Articles tagged with "humanoid-robots"
Humanoid robot’s animal-like moves shock and fascinate the internet
A series of videos shared by robot builder Logan Olson has captured widespread attention by showcasing a humanoid robot, the Unitree G1, performing animal-like movements such as dropping to all fours and crawling with remarkable speed and flexibility. Olson developed an AI-based “crawl policy” that enables the robot to transition smoothly between standing, walking, and crawling, resulting in limb motions that resemble a hybrid between human, robot, and spider. The unsettling yet impressive footage has sparked a mix of fascination and discomfort online, highlighting the rapid advancements in humanoid robotics beyond simple walking and waving. Experts emphasize that these fluid and coordinated motions are largely the result of training algorithms rather than inherent hardware capabilities, suggesting that robots can perform movements far different from typical human gait. Industry voices note that while humanoid robots are evolving quickly, the human form may not be optimal for all tasks, especially repetitive factory work where speed and efficiency are paramount. Olson’s videos illustrate the expanding versatility of humanoid robots, demonstrating capabilities that extend well beyond
roboticshumanoid-robotsAIrobot-motionUnitree-G1robot-agilityrobotics-researchHumanoid farmer? Robots to advance vertical farming in Malaysia
Malaysian agri-tech firm Agroz has partnered with China’s UBTECH Robotics to launch Agroz Robotics, integrating AI-powered humanoid robots into vertical farming operations. The centerpiece of this initiative is UBTECH’s Walker S, an industrial humanoid robot designed to perform labor-intensive and delicate tasks such as seeding, monitoring, harvesting, and crop optimization within Agroz’s controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems. This integration aims to automate key farming processes, improve productivity, reduce reliance on human labor, and ensure consistent, high-quality crop production through data-driven robotic execution. The collaboration reflects a broader push toward sustainable agriculture and food security in Southeast Asia, supported by the Malaysian government. By combining advanced robotics with Agroz’s proprietary farm operating system, the initiative enables scalable, smart, and self-optimizing farms adaptable to vertical farms, smart greenhouses, and hybrid facilities. UBTECH, established in 2012, brings expertise in humanoid and service robots across various sectors, and this partnership
roboticshumanoid-robotsvertical-farmingAI-in-agriculturesmart-farmingautonomous-farmingsustainable-agriculturePhotos: High-tech humanoids steal the spotlight at Japan’s 2025 International Robot Exhibition
The 2025 International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo, marking its 26th edition, spotlighted advanced humanoid and AI-driven robots designed to collaborate with humans rather than replace them. Centered on the theme "Sustainable Societies Through Robotics," the event emphasized robots’ roles in supporting industries and addressing social challenges by working alongside people in homes, factories, and public spaces. Major companies and research groups showcased intelligent machines capable of object recognition, voice command processing, and complex decision-making, reflecting a growing expectation for adaptable robotic systems. Notable demonstrations included Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ humanoid robot performing emergency tasks like extinguishing a fire and rescuing a toy cat, highlighting its potential use in hazardous environments. Kawasaki also presented CORLEO, a personal mobility robot aimed at everyday transportation. Fanuc exhibited a robotic arm that used AI to follow voice instructions and visually identify and manipulate objects, showcasing advances in simplifying human-robot interaction. The exhibition also revealed intensifying international competition, particularly between China and the U
roboticshumanoid-robotsAI-in-roboticsindustrial-robotshuman-robot-collaborationautomationintelligent-machinesEx-Tesla, Google, Nvidia leaders to build next-gen humanoid robot
UMA (Universal Mechanical Assistant) is a newly launched robotics intelligence company founded by former leaders from Tesla, Google DeepMind, Nvidia, and Hugging Face. The company’s mission is to develop next-generation humanoid and mobile robots capable of performing real-world industrial tasks alongside humans. The founding team includes experts who have contributed significantly to advances in deep learning, robot learning, and open-source AI, such as Rémi Cadene, Pierre Sermanet, Simon Alibert, and Robert Knight. UMA is focusing on creating compact, dual-armed mobile robots designed for environments like warehouses, assembly lines, hospitals, labs, and homes. UMA’s vision aligns with a broader market trend where robotics, rather than just generative AI or language models, will define the next era of artificial intelligence. Analysts project the global humanoid and mobile robotics market to reach $243 billion by 2035 and expand into a multi-trillion-dollar industry by 2050. This growth is driven by critical labor shortages—
roboticshumanoid-robotsAIindustrial-robotsautomationdeep-learningmobile-robotsChina firm gets funding to mass-produce embodied-AI humanoid robots
Chinese robotics company RobotEra has secured nearly RMB 1 billion (approximately USD 140 million) in a Series A+ funding round led by Geely Capital, with participation from BAIC Capital, Alibaba Group, Haier Capital, and other global investors. This funding comes amid the company already having around USD 70 million in commercial orders for 2025, signaling strong industrial confidence in RobotEra’s vision and product line. The company’s portfolio includes a dexterous robotic hand (XHAND1), a wheeled service robot, and a full-size bipedal humanoid robot (RobotEra L7), designed for diverse applications from industrial tasks to service deployment. The RobotEra L7 humanoid robot stands about 171 cm tall, weighs 65 kg, and features 55 degrees of freedom with joint torque up to 400 N·m. It can perform dynamic athletic movements such as sprinting at 14.4 km/h, 360° spins, and breakdancing mane
roboticshumanoid-robotsembodied-AIindustrial-automationrobotic-handsservice-robotsAI-roboticsAILOS Robotics introduces drive technology to make robots lighter, more agile, and safer - The Robot Report
AILOS Robotics, a Brussels-based company spun out of Vrije Universiteit Brussel in 2024, has developed the patented R2poweR gearbox, a novel drive technology designed to enhance robot performance by combining the agility of quasi-direct drives with high torque density. This innovation aims to make robots lighter, more energy-efficient, affordable, and safer, particularly benefiting force- and power-limited applications such as robot arms, humanoids, exoskeletons, and prosthetics. The gearbox offers low backdrive resistance for safe human-robot interaction, high torque density for heavily loaded joints, and a scalable, quiet, and energy-efficient design suitable for large-scale production. With €3.5 million ($4 million) raised from investors including QBIC, High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), Wallonie Entreprendre, and finance&invest.brussels, AILOS is transitioning from research to industrial production and actively seeking partnerships with robot manufacturers and industrial collaborators. The funding supports Europe’s strategic goal
roboticsrobotics-technologyrobot-actuatorsgearbox-technologyhumanoid-robotswearable-robotsindustrial-roboticsNVIDIA debuts first open reasoning AI for self-driving vehicles
NVIDIA has introduced a suite of open-source AI models and tools aimed at advancing autonomous vehicles, robotics, and speech processing. Central to this launch is Alpamayo-R1 (AR1), the world’s first open reasoning vision-language-action (VLA) model designed for self-driving cars. AR1 integrates chain-of-thought reasoning with path planning to navigate complex driving scenarios by evaluating possible trajectories and contextual data, enabling human-like decision-making in challenging environments such as crowded intersections or lane closures. Built on NVIDIA’s Cosmos Reason platform, AR1 is available for customization by researchers for non-commercial use and has demonstrated improved reasoning capabilities through reinforcement learning post-training. Beyond AR1, NVIDIA’s Cosmos platform offers additional tools for physical AI development, including LidarGen for generating lidar data, Omniverse NuRec Fixer for neural reconstruction cleanup, Cosmos Policy for robot behavior creation, and ProtoMotions3 for training humanoid robots in simulated settings. These resources are already being utilized by ecosystem partners and academic
robotautonomous-vehiclesAI-modelsNVIDIA-Cosmosreinforcement-learninglidar-simulationhumanoid-robotsTop 10 robotics developments of November 2025 - The Robot Report
The Robot Report’s November 2025 roundup highlights significant developments in the robotics industry, including funding milestones, new product launches, and strategic partnerships. Notably, Physical Intelligence secured $600 million in Series B funding to develop foundational models enabling robots to better understand and interact with the physical world, moving beyond deterministic programming. Foxconn partnered with Alphabet subsidiary Intrinsic to create AI-powered flexible robots for its U.S. factories, while Foxglove raised $40 million to expand its data platform supporting robotics development. Additionally, Agile Robots introduced Agile ONE, an industrial humanoid designed for safe collaboration with humans in manufacturing environments. The month also saw challenges for established companies: iRobot reported a 24.6% revenue decline in Q3 2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting ongoing struggles despite its legacy as a pioneer in consumer robotics with the Roomba vacuum. Teradyne Robotics, owner of Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots, conducted another workforce reduction of 14% following a prior 10
roboticshumanoid-robotsrobot-startupsAI-in-roboticsindustrial-robotsrobot-foundation-modelsteleoperationROBOTERA gets Series A funding, partners with UNIDO on embodied intelligence - The Robot Report
ROBOTERA, a Beijing-based robotics company founded in 2023, recently secured nearly RMB 1 billion (approximately $140 million USD) in Series A+ funding to advance its development of humanoid and service robots. The company focuses on embodied intelligence—the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence—and operates three main product lines: bipedal humanoid robots, wheeled service robots, and dexterous robotic hands. ROBOTERA’s humanoid robots have demonstrated notable real-world capabilities, including autonomous walking in snow and record-setting jumps at the 2024 World Humanoid Robot Games. Its XHAND 1 dexterous hand, optimized for reinforcement learning, is widely used in research labs globally. In a strategic move to promote industrial development aligned with the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, ROBOTERA signed a cooperation agreement with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This partnership focuses on deploying embodied intelligence technologies in manufacturing, logistics, and commercial services to improve efficiency, working
roboticshumanoid-robotsembodied-intelligenceservice-robotsindustrial-automationAI-roboticsUNIDO-partnershipVideo: China's marching humanoid robot 'army' sparks new debate
Chinese robotics company UBTECH Robotics has drawn global attention with a viral video showing hundreds of its Walker S2 humanoid robots marching in synchronized formation inside a warehouse. The footage, reminiscent of sci-fi scenes, sparked skepticism from industry figures like US robotics leader Brett Adcock, who publicly questioned whether the video was computer-generated due to inconsistent reflections on the robots. UBTECH defended the video's authenticity, releasing additional raw footage filmed with a drone and ambient audio to counter doubts, and emphasized China’s large-scale manufacturing and coordinated supply chain capabilities as enabling factors. UBTECH claims to have completed the world’s first mass delivery of humanoid robots, with hundreds of Walker S2 units already shipped to industrial partners for use in sectors such as automotive assembly, smart manufacturing, logistics, and AI data centers. The company views this rollout as a milestone marking the transition of humanoid robots from prototypes to real-world deployment. Despite UBTECH’s assurances and plans to ramp up production to 5,000 units annually by 202
roboticshumanoid-robotsindustrial-automationUBTECH-Roboticsrobotics-manufacturingrobot-deploymentrobotics-technologyHumanoid robots will take over factory jobs within 5 years: Xiaomi CEO
Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun has predicted a rapid transformation in manufacturing over the next five years, driven by artificial intelligence and humanoid robots becoming central to factory operations. Highlighting the company’s electric vehicle plant, Lei pointed to AI-powered inspection systems that perform tasks much faster and more accurately than humans, exemplifying the shift toward intelligent automation. He envisions humanoid robots replacing workers in repetitive or precision-heavy factory roles and anticipates this industrial automation market will grow into a trillion-yuan sector reliant on partnerships and shared engineering platforms. Beyond factories, Lei expects household humanoid robots to emerge as an even larger market, requiring higher performance to handle complex daily tasks. Xiaomi has already demonstrated robotics capabilities with its CyberOne humanoid robot and is expanding its AI and robotics teams as part of a broader strategy to integrate smart systems across products and production. Lei emphasized that intelligent manufacturing not only boosts efficiency and accuracy but also frees human workers to focus on creative and technical roles, aligning with China’s national goals for modernizing
robotshumanoid-robotsfactory-automationAI-in-manufacturingXiaomi-roboticsindustrial-robotssmart-factoriesChinese model helps humanoid robots adapt to tasks without training
Researchers from Wuhan University have developed a novel framework called the recurrent geometric-prior multimodal policy (RGMP) to enhance humanoid robots' ability to manipulate objects with human-like adaptability and minimal training. Current humanoid robots excel at specific tasks but struggle to generalize when objects change shape, lighting varies, or when encountering tasks they were not explicitly trained for. RGMP addresses these limitations by incorporating two key components: the Geometric-Prior Skill Selector (GSS), which helps the robot analyze an object's shape, size, and orientation to select the appropriate skill, and the Adaptive Recursive Gaussian Network (ARGN), which models spatial relationships and predicts movements efficiently with far fewer training examples than traditional deep learning methods. Testing showed that robots using RGMP achieved an 87% success rate on novel tasks without prior experience, demonstrating a significant improvement over existing diffusion-policy-based models, with about five times greater data efficiency. This advancement could enable humanoid robots to perform a wider range of tasks in dynamic environments such
roboticshumanoid-robotsrobot-learningdata-efficient-roboticsrobotic-manipulationAI-in-roboticsrobotic-skill-adaptationHumanoid Robots Labeled Next Big Bubble For Chinese Companies - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the rapid growth and potential bubble forming around humanoid robot development in China. While Elon Musk has been a prominent figure in electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving, Chinese companies have aggressively advanced in these sectors, often outpacing Musk’s efforts. The Chinese government does not directly pick market winners but sets the regulatory framework, leading to intense competition that has caused many EV firms to sell below cost and face financial strain. This competitive environment is now being mirrored in the humanoid robot industry, which has seen over 150 Chinese companies enter the market following high-profile demonstrations like Unitree’s dancing robots during the Spring Festival Gala. China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has recognized humanoid robots as a key future economic growth driver in its five-year plan but is also cautioning against an overheated market that could lead to a bubble. Li Chao, a spokesperson for the commission, emphasized the need to balance rapid growth with sustainable development by
robotshumanoid-robotsChinese-technologyrobotics-industryeconomic-growthautonomous-systemsinnovationChina’s Xiaomi taps ex-Musk engineer to advance robot hand tech
China’s Xiaomi has hired Zach Lu Zeyu, a former senior robotics engineer from Elon Musk’s Tesla Optimus humanoid robot team, to lead the development of its dexterous robot hand technology. Lu’s expertise in dexterous grasping and tactile sensing—critical capabilities that enable robots to manipulate objects with human-like precision and sensitivity—signals Xiaomi’s strong commitment to advancing embodied AI and robotics. This move is part of Xiaomi’s broader strategy to become a major player in the global humanoid robotics market, following its initial ventures into electric vehicles and robotics prototypes such as a quadrupedal robot dog and a humanoid robot. Xiaomi’s recruitment drive includes over 200 robotics-related roles and recent hires like AI researcher Luo Fuli, underscoring its ambition to build a world-class robotics team. The company also released MiMo-Embodied, an open-source foundation model combining autonomous driving and embodied AI technologies. This expansion occurs amid a competitive U.S.-China race in humanoid robotics
roboticshumanoid-robotsdexterous-handtactile-sensingXiaomirobotics-engineeringembodied-AIChina AI helps humanoid robots handle more objects with less training
Researchers at Wuhan University in China have developed a novel AI framework called RGMP (recurrent geometric-prior multimodal policy) to enhance humanoid robot manipulation capabilities. RGMP integrates geometric reasoning with efficient learning to improve grasping accuracy and enable robots to handle a wider variety of objects and more complex tasks with significantly less training data. Unlike many existing data-driven methods that require large datasets and struggle to generalize beyond familiar environments, RGMP achieves 87 percent generalization accuracy and is five times more data-efficient than leading diffusion-based models. The framework consists of two main components: the Geometric-prior Skill Selector (GSS), which chooses appropriate actions based on object shape and task needs using geometric rules, and the Adaptive Recursive Gaussian Network (ARGN), which models spatial memory over time to improve learning from limited examples. The team tested RGMP on both humanoid and desktop dual-arm robots using a dataset of 120 demonstration trajectories, comparing its performance against state-of-the-art models like ResNet50
roboticshumanoid-robotsAI-frameworkrobot-manipulationgeometric-reasoningmachine-learningdata-efficient-learningBeijing flags humanoid robotics bubble risk as hype intensifies
China’s rapid expansion in humanoid robotics, with over 150 companies—many startups or firms pivoting from other sectors—racing to develop prototypes, has sparked concerns of a potential investment bubble. Despite significant funding and demonstrations of robots capable of walking, object manipulation, and basic assistance, actual deployment in factories and homes remains limited. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) spokesperson Li Chao emphasized the need for responsible growth to avoid overheating the sector, warning against product duplication and stagnation. While the Chinese government has identified embodied intelligence as a strategic priority and a key future economic driver, regulators now plan tighter oversight to ensure sustainable development. Measures include improving market entry and exit rules, fostering competitive conditions, supporting essential research, and enhancing testing and training resources. The goal is to balance fast-paced innovation with market stability, encouraging consolidation of knowledge and technology without compromising long-term growth.
