Articles tagged with "industrial-automation"
Generative-AI robot unloads trailers at 1,500 boxes per hour
The Pickle Robot Company has developed AI-powered, one-armed robots that autonomously unload trailers at rates of up to 1,500 boxes per hour, lifting boxes weighing up to 50 pounds. These robots combine generative AI, machine learning, sensors, cameras, and machine vision to quickly adapt to new warehouse environments and improve performance over time. Their hardware includes industrial robotic arms typically used in car manufacturing. Early deployments with companies like UPS, Ryobi Tools, and Yusen Logistics have demonstrated that these robots reduce the physical strain on human workers, allowing humans to focus on complex problem-solving tasks rather than repetitive, injury-prone labor. Founded by MIT alumni AJ Meyer, Ariana Eisenstein, and Dan Paluska, Pickle Robot Company pivoted from sorting robots to unloading systems after initial funding challenges. A proof-of-concept video showcasing a robot unloading trucks sparked customer interest and investor support. The robots use a KUKA arm mounted on a mobile base that autonomously drives into trailers
roboticsgenerative-AIwarehouse-automationlogistics-robotsmachine-learningrobotic-armsindustrial-automationHow robots like ANYbotics' Roberta are improving industry inspection
The article discusses how ANYbotics’ robotic platform, exemplified by their robot Roberta, is transforming industrial inspection by enhancing autonomy, safety, and sustainability in heavy industries such as oil, gas, and chemical sectors. Founded in 2016 by Dr. Péter Fankhauser and his team, ANYbotics aims to move robotics from research labs into real-world applications, addressing the need for remote monitoring in hazardous environments. Roberta is deployed at Equinor’s Northern Lights carbon-storage terminal, where it autonomously conducts regular inspections, including CO₂ level monitoring and perimeter surveys, reducing the need for on-site personnel and improving asset integrity. Roberta’s operations are integrated with a digital twin of the facility, enabling pre-planned missions that are supervised and triggered remotely via cloud-based platforms. This system allows for virtual rehearsal of routes and failure scenarios, ensuring the robot’s on-site behavior aligns with expectations. The robot collects multi-sensor data (visual, thermal, acoustic, gas), which
roboticsindustrial-automationautonomous-robotsdigital-twinpredictive-maintenancesensor-technologyoil-and-gas-industryVideo: UK humanoid robot walks just 48 hours after final assembly
UK-based robotics firm Humanoid has developed the HMND 01 Alpha, a humanoid robot that achieved stable walking just 48 hours after final assembly, marking a significant acceleration in humanoid robot development. This rapid progress was enabled by precise digital design and extensive simulation-led training using Nvidia Isaac Sim and Isaac Lab, which condensed nearly 19 months of conventional training into two days. The robot stands 179 cm tall, features 29 degrees of freedom, supports a 15 kg bimanual payload, and is equipped with multiple sensors and onboard computing power from Nvidia Jetson Orin AGX and an Intel i9 processor. Designed for applications in manufacturing, logistics, and home assistance, the Alpha robot can perform complex movements such as walking, running, squatting, and recovering from external forces up to 350 Newtons. It also has object manipulation capabilities and can communicate through displays, audio, and LEDs. The KinetIQ reasoning framework enables advanced planning and interaction. Humanoid’s CEO Artem
roboticshumanoid-robotindustrial-automationassistive-roboticsAI-simulationNvidia-Jetsonbipedal-robotChina 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-roboticsROBOTERA 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-technologyAgile Robots acquires thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering - The Robot Report
Agile Robots SE, a physical AI company specializing in industrial automation, is acquiring the assets of thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering in Europe and North America. Previously part of thyssenkrupp AG’s Automotive Technology segment, thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering brings decades of experience, technological expertise, and established customer relationships in the automotive industry. Agile Robots, founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the German Aerospace Center, has rapidly grown, deploying over 20,000 robots and reaching approximately €200 million in revenue in 2024. The acquisition aims to combine AI, robotics, and industrial know-how to drive productivity improvements and accelerate the next industrial revolution from Germany. Agile Robots plans to leverage thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering’s capabilities to expand beyond automotive into high-growth sectors such as electronics, medical technology, and logistics. The companies intend to jointly develop new modular systems and apply their expertise in industrial automation and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Agile Robots, which recently
