently without relying on cloud connectivity, processing data locally to ensure reliable, fast responses even in offline or low-connectivity settings. This standalone architecture enhances operational continuity, data privacy, and overall performance. Kinisi’s
robothumanoid-robotwarehouse-automationpick-and-place-robotroboticsindustrial-automationautonomous-robotUS: Dublin city to add AI-powered safety robot to boost public safety
The city of Dublin, Ohio, is set to deploy an AI-powered autonomous safety robot named Dubbot, developed by California-based Knightscope, to enhance public safety. Dubbot, a K5 Autonomous Security Robot, is equipped with advanced technologies including LiDAR, sonar, GPS, microphones, 360-degree cameras, and AI-driven analysis for continuous monitoring and proactive threat detection. Scheduled to begin operation in summer 2025, Dubbot will patrol high-traffic areas such as Riverside Crossing Park, operating in 12-hour shifts and autonomously returning to charging docks. It provides real-time video feeds to police control rooms and features two-way emergency communication and broadcast alert capabilities. Dublin officials emphasize that Dubbot will complement, not replace, human police personnel by expanding patrol coverage and presence in public spaces. The robot is part of a broader two-year public safety strategy that includes drones, body-worn cameras, and traffic monitoring tools, aiming to evaluate the impact of autonomous technologies on safety. Residents were involved
robotautonomous-robotAI-powered-robotpublic-safety-robotKnightscope-K5security-technologyAI-in-roboticsNew 3D-printed off-roading robot made from recycled materials
A European collaboration between Lemki Robotix (Ukraine), iSCALE 3D (Germany), and Zeykan Robotics (Czech Republic) has unveiled the world’s first fully 3D-printed autonomous off-road robot made entirely from recycled materials. The robot’s body, wheels, and rims are fabricated using reinforced recycled polymers—glass fiber-reinforced recycled polypropylene for the sealed body, puncture-proof recycled polyurethane for airless wheels, and carbon fiber-reinforced nylon for rims—ensuring durability in harsh outdoor environments. Equipped with 360° cameras, LiDAR, and Starlink satellite connectivity, it supports real-time remote operation and autonomous navigation via an onboard neural network, capable of functioning even in GPS-denied areas. Designed for challenging applications such as military logistics, search and rescue, precision agriculture, and infrastructure inspection, the hermetically sealed robot can cross shallow water and operate reliably in demanding conditions. This project exemplifies the potential of large-format 3D printing to
robot3D-printingrecycled-materialsautonomous-robotoff-road-robotsustainable-roboticsneural-networks