roboticshumanoid-robotsChina-robotics-industryrobot-investmentautomationindustrial-robotsrobotics-innovationUS firm teaching humanoid robot brains to do laundry, make coffee, light candles
Physical Intelligence (PI), a Silicon Valley robotics startup, is advancing the development of humanoid robots capable of learning and reliably performing complex physical tasks such as folding laundry, making coffee, and lighting candles. The company recently raised $400 million from investors including OpenAI and Jeff Bezos, valuing it above $2 billion. PI’s innovation centers on a new training method called Recap (Reinforcement Learning with Experience and Corrections via Advantage-conditioned Policies), which enables robots to learn more like humans—through instruction, correction, and autonomous practice—addressing a key challenge in robotics where small errors during task execution often compound and cause failure. Recap enhances robot learning by incorporating corrective human interventions when errors occur and by allowing the robot to evaluate its own actions using reinforcement learning. This approach uses a value function to assign credit or blame to specific moves, enabling the system to learn from imperfect experiences rather than discarding them. PI’s vision-language-action model, π*0.6, trained with Rec
roboticshumanoid-robotsAI-trainingreinforcement-learningrobotic-manipulationphysical-intelligenceautomation'Body swap' robot shows how balance slowly declines with age
Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed a life-sized "body swap" robotic platform to study how the brain maintains balance and why balance deteriorates with age. The robot simulates delayed neural feedback by introducing a short delay (about 200 milliseconds) between a participant’s movement and the physical response of their body, mimicking the slower sensory feedback seen in aging or neurological conditions. This delay causes instability and increased sway, helping researchers understand the mechanisms behind the increased fall risk in older adults. The robotic system also manipulates physical forces such as inertia and viscosity to alter how the body feels during standing. In experiments, participants experienced similar instability from delayed feedback and changes in body mechanics, indicating the brain treats sensory delays similarly to mechanical changes. Remarkably, increasing inertia and viscosity helped counteract the instability caused by delayed feedback, reducing sway by up to 80%. These findings suggest that mechanical aids could support balance in aging populations by compensating for slower neural signals. The research offers
roboticsbalanceneural-feedbackagingfall-preventionassistive-technologyhumanoid-robotsChina to deploy battery-swapping humanoid robots on Vietnam border
China’s UBTech Robotics has secured a 264 million yuan (US$37 million) contract to deploy its Walker S2 humanoid robots at border crossings in Guangxi province, near the Vietnam border. Deliveries will start in December, marking one of China’s largest government deployments of humanoid robots. The Walker S2, launched in July, is notable for its industrial-grade design and autonomous battery-swapping capability, enabling nearly continuous 24-hour operation without manual intervention. The robots will assist with traveler guidance, personnel flow management, patrol duties, logistics, and commercial services at border checkpoints, as well as conduct inspections at nearby manufacturing sites for steel, copper, and aluminum. This deployment reflects China’s broader push to commercialize embodied AI and integrate robotics into public and industrial sectors, supported by strong government policy. Similar humanoid and service robots have been introduced in airports, government offices, and major events across the country. The Walker S2 features advanced capabilities including 52 degrees of freedom, dex
roboticshumanoid-robotsbattery-swapping-robotsindustrial-automationAI-roboticssmart-manufacturinglogistics-robotsFlexion to use Series A to build sim-to-real, AI systems powering humanoids - The Robot Report
Flexion Robotics AG, a Zurich-based startup founded in 2024, has raised $50 million in Series A funding to develop a reinforcement learning and sim-to-real AI platform designed to power humanoid robots across various morphologies and tasks. The company leverages generative AI and large language models (LLMs) to move beyond brittle, task-specific robotic systems by enabling robots to perform reasoning, writing, and creative tasks autonomously. Flexion’s autonomy stack consists of three layers: a command layer using language models for common-sense reasoning and task decomposition; a motion layer featuring a vision-language-action model trained primarily on synthetic data and fine-tuned for real-world scenarios; and a control layer utilizing transformer-based, low-latency whole-body control with a modular skill library for rapid behavior composition. Flexion’s AI architecture, exemplified by its Reflect v0 system, integrates LLM and vision-language model agents for task scheduling and tool selection, a general motion generator for collision-aware trajectory planning,
roboticshumanoid-robotsartificial-intelligencereinforcement-learningsim-to-reallarge-language-modelsautomationThe quiet rise of factory humanoids
The article "The quiet rise of factory humanoids" explores the emerging role of humanoid robots in addressing labor shortages and reshoring challenges in modern factories. Unlike traditional automation designed for high-volume, repetitive tasks, humanoid robots are gaining traction for high-mix, low-volume work such as aerospace subassemblies, automotive rework, and handling awkward materials in older facilities. Experts emphasize that factories adopt humanoids not for their human-like appearance but for their ability to solve specific bottlenecks caused by labor scarcity. Success depends on meeting cycle time and uptime targets, proving their practical value before scaling. A key challenge for humanoid robots lies in manipulation rather than mobility. While many robots can walk or perform stunts, the nuanced dexterity required to handle tools and machinery—such as gripping, rotating, and applying precise force—is still difficult to achieve. This manipulation capability is critical since manual labor accounts for a significant portion of global economic value. Additionally, durability in harsh industrial environments demands advanced mechanical components
roboticshumanoid-robotsindustrial-automationmanufacturing-technologylabor-shortage-solutionsfactory-automationrobotic-manipulationWatch: Humanoid robots sort boxes in real-time warehouse demo
Mentee Robotics, an Israeli company founded by Mobileye co-founder Amnon Shashua, has released an unedited 18-minute video demonstrating two of its V3 humanoid robots autonomously sorting and moving boxes in a real warehouse environment. The robots successfully relocated 32 boxes from uneven piles to storage racks without any remote control, showcasing advanced live perception, motion planning, and multi-robot coordination. They maintained balance while carrying loads up to 55 pounds, navigated shared spaces without collisions, and operated at a steady, measured pace emphasizing reliability over speed. This continuous, uncut footage serves as evidence of the robots’ capability for long-duration, autonomous warehouse tasks. The V3 MenteeBot is designed specifically for industrial use, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and equipped with dual NVIDIA Jetson Orin AGX processors to manage full 360-degree vision and onboard decision-making, which is critical in environments with unreliable wireless signals. Its custom actuators provide high power density for repeated
robothumanoid-robotswarehouse-automationautonomous-robotsrobotics-technologyindustrial-robotsrobot-coordinationFigure humanoid robot hand showed skull-cracking force in trials, whistleblower warns
Figure AI, a leading California-based humanoid robot company, is facing a lawsuit from its former head of product safety, Robert Gruendel, who claims he was wrongfully terminated after raising serious safety concerns. Gruendel warned top executives, including CEO Brett Adcock and chief engineer Kyle Edelberg, that the company’s robots possessed enough force to cause severe physical harm, citing an incident where a robot malfunctioned and gouged a steel refrigerator door. Despite his documented safety complaints, Gruendel alleges his warnings were dismissed and he was fired under the pretext of a vague “change in business direction.” Figure AI disputes these claims, stating Gruendel was terminated for poor performance and plans to challenge the allegations in court. Gruendel seeks economic, compensatory, and punitive damages, emphasizing that California law protects whistleblowers reporting unsafe practices. The lawsuit also accuses Figure AI of undermining a safety plan Gruendel developed for major investors, removing critical elements that influenced their decision to fund the company. This action
robothumanoid-robotsrobot-safetyFigure-AIproduct-safetywhistleblowerrobotics-industryUS OpenMind's BrainPack makes humanoid robots ‘real-world' smart
OpenMind has introduced BrainPack, a modular, backpack-sized platform that integrates key autonomous robot functions—such as advanced mapping, object labeling, privacy-protected vision, remote operation, and self-charging—into a single unit powered by Nvidia’s high-performance computing. Designed to bridge the gap between robotics and intelligence, BrainPack enables robots not only to move but also to observe, interpret, and learn from their surroundings by building detailed 3D maps and recognizing objects autonomously. Privacy features include automatic face detection and blurring to anonymize humans in view, while remote control and secure video streaming enhance usability. The platform combines research-grade reliability with consumer-level simplicity, making autonomous robotics more accessible without the need for specialized labs or complex setups. Early tests have demonstrated that BrainPack-equipped robots can perform self-guided patrols, map multi-room environments, recognize and label objects, and self-dock for charging—all without direct supervision. Additionally, OpenMind has developed OM1, a hardware-agnostic
roboticshumanoid-robotsautonomous-robotsrobot-autonomyAI-in-roboticsrobot-mappingself-charging-robotsVideo: New brain helps humanoid robot to clean spaces without prior training
Swiss company Flexion Robotics has developed a novel “brain” for humanoid robots that enables them to autonomously perform diverse tasks, such as cleaning spaces, without prior training or human intervention. Their general-purpose autonomy stack integrates multiple layers: a command layer using language models for common-sense reasoning and task decomposition; a motion layer combining vision, language, and action models trained on synthetic data and fine-tuned for real-world scenarios; and a control layer employing transformer-based whole-body control with a modular skill library. This architecture allows robots to quickly adapt to and interact with their environment intelligently, overcoming the limitations of brittle, task-specific programming. Flexion emphasizes that while humanoid robots have impressive mechanics, the key missing element for practical deployment in uncontrolled settings has been intelligence. By leveraging the same computational and training infrastructure that enabled large language models (LLMs), Flexion aims to create adaptable, autonomous systems capable of scalable, useful work. This development is particularly timely given global demographic shifts and labor shortages, with
roboticshumanoid-robotsautonomous-systemsreinforcement-learningartificial-intelligencemotion-controlrobotics-innovationFigure humanoid robots retire bruised after 11 months of work at BMW
California-based Figure AI has officially retired its Figure 02 (F.02) humanoid robots after an 11-month pilot deployment at BMW Manufacturing’s Spartanburg plant. During this period, the robots contributed to producing over 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles and handled loading more than 90,000 sheet-metal parts onto welding fixtures with over 99% accuracy. Operating on full shifts by the tenth month, the F.02 units completed more than 1,250 hours of runtime, walking approximately 200 miles inside the facility. The robots’ worn and scratched appearance was highlighted by Figure AI as tangible proof of their sustained, real-world industrial operation, countering earlier skepticism about the scale and authenticity of the deployment. The trial revealed both successes and challenges. While the humanoid robots demonstrated the ability to perform repetitive, precise tasks reliably in a demanding factory environment, hardware issues emerged—particularly with the forearm components. The complexity of integrating multiple degrees of freedom, thermal management, and cabling
robothumanoid-robotsindustrial-automationmanufacturing-robotsBMWrobotics-deploymentfactory-automation1HMX introduces Nexus NX1 for full-body motion capture, teleoperation - The Robot Report
1HMX has introduced the Nexus NX1, a comprehensive full-body motion capture and teleoperation system designed to enhance training and simulation for humanoid robotics, embodied AI, and virtual reality (VR). The system integrates advanced technologies including HaptX Gloves G1 for tactile and force feedback, Virtuix Omni One’s 360-degree movement platform, and Freeaim’s motorized robotic shoes. It offers 72 degrees of freedom (DoF) body and hand tracking with sub-millimeter precision, capturing detailed data such as skeletal and soft tissue models, tactile displacement, pressure points, center of mass, and locomotion metrics. An included software development kit (SDK) facilitates integration with VR and robotics applications, enabling realistic real-time sensory input and valuable output data for robotic control, AI training, and user performance feedback. 1HMX envisions Nexus NX1 as a transformative tool across various industries including manufacturing, medical, defense, and research, supporting both single and multi-user immersive experiences with full
roboticsteleoperationmotion-capturehumanoid-robotsAI-trainingvirtual-realityhuman-machine-interfaceWhere China leads and lags in humanoid joint architecture
The article by Ni Tao in IE’s Inside China column examines the evolving landscape of humanoid robot joint architecture, highlighting China’s position in this critical aspect of robotics hardware. While much attention in humanoid robotics focuses on AI “brains,” the article emphasizes that the physical hardware—specifically actuators, screws, and gearboxes that translate AI commands into movement—remains a significant bottleneck. Chinese manufacturers have demonstrated impressive humanoids capable of complex motions at low cost, leading some to assume hardware is no longer a limiting factor. However, ongoing debates about the optimal actuator type—rotary versus linear—underscore that hardware choices are still pivotal to the industry’s future. Currently, rotary actuators dominate humanoid robot joints, using mature gear reduction technologies such as harmonic drives and planetary gear reducers. These rotary systems multiply motor torque to enable movements like lifting and acrobatics, benefiting from a well-established industrial supply chain and cost efficiency. For example, Unitree’s G1 robot employs planetary and harmonic
roboticshumanoid-robotsactuatorsrotary-actuatorslinear-actuatorsgear-reducersrobotic-jointsChina's UBTech ships world’s 1st mass batch of humanoid robot workers
China’s UBTech Robotics has achieved a significant milestone by shipping the world’s first mass batch of humanoid robot workers, the Walker S2, to industrial facilities. Production ramped up in mid-November, and hundreds of units have already been delivered to partners needing automation on assembly lines. Orders for these humanoid robots have surged past 800 million yuan (approximately 113 million USD) in 2024, driven largely by major automakers such as BYD, Geely Auto, FAW Volkswagen, and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, as well as tech firms like Foxconn. These organizations are deploying the robots to enable continuous, 24-hour industrial operations with minimal human oversight. The Walker S2 robots are designed to mimic human movement with advanced joint articulation and precise finger control, capable of handling heavy items in real-world factory and warehouse environments. A key innovation of the Walker S2 is its autonomous battery swapping system, allowing the robot to replace its own power pack within minutes without human
roboticshumanoid-robotsindustrial-automationUBTechbattery-swappingfactory-robotsmanufacturing-technologyMore Tesla FSD Expansion, & More "Interesting" Comments on Robots & AI - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses recent developments and commentary related to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, humanoid robot Optimus, and AI efforts, particularly the potential merger or acquisition of xAI by Tesla. It highlights Tesla’s ongoing challenges with declining vehicle sales over recent years, noting a downward trend from over 1.3 million vehicles sold globally in early 2023 to about 1.2 million projected in early 2025. Elon Musk’s long-term strategy to reverse this trend hinges heavily on achieving commercially viable full self-driving capabilities and deploying robotaxis, though Musk has historically missed many deadlines despite some progress. The article stresses that Tesla is at a critical juncture where its future trajectory could become significantly more positive or negative depending on the success of these technologies. Additionally, the article touches on Tesla’s broader AI ambitions, with Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas emphasizing the strategic importance of xAI to Tesla’s future, given the synergy between data, software, hardware,
robotTeslafull-self-drivingAIhumanoid-robotsrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesComparing Boston Dynamics’ Atlas and Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots
The article compares Boston Dynamics’ Atlas and Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots, highlighting their contrasting design philosophies and development goals. Atlas is positioned primarily as a research platform focused on “whole-body mobility” and dynamic control, emphasizing agility, speed, and balance to push the boundaries of humanoid locomotion and manipulation. Its public demonstrations showcase advanced athletic feats such as parkour and backflips, reflecting iterative breakthroughs in dynamic balance and coordination. Recently, Atlas transitioned to a fully electric system and is moving toward commercial deployment in automotive manufacturing through a partnership with Hyundai. In contrast, Tesla’s Optimus aims for affordability and practical utility, targeting general-purpose tasks that are “unsafe, repetitive or boring” for humans. Optimus leverages Tesla’s AI and manufacturing scale, integrating perception and control technologies adapted from autonomous driving. Its demonstrations have been more conservative, focusing on recognizable tasks like walking, object handling, and simple manipulation, often relying on teleoperation or supervised learning. Hardware differences underscore these priorities: Atlas
roboticshumanoid-robotsBoston-DynamicsTesla-Optimuselectric-robotsAI-roboticsindustrial-automationQSS partners with Humanoid to advance robotics in Saudi Arabia - The Robot Report
Humanoid, a London-based robotics company, has partnered with Saudi Arabia’s QSS AI & Robotics to accelerate the development, manufacturing, and deployment of humanoid robots in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital transformation strategy, aiming to localize humanoid robotics technology and integrate it into the country’s industrial base. The partnership includes plans to produce up to 10,000 humanoid robots over the next five years, with manufacturing, assembly, software integration, and lifecycle support conducted locally at QSS’s facilities in Riyadh and Sudair Industrial City. Additionally, the companies will establish a “Humanoid Lounge” in Riyadh to showcase their latest robotic platforms. QSS CEO Dr. Elie Metri emphasized that the initiative goes beyond mere assembly or distribution, focusing on building long-term national capabilities. Customizations for the Saudi market include Arabic language and dialect support, culturally appropriate behaviors, physical adaptations for the local climate, industry-specific tool attachments, and compliance with
roboticshumanoid-robotsSaudi-ArabiaAI-integrationindustrial-automationlocalizationVision-2030How Iowa State Lab helps humanoid robots master balance and safety
Engineers at Iowa State University are advancing humanoid robots' physical intelligence, focusing on mastering self-balancing and precise execution of complex tasks such as walking, grasping, and navigation. These capabilities are essential for robots to function effectively in real-world human environments. Bowen Weng, an assistant professor and roboticist at Iowa State, emphasizes that physical intelligence—automatic in humans—is a remarkable skill that robots must develop to operate smoothly and safely alongside people. Humanoid robots, designed with human-like forms, aim to assist in various roles including research, hazardous jobs, and everyday tasks, while addressing societal concerns about automation and human-robot interaction. Weng co-authored two significant studies contributing to this field. The first evaluates the stability and performance of commercial quadruped robots, Ghost Robotics Vision 60 and Boston Dynamics Spot, under dynamic naval conditions, finding that Vision 60 exhibits superior balance and lower torque demands. The second study focuses on the importance of repeatable and reliable risk assessment protocols for robot
roboticshumanoid-robotsrobot-balancephysical-intelligenceautomationrobot-stabilityrobot-safety100 robotics startups to watch - The Robot Report
The Robot Report’s inaugural Startup Radar is a comprehensive report profiling 100 robotics startups that are five years old or younger, highlighting the emerging leaders shaping the future of robotics. The report provides detailed insights into each company’s products, target markets, funding levels, employee counts, and other key data points. Covering a broad range of robotics sectors—including autonomous mobility, humanoid robots, and industrial automation—the Startup Radar identifies areas of rapid innovation and new market opportunities. Designed for investors, engineers, and component suppliers, the report offers a clear perspective on the evolving robotics landscape and helps stakeholders identify promising companies poised for growth. By showcasing the creativity and momentum within the robotics ecosystem, the Startup Radar serves as a valuable resource to stay informed about the next generation of robotics technologies and the startups driving industry transformation. The full report is available exclusively through The Robot Report.
roboticsstartupsautonomous-robotsindustrial-automationhumanoid-robotsrobotics-innovationrobotics-industryTop 10 robotics developments of October 2025 - The Robot Report
In October 2025, the robotics industry saw significant developments highlighted by The Robot Report, coinciding with the return of the RoboBusiness event in Santa Clara, California. Key advancements included EndoQuest Robotics completing the first robotic endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) procedure at the Mayo Clinic as part of a multicenter trial evaluating their Endoluminal Surgical System for gastrointestinal applications. Meanwhile, 1X Technologies opened preorders for NEO, a humanoid robot designed specifically for household use, marking a strategic shift toward consumer robotics. Revolute Robotics secured $1.9 million in funding to accelerate deployment of its autonomous ground and aerial robots for inspection, security, and defense sectors. Other notable updates involved Singapore’s National Robotics Programme unveiling initiatives to boost robot adoption and workforce readiness through shared testbeds, collaborations, and national standards. Serve Robotics planned to raise up to $100 million via stock sales to fund its sidewalk delivery robot operations. Amazon introduced the Blue Jay robot and Project
roboticshumanoid-robotsautonomous-robotsrobotic-surgeryrobot-adoptionrobotics-fundingdelivery-robotsDancing, crawling, and flying: Robots go wild for Halloween 2025
Halloween 2025 saw a unique fusion of robotics and festive spirit as various research labs and robotics companies worldwide showcased their creations engaging in Halloween-themed performances. Agility Robotics’ Digit humorously dressed as a cardboard robot, playfully blending the line between human and machine. KIMLAB, alongside Unitree and Boston Dynamics, presented a poignant rendition of “The Story of Tonight” from Hamilton, with robots clinking glasses and embodying camaraderie. University College London’s lab transformed into a lively robot party, featuring humanoids and robotic dogs donning costumes and dancing under strobe lights, evoking a mix of eeriness and charm. The University of Tokyo’s DRAGON Lab highlighted aerial and hybrid robots performing spooky displays, including a serpentine flying robot carrying ghost dolls and a ground robot with a drone, merging technology with Halloween spectacle. Unitree’s G1 robot delivered a creepy performance by crawling in a manner reminiscent of horror films, balanced by playful music to maintain a lighthearted tone. HEB
robotsroboticsHalloweenBoston-Dynamicshumanoid-robotsdrone-technologyrobot-entertainmentMusk's Use Of Visual Imagery Tells Us A Lot About The Man - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica explores how Elon Musk’s frequent use of visual imagery and pop culture references reveals deeper insights into his persona and ideological leanings. Musk, a prolific user of social media with 228 million followers, often draws on science fiction, fantasy, and historical allusions to promote his vision of futurism. Examples include Tesla’s “Ludicrous Mode,” named after the parody film Spaceballs, and the launch of a Tesla Roadster into space inspired by the animated film Heavy Metal. While these references engage and resonate with audiences, the article argues that Musk’s communication style masks more troubling implications, such as a nostalgia for colonialist and imperialist economic structures and a promotion of right-wing authoritarianism that undermines democratic discourse and public protections globally. The piece further examines Musk’s fascination with historical and literary imagery, particularly his references to the Roman Empire and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. These allusions, the article suggests, reflect a conservative and absolut
robotenergyartificial-intelligenceTeslaelectric-vehicleshumanoid-robotsAI-ethics7 'secrets' that make humanoid robots think, walk and work like humans
The article explores seven key engineering advancements that enable humanoid robots to mimic human-like thinking, walking, and working capabilities. Central to these developments is advanced actuator technology, where newer musculoskeletal systems use tendons and cables to replicate the springy, flexible movement of human muscles, moving beyond traditional electric or hydraulic motors. Balance control is another critical area, with robots employing methods like Zero Moment Point (ZMP), Center-of-Mass control, and multi-contact balance strategies that allow them to dynamically adjust their posture and use their entire body to maintain stability, much like humans do. Sophisticated sensor integration plays a vital role in humanoid perception, combining multiple cameras, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and joint encoders to provide comprehensive environmental awareness and balance. Innovations in gripper dexterity focus on replicating the complexity of human hands, with designs featuring numerous degrees of freedom and biologically inspired sensing methods such as tendon length-based self-estimation. Lastly, real-time motion planning is essential for safe
roboticshumanoid-robotsactuatorsbalance-controlsensor-integrationmusculoskeletal-systemsrobotic-engineeringAgiBot LinkCraft turns phone videos into precise robot choreography
AgiBot, a leading Chinese humanoid robotics company, has launched LinkCraft, the world’s first zero-code robot content creation platform that transforms simple phone videos into precise humanoid robot choreography. By integrating AI motion capture, cloud-based imitation learning, and multimodal orchestration, LinkCraft enables users without programming or robotics expertise to upload videos of human movements, which the platform then automatically converts into accurate robot actions. This innovation significantly lowers the barrier to creating sophisticated robot performances, previously restricted to experts due to the complexity of motion capture and algorithm development. Beyond motion replication, LinkCraft features Voice Performance, allowing robots to speak and emote naturally by synchronizing audio input with facial expressions and tone, enhancing the emotional realism of performances. The platform also includes Timeline Orchestration for frame-level choreography, enabling users to sequence actions, voices, and expressions to craft cinematic narratives. Additionally, Device Linkage and Group Control support multi-robot coordination for large-scale shows, complemented by extensive libraries of pre-set actions
roboticshumanoid-robotsAI-motion-capturerobot-choreographyimitation-learningvoice-synthesisrobot-content-creationFIRA USA 2025 agricultural robotics event recap
The FIRA USA 2025 agricultural robotics event, covered in Episode 218 of The Robot Report Podcast, highlighted significant developments in agtech innovation. Mike Oitzman attended the event in Woodland, California, where he interviewed Danny Bernstein, founder and CEO of The Reservoir, an agricultural technology incubator and investment fund. The Reservoir, created in partnership with John Deere, Western Growers, and the state of California, supports deep-tech startups focused on solving real agricultural challenges. It operates Reservoir Farms, the world’s first on-farm robotics incubator in the Salinas Valley, with plans to expand to other key agricultural regions. By combining R&D facilities, grower input, and venture capital, The Reservoir aims to accelerate the development and deployment of practical robotics solutions for high-value crop production. The podcast also covered other robotics news, including Unitree Robotics’ unveiling of the Unitree H2 humanoid robot, which features a lifelike face and enhanced mobility with 31 functional joints, enabling smoother
roboticsagricultural-roboticshumanoid-robotsUnitree-H2autonomous-vehiclesAgTechdeep-tech-startupsRoboticist Warns of Robot Bubble - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a recent warning from Rodney Brooks, a renowned roboticist and cofounder of iRobot, about a potential "robot bubble" fueled by excessive hype and investment in humanoid robots. In his article “Why Today’s Humanoids Won’t Learn Dexterity,” Brooks argues that despite significant funding from venture capitalists and major tech companies, current humanoid robots will not achieve human-like dexterity anytime soon. He emphasizes that while he remains optimistic about the future of robotics, the ambitious timelines proposed by figures like Tesla’s Elon Musk and Figure’s Mike Cagney—predicting significant humanoid robot capabilities within a few years—are unrealistic and reflect fantasy thinking. Brooks provides a historical overview of robotics, highlighting that humanoid robots are still in the early stages of the hype cycle, while AI is transitioning from peak hype toward a period of disillusionment. He discusses the technical challenges remaining, particularly in developing safe, two-legged humanoid robots and human-like dexterity in robotic
roboticshumanoid-robotsAIrobotic-dexterityrobot-bubbleneural-networkstechnology-hype-cycleLeju raises $200M for humanoid production as Unitree unveils H2 - The Robot Report
Chinese robotics companies Leju Robotics and Unitree Robotics are advancing in the development and commercialization of humanoid robots, both preparing for potential initial public offerings (IPOs). Leju recently raised approximately $200 million (1.5 billion yuan) to support research, mass production, and partnerships with major Chinese firms like Huawei, Alibaba, and Haier. Founded in 2016 and spun out of the Harbin Institute of Technology, Leju focuses on robots for education, healthcare, elder care, and heavy load transport. Its product lineup includes various humanoid models such as AELOS, which appeared at the 2018 Winter Olympics, and the KUAVO-MY open platform robot designed for developers and industrial use. Unitree Robotics, also established in 2016, has reached a $1.7 billion valuation following a Series C funding round. The Hangzhou-based company recently unveiled its H2 Destiny humanoid robot, aimed at service applications, available in commercial and educational versions. The H
roboticshumanoid-robotsLeju-RoboticsUnitree-RoboticsAI-roboticsrobotics-fundingrobot-production"We Don't Need No Stinking New Models!" —Tesla - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Tesla's current strategy of not introducing new mass-market vehicle models since the Model Y launch in March 2020, aside from the Cybertruck, which has struggled in sales. Instead of expanding its lineup, Tesla has focused on incremental updates to existing models like the Model 3 and Model Y, including minor design refreshes and regional variations such as a six-passenger Model Y in China and cost-reduced versions in the US and Europe. A rumored affordable $25,000 Tesla model was reportedly canceled by Elon Musk, who is now prioritizing autonomous vehicle technology and humanoid robots over new car models. Industry analysts express concern that Tesla’s limited product lineup and aging models could hurt its long-term growth and customer loyalty. Tesla’s lack of new model introductions contrasts with traditional automakers who regularly redesign vehicles every several years to maintain market interest. Critics argue Tesla risks declining sales as its core models age and fail to address segments like three-row SUVs, which are significant in the US market.