roboticsindustrial-automationAgile-Robotsthyssenkrupp-Automation-EngineeringAI-roboticsautonomous-mobile-robotsmanufacturing-technologyChina 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-robotsKR1 humanoid robot handles fragile, heavy loads safely in factories
Kinisi, a US robotics startup, has introduced the KR1, a next-generation autonomous humanoid robot designed for safe, precise handling of fragile and heavy loads in dynamic industrial environments such as warehouses and factories. Unveiled in July 2025, the KR1 features a dual-handed manipulation platform capable of lifting up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms) with fine motor accuracy. Unlike traditional fixed automation, KR1 uses real-time 3D perception from fused cameras, LiDAR, and SLAM to navigate and operate safely alongside humans, moving at speeds up to 2.4 m/s with adaptive control for confined spaces. Its mobility is enhanced by a wheeled base and active suspension, allowing stable transport over uneven surfaces. The robot employs advanced AI and demonstration-based learning, enabling operators to teach tasks quickly without programming, while its onboard NVIDIA Jetson module runs real-time transformer models for perception and planning. KR1 operates autonomously without constant cloud connectivity, ensuring fast responses, data privacy,
roboticshumanoid-robotindustrial-automationAI-roboticsmobile-manipulationlithium-ion-batteryautonomous-robotThe 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-manipulationParallax Worlds raises funding for hyper-realistic digital twins to test robots - The Robot Report
Parallax Worlds, a San Francisco-based startup specializing in hyper-realistic digital twins for robotics testing, recently raised $4 million in seed funding, bringing its total funding to $4.9 million. Led by Pear VC with participation from several venture firms and angel investors, the financing will support research and development, staffing, and product commercialization. The company’s co-founders, Tanmay Agarwal and Aumkar Renavikar, bring strong backgrounds in robotics and industrial automation, having worked with institutions like Stanford and companies such as BMW and Michelin. Parallax Worlds’ platform creates high-fidelity digital twins from simple video captures, such as iPhone walkthroughs, enabling robot developers to simulate and stress test AI-based robots—particularly those using cameras for tasks like metal sanding, welding, and pick-and-place operations—before physical deployment. This approach addresses the costly, slow, and risky transition from pilot programs to full-scale production in factories by allowing users to measure reliability and performance upfront, compress on-site
roboticsdigital-twinsAI-robotsindustrial-automationfactory-automationsimulation-softwarerobotics-testingHow this founder’s unlikely path to Silicon Valley could become an edge in industrial tech
Thomas Lee Young, a 24-year-old CEO and founder of Interface, has an unconventional background for a Silicon Valley entrepreneur. Originally fixated on attending Caltech from a young age, his plans were disrupted by COVID-19-related visa issues and a market downturn that wiped out his college fund. He pivoted to studying mechanical engineering at the University of Bristol in the UK, where he worked at Jaguar Land Rover in human factors engineering, focusing on safety and user experience in industrial systems. There, he identified a critical problem: many industrial companies rely on outdated, error-prone, or cumbersome safety documentation and operating procedures, which inspired him to develop a better solution. Young’s entrepreneurial journey took a decisive turn when he joined Entrepreneur First (EF), a European incubator that accepts individuals before they have a co-founder or idea. At EF, he met his co-founder and CTO, Aaryan Mehta, who shared a similarly international background and had faced visa challenges during COVID. Together, they formed
robotindustrial-technologyhuman-factors-engineeringsafety-systemsmanufacturingUX-designindustrial-automationFoxconn, Intrinsic building flexible robots for U.S. factories