energyelectric-vehiclesTeslaautonomous-carshumanoid-robotsautomotive-industryproduct-innovationPodcast recaps RoboBusiness 2025, chats with startups
In Episode 218 of The Robot Report Podcast, hosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman provide a comprehensive recap of the latest robotics news and feature interviews with founders and executives from 10 startups that exhibited at RoboBusiness 2025 in Silicon Valley. Among these startups, Cerulion was highlighted as the winner of the Pitchfire annual startup competition. The episode includes detailed discussions with representatives from companies such as Roworks AI, Forge AI, Motogo, 4D1, Rotate8, Morelle AI, NuPort, R2 Labs, and Sensible Robotics, offering insights into their innovations and business developments. The news segment of the episode covers significant industry updates, including Unitree Robotics’ unveiling of the Unitree H2 humanoid robot. This next-generation model features a lifelike, bio-inspired face and sculpted calves, stands 180 cm tall, and weighs 70 kg—an increase from its predecessor. The H2 also boasts 31 functional joints, enhancing its movement
roboticshumanoid-robotsrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesrobotics-startupsrobot-jointsAI-roboticsWhat’s coming up at #IROS2025? - Robohub
The 2025 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2025) will take place from October 19 to 25 in Hangzhou, China. The event features a comprehensive program including plenary and keynote talks, workshops, tutorials, forums, competitions, and a debate. The three plenary talks scheduled for October 21-23 will cover topics such as humanoid and quadruped mobility in real-world applications (Marco Hutter), autonomous aerial manipulation for physically intelligent flying robots (Hyoun Jin Kim), and the integration of physical robots with artificial general intelligence agents (Song-Chun Zhu). Keynote presentations are organized under eleven thematic areas, highlighting cutting-edge research and developments in robotics. These areas include Rehabilitation & Physically Assistive Systems, Bio-inspired Robotics, Soft Robotics, AI and Robot Learning, Perception and Sensors, Human-Robot Interaction, Embodied Intelligence, Medical Robots, and Field Robotics. Notable topics include advancements in legged robots and
roboticssoft-roboticsAIhumanoid-robotswearable-robotsrobot-learningautonomous-systemsYour guide to Day 1 of RoboBusiness 2025 - The Robot Report
RoboBusiness 2025, a leading event for commercial robotics developers and suppliers, launches with a packed agenda featuring over 60 speakers, a startup workshop, the Pitchfire competition, and more than 100 exhibitors. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. PT with a keynote by Deepu Talla, NVIDIA’s VP of robotics and edge AI, focusing on the advancement of physical AI in robotics. Following this, a panel titled “Lessons Learned From the First Humanoid Deployments” includes experts from NVIDIA, Agility Robotics, and The Robot Report. The show floor opens at 10:00 a.m., offering various attractions such as the Engineering Theater, Startup Showcase, and international pavilions, culminating in a networking reception from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Day 1 also features multiple breakout sessions starting at 11:30 a.m., covering diverse topics like Singapore’s role as a hub for advanced manufacturing and robotics, sensor evolution in ag
roboticsAIhumanoid-robotsrobotics-industryrobotics-conferencerobotics-technologyrobotics-innovationA guide to everything happening at RoboBusiness 2025 - The Robot Report
RoboBusiness 2025 is set to begin at the Santa Clara Convention Center, offering attendees a comprehensive program focused on robotics and AI advancements. The event features over 60 speakers, including industry leaders from NVIDIA and other key organizations, alongside a startup workshop, the annual Pitchfire competition, and extensive networking opportunities. More than 100 exhibitors will showcase the latest technologies and solutions aimed at addressing robotics development challenges. Attendees can utilize the RoboBusiness App to plan their schedules and connect with peers. The event opens with a ticketed Welcome Reception and includes keynote presentations such as Deepu Talla’s discussion on “Physical AI for the New Era of Robotics” and a panel on humanoid deployments. Day 1 includes breakout sessions, Engineering Theater presentations, and networking events, with the show floor open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The following day features a “State of Robotics” keynote panel addressing technical breakthroughs and industry trends, followed by a session on “
roboticsAIrobotics-conferencerobotics-industryhumanoid-robotsrobotics-technologyrobotics-startupsSoftware bridging humanoid robots, machines shortlisted for top honor
Flexxbotics, a U.S.-based digital manufacturing solutions company, has developed FlexxCORE™, a low-code software platform designed to bridge humanoid robots with factory systems, enabling seamless communication and coordination between robots, industrial machinery, IT systems, and human operators. This technology uses specialized connectors called Transformers to facilitate bi-directional data exchange, allowing robots to interpret machine tasks, monitor operational status in real time, and manage multiple operations simultaneously through parallelized data pipelines. FlexxCORE’s expanded data models also enhance robot contextual awareness and machine learning capabilities, eliminating the need for complex custom coding and supporting interoperability across thousands of equipment types. Flexxbotics’ innovation has earned the company a finalist spot in the Groundbreaking Technology category of the Humanoid Robotics Industry Awards 2025, competing alongside notable industry players such as Nvidia and Agibot. The awards recognize advancements shaping the future of intelligent automation and humanoid robotics, with winners to be announced in November 2025. Flexxbotics
robothumanoid-robotsmanufacturing-automationindustrial-robotssmart-factoriesrobot-integrationrobotics-softwareHumanoids need orchestration to be useful in manufacturing, notes Flexxbotics CEO - The Robot Report
The article by Tyler Bouchard, CEO of Flexxbotics, emphasizes that humanoid robots in manufacturing require sophisticated orchestration and coordination to be truly effective. Rather than automating isolated tasks, humanoids must perform multiple operations autonomously and work seamlessly alongside other robots, machines, and human workers within smart factories. Achieving this level of integration demands that humanoids operate with contextual awareness, communicating bi-directionally with business IT systems and factory equipment to receive instructions, provide updates, and adjust actions in real time. Bouchard highlights that humanoids need robotic production software capable of secure, real-time read/write communication with diverse factory assets to enable fully autonomous operation. This closed-loop communication system allows humanoids to move beyond simple automation toward connected autonomy, where they can make contextual decisions and interact dynamically within production processes. Without such orchestration and interoperability, the potential of humanoid robots to drive scalable, efficient manufacturing will remain unrealized.
roboticshumanoid-robotssmart-factoryindustrial-automationmanufacturing-technologyrobot-orchestrationautonomous-robotsEdge computing and AI: A conversation with Palladyne AI's Ben Wolff
In Episode 216 of The Robot Report Podcast, hosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman feature an interview with Ben Wolff, CEO of Palladyne AI, highlighting the company's advancements in AI and robotics. Palladyne AI focuses on simplifying robot programming through an improved user interface, developing autonomous drone swarming technology, and creating hardware-agnostic AI solutions. Wolff underscores the benefits of edge computing and stresses a customer-centric approach to ensure their products are essential and user-friendly. The episode also covers significant industry news, including ABB Group’s sale of its Robotics & Discrete Automation division to SoftBank for $5.375 billion amid declining orders and revenues. The report reviews SoftBank’s varied robotics investments over the years, such as acquisitions and divestitures involving Aldebaran Robotics, Boston Dynamics, and others. Additionally, Boston Dynamics showcased its latest humanoid hand design optimized for industrial durability and affordability, while Figure AI unveiled its Figure 03 humanoid robot aimed at safe, scalable
roboticsAIedge-computingautonomous-dronesrobot-programminghumanoid-robotsSoftBank-robotics-investmentsThe world is just not quite ready for humanoids yet
The article highlights skepticism from experts about the current state and near-term prospects of humanoid robots, despite significant investment and hype in the sector. Rodney Brooks, a renowned roboticist and iRobot founder, warns of an investment bubble, emphasizing that humanoids still lack the dexterity and fine motor skills necessary for practical use. Other AI and robotics experts echo this caution, noting that widespread adoption of humanoid robots is unlikely for several years, if not over a decade. Fady Saad, a robotics-focused venture capitalist, points out limited market opportunities beyond niche applications like space exploration and raises serious safety concerns about humanoids operating alongside humans, especially in homes. The timeline for achieving functional, commercially viable humanoid robots remains uncertain, complicating investment decisions given venture capital fund lifecycles. Nvidia’s AI research leaders compare the current enthusiasm for humanoids to early excitement around self-driving cars, which have yet to achieve full global scalability despite years of development. The complexity of humanoid robotics—such as managing
roboticshumanoid-robotsartificial-intelligencerobotics-investmentrobot-safetyautomationrobotics-technologyTesla Optimus Plans Evaporated - CleanTechnica
Tesla has reportedly abandoned its ambitious plan to deploy 10,000 Optimus robots internally by the end of 2023, a target previously announced by Elon Musk during an investor call earlier this year. According to reporting from The Information, these plans were scrapped over the summer, and the promise that the robots would be “doing useful things by the end of the year” appears unlikely to be fulfilled. Instead, Musk may showcase a “dancing troupe” of Optimus bots at Tesla’s upcoming annual meeting, which some interpret as more of a publicity stunt than evidence of practical progress. This development fits a broader pattern observed by industry watchers, where Musk tends to make bold claims when facing setbacks, sometimes doubling down on optimistic projections despite missed deadlines or unfulfilled promises. For example, Musk has suggested that Optimus could eventually represent 80% of Tesla’s value, a statement viewed skeptically given the current lack of tangible results. Meanwhile, the global robotics landscape is evolving rapidly, with China leading
roboticsTesla-Optimushumanoid-robotsautomationrobotics-industryindustrial-roboticsrobot-patentsReal Steel-style humanoid robots battle in secret San Francisco club
The article highlights a recent underground humanoid robot fighting event called the ‘Silicon Colosseum’ held in a SoMa warehouse in San Francisco. Inspired by the 2011 movie ‘Real Steel,’ the event featured smaller-scale humanoid robots battling inside an octagonal steel cage. Despite lacking the size and dexterity of their fictional counterparts, these robots generated significant excitement, drawing several hundred attendees to the invite-only event. Notably, a headless bipedal robot called K-Bot, controlled remotely by its CEO Benjamin Bolte, faced off against a glove-wearing house robot named Booster T1, which won the match and impressed the crowd with its resilience. The event also included a robot dog fight, and its organizer, Verda Korzeniewski, confirmed it was the second such event, with plans for another tournament in November. The article places this event within the broader context of increasing humanoid robot participation in sports and competitive activities worldwide. For instance, China recently hosted the
robothumanoid-robotsrobot-fightingrobotics-sportsteleoperationVR-controlrobot-competitionsChina’s wearable suit trains humanoid robots with high accuracy
Researchers at China’s National University of Defense Technology, in collaboration with Midea Group, have developed HumanoidExo, a wearable suit system designed to train humanoid robots with high accuracy by capturing real-time human motion. Unlike traditional training methods that rely on videos and simulations—often causing robots to lose balance—HumanoidExo uses motion sensors and a LiDAR scanner to track seven arm joints and body movements, providing robots with precise, real-world data. The system’s AI component, HumanoidExo-VLA, combines a Vision-Language-Action model to interpret human tasks and a reinforcement learning controller to maintain robot balance during learning. Testing on the Unitree G1 humanoid robot demonstrated significant improvements: after training with data from five teleoperated and 195 exoskeleton-recorded sessions, the robot’s success rate on a pick-and-place task rose from 5% to nearly 80%, approaching the performance level of 200 human demonstrations. The robot also learned to walk effectively
robothumanoid-robotswearable-suitmotion-captureAI-trainingreinforcement-learningexoskeletonTop 10 robotics developments of September 2025 - The Robot Report
In September 2025, the robotics industry experienced significant developments, highlighted by major funding rounds, new product launches, and shifts in technology platforms. UBTECH Robotics secured up to $1 billion in financing from Infini Capital to expand humanoid robot production in the Middle East, planning a superfactory and R&D center. Similarly, Figure AI raised over $1 billion in Series C funding, reaching a $39 billion valuation to accelerate general-purpose humanoid robot deployment. These investments underscore the growing emphasis on humanoid robots as key players in industrial and service sectors, despite ongoing challenges in advancing their capabilities at the pace of AI chatbots. Several companies introduced innovative technologies addressing automation and robotics control. Google DeepMind and Intrinsic collaborated on AI solutions for multi-robot planning to reduce programming complexity in industrial settings, where over 4.3 million robots are currently in use. U.K.-based startup Humanoid launched the HMND 01 Alpha, a dual-armed mobile manipulator designed to help alleviate
roboticshumanoid-robotsindustrial-robotsAI-in-roboticsrobot-automationmulti-robot-planningrobotics-industry-developmentsHackers can hijack Unitree humanoid robots via Bluetooth flaw
Security researchers Andreas Markis and Kevin Finnisterre revealed a critical Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) vulnerability affecting Unitree Robotics’ humanoid and quadruped robots, including the Go2, B2, G1, and H1 models. The flaw, dubbed UniPwn, allows attackers to gain root-level wireless access by exploiting hardcoded encryption keys used in the robots’ BLE setup for WiFi configuration. This weakness enables a single compromised robot to infect others within range, effectively creating a self-propagating botnet. Additionally, the G1 robot was found to transmit data to servers in China every five minutes without user notification, raising further privacy and security concerns. The researchers criticized Unitree Robotics for poor communication regarding these vulnerabilities, questioning whether the issues stem from negligence or intentional design flaws. In response, Unitree acknowledged the problems and stated that most fixes have been completed and will be rolled out soon. Experts recommend disabling Bluetooth connectivity and using only WiFi to connect these robots to mitigate risks
roboticscybersecurityBluetooth-Low-EnergyUnitree-robotsIoT-securityhumanoid-robotsrobot-hackingGoogle's Gemini model lets humanoid robot carry out multimodal tasks
Google DeepMind has unveiled advancements in its humanoid robots powered by the Gemini Robotics 1.5 AI models, enabling them to perform complex, multi-step tasks through multimodal reasoning. Demonstrated in a recent video, the bi-arm Franka robot successfully completed the "banana test," sorting different fruits by color into separate plates, showcasing improved capabilities over previous models that could only follow single-step instructions. Another test featured Apptronik’s Apollo humanoid sorting laundry by color, even adapting to changes in basket positions mid-task, highlighting the robots' enhanced perception and adaptability. The Gemini Robotics 1.5 family includes two complementary models: one that converts visual inputs and instructions into actions, and another that reasons about the environment to create step-by-step plans. This agentic framework allows robots to autonomously study their surroundings, make decisions, and execute tasks such as sorting waste according to local recycling rules by researching guidelines online and applying them in real time. Google emphasizes safety in these models, incorporating risk assessment
roboticshumanoid-robotsAI-modelsmultimodal-tasksautonomous-robotsrobot-perceptionrobot-reasoningNext-gen robots are welding shipyards, roaming city streets in Korea
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has showcased how its research-backed startups are pioneering next-generation robots capable of operating in challenging environments such as shipyards and urban streets. DIDEN Robotics has developed the quadrupedal DIDEN 30 robot, equipped with magnetic feet to crawl on steel walls and ceilings, designed for high-risk tasks like welding and painting by 2026. They are also advancing a bipedal robot, DIDE Walker, for stable walking in complex industrial settings. DIDEN Robotics has partnered with major Korean shipbuilders including Samsung Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Samho to customize these robots, aiming to address labor shortages and enhance automation in shipbuilding. Meanwhile, Eurobotics is commercializing humanoid walking technology that enables robots to navigate indoor and outdoor industrial sites, including rough terrains, without relying on cameras or external sensors. Their humanoid robot uses a Blind Walking Controller, which allows it to "imagine" the ground and walk steadily on sidewalks, slopes,
robotsroboticshumanoid-robotsindustrial-automationshipyard-technologywalking-robotsKorea-Advanced-Institute-of-Science-and-TechnologyNVIDIA unveils brain-and-body stack to train next-gen humanoids
NVIDIA has introduced a comprehensive robotics stack aimed at advancing humanoid robot development by integrating physics simulation, AI reasoning, and infrastructure within its Isaac Lab platform. Central to this update are the open-source, GPU-accelerated Newton Physics Engine and the Isaac GR00T N1.6 robot foundation model. Newton, co-developed with Google DeepMind and Disney Research and managed by the Linux Foundation, enables highly realistic simulations of complex physical interactions—such as walking on uneven terrain or handling fragile objects—facilitating safer and more reliable transfer of robot skills from simulation to real-world environments. Early adopters include leading academic and industry robotics groups. Isaac GR00T N1.6 incorporates NVIDIA’s Cosmos Reason, a vision-language reasoning model designed for physical AI, which enhances humanoid robots’ ability to interpret ambiguous instructions, leverage prior knowledge, and generalize across tasks. This model supports simultaneous movement and object manipulation, tackling advanced challenges like opening heavy doors. Developers can fine-tune GR00T
roboticshumanoid-robotsNVIDIA-IsaacNewton-Physics-EngineAI-infrastructurerobot-simulationphysical-AIOxford Robotics Institute director discusses the truth about AI and robotics - The Robot Report
Nick Hawes, director of the Oxford Robotics Institute and professor at the University of Oxford, highlights significant advances in robotics and AI that are transforming business applications. He emphasizes that autonomous robotics—robots capable of operating independently without direct human control—are becoming increasingly common, especially in logistics and inspection tasks. Examples include quadruped robots and drones that autonomously monitor sites for issues requiring human attention. While humanoid robots generate excitement, Hawes advises caution for immediate business adoption, suggesting their practical use cases may emerge within the next five to ten years. In AI, he points to foundation models, such as large language and vision-language-action models, as pivotal technologies that enable robots to better understand and interact with complex, unstructured environments. Hawes draws on extensive experience deploying autonomous robots across diverse environments to illustrate their potential. Early projects involved autonomous mobile robots performing security patrols in offices and assisting nursing staff in care homes and hospitals, operating continuously without human intervention. His work also includes underwater autonomous robots collecting
roboticsartificial-intelligenceautonomous-robotsAI-in-roboticsrobotics-applicationshumanoid-robotsrobotics-researchChina to build robot 'boot camps' as gyms to power next-gen humanoids
China plans to establish a network of robot "boot camps"—large-scale training facilities acting as gyms or obstacle courses for humanoid robots—in major cities including Beijing and Shanghai. The largest facility, located in Beijing’s Shijingshan district, will span over 108,000 square feet and generate more than 6 million data points annually. These camps will simulate real-world environments such as factories, retail shops, elderly care centers, and smart homes, enabling robots to practice tasks and gather standardized, high-quality training data. This initiative aims to address the current bottleneck in China’s robotics industry caused by inconsistent and costly data collection methods, facilitating improved AI development and data sharing among robotics companies. This effort is part of China’s broader strategic push to lead in embodied intelligence—AI integrated into physical robots—and to compete with the United States, which currently deploys far fewer industrial robots annually (about one-tenth of China’s 300,000). The boot camps will form a national network linked across
roboticshumanoid-robotsAI-trainingrobotics-industryChina-technologyrobot-boot-campsembodied-intelligenceFamed roboticist says humanoid robot bubble is doomed to burst
Renowned roboticist Rodney Brooks, co-founder of iRobot and former MIT researcher, warns that the current enthusiasm around humanoid robots is overly optimistic and likely to collapse. He criticizes companies like Tesla and Figure for relying on teaching robots dexterity through videos of humans performing tasks, calling this method “pure fantasy thinking.” Brooks highlights the complexity of the human hand, which contains about 17,000 specialized touch receptors—a level of tactile sophistication that no robot currently approaches. Unlike advances in speech recognition and image processing, which benefited from decades of data collection, robotics lacks a comparable foundation of touch data. Brooks also raises safety concerns, noting that full-sized humanoid robots consume large amounts of energy to maintain balance, making falls dangerous. He explains that larger robots would pose exponentially greater risks due to the physics of energy impact. Predicting the future of robotics, Brooks believes that successful robots in 15 years will likely abandon the human form, instead featuring wheels, multiple arms, and specialized sensors tailored to
robothumanoid-robotsroboticsmachine-learningrobot-safetyrobot-dexterityRodney-BrooksRobots, mergers and acquitions with Peter Finn
In Episode 214 of The Robot Report Podcast, hosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman discuss key developments in robotics with guest Peter Finn, Managing Director at Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL). Finn provides insights into the post-COVID industrial technology landscape, highlighting the growing influence of AI and robotics, the challenges and opportunities in the sector, and the importance of adaptability amid rapid technological change. The conversation also covers trends in mergers and acquisitions within robotics, as well as the emerging potential of humanoid robots. The episode also reviews major robotics news, including a U.S. national security investigation into imports of medical devices, robotics, and industrial machinery aimed at reducing reliance on overseas supply chains. This has raised concerns about potential tariffs on imported robots and their impact on reshoring manufacturing efforts, especially since most industrial robots used in the U.S. are currently imported. Additionally, the IEEE Humanoid Study Group released a framework for humanoid robot standards, addressing classification, stability, and human-robot
roboticsindustrial-robotsAIhumanoid-robotsmergers-and-acquisitionsrobotics-standardsmanufacturing-reshoringIEEE study group publishes framework for humanoid standards
The IEEE Humanoid Study Group has published a comprehensive framework aimed at guiding the development of standards for humanoid robots. This framework addresses the unique risks and capabilities of humanoids to support their safe and effective deployment across industrial, service, and public sectors. The study group focused on three key interconnected areas: Classification, Stability, and Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). Classification involves creating a clear taxonomy to define humanoid robots by their physical and behavioral traits and application domains, serving as a foundation for identifying applicable standards and gaps. Stability focuses on developing measurable metrics and safety standards for balancing robots, including dynamic balance and fall-response behaviors. HRI guidelines aim to ensure safe, trustworthy interactions between humans and humanoid robots, covering collaborative safety, interpretable behavior, and user training. Led by Aaron Prather of ASTM International, the working group comprised over 60 experts from industry, academia, and regulatory bodies who collaborated for more than a year. Their efforts included market research, vendor and end-user interviews,
roboticshumanoid-robotsrobot-standardshuman-robot-interactionrobotics-safetyIEEE-standardsautonomous-systemsUS firm's humanoid robots to transform shipyard operations
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has partnered with Houston-based robotics company Persona AI to introduce industrial-grade humanoid robots into shipyard operations. This collaboration aims to adapt Persona AI’s humanoid robots to perform a variety of shipyard tasks, leveraging their flexibility and mobility to operate effectively in complex and confined environments designed for human workers. The partnership will also focus on developing new ABS standards for data quality and types needed to support digital and remote survey techniques, which will guide future robot design and certification processes in the maritime industry. ABS and Persona AI’s joint efforts mark a significant milestone for shipbuilding, as they work to integrate emerging robotic technologies safely and reliably into shipyard workflows. Persona AI emphasizes that their humanoid robots are designed to work alongside human workers, enhancing safety and productivity rather than replacing personnel. These robots utilize advanced NASA robotic hand technology to achieve the dexterity required for skilled tasks in dynamic, unstructured environments. This innovation addresses critical workforce challenges in shipyards, where high attrition and
robothumanoid-robotsshipyard-automationrobotics-engineeringmaritime-industryindustrial-robotsrobotics-standardsStep into the future: The full AI Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
The AI Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled for October 27–29 in San Francisco, will showcase leading innovators and companies shaping the future of artificial intelligence across diverse domains such as generative AI, developer tools, autonomous vehicles, creative AI, and national security. Attendees, especially founders, will gain early insights into emerging technologies, strategic lessons, and firsthand knowledge from top AI teams including Character.AI, Hugging Face, Wayve, and others. The event features a comprehensive agenda with keynotes, breakouts, roundtables, and networking opportunities designed to explore AI’s evolving landscape in scaling, investing, and building. Highlights include discussions on the future of AI-driven search with Pinecone’s CEO Edo Liberty, the evolving AI infrastructure stack with Hugging Face’s Thomas Wolf, and the practical impact of AI on software development led by JetBrains’ CEO Kirill Skrygan. Autonomous systems and physical AI will be explored by leaders from Wayve, Apptronik,
robotautonomous-vehiclesAIartificial-intelligenceself-driving-technologyhumanoid-robotsAI-innovationPerformance-guided surgery: Robots in the operating room
The podcast episode of The Robot Report features Dustin Vaughan, VP of R&D for robotics at Asensus Surgical, discussing the company’s strategic focus on the Luna surgical platform. Vaughan highlights how performance-guided surgery, augmented intelligence, and AI integration can improve clinical support and surgical outcomes, particularly emphasizing the promising future of robotics in pediatric care. He also addresses challenges such as regulatory compliance and cybersecurity in advancing surgical robotics. Asensus’s Senhance system was recognized with a 2025 RBR50 award, underscoring its innovation in the field. The episode also covers broader robotics industry news, including Figure AI’s recent Series C funding round that raised its valuation to $39 billion, aiming to mass-produce humanoid robots through its Helix platform and BotQ production environment. This reflects growing investor enthusiasm for humanoid robotics, alongside other companies like UBTECH and Dyna Robotics securing significant funding. Additionally, the podcast reports on the second shutdown of Rethink Robotics, a pioneer in collaborative robots
roboticssurgical-robotsmedical-roboticsAI-in-surgeryhumanoid-robotscollaborative-robotsrobotics-researchPerformance-Guided Surgery: Robots in the operating room
The article summarizes Episode 213 of The Robot Report Podcast, featuring Dustin Vaughan, VP of R&D for Robotics at Ascensus, who discusses the company’s focus on performance-guided surgery through their Luna platform. Vaughan emphasizes integrating augmented intelligence to improve clinical support systems, addressing regulatory and cybersecurity challenges, and highlights the promising future of surgical robotics, especially in pediatric care. The conversation reflects Ascensus’s commitment to innovative, cost-effective robotic solutions that enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Ascensus’s Senhance system was recognized with a 2025 RBR50 award, underscoring its industry impact. The episode also includes insights from Anders Beck, VP of Technology at Universal Robots, on evolving collaborative robotics standards, and Scott Kuindersma from Boston Dynamics on robotics research. The news segment covers major industry developments: Figure AI becoming a robotics unicorn with a $39 billion valuation after its Series C funding, aiming to produce 100,000 humanoid robots in four years; and the shutdown of R
roboticssurgical-robotsAI-in-healthcarehumanoid-robotsrobotics-researchcollaborative-robotsautomation-in-surgeryCCTY highlighting humanoid motion control at RoboBusiness
CCTY, a specialist in robotic and humanoid bearings and linkages, will showcase its advanced motion control components at RoboBusiness 2025, held October 15-16 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. At Booth #616, attendees can explore CCTY’s miniature bushings, crossed roller bearings, rod ends, linkages, and spherical plain bearings, all designed to enable smooth, efficient humanoid motion through application-specific engineering. CCTY emphasizes how its products support roboticists in achieving superior motion control, highlighting the company’s engineering and production strengths. RoboBusiness 2025 is a major robotics industry event attracting over 2,000 professionals and featuring 100+ exhibitors, 50+ educational sessions, keynotes, and hands-on demos. The event focuses on the latest humanoid robotics advancements, physical AI, field robotics, and enabling technologies, alongside investment trends and business best practices. A dedicated humanoid track includes sessions on lessons from early humanoid deployments, mastering safety
robothumanoid-robotsmotion-controlrobotics-engineeringrobotic-bearingsrobotic-actuationRoboBusinessFigure AI partners with Brookfield to develop humanoid pre-training dataset - The Robot Report
Figure AI Inc., a developer of humanoid robots, has partnered with Brookfield Corp., a major alternative asset manager, to create a large and diverse real-world pretraining dataset for humanoid robots. This collaboration aims to enhance Figure AI’s proprietary vision-language-action (VLA) model, Helix, by collecting extensive human navigation and manipulation data across various household and commercial environments managed by Brookfield. The partnership also includes Brookfield’s investment in Figure AI’s recent Series C funding round, which raised over $1 billion and valued the company at $39 billion. Figure AI has already begun deploying its Figure 02 humanoid systems commercially and received recognition for its rapid development pace. Brookfield’s extensive real estate portfolio, including over 500 million square feet of commercial office space and 160 million square feet of logistics space, provides strategic environments for data collection critical to training humanoid robots. The partnership will also explore infrastructure support such as next-generation GPU data centers and robotic training facilities, as well as
roboticshumanoid-robotsAI-training-datasetartificial-intelligencerobotics-innovationcommercial-roboticsrobot-deploymentFigure 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-fundingIs The Pursuit Of AI & Humanoid Robots Based On A Flawed Approach? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the current surge in interest around artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots, highlighting both the enthusiasm and potential pitfalls of this technological pursuit. AI has become a widespread buzzword, with companies promoting AI-driven solutions for various tasks, from composting to innovative devices like an electric fork. Alongside AI, humanoid robots—machines designed to resemble humans but without human limitations—are gaining attention for their potential to perform tasks continuously without breaks or benefits, powered by rechargeable batteries. A significant focus of the article is on OpenAI’s emerging involvement in humanoid robotics. Although OpenAI has not officially announced a robotics project, it has been actively recruiting experts in robotics, tele-operation, and simulation, indicating a strategic move into this field. The company’s job postings suggest ambitions to develop general-purpose robots capable of operating in dynamic, real-world environments, possibly aiming for artificial general intelligence (AGI). This aligns with the view that achieving AGI may require robots that can
robothumanoid-robotsartificial-intelligenceAIrobotics-researchtele-operationsimulation-toolsFigure 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-fundingAgility Robotics explains how to train a whole-body control foundation model - The Robot Report
Agility Robotics has developed a whole-body control foundation model for its Digit humanoid robot, designed to enable safe, stable, and versatile task execution in complex, human-centric environments. This model acts like a "motor cortex," integrating signals from different control layers to manage voluntary movements and fine motor skills. It is implemented as a relatively small LSTM neural network with fewer than one million parameters, trained extensively in NVIDIA’s Isaac Sim physics simulator. Remarkably, the model transfers directly from simulation to the real world without additional training, allowing Digit to perform tasks such as walking, grasping, and manipulating heavy objects with high precision and robustness to disturbances. The model can be prompted using various inputs, including dense spatial objectives and large language models, enabling Digit to execute complex behaviors like grocery shopping demonstrated at NVIDIA’s GTC event. Agility Robotics aims to provide an intuitive interface for humanoid robots similar to fixed-base robots, where users specify desired end-effector poses and the robot autonomously positions itself accordingly.
roboticshumanoid-robotswhole-body-controlneural-networksAI-in-roboticsrobot-manipulationAgility-RoboticsHumanoids, AVs, and what’s next in AI hardware with Waabi and Apptronik at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place from October 27 to 29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, will feature a key session focused on the future of AI hardware, particularly in robotics and autonomous systems. The event will bring together over 10,000 startup and venture capital leaders to explore groundbreaking technologies and ideas. A highlight of the conference is a discussion with Raquel Urtasun, founder and CEO of Waabi, and Jeff Cardenas, co-founder and CEO of Apptronik, who will share insights on integrating AI with real-world physical systems such as autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots. The session will delve into the challenges and innovations involved in developing intelligent machines that operate safely and effectively in the physical world. Topics include the use of simulation, sensors, and software infrastructure critical to scaling these technologies. The conversation aims to provide a realistic and forward-looking perspective on how AI-driven robotics and self-driving platforms are evolving and the implications for industry, labor, and infrastructure.
roboticsautonomous-vehiclesAI-hardwarehumanoid-robotssensorssimulation-technologyintelligent-machinesHumanoids, AVs, and what’s next in AI hardware at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place from October 27 to 29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, will gather over 10,000 startup and venture capital leaders to explore cutting-edge technology and future trends. A highlight of the event is a session focused on the future of AI hardware, particularly in robotics and autonomous systems. This session will feature live demonstrations and discussions on the advancements and challenges in developing humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles, emphasizing the integration of AI with real-world physics through simulation, sensors, and software infrastructure. Key speakers include Raquel Urtasun, founder and CEO of Waabi, and Jeff Cardenas, co-founder and CEO of Apptronik, who will share insights into the breakthroughs and bottlenecks in scaling intelligent machines safely and effectively. The discussion aims to provide a realistic and forward-looking perspective on how AI-driven robotics and autonomous platforms are evolving, highlighting their potential impact on industry, labor, and infrastructure. This session underscores the unique constraints and
robotautonomous-vehiclesAI-hardwareroboticshumanoid-robotssensorsautonomous-systemsFirst wave of humanoid robots enters warehouses and shop floors
Humanoid robots are transitioning from experimental prototypes in labs to practical applications on factory floors and warehouses. Companies like Amazon, Tesla, and startups such as Figure are actively developing and deploying humanoid robots to perform tasks like deliveries, fetching and carrying parts, and handling boxes. This shift aims to offload repetitive, dangerous, or physically demanding work from humans, allowing people to focus on safer and more creative roles. However, the rise of humanoid robots also raises concerns about potential job losses, especially in communities heavily dependent on large employers like Amazon and Walmart. Technologically, humanoid robots replicate human anatomy with electric actuators functioning as “muscles” to enable precise and strong movements, while sensor suites—including cameras, lidar, inertial sensors, and tactile sensors—provide perception and balance. These inputs feed into onboard computers running sophisticated control algorithms and AI, which manage stability, navigation, and object manipulation. Globally, efforts span from cost-effective models in China to service and elder-care robots in Japan and
roboticshumanoid-robotsautomationindustrial-robotswarehouse-automationTesla-OptimusBoston-DynamicsChina experiences physical AI surge - and how the U.S. should respond - The Robot Report
The article highlights China's rapid surge in physical AI and industrial automation, underscored by the latest data from the International Federation of Robotics showing that China received 54% of the roughly 520,000 industrial robots installed worldwide in 2024. This contrasts with declines in robot shipments in the European Union, Japan, and the U.S. China has overtaken the U.S. in robot density, a key automation metric, reflecting its decisive push toward smart, connected manufacturing aimed at technological leadership and potential reshoring benefits. Supported by state policies and a robust domestic industrial ecosystem, China’s share of the industrial robot market has grown significantly, with local suppliers dominating collaborative and mobile robots. The country leads in sectors like electric vehicles, batteries, photovoltaics, drones, and autonomous driving, and Chinese industrial robots are notably more affordable than European or Japanese alternatives. China’s strong emphasis on STEM education has cultivated a deep talent pool, graduating far more science majors than the EU or U.S., and Chinese-origin scholars
robotsindustrial-automationChina-technologyhumanoid-robotsAI-in-roboticsmanufacturing-automationrobotics-industryHow BrainCo robotic hands are changing lives - The Robot Report
BrainCo, a company founded in 2015 and incubated by Harvard Innovation Lab, has developed an advanced non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) that enables users to control prosthetic hands with remarkable dexterity. The technology notably transformed the life of Jian, a teenager who lost his right arm in an accident. Using BrainCo’s Intelligent Bionic Hand, Jian regained the ability to perform complex tasks such as rock climbing and playing the piano, restoring both his physical capabilities and his sense of hope. The company’s latest product, the Revo 2 Dexterous Hand, is a lightweight (383 g) prosthetic capable of generating a grip force of 50 newtons, allowing it to lift up to 20 kg. It features biomimetic joint optimization, precision transmission, and a 3D tactile sensing system that can perceive hardness, texture, force direction, and distance, enabling delicate tasks like lighting a match. The device operates quietly (below 50 decibels)
robotroboticsprostheticsbrain-computer-interfacebionic-handhumanoid-robotstactile-sensingX Square Robot debuts foundation model for robotic butler after $100M Series A - The Robot Report
X Square Robot, a Shenzhen-based startup founded in 2023, has raised $100 million in Series A+ funding and introduced Wall-OSS, an open-source foundational AI model designed for robotic platforms, alongside its Quanta X2 humanoid robot. The company aims to advance household humanoid robotics by addressing key limitations in current robotic AI, such as over-reliance on task-specific training and excessive focus on bipedal locomotion. Instead, X Square Robot emphasizes generalized training in manipulation with robotic hands and reasoning across diverse robot forms to enable robots to perform unpredictable real-world tasks, like serving food, which traditional warehouse-focused training does not prepare them for. Wall-OSS is built on what X Square Robot claims to be the world’s largest embodied intelligence dataset and is designed to overcome challenges like catastrophic forgetting (loss of previously learned knowledge when training on new data) and modal decoupling (misalignment of vision, language, and action). The multimodal model is trained on vision-language-action
roboticshumanoid-robotsembodied-AIfoundation-modelrobotic-butlerAI-trainingopen-source-roboticsTesla shareholders to vote on investing in Musk’s AI startup xAI
Tesla shareholders are set to vote on a proposal to allow the company to invest in Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, which is positioned as a strategic move to bolster Tesla’s AI, robotics, and energy initiatives. The proposal, initiated by a shareholder with a modest stake, highlights Tesla’s recent integration of xAI’s Grok AI into its vehicles and argues that investing in xAI would secure advanced AI capabilities, drive innovation, and enhance shareholder value. Notably, Tesla’s board has taken a neutral stance on the proposal, which follows SpaceX’s commitment to invest in xAI amid speculation that the AI startup is struggling to secure outside funding. Some shareholders have expressed concerns that xAI could compete with Tesla, given Musk’s framing of Tesla as an AI company, though a related lawsuit was dismissed last year. This vote coincides with Tesla’s broader efforts to shift investor focus from challenges such as declining EV sales and a slow robotaxi rollout toward its AI ambitions, including autonomous vehicles and the
robotAIautonomous-vehicleshumanoid-robotsenergyTeslainvestmentShoucheng Holdings launches Robotics Advanced Materials Co. - The Robot Report
Shoucheng Holdings Ltd. is intensifying its robotics strategy by launching Shoucheng Robotics Advanced Materials Industrial Co., a new subsidiary focused on developing critical robotics components such as electronic skin, tendon cables, and lightweight PEEK composites. This move aims to fill key gaps in the robotics value chain and expand Shoucheng’s role from investment and application to encompassing materials, systems, and applications. The Hong Kong-based company, part of the Shougang Group, has also invested in several robotics firms including humanoid developer NOETIX Robotics Inc., Unitree, Galbot, Galaxea-AI, and Booster Robotics, while advancing large-scale robotics deployments in various sectors like automotive production, autonomous charging stations, and surgical applications. Financially, Shoucheng reported strong interim results for fiscal 2025, with revenue rising 36% year-over-year to HK$731 million (about $93 million USD) and net profit increasing 30% to HK$339 million ($43.4 million
roboticsadvanced-materialshumanoid-robotsPEEK-compositesrobotics-componentsrobotics-ecosystemShoucheng-HoldingsWhy humanoid robots aren't advancing as fast as AI chatbots - The Robot Report
The article discusses why humanoid robots are not advancing as rapidly as AI chatbots, despite recent breakthroughs in large language models (LLMs) that power conversational AI. While tech leaders like Elon Musk and Jensen Huang predict humanoid robots will soon perform complex tasks such as surgery or home assistance, robotics experts like UC Berkeley's Ken Goldberg caution that these expectations are overly optimistic. Goldberg highlights a fundamental challenge known as the “100,000-year data gap,” referring to the vast difference between the extensive textual data available to train AI chatbots and the limited physical interaction data available to train robots for real-world tasks. This gap significantly slows the development of robots’ dexterity and manipulation skills, which remain far behind their language processing capabilities. Goldberg emphasizes that the core difficulty lies in robots’ ability to perform precise physical tasks, such as picking up a wine glass or changing a light bulb—actions humans do effortlessly but robots struggle with due to the complexity of spatial perception and fine motor control. This issue, known
roboticshumanoid-robotsAI-chatbotsmachine-learningautomationrobotics-researchartificial-intelligenceUBTECH 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-productionTop 10 robotics developments of August 2025 - The Robot Report
In August 2025, The Robot Report highlighted significant developments in the robotics industry, emphasizing both business dynamics and technological advancements. Robotics investments surged to over $4.35 billion in July 2025, driven primarily by the U.S. and China through 93 funding rounds. Key funding news included FORT Robotics securing an additional $18.9 million to enhance robotic safety and OpenMind raising $20 million to advance its OM1 operating system aimed at connecting intelligent machines globally. Teradyne Robotics reported $75 million in Q2 revenue, reflecting a 9% increase from the previous quarter despite a 17% year-over-year decline. On the innovation front, Boston Dynamics and TRI are leveraging large behavior models to train the Atlas humanoid robot for versatile task competence, including object manipulation and dynamic balance. University of Waterloo researchers are pioneering tiny robots designed to dissolve kidney stones, potentially transforming treatment for a condition affecting 12% of people. Unitree Robotics introduced the A2 quadruped robot
roboticshumanoid-robotsrobot-investmentsrobotic-safetymedical-robotsAI-in-roboticsautonomous-robotsTesla’s fourth ‘Master Plan’ reads like LLM-generated nonsense
Tesla recently released its fourth “Master Plan,” outlining ambitions to lead global adoption of humanoid robots and sustainable energy. However, the plan has been widely criticized, including by CEO Elon Musk, for its lack of concrete details and specifics. Unlike previous master plans, this latest version reads as vague and generic, resembling AI-generated content filled with broad, idealistic statements rather than actionable goals. Musk acknowledged the criticism and promised more details in the future, though no timeline was provided. The article contrasts this with Tesla’s earlier master plans, which, despite ambitious goals, included clearer objectives and measurable targets. For example, the second master plan from 2016 promised a solar roof product and new vehicle types like a compact SUV and semi truck. While Tesla has made progress with the Model Y and its solar roof product, many goals remain unmet, such as fully autonomous vehicles and a shared vehicle network. The third plan focused on demonstrating a sustainable economy with detailed projections, yet much of it remains unrealized. Meanwhile
robotenergysustainable-energyhumanoid-robotsTeslaautonomous-vehiclessolar-roofHumanoid robots lack data to keep pace with explosive rise of AI
The recent International Humanoid Olympiad held in Olympia, Greece, showcased humanoid robots competing in sports like boxing and soccer, highlighting their growing capabilities. Despite these advances, humanoid robots remain significantly behind AI software in learning from data, with experts estimating they are roughly "100,000 years" behind due to limited data availability. Organizers and researchers emphasize that while AI tools benefit from vast datasets enabling rapid advancement, humanoid robots struggle to acquire and process comparable real-world data, which hinders their ability to perform complex, dexterous household tasks. Experts predict that humanoid robots may first find practical use in space exploration before becoming common in homes, a transition expected to take over a decade. To address this gap, researchers are exploring reinforcement learning techniques that allow robots to learn from real-time experiences rather than relying solely on pre-programmed actions. Additionally, innovative approaches such as developing biological computer brains using real brain cells on chips aim to enable robots to learn and adapt more like humans. The Olymp
robothumanoid-robotsartificial-intelligencerobotic-learningreinforcement-learningrobotic-brainrobotics-competitionThe startup journey, from prototype to production