Foxconn and Intrinsic, an Alphabet subsidiary specializing in robotics development tools, have announced a partnership to build AI-driven, flexible robots for Foxconn’s U.S. factories. The collaboration aims to integrate AI, robotics, and digital twins into modular automation systems to accelerate production capabilities. The joint venture will focus initially on high-value electronics assembly tasks that are difficult to automate, leveraging Intrinsic’s AI expertise and Foxconn’s global manufacturing infrastructure and Smart Manufacturing platform. A key technological component in this effort is Intrinsic’s Flowstate developer environment and the Intrinsic Vision Model (IVM), which uses advanced AI transformers for precise perception tasks such as object detection and pose estimation. IVM operates with sub-millimeter accuracy using only RGB cameras, significantly reducing hardware costs compared to traditional depth-sensing systems. This AI-driven approach is expected to make robotic workcells faster to build, cheaper to operate, and more efficient, enabling economically viable high-mix, high-volume production. Foxconn’s leadership emphasizes that
robotAIroboticsindustrial-automationmanufacturingFoxconnAI-driven-roboticsPI releases H-815 hexapod robot for industrial applications - The Robot Report
PI Physik Instrumente L.P. (PI) has launched the H-815, a six-axis hexapod robot designed for continuous 24/7 industrial operation. This compact and robust parallel kinematic motion system offers high reliability, fast velocity (up to 20 mm/s), and ultra-precise movement with six degrees of freedom (X, Y, Z, pitch, roll, yaw). Engineered for applications in silicon photonics, semiconductor manufacturing, optics, metrology, automotive, electronics, and photonics, the H-815 features high-quality cardanic joints with Z-offset for superior stiffness and backlash-free operation, even in varied orientations. Its low-profile design (155 mm height, 222 mm baseplate diameter) supports a 10 kg load capacity, enabling integration into existing production lines. The H-815 uses ball-screw actuators with absolute-measuring encoders on all six axes, eliminating the need for referencing and reducing startup time while enhancing precision. It achieves
robotindustrial-automationhexapod-robotprecision-motionsemiconductor-manufacturingphotonicsrobotics-engineeringViam software to enable UR cobots for industrial applications - The Robot Report
Viam Inc. has partnered with Universal Robots (UR) to integrate its AI-powered robotic surfacing software with UR’s collaborative robots (cobots), aiming to enhance industrial manufacturing processes. This collaboration targets automation of physically demanding tasks, beginning with shipbuilding, by accelerating production, reducing delays, and ensuring consistent quality. Viam’s software platform is hardware-agnostic and scalable, capable of running on devices ranging from small sensors to large robotic arms. The company, recognized for its innovative open-source robot architecture and cloud integration, recently secured $30 million in funding to expand its platform. Universal Robots, a leader in cobot hardware with over 100,000 units sold globally, sees this partnership as a way to unlock new applications, particularly in the marine sector, where Viam’s AI-driven block-sanding system automates labor-intensive fiberglass sanding for yacht and boat manufacturing. The system’s adaptability allows manufacturers to switch robot arms easily, enhancing versatility and delivering measurable ROI. Beyond marine uses, V
robotcollaborative-robotsAI-powered-roboticsindustrial-automationmanufacturing-technologyUniversal-RobotscobotsSortera is turning America’s scrap aluminum problem into cash
Sortera is addressing a major challenge in U.S. aluminum recycling: the difficulty of sorting mixed scrap aluminum by grade. Although aluminum is highly recyclable and energy-efficient compared to producing new metal, only a small fraction of U.S. aluminum is recycled due to the complexity of sorting alloys. Sortera’s solution uses an AI-driven system that analyzes scrap pieces—about the size of large potato chips—using lasers, X-ray fluorescence, and high-speed cameras to identify different aluminum grades within milliseconds. Once identified, precise air jets separate the scrap into correct bins, enabling high-speed, accurate sorting without the need to melt the aluminum first. This innovation unlocks the value of previously unsorted scrap, which was less valuable due to uncertain alloy composition. The company’s sorting accuracy, exceeding 90%, has allowed Sortera to achieve profitability from a single plant in Indiana, processing millions of pounds of scrap monthly. To expand, Sortera recently raised $45 million in combined equity and debt funding to build a second