In Episode 209 of The Robot Report Podcast, hosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman interview Bren Pierce, CEO and founder of Kinisi Robotics, focusing on the challenges and strategies involved in deploying autonomous robots in warehouse environments. The discussion highlights the complexities of navigating logistics, integrating robots with existing systems, and how industry leaders are innovating to enhance efficiency and automation in warehouse operations. This episode sheds light on the transformative impact robotics can have on supply chain and warehouse management. The episode also covers recent industry news, including Boston Dynamics and Toyota Research Institute’s collaboration on developing large behavior models (LBMs) for the Atlas humanoid robot to enable it to perform complex, long-horizon manipulation tasks. Additionally, FieldAI announced a $405 million funding round to accelerate global growth and product development in locomotion and manipulation, leveraging their Field Foundation Models designed for embodied intelligence. The inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games in China showcased autonomous and manually controlled robots competing in various events, signaling growing interest and formalization
roboticsautonomous-robotswarehouse-automationhumanoid-robotsAI-in-roboticsBoston-DynamicsKinisi-RoboticsRealMan launches robotics data training center in Beijing - The Robot Report
RealMan Robotics, a Beijing-based developer of robotic arms and mobile manipulators, has launched a new robotics data training center in Beijing. The 3,000-square-meter facility integrates core technology R&D, scenario-based application testing, operator training, and ecosystem collaboration. It features 108 diverse robots—including dual-arm mobile manipulators, wheeled semi-humanoids, drone-arms, and quadrupeds—deployed across ten real-world environments such as eldercare, rehabilitation, automotive assembly, and smart catering. These scenarios enable large-scale multimodal data generation, producing over one million high-quality data points annually to train advanced AI models via the newly unveiled RealBOT Embodied Intelligence Open Platform. The center aims to address three key challenges in robotics: lack of cross-scenario data generalization, gaps between simulation and real-world conditions, and the absence of standardized data formats and efficient closed-loop iteration. By creating a full-stack data pipeline from collection to deployment, RealMan seeks to accelerate commercialization of
roboticsrobotic-armsAI-traininghumanoid-robotsdata-acquisitionmobile-manipulatorsrobotics-R&DHow Elon Musk’s humanoid dream clashes with 100,000-year data reality
The article discusses the significant challenges facing Elon Musk’s vision of humanoid robots, emphasizing insights from UC Berkeley roboticist Ken Goldberg. Despite advances in large language models (LLMs) trained on vast internet text, robotics lags far behind due to a massive "100,000-year data gap" in the kind of rich, embodied data required for robots to achieve human-like dexterity and reliability. Simple human tasks such as picking up a glass or changing a light bulb involve complex perception and manipulation skills that robots currently cannot replicate. Attempts to use online videos or simulations to train robots fall short because these sources lack detailed 3D motion and force data essential for fine motor skills. Teleoperation generates data but only at a linear, slow rate compared to the exponential data fueling language models. Goldberg highlights a debate in robotics between relying solely on massive data collection versus traditional engineering approaches grounded in physics and explicit world modeling. He advocates a pragmatic middle ground: deploying robots with limited but reliable capabilities to collect real-world
roboticshumanoid-robotsmachine-learningdata-gapautomationrobotics-engineeringartificial-intelligenceHumanoids, robot dogs master unseen terrains with attention mapping
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed an advanced control system for legged robots, including the quadrupedal ANYmal-D and humanoid Fourier GR-1, enabling them to navigate complex and previously unseen terrains. This system employs a machine learning technique called attention-based map encoding, trained via reinforcement learning, which allows the robot to focus selectively on the most critical areas of a terrain map rather than processing the entire map uniformly. This focused attention helps the robots identify safe footholds even in challenging environments, improving robustness and generalization across varied terrains. The system demonstrated successful real-time locomotion at speeds up to 2 meters per second, with notably low power consumption relative to the robot’s motors. While the current approach is limited to 2.5D height-map locomotion and cannot yet handle overhanging 3D obstacles such as tree branches, the researchers anticipate extending the method to full 3D environments and more complex loco-manipulation tasks like opening doors or climbing. The attention mechanism also provides
robothumanoid-robotsquadrupedal-robotsmachine-learningreinforcement-learningattention-mappinglocomotion-controlNVIDIA Jetson Thor computer gives humanoid robots 7.5x power boost
NVIDIA has launched the Jetson AGX Thor developer kit and production modules, delivering a significant leap in AI computing power for robotics applications. The Jetson Thor offers up to 2,070 FP4 teraflops of AI compute and 128 GB of memory within a 130-watt power envelope, providing 7.5 times more AI performance and 3.5 times greater energy efficiency than its predecessor, Jetson Orin. Powered by NVIDIA’s Blackwell GPU, the system can run multiple AI models simultaneously, including vision-language-action models and large language models, enabling robots to perceive, reason, and act in real time without relying on cloud servers. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from humanoid robots and industrial machines to surgical assistants and precision farming. The Jetson Thor platform is supported by NVIDIA’s comprehensive software stack, including Isaac for robotics simulation, Metropolis for vision AI, and Holoscan for sensor processing. Early adopters such as Amazon
robotAI-computinghumanoid-robotsNVIDIA-Jetson-Thorindustrial-robotsedge-AIrobotics-developmentNVIDIA Jetson Thor bring 2K teraflops of AI compute to robots
NVIDIA has announced the general availability of its Jetson AGX Thor developer kit and production modules, designed to deliver 2K teraflops of AI compute power for robotics and physical AI applications. Targeting robots that operate in unstructured environments and interact safely with humans, Jetson Thor offers high performance and energy efficiency, enabling the running of multiple generative AI models at the edge. NVIDIA positions Thor as a supercomputer for advancing physical AI and general robotics, with several leading robotics and industrial technology companies already integrating the platform. Notably, Agility Robotics plans to use Jetson Thor as the compute backbone for its Digit humanoid robot, enabling more advanced manipulation, scene understanding, and faster reaction times in complex tasks like logistics and shelf stocking. Boston Dynamics is also incorporating Thor into its Atlas humanoid robot for onboard AI acceleration and data handling. Other major users include Amazon Robotics, Caterpillar, Figure, Medtronic, and Meta, with John Deere and OpenAI currently evaluating the platform
robotAINVIDIA-Jetson-Thorrobotics-computingedge-AIhumanoid-robotsautonomous-systemsAI Humanoids Play Football in China Robo Games
The World Humanoid Robot Games recently took place in Beijing, featuring over 500 AI-powered robots from 16 countries competing in various events such as running races, football matches, and even dancing performances in terracotta armor. The competition showcased the advancing capabilities of humanoid robots in dynamic physical activities, highlighting their agility, coordination, and AI-driven control. This event not only demonstrated significant progress in robotics technology but also sparked discussions about the potential emergence of a "Robot Olympics," where machines could regularly compete in diverse athletic and artistic disciplines. The games symbolize a milestone in the integration of AI and robotics into sports and entertainment, pointing toward a future where humanoid robots may become prominent participants in global competitions.
robotshumanoid-robotsAI-robotsrobotics-competitionrobot-gamesartificial-intelligencerobot-sportsQuantum breakthrough promises real-time humanoid robot control
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology, Waseda University, and Fujitsu have developed a quantum computing-based method to improve humanoid robot posture control by leveraging quantum entanglement. Their approach uses qubits to represent the position and orientation of robot joints, with entanglement mirroring the interconnected movement of real joints. By combining quantum circuits for forward kinematics with classical computing for inverse kinematics, the hybrid system reduces computational complexity, cutting errors by up to 43% and speeding up calculations compared to traditional methods. Tests on Fujitsu’s quantum simulator and a 64-qubit quantum computer confirmed these improvements, enabling realistic full-body movement calculations for robots with 17 joints that would otherwise require excessive computing power and time. This breakthrough is significant for the future of humanoid robots, especially those working closely with humans, as it enables smoother, more lifelike, and real-time motion control without oversimplifying joint models. The method is already compatible with current noisy intermediate-scale quantum (N
robotquantum-computinghumanoid-robotsinverse-kinematicsquantum-entanglementrobotics-controlquantum-simulationHow to make robots predictable with a priority based architecture and a new legal model - The Robot Report
The article discusses the challenge of ensuring predictable and safe behavior in increasingly autonomous robots, such as Tesla's Optimus humanoid and Waymo's driverless cars. Traditional robotic control systems rely on predefined scripts or reactive responses to commands, which can lead to conflicting actions and hesitation in complex, dynamic environments. Such unpredictability poses significant safety risks, especially when robots receive simultaneous or contradictory commands or when technical faults occur. To address these issues, the author’s team developed a priority-based control architecture that moves beyond simple stimulus-response behavior. This system evaluates every event through mission and subject filters, considering environmental context and potential consequences before execution. The architecture features two interlinked hierarchies: a mission hierarchy that ranks goals from fundamental safety rules (e.g., “Do not harm a human”) to user-set and current tasks, and a hierarchy of interaction subjects that prioritizes commands based on their source, giving highest priority to owners or operators and lower priority to external parties. This approach aims to enable robots to act
roboticsautonomous-robotspriority-based-controlTesla-Optimusrobot-safetyhumanoid-robotsautonomous-systemsBoston Dynamics and TRI use large behavior models to train Atlas humanoid - The Robot Report
Boston Dynamics, in collaboration with Toyota Research Institute (TRI), is advancing the development of large behavior models (LBMs) to enhance the capabilities of its Atlas humanoid robot. Recognizing that humanoid robots must competently perform a wide range of tasks—from manipulating delicate objects to handling heavy items while maintaining balance and avoiding obstacles—Boston Dynamics is focusing on creating AI generalist robots. Their approach involves training end-to-end, language-conditioned policies that enable Atlas to execute complex, long-horizon manipulation tasks by leveraging its full-body mobility, including precise foot placement, crouching, and center-of-mass shifts. The development process involves four key steps: collecting embodied behavior data via teleoperation on both real hardware and simulations; processing and annotating this data for machine learning; training neural network policies across diverse tasks; and evaluating performance to guide further improvements. To maximize task coverage, Boston Dynamics employs a teleoperation system combining Atlas’ model predictive controller with a custom VR interface, enabling the robot to perform tasks
roboticshumanoid-robotsBoston-DynamicsAI-in-roboticsmachine-learningrobot-manipulationautomationFieldAI raises funds to advance universal brains for humanoid robots
FieldAI, a robotics startup backed by Bill Gates, has raised $405 million in funding from investors including Nvidia’s venture capital arm, Jeff Bezos’ family office, Khosla Ventures, Temasek, Intel Capital, and others. Valued at $2 billion, the two-year-old company is experiencing rapid growth driven by strong customer demand for its robotics platform. FieldAI’s technology centers on its proprietary Field Foundation Models (FFMs), which are physics-first, risk-aware AI systems designed specifically for robotics. Unlike approaches that adapt language or vision models, FFMs manage uncertainty and physical constraints in dynamic real-world environments without relying on maps, GPS, or predefined routes. These models are hardware-agnostic and can be applied across various robot types, including humanoids, quadrupeds, wheeled robots, and passenger-scale vehicles. FieldAI’s robots are already deployed globally across industries such as construction, energy, logistics, manufacturing, and urban delivery, operating autonomously at the edge and integrating
roboticshumanoid-robotsartificial-intelligencerobotic-autonomyFieldAIrobotics-startuprobot-brain-technologyInaugural World Humanoid Robot Games step into the spotlight - The Robot Report
The inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games 2025 took place at Beijing’s National Speed Skating Oval, featuring 280 teams from 16 countries competing in 487 contests across 26 events. The competition included races, mixed martial arts, soccer, and a warehouse material sorting challenge that tested robots’ embodied AI, perception, and problem-solving skills. While many robots were teleoperated rather than fully autonomous, the event showcased both commercial and experimental humanoid robots, with Unitree Robotics’ H1 humanoid winning multiple foot races and setting a new world record in the 1,500 m event. Notably, an autonomous robot was awarded first place in the 100 m sprint after applying a time-coefficient advantage for autonomy. A key outcome of the event was the creation of the World Humanoid Robot Sports Federation, which will govern future humanoid robot competitions. The games highlighted the current state of humanoid robotics, balancing teleoperation and autonomy, and emphasized real-world applications such as logistics and
robothumanoid-robotsrobotics-competitionautonomous-robotsteleoperated-robotsAI-in-roboticsrobot-sports-federationVietnam’s humanoid robot dance crew dazzles with live performance
Vietnam’s VinMotion, a subsidiary of Vingroup, recently showcased its humanoid robot dance crew, Motion 1, during a high-profile event in Hanoi attended by top political leaders including Party Chief To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The robots demonstrated advanced capabilities such as walking, waving, and gesture interaction in a largely unscripted performance relying on real-time sensors and synchronized algorithms. This demonstration highlighted the robots’ potential for diverse applications beyond entertainment, including industrial tasks like transporting parts and quality inspection in VinFast factories, where they will be initially deployed. VinMotion, founded in early 2025 with about $39 million in capital and backed by Vingroup’s technology ecosystem, aims to develop intelligent humanoid robots capable of communication, image processing, and language understanding. Future applications are envisioned across logistics, healthcare, education, customer service, and personal care. The company emphasized its in-house design of mechanical, electronic, and software systems, focusing on precision, balance, and real-time
robothumanoid-robotsindustrial-automationrobotics-technologymotion-controlreal-time-computingVinMotionUnitree dominates inaugural humanoid robot games with four golds
At the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games held in Beijing, Unitree Robotics emerged as the dominant force, securing four gold medals in key track events including the 400m dash, 1,500m race, 100m hurdles, and the 4×100m relay. The Hangzhou-based company’s H1 humanoid robots showcased superior mechanical design powered by their proprietary M107 joint motor, enabling longer strides and stronger kicks. Unitree topped the overall medal table with 11 medals, highlighting its leadership in humanoid robot performance. Independent teams using Unitree’s G1 platform also earned multiple medals, demonstrating the versatility of its hardware. Other Chinese teams also performed strongly, with X-Humanoid (Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre) winning 10 medals, including golds in the 100m sprint and a materials handling contest. Their Tien Kung robot, notable for running autonomously without remote control, recently won a half-marathon against human runners and is being developed as
roboticshumanoid-robotsUnitree-Roboticsrobot-competitionsAI-in-roboticsrobotic-motorsautonomous-robotsBeyond manufacturing: AI-Powered robotics and the long tail of commercial innovation
In Episode 208 of The Robot Report Podcast, hosts Mike Oitzman and Eugene Demaitre discuss key developments in robotics, including the inaugural Humanoid Olympics in Shanghai where Unitree Robotics’ H1 robot won gold in multiple races despite a viral mishap. They highlight recent market insights from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) and the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). IFR’s research reveals regional differences in humanoid robot adoption: the U.S. and Europe focus on industrial and collaborative robots, China pursues humanoids for its service sector as a national strategy, and Japan develops social companion robots for its aging population. A3 reports a 4.3% increase in North American industrial robot orders in early 2025, with non-automotive sectors like life sciences and electronics leading growth, signaling optimism for continued market expansion. The episode also features a session from the 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo titled “Beyond Manufacturing: AI-Powered Robotics and the Long Tail of
roboticsAI-powered-roboticshumanoid-robotsindustrial-automationcommercial-innovationrobotics-marketautomation-technologyAutomated Warehouse Week to help navigate transformative technologies - The Robot Report
Automated Warehouse Week is a free, virtual webinar series designed to help professionals across industries navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of warehouse automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Targeting a broad audience including robotics end users, suppliers, integrators, and developers, the event addresses challenges such as labor shortages, competitive pressures, and throughput demands in fulfillment and distribution centers. Attendees from retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and third-party logistics sectors will gain insights into deploying systems like autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and throughput. Scheduled for September 8-12, 2025, the sessions cover key topics including the current state of warehouse automation, strategies for modernizing fulfillment without operational disruption, evaluating automation investments to ensure ROI, and exploring advanced technologies like mobile manipulation and humanoid robots. Industry experts from companies such as Hai Robotics, Zebra Robotics Automation, and Novanta will share their knowledge, with Automated Warehouse editors Eugene Demaitre and
roboticswarehouse-automationautonomous-mobile-robotsAI-in-logisticsautomated-storage-and-retrieval-systemshumanoid-robotssupply-chain-technologyBody, not brain: Why humanoid robots still fail outside the lab
The article "Body, not brain: Why humanoid robots still fail outside the lab" argues that despite advances in AI and impressive demonstrations by humanoid robots like Boston Dynamics’ Atlas and Tesla’s Optimus, fundamental limitations in robot body design prevent these machines from performing robustly in real-world environments. Experts highlight that current robots have rigid, inflexible bodies with limited joints and sensor capabilities, which restrict their ability to move naturally and adapt to complex, unpredictable terrain. This results in high energy consumption, frequent breakdowns, and limited endurance compared to humans, who benefit from mechanically intelligent bodies that passively assist movement and adaptation. Hamed Rajabi, director of the Mechanical Intelligence Research Group, critiques the prevailing “brain-first” approach that relies heavily on software to compensate for mechanical shortcomings. He emphasizes that smarter bodies—featuring flexible, adaptive structures inspired by biological systems—are essential for improving robot performance. Mechanical intelligence, or morphological computation, allows natural organisms to perform complex physical tasks efficiently without extensive neural
roboticshumanoid-robotsmechanical-intelligencerobot-designenergy-efficiencyflexible-roboticsAI-in-roboticsInside the World’s First Robot Olympics
The article highlights China’s inaugural Robot Olympics, featuring over 500 humanoid robots competing across a diverse range of events, including martial arts, soccer, fashion, and medical sorting. This groundbreaking competition showcases the advanced capabilities of robots in performing complex and varied tasks, signaling a significant leap forward in robotics technology and its applications. Key participants mentioned include Unitree and Xinghaitu, alongside other lesser-known contenders, all demonstrating unique skills and innovations. The event not only serves as a platform for technological display but also hints at the evolving role of robots in sports and practical fields, emphasizing the potential for robots to augment or transform traditional human activities.
robothumanoid-robotsRobot-Olympicsrobotics-competitionsports-robotsartificial-intelligencerobot-technologyVietnam’s first humanoid robots dazzle crowd with precise dance moves
Vietnam’s first domestically developed humanoid robots made a striking public debut on August 8, 2025, performing synchronized dance routines at Vingroup’s 32nd anniversary event. Created by VinMotion, a startup founded just seven months earlier and backed by Vingroup, these robots showcased advanced balance, precise timing, and real-time communication enabled by in-house mechanical, electronic, and software engineering. Chairman Nguyen Trung Quan emphasized that the robots relied on distance sensors and optimized network infrastructure to maintain stability and synchronization despite potential Wi-Fi interference from the large audience. This demonstration marked a significant technological milestone for Vietnam, potentially setting a world record for rapid deployment of stable, synchronized humanoid robots. VinMotion was established with about $39 million in capital and is part of Vingroup’s broader tech ecosystem, leveraging AI, data analytics, and industrial automation capabilities from sister companies like VinAI, VinBigdata, and VinFast. The company aims to develop general-purpose humanoid robots for practical applications in manufacturing,
roboticshumanoid-robotsdance-robotsVietnam-technologyreal-time-computingmotion-controlsensor-technologyMachines 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-applicationsIFR examines humanoid adoption trends around the globe - The Robot Report
The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) highlights the growing interest and development of humanoid robots worldwide, emphasizing their potential to automate complex tasks that traditional robots cannot easily handle due to their human-like dexterity and adaptability. While humanoids are unlikely to replace existing robots, they are expected to complement and expand current robotic technologies. Various regions have distinct approaches: China prioritizes humanoids for service sectors and aims to build scalable supply chains; the U.S. focuses on practical applications in logistics and manufacturing driven by private investment and AI advancements; Japan treats humanoids as social companions addressing societal needs like elder care; and Europe emphasizes ethical considerations, human-centric design, and collaborative robots that enhance human work rather than replace it. The IFR’s recent paper on humanoid robots outlines these regional trends and underscores the uncertainty about when mass adoption will occur. It also notes that while the technology is advancing rapidly, the integration of humanoids varies significantly based on cultural, economic, and strategic priorities. The report suggests that humano
robothumanoid-robotsrobotics-industryautomationartificial-intelligencemanufacturing-roboticsrobotics-investmentChinese firm to deploy 100 robots in car manufacturing factories
Chinese robotics start-up AgiBot (Zhiyuan Robotics) has secured a significant order to deploy nearly 100 of its A2-W dual-armed humanoid robots at Fulin Precision’s automotive parts factories. These robots, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 121 pounds, are designed with ergonomic, human-like motion and advanced sensors to handle repetitive and physically demanding tasks such as box-moving and raw material delivery. The deployment aims to enhance production efficiency by enabling the robots to support the manufacturing of 500 units per shift while performing close to 10,000 box-moving actions simultaneously, thereby freeing human workers to focus on higher-value operations and reducing physical strain. This move reflects the growing momentum of industrial robotics adoption in China, where installations rose by 54 percent in 2024 to around 290,000 units, representing over half of global installations. The industrial robotics market in China is projected to reach USD 16.5 billion by 2033, growing at a
robotsindustrial-automationmanufacturing-robotshumanoid-robotsfactory-automationrobotics-in-automotiverobotic-armsThe state of humanoids: Where is the market headed?
In Episode 207 of The Robot Report Podcast, hosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman cover significant developments in the robotics industry, including leadership changes at key humanoid robotics companies Agility Robotics and Boston Dynamics. Aaron Saunders, CTO of Boston Dynamics, announced his departure, while Melonee Wise, chief product officer at Agility Robotics, is leaving the company after joining in 2023 and leading its engineering and product teams. The episode also features insights from a panel at the 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo, where experts discussed the evolving landscape of humanoid robots, focusing on industry dynamics, emerging safety standards, and future challenges and opportunities. The podcast highlights the financial difficulties faced by iRobot, maker of the Roomba vacuum, which reported a 23.3% year-over-year revenue decline in Q2 2025, continuing a downward trend with a 32% drop from Q1 2024 to Q1 2025. Despite generating $127.6 million in
roboticshumanoid-robotsAgility-RoboticsBoston-DynamicsiRobotrobotics-industryrobotics-market-trendsElon Musk confirms shutdown of Tesla Dojo, ‘an evolutionary dead end’
Elon Musk has confirmed the shutdown of Tesla’s Dojo supercomputer project, describing it as “an evolutionary dead end” after the company decided to consolidate its AI chip development efforts. Initially, Tesla developed the first Dojo supercomputer using a combination of Nvidia GPUs and in-house D1 chips, with plans for a second-generation Dojo 2 powered by a D2 chip. However, Tesla has shelved the D2 chip and the broader Dojo 2 project to focus resources on its AI5 and AI6 chips. The AI5 chip is designed primarily for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, while the AI6 chip aims to support both onboard inference for autonomous driving and humanoid robots, as well as large-scale AI training. Musk explained that it makes more sense to integrate many AI5/AI6 chips on a single board to reduce network complexity and costs, a configuration he referred to as “Dojo 3.” This strategic pivot reflects Tesla’s
robotAI-chipsTesla-Dojoautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-technologyAI-traininghumanoid-robotsChina launches 'world's first' humanoid robot mall in Beijing
China has inaugurated what it calls the world’s first humanoid robot mall in Beijing’s high-tech E-Town district. Modeled after a car dealership’s 4S format—offering sales, service, spare parts, and customer feedback—the four-story mall exclusively sells robots to the public. It features over 100 robot types from around 200 brands, ranging from affordable consumer gadgets priced at about 2,000 yuan ($278) to advanced humanoid robots costing millions of yuan. The mall showcases diverse robots including life-size animatronic figures of historical and scientific icons like Albert Einstein, Qin Shi Huang, Isaac Newton, and Li Bai, alongside practical robots for cooking, medicine dispensing, sports, and entertainment. Visitors can interact with many robots and experience robot-served dining, emphasizing the integration of robots into everyday life. The launch serves both as a commercial venture and a strategic display of China’s ambitions in AI and robotics, aiming to normalize human-robot interaction and position the country as a
robothumanoid-robotsrobotics-retailChina-technologyrobot-mallservice-robotsconsumer-roboticsOptimized components expand motion possibilities for humanoid robots - The Robot Report
The article from The Robot Report highlights the critical role of optimized motion components in advancing humanoid robot capabilities across various industries such as healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and logistics. With the humanoid robot market projected to reach $38 billion by 2035, the integration of precise and reliable motion elements is essential for robots to perform complex, human-like tasks effectively. The article emphasizes starting with standard motion components before moving to custom solutions, leveraging specialists to tailor parts for specific applications. Key components discussed include crossed roller bearings (CRBs), which are vital for joint movements like hips, elbows, and wrists due to their ability to handle multiple load types simultaneously while maintaining compactness and rotational accuracy. Linear motion rolling guides, such as IKO’s ML Series and LWL, enable precise, controlled linear movements essential for delicate tasks like gripping and manipulating objects. Additionally, spherical plain bearings provide stability and flexibility in limb movements, and cam followers offer increased degrees of freedom for gripping and turning actions. These components collectively enhance
roboticshumanoid-robotsmotion-componentscrossed-roller-bearingslinear-motion-guidesrobotic-actuatorsrobot-designAgility 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-developmentLearn about the first humanoid deployments at RoboBusiness 2025 - The Robot Report
The article discusses the upcoming keynote panel at RoboBusiness 2025, titled “Lessons Learned from First Humanoid Deployments,” which will focus on the current state and future prospects of humanoid robots in commercial use. The session, scheduled for October 15 at the Santa Clara Convention Center, will feature industry leaders sharing candid insights about the successes, challenges, and engineering lessons from early humanoid robot deployments. Agility Robotics is highlighted for testing its Digit humanoid robot with companies like GXO Logistics and Spanx, illustrating real-world applications. Key panelists include Jim Fan from NVIDIA, who has a strong background in AI and robotics research, including work on multimodal models and robotic manipulation; Katlyn Lewicke of GXO Logistics, who brings expertise in global automation strategy and logistics; and Melonee Wise, chief product officer at Agility Robotics, with extensive experience in autonomous robots and robotics industry leadership. The panel aims to provide a comprehensive view of how humanoid robots are being integrated into commercial
roboticshumanoid-robotsAIautomationrobotics-deploymentAgility-RoboticsRoboBusiness-202530 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-algorithmsUS startup gets funding to build tool for humanoid robot teamwork
US startup OpenMind is developing software tools to enable humanoid robots to collaborate seamlessly across different manufacturers and environments. Their AI-native operating system, OM1, is hardware-agnostic and integrates perception, foundation models, memory, and contextual awareness to allow robots to interpret surroundings, understand natural language, and make real-time decisions. Complementing OM1 is FABRIC, a decentralized protocol that lets robots securely identify themselves, verify locations, and share data with unfamiliar machines, enabling real-time teamwork in open, multi-robot settings. This approach aims to overcome current limitations where robots operate in isolated, single-vendor ecosystems. Founded in 2024, OpenMind recently raised $20 million led by Pantera Capital to accelerate development and deployment of OM1 and FABRIC. The company plans to deploy an initial fleet of ten OM1-powered robotic dogs by September for real-world testing in homes and other environments, gathering user feedback to iterate rapidly. OpenMind envisions its software stack as a universal "nerv
robothumanoid-robotsrobotic-collaborationAI-operating-systemdecentralized-roboticsmachine-communicationOpenMindThe Robot Revolution: Debating the Top 10 robots of all time
The article features a discussion with Aaron Prather, director of the Robotics & Autonomous Systems Program at ASTM International, and Rajat Bhageria, CEO of Chef Robotics, focusing on the evolution and impact of the top 10 robots that have significantly advanced the robotics industry. Hosts Mike Oitzman and Steve Crowe debate Prather’s list, highlighting how these robots—from early mechanical devices to modern AI-driven machines—have shaped technology, culture, and human innovation. The conversation also explores the stories behind these iconic robots and their ongoing influence on the future of robotics. In industry news, Unitree introduced the R1 humanoid robot, designed to be lighter, more agile, and more affordable than its predecessor, the G1. The R1 stands 1.2 meters tall, weighs 25 kg, and is priced at $5,900, compared to the G1’s $13,000 cost. Unitree achieved cost reductions through optimized design and scaled production. Additionally, Teradyne
roboticsautonomous-systemshumanoid-robotsindustrial-robotsrobot-commercializationrobot-agilityrobotics-industry-trendsOpenMind wants to be the Android operating system of humanoid robots
OpenMind, a Silicon Valley startup founded in 2024 by Stanford professor Jan Liphardt, aims to become the "Android operating system" for humanoid robots by developing an advanced OS that enables more natural human-robot interactions. Unlike traditional robots designed for repetitive tasks, OpenMind focuses on creating machines that think and communicate more like humans, facilitating collaboration between humans and robots. Central to this vision is OpenMind’s new protocol called FABRIC, which allows robots to verify identities and share contextual information instantly, enabling rapid learning and seamless communication among machines. For example, robots could share language data with each other to interact with people in multiple languages without direct human teaching. OpenMind plans to launch its first fleet of 10 OM1-powered robotic dogs by September 2025 to gather real-world user feedback and iterate quickly on its technology. The company recently raised $20 million in funding led by Pantera Capital, with participation from Ribbit, Coinbase Ventures, and others, to accelerate product development and
robothumanoid-robotsrobotic-operating-systemmachine-learningrobot-communicationAI-collaborationrobotic-dogsIn a first, astronaut remotely commands Mars robot from space
The article reports a historic milestone in space exploration where NASA astronaut Jonny Kim remotely commanded a team of robots on Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) Surface Avatar experiment. Conducted at DLR’s ‘Earthly Mars’ site in Oberpfaffenhofen, the experiment involved navigating a simulated Martian landscape, collecting samples, and demonstrating advanced human-robot collaboration. The robotic team included DLR’s humanoid Rollin' Justin, ESA’s Interact rover, DLR’s four-legged robot Bert, and ESA’s four-legged robot Spot, which worked together to explore terrain and complete tasks efficiently within two and a half hours. Notably, the experiment featured a simulated failure scenario where Bert’s leg malfunctioned, and Kim used reinforcement learning to help the robot adapt a three-legged gait, showcasing problem-solving and teamwork. A significant innovation in the experiment was the integration of Neal AI, an AI chatbot assistant developed by DLR based
robotspace-roboticsremote-robot-controlMars-explorationAI-assistantrobotic-teamworkhumanoid-robotsTop 10 robotics developments of July 2025 - The Robot Report
In July 2025, the robotics industry saw significant advancements, funding milestones, and strategic partnerships, as highlighted by The Robot Report's top 10 articles. MIT introduced a novel 3-in-1 training tool that simplifies robot learning by allowing robots to learn tasks through demonstration, either via remote control, physical guidance, or observation. NEURA Robotics partnered with HD Hyundai to develop specialized quadruped and humanoid robots tailored for the demanding shipbuilding sector, showcasing the expanding versatility of cognitive robots. Meanwhile, RealSense spun off from Intel to operate independently with $50 million in funding, focusing on 3D vision technologies for robotics. Several companies secured substantial funding to accelerate innovation: Augmentus raised $11 million to develop no-code robotics programming solutions aimed at reducing complexity for manufacturers; Unitree Robotics achieved unicorn status with a Series C round valuing the company at approximately $1.7 billion, reflecting growing interest in legged robots; and Galbot secured $153 million to commercialize its
roboticsrobot-learningindustrial-robotsquadruped-robotshumanoid-robotsrobot-fundingrobotic-technologyAmazon-backed firm unveils shared brains for all types of robots
Skild AI, a robotics startup backed by Amazon and prominent investors including Jeff Bezos, has unveiled Skild Brain, an artificial intelligence model designed to operate across a wide range of robots—from humanoids to quadrupeds and mobile manipulators. This AI enables robots to think, navigate, and respond with human-like adaptability, allowing them to perform complex tasks such as climbing stairs, maintaining balance after being pushed or kicked, and handling objects in cluttered environments. Skild Brain is continuously improved through data collected from deployed robots, addressing the challenge of limited real-world robotics data by combining simulated scenarios, human-action videos, and live feedback. Unlike existing robotics models that rely heavily on vision-language models (VLMs) trained on vast image and text datasets but lack physical action capabilities, Skild Brain is built specifically to overcome the scarcity of robotics data and provide true physical common sense. The founders emphasize that traditional VLM-based approaches are superficial and insufficient for complex robotic tasks, whereas Skild’s shared brain approach
roboticsartificial-intelligencehumanoid-robotsrobot-navigationrobot-adaptabilitySkild-AIrobotics-foundational-modelChina’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-2025NVIDIA VP Deepu Talla to discuss physical AI at RoboBusiness - The Robot Report
At RoboBusiness 2025, Deepu Talla, NVIDIA’s vice president of robotics and edge AI, will deliver the opening keynote titled “Physical AI for the New Era of Robotics.” Scheduled for October 15 in Santa Clara, California, Talla will discuss how physical AI—where models perceive, reason, and act in real-world environments—is transforming robotics from static, rule-based automation to adaptable, intelligent autonomy capable of managing complex, unstructured tasks. NVIDIA is accelerating this shift through simulation-first development, foundation models, and real-time edge deployment, training robots in virtual environments before scaling them into physical applications. This advancement marks a significant milestone in integrating intelligent machines into the $50 trillion global economy. NVIDIA has positioned itself as a leader in physical AI with recent innovations such as Isaac GR00T N1.5, an updated customizable foundation model for humanoid robot reasoning, and Isaac GR00T-Dreams, a synthetic motion data generation blueprint. The NVIDIA Isaac platform is widely adopted
roboticsphysical-AINVIDIA-Isaachumanoid-robotsedge-AIautonomous-machinesrobotics-developmentExploring the future of humanoid robotics with Novanta
In episode 205 of The Robot Report Podcast, Nick Damiano, senior business development manager at Novanta Robotics and Automation, discusses the company's innovative approach to enhancing safety in humanoid robotics. Based in Bedford, Massachusetts, Novanta focuses on achieving component-level safety ratings and implementing advanced joint-level control to ensure safer robot operation. Damiano highlights the critical role of integrating high-performance sensors and drives in overcoming the technical challenges associated with developing safe humanoid robots. Novanta Robotics and Automation, a leader in motion control solutions since 2022, collaborates with top robotics platforms across various industries by providing key components such as drives, encoders, motors, and force torque sensors. These technologies aim to reduce risks and costs while accelerating time-to-market for robotics developers. The episode emphasizes Novanta’s commitment to addressing unique challenges in robotics safety and shaping the future of humanoid robot development through cutting-edge motion control innovations.
roboticshumanoid-robotsmotion-controlsensorsautomationsafety-in-roboticsrobotics-innovationTesla signs $16.5B deal with Samsung to make AI chips
Tesla has entered a $16.5 billion agreement with Samsung to manufacture its next-generation AI6 chips, which are designed to power a wide range of Tesla technologies, from its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system to Optimus humanoid robots and AI training in data centers. Samsung’s new Texas fabrication plant will be dedicated to producing these AI6 chips, marking a significant expansion in Tesla’s chip manufacturing capabilities. Elon Musk also mentioned that Tesla is collaborating with TSMC for its AI5 chips, which have recently completed design and will initially be produced in TSMC’s Taiwan and Arizona facilities. Samsung already produces Tesla’s A14 chip, and this new deal represents a major boost for Samsung’s chip-making ambitions after previous struggles to secure large clients. Musk indicated that Tesla’s spending on Samsung chips could exceed the initial $16.5 billion deal, with actual production output expected to be several times higher. Additionally, Tesla will assist Samsung in optimizing manufacturing efficiency at the Texas fab,
robotAI-chipsTeslaSamsungautonomous-drivinghumanoid-robotssemiconductor-manufacturingRoboBusiness announces 2025 agenda
RoboBusiness 2025, scheduled for October 15-16 at the Santa Clara Convention Center, has unveiled its comprehensive conference agenda. Established in 2004, RoboBusiness is a leading event for commercial robotics developers and suppliers, produced by WTWH Media. The event will feature over 60 speakers, a startup workshop, a robotics startup competition, networking receptions, and more than 100 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge robotics technologies and solutions. The conference will include six tracks, with new additions in physical AI and humanoids, an expanded field robotics track, and sessions on business development, enabling technologies, and design best practices. Notable companies participating include ABB, Amazon Robotics, NVIDIA, and Intuitive Surgical. Keynote presentations will highlight significant industry trends and innovations. NVIDIA’s Deepu Talla will open with a talk on “Physical AI,” emphasizing the integration of generative AI into robotics to enable adaptable, intelligent autonomy beyond traditional automation. Another session will focus on early commercial deployments of humanoid robots
roboticsAIhumanoid-robotsphysical-AIrobotics-conferenceedge-AIautomationXpeng Preps for Profitability & New Models, and Raises Hiring Target from 6,000 to 8,000 - CleanTechnica
Xpeng is positioning itself for significant growth and profitability in the near future. The company aims to achieve profitability by the end of 2025, having already reached positive cash flow, which marks a critical milestone for a young automaker. Despite the focus on profitability, Xpeng plans to expand its workforce substantially, increasing its hiring target for 2025 from 6,000 to 8,000 new employees, bringing the total headcount close to 30,000. This expansion signals confidence in sustained growth and operational scaling. In addition to workforce growth, Xpeng is advancing its product lineup with new models, including sequels to the popular Mona M03, codenamed D02 and D03, expected to be high-volume vehicles that will further boost sales and revenue. The company is also preparing for mass production of innovative technologies such as humanoid robots and flying cars by 2026, indicating a broader ambition beyond traditional electric vehicles. Overall, Xpeng’s strategic moves suggest a robust trajectory
robotelectric-vehiclesautomotive-technologyhumanoid-robotsflying-carsmanufacturingworkforce-expansionEngineAI 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-marketTesla is reportedly behind on its pledge to build 5,000 Optimus bots this year
Tesla is significantly behind its goal to produce at least 5,000 Optimus humanoid robots in 2025, having manufactured only a few hundred units by mid-year, according to two sources. This shortfall suggests Tesla will either need to accelerate production substantially or delay its target. The lag comes amid broader financial challenges for Tesla, including a reported decline in second-quarter earnings driven by falling electric vehicle sales, reduced regulatory credit income, and lower solar and energy storage revenues. Despite the current production delays, CEO Elon Musk reaffirmed Tesla’s long-term ambitions for the Optimus robot during the recent Q2 earnings call, announcing plans to begin production of the latest Optimus 3 model by early 2026. Musk expressed confidence in scaling production rapidly, aiming to reach one million units annually within five years. However, Musk’s history of optimistic timelines—such as previous unfulfilled projections about Tesla’s autonomous vehicle fleet—suggests that these targets may face similar challenges in realization.
roboticsTeslaOptimus-robothumanoid-robotsrobot-productionautomationrobotics-industryRichtech Robotics' ADAM serves drinks at Kennedy Space Center - The Robot Report
Richtech Robotics Inc. showcased its semi-humanoid service robot, ADAM, at the Legacy of Launch 75th Anniversary event held at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The invitation-only event, organized by the U.S. Space Force Historical Foundation, celebrated 75 years of space exploration achievements. ADAM, equipped with two arms and powered by AI running on NVIDIA technology, serves drinks with milliliter-level accuracy by monitoring each cup in real time and adjusting pour parameters accordingly. The robot has already served over 16,000 drinks at venues such as Clouffee & Tea in Las Vegas and is designed to operate in hospitality environments where most tasks occur at counters, offering a stationary but recognizable humanoid form to enhance customer experience. Founded in 2016 and based in Las Vegas, Richtech Robotics develops collaborative robots for hospitality, healthcare, retail, and industrial sectors, with clients including Hilton, Sodexo, and Boyd Gaming. Besides ADAM, the company also offers Titan, a
roboticsservice-robotsAI-automationhumanoid-robotshospitality-technologyindustrial-robotsNVIDIA-AIFigure unveils fireproof humanoid robot battery for next-gen safety
Figure, a California-based robotics company, has unveiled its F03 battery, a fireproof, high-capacity energy solution designed specifically for its humanoid robots. The 2.3 kWh battery delivers up to five hours of peak performance runtime and represents a 94% increase in energy density over the original F01 model, while also reducing costs by 78% compared to the previous F02 version. Unlike earlier designs that relied on bulky external packs, the F03 is fully integrated into the robot’s torso, using structural materials such as stamped steel and die-cast aluminum to serve as a load-bearing component. This integration enhances mechanical durability, saves space and weight, and includes an active cooling system enabling safe, fast charging at 2 kW. Safety is a major focus of the F03 battery, which is the first in the humanoid robotics sector to pursue certification under both UN38.3 and UL2271 safety standards. The battery incorporates multiple protective layers, including thermally insulating
robotenergybattery-technologyhumanoid-robotssafety-standardslithium-ion-batteryenergy-storageMaxvision 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-developmentLoomia Smart Skin Developer Kit to help give humanoid robots a sense of touch - The Robot Report
The Loomia Smart Skin Developer Kit is a new product designed to help roboticists incorporate flexible tactile sensing into humanoid robots and other automation systems. Recognizing that most robots lack the ability to sense touch, Loomia developed this kit after extensive interviews with over 100 engineers across industrial automation, medical devices, and robotics sectors through the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps program. Loomia’s founder, Maddy Maxey, highlighted that pressure sensing is a critical missing component in robotic hands and grippers, with no robust, flexible, plug-and-play solutions previously available. Founded in 2014, Loomia specializes in patented soft circuit systems that enable sensing, heating, and lighting in environments unsuitable for traditional printed circuit boards, and has deployed its technology in automotive, industrial, and robotics applications. The company’s flexible tactile sensors, first developed in 2018, have been shipped in over 1,000 units to enterprise clients for custom prototyping. Loomia identified key challenges faced by robotics
roboticstactile-sensorshumanoid-robotsflexible-electronicssoft-circuitsindustrial-automationsensor-technologyChinese robot moonwalks straight into the floor in a hilarious fight
The article highlights a recent event in Hangzhou, China, where two humanoid robots engaged in a boxing match at the ZheBA sports event, showcasing impressive human-like movements such as punches, kicks, and a 360-degree spin. Despite their agility, one robot humorously tripped and fell, eliciting laughter from the audience before recovering and standing up again. This incident underscores both the progress and current limitations of humanoid robotics, which are rapidly advancing in China but still prone to occasional mishaps. Beyond this event, the article notes other milestones in Chinese robotics, including a robot-only football tournament called RoBoLeague and a humanoid robot named Shuang Shuang participating in a graduation ceremony with lifelike gestures. While these developments demonstrate significant technological progress and potential benefits for human life, the article also cautions about challenges and risks, citing incidents where humanoid robots posed dangers or behaved unpredictably, requiring intervention. Overall, the piece emphasizes that as robotics innovation accelerates, balancing excitement with
roboticshumanoid-robotsChina-roboticsrobot-boxingrobotics-innovationrobot-technologyrobotics-developmentReader Responses to Critique of Tesla Market Cap - CleanTechnica
The article critiques Tesla's market capitalization, arguing it is excessively inflated and disconnected from the company's recent performance. Despite Tesla's historically strong market position and rapid growth, the author notes that sales have been declining for the past year and a half, contradicting CEO Elon Musk's predictions and undermining the narrative of Tesla as a hypergrowth company. The inflated market cap is attributed to investor greed—hoping for a resurgence in stock value—and fantasy-driven expectations around futuristic products like humanoid robots and robotaxis. The author emphasizes that recent financial results do not support the high valuation. Reader responses to the critique highlight deeper psychological and cultural factors behind Tesla's valuation. One commenter suggests that many investors have developed a fixed belief in Tesla as a technological and environmental savior, despite evidence to the contrary, and that this belief has become a kind of personal "truth" that is defended even when challenged. This mindset makes it difficult for investors to reassess Tesla's actual performance and competitive position. Another response points out
robotTeslahumanoid-robotsrobotaxistechnologymarket-capelectric-vehiclesTrends in supply chain robotics with John Santagate of infios
Episode 203 of The Robot Report Podcast features John Santagate, senior vice president of global robotics at Infios, who discusses key trends in supply chain robotics. Santagate highlights Infios’s recent rebranding from Körber Supply Chain Software and emphasizes the growing impact of automation and AI in warehousing. He shares insights from recent trade shows and addresses challenges such as tariffs affecting the industry. While acknowledging the potential of humanoid robots, Santagate believes the market is not yet ready for them and that these robots need to find clear, practical purposes within supply chain operations. He also stresses the importance of adapting to evolving technology and market conditions in supply chain management. The episode also covers broader industry news, including the bankruptcy filing and layoffs at Attabotics, a Calgary-based automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) company, which despite raising over $194 million and generating $50 million in revenue last year, faced significant losses. Additionally, Interact Analysis has downgraded its 2025 mobile robot
roboticssupply-chain-automationwarehouse-robotshumanoid-robotsAI-in-roboticsmobile-robotsrobotics-industry-trendsHumanoids, AVs, and what’s next in AI hardware at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place from October 27 to 29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, will gather over 10,000 startup and venture capital leaders to explore cutting-edge technology and future trends. A highlight of the event is a session on AI hardware featuring Raquel Urtasun, founder and CEO of Waabi, and Jeff Cardenas, co-founder and CEO of Apptronik. These industry pioneers will discuss the evolving landscape of AI hardware, emphasizing its critical role in enabling advanced applications in humanoid robotics and autonomous vehicles. The session promises live demonstrations and in-depth technical insights into how AI hardware facilitates the transition from simulation and conceptual models to real-world deployment of embodied intelligence. Jeff Cardenas leads Apptronik in creating practical, human-centered humanoid robots through strategic partnerships with companies like Google DeepMind, NVIDIA, and Mercedes-Benz, aiming to make robotics commercially viable and safe for human collaboration. Meanwhile, Raquel Urtasun is advancing autonomous vehicle
roboticshumanoid-robotsautonomous-vehiclesAI-hardwaresimulation-technologyembodied-intelligenceautonomous-systemsTesla rival robot builder bids to buy wind blade giant in bold deal
China’s humanoid robot maker AgiBot, backed by Tencent and other major investors, has announced plans to acquire a controlling stake (at least 63.62%) in Swancor Advanced Materials, a Shanghai-listed company specializing in corrosion-resistant materials and wind turbine blade components. The proposed deal, valued at about 2 billion yuan (US$279 million), could serve as a back-door listing for AgiBot on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, potentially making it the first Chinese humanoid robot company to go public in Shanghai. Swancor’s stock surged 20% following the announcement, reflecting market optimism about the synergy between robotics and advanced materials sectors. However, AgiBot has denied intentions of executing a back-door listing, and the transaction still requires approval from Swancor’s shareholders and regulatory authorities. The acquisition move highlights the intense competition among China’s humanoid robot startups to scale production and secure funding. AgiBot, founded in early 2023, aims to ramp up shipments
robotenergymaterialswind-turbine-bladeshumanoid-robotsacquisitionsChina-tech-industryDiligent 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-roboticsHumanoid robot soldiers could cause 'indiscriminate killings': China's PLA
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has issued a cautionary analysis regarding the deployment of humanoid robot soldiers, emphasizing the urgent need for ethical and legal frameworks to govern their use in warfare. Published in the PLA Daily, the article highlights that while humanoid robots offer tactical advantages—such as mechanical dexterity and the ability to perform complex military tasks beyond current unmanned systems—their use raises serious moral concerns. Specifically, the PLA warns that these robots could cause “indiscriminate killings and accidental deaths,” violating fundamental ethical principles like Asimov’s First Law of Robotics, which prohibits robots from harming humans. The PLA authors argue that military humanoid robots should be designed to obey commands, respect human life, and autonomously prevent excessive or unlawful violence. Despite their potential, humanoid robots are viewed as complementary tools rather than replacements for existing unmanned systems, due to their high cost and technological complexity. China is actively advancing in this field, with domestic tech firms unveiling versatile humanoid
robothumanoid-robotsmilitary-technologyrobotics-ethicsautonomous-weaponsPLArobot-soldiersDiligent Robotics hires two notable Cruise alumni to its leadership team
Diligent Robotics, an Austin-based startup specializing in humanoid robots for healthcare settings, has strengthened its leadership team by hiring two former Cruise executives: Rashed Haq as chief technology officer and Todd Brugger as chief operating officer. Both bring extensive experience from Cruise, where Haq led AI and robotics efforts and Brugger served as COO. The company, co-founded by Andrea Thomaz and Vivian Chu in 2017, has deployed around 100 Moxi robots across more than 25 healthcare networks, assisting with non-patient-facing tasks in hospitals and pharmacies. Thomaz emphasized that these hires come at a pivotal moment as Diligent prepares to scale operations after a period of refining operational efficiencies. Haq and Brugger see Diligent as a natural progression from their work at Cruise, noting similarities between autonomous vehicles and mobile robots. Haq highlighted the “stickiness” of Diligent’s robots, which are integrated into daily workflows rather than generating transient “vibe revenue.” Brug
roboticshumanoid-robotshealthcare-robotsAI-in-roboticsautonomous-systemsrobotics-leadershiprobot-deploymentHumanoid robots show promise in surgery as hospital strain grows
A recent study by University of California San Diego researchers demonstrates the potential of humanoid surgical robots to alleviate physician burnout and reduce hospital wait times amid growing healthcare system strains. The team developed a bimanual teleoperation system for the Unitree G1 humanoid robot, equipped with Inspire Gen4 robotic hands, allowing a human operator to remotely control both arms for diverse medical tasks. Tested across seven procedures—including physical exams (such as auscultation and Leopold maneuvers), emergency interventions (like Bag Valve Mask ventilation and endotracheal intubation), and precision needle insertions—the robot showed promising ability to replicate key medical assessments and interventions. The system employs impedance control and a virtual spring-damper mechanism to ensure safe, precise, and coordinated bimanual movements, with operator inputs captured via foot pedals, HTC Vive trackers, and cameras. Despite these advances, challenges remain, notably limited force capacity for high-strength procedures and sensor sensitivity constraints affecting accuracy. The study highlights that current surgical robots tend
robothumanoid-robotssurgical-robotsteleoperationmedical-roboticshealthcare-technologyrobotic-surgeryBlack Panther: China’s robot dog breaks Boston Dynamics speed record
Chinese startup Mirror Me has developed Black Panther II, a four-legged robot dog that recently broke Boston Dynamics’ speed record by completing a 100-meter dash in 13.17 seconds, reaching a peak speed of 9.7 meters per second. This surpasses Boston Dynamics’ WildCat robot, which had a top speed of about 8.8 meters per second. Although Black Panther II’s speed exceeds the current Guinness World Record for a 100-meter robot race held by Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology’s Hound robot (19.87 seconds), Mirror Me has yet to apply for the official record, focusing instead on research and development. Founded in May 2024 by Zhejiang University graduates and faculty, Mirror Me aims to push robotics further, targeting a bipedal robot running at 10 m/s by 2026 and a humanoid personal assistant robot by 2030. These ambitions align with China’s broader robotics growth, as the country saw a 14.2%
roboticsrobot-dogBoston-DynamicsBlack-Panther-IIhumanoid-robotsChina-roboticsrobot-speed-recordNEURA Robotics partners with HD Hyundai on shipbuilding robots - The Robot Report
NEURA Robotics has formed a strategic partnership with HD Hyundai Samho and HD Hyundai Robotics to jointly develop and test specialized quadruped and humanoid robots for shipbuilding applications. This collaboration aims to leverage NEURA’s cognitive robotics technology, including its 4NE1 humanoid platform, alongside Hyundai’s expertise in welding automation and shipyard automation solutions. The partners plan to validate these robots in real-world shipbuilding environments to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity, addressing the industry’s growing skilled labor shortage. HD Hyundai Samho will provide demonstration sites and practical validation, while HD Hyundai Robotics will contribute technical support such as path learning data and performance validation. NEURA Robotics will focus on developing and commercializing humanoid robots tailored for shipbuilding tasks. This partnership is part of a broader push by NEURA Robotics to advance intelligent, collaborative robotics, as evidenced by its multiple recent agreements with companies like Vodafone, NVIDIA, SAP, and others to enhance connectivity, AI, simulation, and robot mobility. The initiative
roboticsindustrial-robotsshipbuilding-automationhumanoid-robotswelding-robotsNEURA-RoboticsHD-HyundaiIndonesia deploys humanoid robot cops to crack down on crime, drugs
Indonesia’s National Police (Polri) has introduced a fleet of advanced humanoid robots and robotic dogs as part of its modernization and technology integration efforts to combat crime and drug-related offenses. Unveiled during Polri’s 79th anniversary parade in Jakarta, the 25 robotic units are equipped with facial recognition, surveillance, and hazardous substance detection capabilities. These robots, dressed in police uniforms, are designed to assist in a variety of roles including traffic monitoring, bomb disposal, riot response, hostage negotiation, search and rescue, and forensic evidence collection. The robotic dogs, known as I-K9s, function similarly to traditional police dogs, enhancing operational safety and law enforcement efficiency. This deployment reflects a broader global trend of police forces incorporating robotic technology tailored to their specific needs. Countries like the United States, China, the UAE, Singapore, Japan, and the UK have integrated robots for tasks ranging from bomb disposal and crowd control to public interaction and surveillance. Indonesia’s initiative highlights its commitment to leveraging cutting
robothumanoid-robotsrobotic-policefacial-recognitionlaw-enforcement-technologyrobotic-dogspublic-safety-roboticsTop 10 robotics developments of June 2025 - The Robot Report
In June 2025, Automatica 2025 showcased significant robotics advancements, with The Robot Report highlighting the top 10 developments that captured industry and reader interest. Key product launches included Hexagon AB’s AEON humanoid robot designed to address labor shortages in industrial settings, and 1X Technologies’ Redwood AI model enhancing the autonomy of its NEO humanoid for household tasks. NEURA Robotics unveiled multiple innovations including the third generation of its 4NE1 humanoid, the MiPA cognitive robot, and the Neuraverse open robotics ecosystem, emphasizing cognitive and service robotics progress. Funding milestones marked the month as well, with Coco Robotics raising $80 million to expand its sidewalk delivery robot fleet and AI platform, and Pittsburgh-based Gecko Robotics achieving unicorn status with $125 million in Series D funding, doubling its valuation to $1.25 billion. Beewise secured $50 million to broaden access to its AI-powered BeeHome, a climate technology solution supporting pollination critical to global food crops.
roboticshumanoid-robotsAI-in-roboticsindustrial-robotsrobot-fundingautonomous-robotsrobot-applicationsFarmer-first future: Agtonomy's approach to smart agriculture
In episode 202 of The Robot Report Podcast, Tim Bucher, CEO of Agtonomy, discusses the company’s focus on automating high-value crop farming through robotics tailored to real farming needs. Bucher stresses the importance of robotics developers deeply understanding agricultural practices to create effective solutions, highlighting Agtonomy’s strategic partnerships with established equipment brands like Bobcat and Kubota. He also addresses key challenges in agriculture, particularly labor shortages, and underscores the critical role farmers play in shaping and adopting new technologies to improve efficiency. The episode also features Sean Walters, general manager of Captron, who talks about the company’s production of capacitive sensor switches and high-quality sensors used in level measurement, optical object detection, and LED signaling. Additional industry news includes Boston Dynamics’ Spot robots performing on America’s Got Talent, Tesla’s launch of a limited Robotaxi service in Austin with early operational challenges, and Hexagon AB’s introduction of the AEON humanoid robot designed for industrial applications to address labor shortages.
roboticsagriculture-automationsmart-farmingautonomous-vehicleshumanoid-robotsTesla-RobotaxiIoT-sensorsUnitree becomes a legged robot unicorn with Series C funding - The Robot Report
Unitree Robotics, a Hangzhou-based company specializing in legged robots, recently secured an undisclosed amount of Series C funding, boosting its valuation to approximately 12 billion yuan ($1.7 billion). Founded in 2016, Unitree has grown to over 1,000 employees and reported annual revenues of around 1 billion yuan ($140 million). The company focuses on producing affordable legged robots, priced up to 50% lower than competitors, starting at $16,000. Its products serve markets such as education, research, and facilities inspection. Notably, Unitree demonstrated its G1 humanoid robot at the 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo, highlighting its “first universal humanoid robot” with continuous over-the-air software updates. The company also offers quadruped robots, a hybrid four-legged and wheeled robot (Go-2-W), and robotic arms. Unitree’s Series C funding round was led by major investors including China Mobile’s fund, Tencent, Alibaba
roboticslegged-robotshumanoid-robotsAI-powered-robotsrobot-fundingquadruped-robotsrobot-marketAutonomous 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-intelligenceChina: Humanoid robots to dribble, score goals in 3-on-3 soccer game
China is hosting a groundbreaking robotic soccer event featuring four teams of humanoid robots competing in the finals of the RoBoLeague World Robot Soccer League on June 28, 2025, in Beijing’s Yizhuang Development Zone. This event marks the first fully autonomous 3-on-3 humanoid robot soccer game, with matches consisting of two 10-minute halves. The robots, developed by leading institutions such as Tsinghua University and Beijing Information Science and Technology University, use advanced optical cameras and sensors to detect the ball up to 65 feet away with over 90% accuracy. They autonomously make real-time decisions—such as passing, dribbling, or shooting—through AI powered by deep reinforcement learning, showcasing agility, strategy, and endurance without human control. This soccer competition serves as a preview for the upcoming 2025 World Humanoid Robot Sports Games scheduled for August 15–17 in Beijing, which will feature 11 humanoid sports events modeled on traditional athletic competitions,
robothumanoid-robotsAIrobotics-soccerautonomous-robotsdeep-reinforcement-learningrobot-sportsApptronik's 'superhuman'-like robots can transform heavy-duty works
Apptronik, a US robotics firm, has launched Elevate, an independent company focused on commercializing advanced multipurpose robots designed to perform heavy-duty industrial tasks beyond human capabilities. Elevate aims to transform industries such as manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, and elder care by deploying “superhuman” robots that are faster, stronger, and more capable than existing automation solutions. The company is led by CEO Paul Hvass and staffed by experienced roboticists and automation experts, leveraging nearly a decade of technological breakthroughs developed by Apptronik, including their humanoid robot Apollo. Apollo, Apptronik’s flagship humanoid robot, is notable for its modular design, safety features, and ability to operate in various environments such as warehouses and manufacturing plants. It supports high payloads, friendly human interaction, and can be mounted on different mobility platforms. Apollo’s hot-swappable battery packs enable continuous operation with minimal downtime. Elevate plans to build on this foundation to push the boundaries of mobile manipulation robotics,
robotroboticsautomationindustrial-robotshumanoid-robotsheavy-duty-roboticsrobotic-technologySamsung plans to make eyes for growing humanoid robot market
Samsung Electro-Mechanics is positioning itself to become a key supplier in the growing humanoid robot market by leveraging its advanced camera module technology and AI vision capabilities. Building on its expertise in image processing, AI-driven image recognition, and object detection—technologies already showcased in Samsung Galaxy smartphones—Samsung aims to develop sophisticated "eyes" for humanoid robots. This move aligns with the company's recent robotics ventures, including the upcoming Ballie home assistant robot and the Samsung Bot Handy, an AI-powered robot capable of object recognition and manipulation. Given the saturation of the smartphone camera market, robotics presents a significant new growth opportunity for Samsung. Rather than manufacturing its own line of humanoid robots, Samsung may choose to collaborate with other robotics companies by supplying core AI vision technology, similar to its existing business model of providing components like displays and memory chips. Meanwhile, competitor LG Innotek is already advancing in this space through negotiations with prominent robotics firms such as Boston Dynamics and Figure AI, which plans to mass-produce
roboticshumanoid-robotsAI-visionSamsungcamera-technologyartificial-intelligencerobotics-marketApptronik launches Elevate Robotics to build non-humanoid robots
Apptronik, a robotics company known for its decade-long development of humanoid robots like the Apollo, has launched a new subsidiary called Elevate Robotics to focus on building non-humanoid, heavy-duty industrial robots. Elevate will commercialize multipurpose automation solutions designed for industrial-scale tasks, leveraging novel technologies such as Apptronik’s patented gravity compensation, which enables robots like the Scorpio mobile manipulator to lift loads heavier than themselves. While Apptronik continues to advance its humanoid robotics efforts, Elevate will operate independently under CEO Paul Hvass, aiming to expand the capabilities of superhuman robotics in sectors requiring robust automation. Earlier in 2024, Apptronik secured $403 million in Series A funding to accelerate Apollo humanoid production and target industries including automotive, electronics manufacturing, logistics, and consumer goods. The company is actively testing Apollo in real-world applications and collaborating with Google DeepMind to integrate advanced AI models. Despite significant investments and increasing competition in the humanoid robot market—with
roboticsindustrial-robotsmobile-manipulatorsautomationhumanoid-robotsAI-integrationrobotics-technologyNBC’s AGT pushes Spot to perform under pressure
Boston Dynamics showcased its Spot quadruped robots on NBC’s America’s Got Talent (AGT), performing a live, choreographed dance routine to Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” Five Spots danced synchronously, using their robot arms to “lip-sync” Freddie Mercury’s vocals, impressing all four AGT judges who voted to advance the act. This high-profile appearance was both an entertainment milestone and a rigorous technical stress test for the robots and engineering team. The performance combined autonomous dancing via proprietary choreography software with teleoperated interactions, pushing Spot’s capabilities with aggressive moves like high-speed spins and one-legged balancing. These advanced maneuvers, enabled by recent improvements in reinforcement learning and dynamic behavior modeling, also enhance Spot’s real-world applications, such as maintaining balance on slippery factory floors. The decision to bring Spot to AGT followed successful live performances at the 2024 Calgary Stampede, which built confidence in managing the technical and logistical challenges of a live broadcast. Despite over 100
roboticsBoston-DynamicsSpot-robothumanoid-robotsrobot-performanceautonomous-robotsreinforcement-learningThe road ahead for robotics: Insights from Motional's Major and Foundation's Pathak
Episode 201 of The Robot Report Podcast features Laura Major, newly appointed CEO of robotaxi company Motional, and Sankaet Pathek, founder and CEO of humanoid robot developer Foundation. Major discusses Motional’s advancements in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, highlighting the company’s emphasis on artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve AV performance across diverse environments. Motional combines simulation with real-world testing and uses the Ionic 5 electric platform for efficiency. The company boasts a strong safety record with no at-fault accidents over 2 million miles and collaborates closely with regulators to navigate varying state frameworks. Pathek shares insights into Foundation’s mission to develop practical humanoid robots, focusing on team building, AI integration, safety, and scaling production. He also offers advice for startups on venture capital navigation and cost efficiency in humanoid robotics. The episode also covers broader robotics industry trends, including robust robot sales in Europe’s automotive sector, which installed 23,000 new industrial robots in 2024
roboticsautonomous-vehiclesartificial-intelligencehumanoid-robotsindustrial-robotsautomationelectric-vehiclesNew Gemini AI lets humanoid robots think and act without internet
Google DeepMind has introduced Gemini Robotics On-Device, a new AI model that enables humanoid robots to operate autonomously without internet connectivity. Unlike its cloud-dependent predecessor, this on-device version runs entirely on the robot, allowing for faster, low-latency responses and reliable performance in environments with poor or no connectivity. The model incorporates Gemini 2.0’s multimodal reasoning, natural language understanding, task generalization, and fine motor control, enabling robots to perform complex tasks such as unzipping bags and folding clothes. It is efficient enough to run locally with minimal data—requiring only 50 to 100 demonstrations to adapt to new tasks—and supports fine-tuning through teleoperation, making it highly adaptable across different robotic platforms. The Gemini Robotics On-Device model is designed with privacy and offline performance in mind, processing all data locally, which is particularly beneficial for security-sensitive applications like healthcare. Developers can access the model through Google’s trusted tester program and utilize a full software development kit
roboticsartificial-intelligencehumanoid-robotsoffline-AIedge-computingrobotics-controlGoogle-DeepMindNEURA Robotics launches latest cognitive robots, Neuraverse ecosystem - The Robot Report
NEURA Robotics unveiled several key innovations at Automatica 2025 in Munich, including the third-generation 4NE1 humanoid robot, the market launch of the MiPA cognitive household and service robot, and the introduction of the Neuraverse open robotics ecosystem. The company, based in Metzingen, Germany, positions these developments as a milestone in cognitive robotics, aiming to make advanced robotic technology accessible to the mass market for the first time. NEURA emphasizes its integrated approach, combining hardware, software, and AI to create robots capable of autonomous perception, decision-making, and learning from experience. The company aims to deliver 5 million robots by 2030 across industrial, service, and home applications. The 4NE1 humanoid robot features multiple sensors, including a patented Omnisensor and seven cameras, enabling it to distinguish and interact safely with humans and objects in real environments. It boasts an intelligent dual-battery system for continuous operation, joint technology capable of lifting up to 100 kg
roboticscognitive-robotshumanoid-robotsartificial-intelligenceautonomous-robotsNeuraverse-ecosystemindustrial-robotsNew capsule lets users teleport full‑body motion to robots remotely
H2L, a Tokyo-based company, has developed the Capsule Interface, a novel teleoperation system that uses advanced muscle displacement sensors to capture subtle shifts in muscle tension and intent in real time. Unlike traditional teleoperation methods relying on motion sensors (IMUs, exoskeletons, optical trackers), this muscle-centric approach enables humanoid robots to replicate not only a user’s movements but also the force and effort behind them. This results in more realistic, immersive, and emotionally resonant remote interactions, as robots can mirror the intensity of actions such as lifting heavy objects, enhancing haptic authenticity and a sense of embodiment. The Capsule Interface transforms the user’s body into a remote control for humanoid robots, allowing full-body motion and force transmission while the user remains seated or lying down. Equipped with speakers, a display, and muscle sensors, the system offers a low-effort, natural experience that can be integrated into everyday furniture like beds or chairs, avoiding the need for bulky equipment or extensive training.
robothumanoid-robotsteleoperationmuscle-sensorsremote-controlhuman-machine-interactionhaptic-feedbackHumanoid robots could soon build Nvidia chips at US Foxconn facility
Taiwanese manufacturing giant Foxconn is collaborating with Nvidia to develop humanoid robots intended for deployment at a new Foxconn facility in Houston, Texas. The plan, still under negotiation but expected to be finalized soon, aims to use these robots to assist in the production of Nvidia’s upcoming GB300 AI servers. If realized, this would mark the first time Nvidia products are developed with humanoid robot assistance. The Houston factory was chosen due to its new construction and ample space, facilitating the integration of advanced robotics to potentially increase production speed and reduce manufacturing costs. Foxconn is developing two types of humanoid robots, one with legs and another with a wheeled autonomous mobile robot (AMR) base, the latter being a more cost-effective option. These robots are expected to be operational by early next year, coinciding with the start of GB300 server production. This initiative aligns with broader industry trends, as companies like Mercedes-Benz and BMW have also tested humanoid robots on their production lines. Nvidia recently
humanoid-robotsNvidiaFoxconnAI-serversrobotics-manufacturingautonomous-mobile-robotsrobot-foundation-modelRobot Talk Episode 126 – Why are we building humanoid robots? - Robohub
The article summarizes a special live episode of the Robot Talk podcast recorded at Imperial College London during the Great Exhibition Road Festival. The discussion centers on the motivations and implications behind building humanoid robots—machines designed to look and act like humans. The episode explores why humanoid robots captivate and sometimes unsettle us, questioning whether this fascination stems from vanity or if these robots could serve meaningful roles in future society. The conversation features three experts: Ben Russell, Curator of Mechanical Engineering at the Science Museum, Maryam Banitalebi Dehkordi, Senior Lecturer in Robotics and AI at the University of Hertfordshire, and Petar Kormushev, Director of the Robot Intelligence Lab at Imperial College London. Each brings a unique perspective, from historical and cultural insights to technical expertise in robotics, AI, and machine learning. Their dialogue highlights the rapid advancements in humanoid robotics and the ongoing research aimed at creating adaptable, autonomous robots capable of learning and functioning in dynamic environments. The episode underscores the multidisciplinary nature
roboticshumanoid-robotsartificial-intelligenceautonomous-robotsmachine-learningreinforcement-learningrobot-intelligenceCelebrating 200 podcast episodes; robotics evolve in space exploration
The Robot Report Podcast celebrated its 200th episode featuring Dr. Robert Ambrose, a leading expert in robotics and AI with over 20 years of experience spanning NASA, academia, and startups. Ambrose discussed the significant evolution of robotics in space exploration, highlighting pioneering projects he led at NASA’s Johnson Space Center such as Robonaut, Valkyrie, Centaur, and various lunar rovers including the LTV and VIPER. He emphasized the transition of space robotics technologies to commercial applications and the critical need for the U.S. to reclaim leadership in robotics innovation amid global competition, particularly from China. Ambrose also stressed the importance of education in developing future engineers and advocated for proactive adoption of automation across industries. Ambrose’s career includes key roles shaping national robotics strategy at NASA headquarters and directing advanced research programs at Texas A&M, focusing on robotic manipulation, surface mobility, and human augmentation. The podcast episode also commemorated milestones of The Robot Report Podcast itself, which launched in June 2020
roboticsspace-explorationNASAhumanoid-robotsrobotic-roversautonomous-systemswearable-roboticsSCHURTER releases UHP high-current SMD fuse for humanoids - The Robot Report
SCHURTER, a Swiss technology components provider, has introduced the UHP high-current SMD fuse specifically designed for humanoid robots. This ultra-compact fuse protects critical battery systems and power electronics in space-constrained robotic platforms, ensuring stable and safe power delivery to components such as robotic limbs and embedded AI processors. With a rated current up to 100 A, breaking capacity up to 3000 A, and a wide operating temperature range (-55°C to +125°C), the UHP fuse supports high-density power architectures and is optimized for automated assembly, aligning with modern robot manufacturing processes. It is UL-listed, RoHS-compliant, and available in tape-and-reel packaging. The release of the UHP fuse comes amid growing commercial deployments and interest in humanoid robots from major companies like Hyundai, GXO, Schaeffler AG, and Figure AI, signaling a shift toward scaling production to meet increasing demand. Currently, many developers produce robot components in-house, but the availability of
robothumanoid-robotsSMD-fusebattery-protectionpower-electronicsrobotics-componentshigh-current-fuseChinese firm eases humanoid, legged robot development with new suite
EngineAI Robotics, a Shenzhen-based Chinese firm, has launched EngineAI RL Workspace, an open-source, modular reinforcement learning platform tailored specifically for legged robotics development. This comprehensive suite includes dual frameworks—a training code repository and a deployment code repository—that together provide an end-to-end solution from algorithm training to real-world application. The platform is designed to enhance development efficiency through reusable logic structures, a unified single-algorithm executor for both training and inference, and decoupled algorithms and environments that enable seamless iteration without interface changes. The EngineAI RL Workspace integrates the entire development pipeline with four core components: environment modules, algorithm engines, shared toolkits, and integration layers, each independently encapsulated to facilitate multi-person collaboration and reduce communication overhead. Additional features include dynamic recording systems for capturing training and inference videos, intelligent version management to maintain experiment consistency, and detailed user guides to support rapid onboarding. At CES 2025, EngineAI showcased humanoid robots like the SE01, a versatile 5.
roboticshumanoid-robotsreinforcement-learninglegged-robotsrobot-developmentAI-in-roboticsmodular-robotics-platformRecapping Robotics Summit & Expo 2025
The Robot Report Podcast’s Episode 199 features Cam Myers, CEO of CreateMe Technologies, discussing the innovative integration of robotics and adhesive technology in garment manufacturing. Myers highlights the challenges of automating clothing production and the advantages of adhesives over traditional sewing, emphasizing potential reshoring of manufacturing due to shifting tariffs. He also outlines CreateMe’s future focus on sustainability and adapting to changing consumer demands. This episode marks the podcast’s first to include a video interview on their YouTube channel. The episode also covers key industry news, including Aldebaran—the maker of the humanoid robots Nao and Pepper—entering receivership after financial struggles despite past successes and acquisitions. Additionally, the U.S. Congressional Robotics Caucus has been relaunched as a bipartisan effort to promote robotics research and industry competitiveness, with new co-chairs appointed. Lastly, Amazon is reportedly developing AI software to train humanoid robots for package delivery, aiming to enhance automation in its logistics operations.
roboticshumanoid-robotsautomationmanufacturing-technologyadhesive-technologyrobotics-industryCongressional-Robotics-CaucusPreparing for kick-off at RoboCup2025: an interview with General Chair Marco Simões - Robohub
RoboCup 2025 is set to take place in Salvador, Brazil, from July 15-21, marking a significant event for the international robotics and AI community. The event, hosted at the Salvador Convention Center, is expected to attract around 150,000 visitors, surpassing the 100,000 attendees from the last time Brazil hosted in 2014. Organizers anticipate participation from 300-400 teams and approximately 3,000 competitors. Efforts have been made to facilitate visa processes to increase international attendance, especially from teams previously hindered by travel restrictions. New global league partners, including Chinese companies Unitree, Fourier, and Booster Robotics, will showcase advanced humanoid and four-legged robots, enhancing the competition and public exhibitions. Over the past decade, Brazil has seen substantial growth in its RoboCup community, rising to become one of the top countries in terms of team participation. This growth is largely attributed to the development of RoboCupJunior, a program aimed at engaging younger
robotroboticsRoboCupAIautomationhumanoid-robotsrobotics-competitionTesla 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-litigationNEXCOM NexCOBOT unit joins NVIDIA Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab - The Robot Report
NEXCOM Group’s NexCOBOT unit has joined NVIDIA’s Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab to collaboratively advance the safe development of humanoid and AI robots. This partnership aims to streamline the complex and resource-intensive process of achieving functional safety certifications for robotic systems. NexCOBOT, specializing in safe robot controls and based in New Taipei City with offices in Fremont, California, will integrate its products with NVIDIA’s IGX Thor platform and the expanded Halos platform. This integration is designed to create a unified development environment that encompasses AI, motion control, and functional safety, thereby accelerating innovation and simplifying robot design verification and certification processes. NVIDIA’s Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab is notable as the first ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited lab that combines functional safety, cybersecurity, AI, and regulatory compliance into a single safety framework. NexCOBOT’s participation reflects its long-standing commitment to functional safety, leveraging international standards such as IEC 61508 and ISO 13849-1 to help
robotAIfunctional-safetyroboticsNVIDIAmotion-controlhumanoid-robotsWandercraft raises $75M to scale exoskeletons, humanoids
Wandercraft, a French robotics company, has secured $75 million in Series D funding to advance the commercialization and scaling of its innovative exoskeleton and humanoid robot technologies. The funding will support the launch of Eve, a self-balancing personal exoskeleton designed to provide upright motion and walking independence for individuals with severe mobility impairments, with commercialization targeted as early as 2026. Additionally, Wandercraft aims to expand clinical adoption of its rehabilitation system Atalante X and develop Calvin-40, an industrial-grade humanoid robot intended for physically demanding tasks. The company’s technology leverages AI refined through extensive simulations and real-world use, enhancing natural walking motion and mobility for users. Wandercraft is conducting clinical trials for Eve at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in New York and will soon start another at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey, focusing on safety and effectiveness for spinal cord injury patients. A notable milestone was achieved when Kevin Piette
roboticsexoskeletonhumanoid-robotsAI-powered-roboticsrehabilitation-technologymobility-aidsindustrial-robotsRoboBusiness 2025 call for speakers ends June 12
WTWH Media, the producer of The Robot Report and the Robotics Summit & Expo, has announced a call for speakers for RoboBusiness 2025, scheduled for October 15-16 in Santa Clara, California. Founded in 2004, RoboBusiness focuses on robotics technology development, investments, and business challenges. For 2025, the event introduces new tracks including the Physical AI Forum, which explores robot learning from sensor data and adaptation, and Humanoids, which centers on humanoid robot design and early applications. The Field Robotics track has been expanded to cover best practices for outdoor robot deployment. Other tracks include Enabling Technologies, Design & Development, and Business, addressing topics from motion control and software advances to investment strategies and startup scaling. Speaker proposals are due by June 12, and selected speakers will receive complimentary full conference passes for themselves and up to two guests. RoboBusiness is also hosting the Pitchfire Robotics Startup Competition for investors and emerging startups. The event will be co-located with DeviceTalks West, a leading medical technology industry event that includes surgical robotics and attracts professionals from healthcare and medical technology sectors. For inquiries about speaking, sponsorship, or exhibition opportunities, contacts are provided within the announcement.
robotroboticshumanoid-robotsfield-roboticsAI-in-roboticsrobotics-conferencerobotics-startup-competitionHuman-like robot hands could soon rule factories with Nvidia tech
South Korean robotics firm Tesollo is advancing automation with its human-like robotic hands, aiming to replace manual labor across industries globally. The company recently joined Nvidia’s Inception Program, which provides startups with technical guidance, GPU optimization, business support, and global networking to accelerate innovation. Tesollo’s latest product, the DELTO Gripper 5-Finger (DG-5F), launched in March 2025, closely replicates the human hand’s structure with 20 independently controlled joints, enabling precise, complex movements and multiple grip modes such as pinch, power, and precision grips. The DG-5F also features optional high-precision fingertip sensors that provide force feedback and dynamic grip adjustments, making it suitable for tasks requiring delicate handling in environments designed for human workers. In addition to the DG-5F, Tesollo offers the DELTO Gripper 3-Finger (DG-3F), which boasts a modular design for easy maintenance and enhanced durability. Powered by a high-performance BLDC motor and equipped with high-strength steel gears, the DG-3F can withstand over 3 million operational cycles and deliver torque up to 2Nm. It supports multiple operational modes, including Parallel Mode for standard gripping and Smooth Mode for handling delicate objects, with features like target arrival recognition and post-grip position adjustment to improve precision. Both grippers are designed for diverse industrial applications, including automated assembly in smart factories and efficient object handling in logistics, positioning Tesollo’s technology as a significant step toward widespread robotic automation.
roboticsrobotic-handsNvidia-Inception-Programautomationhumanoid-robotsAI-in-roboticsindustrial-automationChina's AI lab unveils RoboBrain 2.0 model for next-gen humanoid robots
China’s Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence (BAAI) has unveiled RoboBrain 2.0, a new open-source AI model designed to serve as the “brain” for next-generation humanoid robots. This model introduces significant advancements in spatial intelligence and task planning, enabling robots to perceive distances more accurately and break down complex tasks into simpler steps. Compared to its predecessor released just three months earlier, RoboBrain 2.0 delivers a 17% increase in processing speed and a 74% improvement in accuracy. The model is part of BAAI’s broader Wujie series, which also includes RoboOS 2.0, a cloud platform for deploying robotics AI, and Emu3, a multimodal system for interpreting and generating text, images, and video. BAAI’s initiative is a key component of China’s ambition to become a global leader in robotics AI. The institute collaborates with over 20 leading companies and seeks to expand partnerships to accelerate innovation in embodied intelligence. Alongside BAAI, other Chinese institutions like the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre are advancing the field, exemplified by their development of the Tien Kung humanoid robot and the Hui Si Kai Wu AI platform, which aspires to become the “Android of humanoid robots.” The recent BAAI Conference attracted over 100 international AI researchers and 200 industry experts, highlighting strong engagement from major Chinese tech firms such as Baidu, Huawei, and Tencent. Additionally, BAAI announced a strategic partnership with the Hong Kong Investment Corporation to foster talent development, technological progress, and investment in China’s AI ecosystem.
roboticshumanoid-robotsartificial-intelligenceRoboBrain-2.0spatial-intelligencetask-planningrobotics-AI-modelsIs Amazon On Verge Of Replacing Delivery People With Humanoid Robots? - CleanTechnica
Amazon is reportedly developing humanoid robots designed to replace human delivery personnel. The company has established a “humanoid park,” roughly the size of a coffee shop, where these robots are tested on navigating obstacles and performing delivery tasks. Amazon is creating the AI software in-house while outsourcing the robot hardware to an external company. The goal is for these robots to autonomously exit delivery vans and bring packages directly to customers’ doors, potentially increasing delivery efficiency by allowing simultaneous deliveries by robots and human drivers. While the exact development stage and challenges remain unclear, the deployment of such robots could significantly impact human delivery jobs. Amazon’s interest in automation extends to self-driving vehicles through its Zoox unit, indicating a broader strategy to integrate robotics and AI into logistics. Although robots require electricity and recharging, unlike humans, they could operate continuously, offering 24/7 delivery capabilities. This advancement signals a shift toward more automated delivery systems, raising questions about job security for current delivery workers and the future landscape of last-mile logistics.
roboticshumanoid-robotsAmazondelivery-automationAI-softwareelectric-energy-consumptionautonomous-deliveryFigure 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-startupsAmazon preps humanoid robots for faster doorstep delivery revolution
robotdeliveryautomationAIlogisticshumanoid-robotslast-mile-deliveryTop 10 robotics developments of May 2025 - The Robot Report
robotroboticsautomationhumanoid-robotsmobile-robotsartificial-intelligencemanufacturingNew human spine-inspired neck could revolutionize humanoid robots
robothumanoid-robotsanimatronicsengineering3D-printinglinear-actuatorsartificial-spineRecapping Robotics Summit & Expo 2025
roboticsautomationhumanoid-robotsrobotics-innovationrobotic-systemsartificial-intelligenceROSHumanoid robots evolve with 360° wheels, flexible controls from Korea
robothumanoid-robotsroboticsautomationmobilitytechnologyinnovationPersona AI raises $27M to develop humanoid robots for shipyards
robothumanoid-robotsindustrial-automationshipbuildingrobotics-as-a-serviceworkplace-safetylabor-shortagesDespite the hype, Interact Analysis expects humanoid adoption to remain slow
robothumanoid-robotsmarket-analysisroboticstechnology-adoptioninvestment-in-roboticsfuture-of-roboticsHumanoid robots can benefit from high-performance seals, says Freudenberg
robothumanoid-robotssealing-technologiesautomationindustrial-robotsrobotics-markethigh-performance-materialsRoboBusiness 2025 call for speakers now open
robotroboticshumanoid-robotsphysical-AIfield-roboticsenabling-technologiesRoboBusiness