materialsrecyclingaluminumAImanufacturingsustainabilityindustrial-automationFigure 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-automationBal Seal offers pre-certified IP67, IP69 seals for robots
Bal Seal Engineering now offers spring-energized seals that come pre-certified to IP67 and IP69 standards, which are critical for robotics applications. This pre-certification removes the need for robotics designers to conduct their own seal testing, thereby saving time, cutting costs, and simplifying logistics. The IP67 rating ensures the seal is dust-tight and can withstand temporary submersion in water up to 1 meter, while the IP69 rating is designed for harsher environments involving aggressive washdowns and exposure to fluids, dust, and debris. These seals feature low-friction materials, canted coil spring energizers, and FDA-compliant jackets within precision-machined profiles, promoting consistent operation and accuracy over thousands of cycles while preventing leakage. According to Miquel Balta, Senior Project Engineer at Bal Seal, the pre-certification process allows robotics engineers to focus on innovation rather than validation, reducing development time and enhancing robot performance. Typical applications include robot arms, joints, end effectors, actuators,
robotroboticsIP67IP69sealing-solutionsspring-energized-sealsindustrial-automationWatch: German firm launches new humanoid robot for industrial jobs
Munich-based Agile Robots has introduced Agile ONE, its first humanoid robot designed for industrial environments. Announced on November 19, Agile ONE features five dexterous fingers equipped with fingertip and force-torque sensors, enabling it to perform a wide range of factory tasks such as material handling, pick-and-place, machine tending, and fine manipulation with high precision and adaptability. The robot’s AI is trained on one of Europe’s largest real-world industrial datasets, supplemented by simulated and human-collected data, and employs a layered cognitive architecture that separates strategic planning, rapid response, and fine motor control. This design aims to create a highly adaptive robot capable of safe, collaborative work alongside humans and existing robotic systems. Agile ONE emphasizes human-friendly interaction through features like bright colors, responsive eyes, proximity sensors, and an information display on its chest, prioritizing safety and comfort in robot-human interaction. Full production is slated to begin in early 2026 at Agile Robots’ facility in Bavaria. The
robothumanoid-robotindustrial-automationAI-roboticscollaborative-robotsdexterous-robotic-handsphysical-AIAgile Robots launches Agile ONE industrial humanoid - The Robot Report
Agile Robots SE, a Munich-based company, has launched Agile ONE, its first industrial humanoid robot designed to work safely and efficiently alongside humans and other systems in structured industrial environments. Agile ONE features intuitive human-robot interaction (HRI) capabilities, including responsive eye rings, proximity sensors, a rearview camera, and a chest display for real-time information. Its dexterous five-fingered hands, equipped with multiple sensors for force and tactile feedback, enable precise manipulation tasks such as handling tiny screws or operating power tools. The robot embodies Agile Robots’ vision of “physical AI,” combining intelligence, autonomy, and flexibility to perceive, understand, and act in the physical world. A key differentiator for Agile ONE is its layered AI approach, described as a “data pyramid” that integrates real-world teleoperation and field data, physical simulation data, and visual data from videos and images. Its cognitive architecture includes three layers: slow thinking for task planning, fast thinking for dynamic individual actions,
robothumanoid-robotindustrial-automationAI-roboticshuman-robot-interactionrobotic-handautonomous-robotsSchneider Electric earns UL ECOLOGO certification for industrial automation - The Robot Report
Schneider Electric has earned the UL ECOLOGO certification for its PowePac Molded Case Circuit Breakers, marking the first time energy and industrial automation equipment have been assessed under UL Solutions’ new sustainability program. The ECOLOGO certification, based on UL 2711 standards, evaluates products on multiple environmental and health criteria including use of recycled materials, renewable energy in manufacturing, reduced toxicity, product durability, corporate governance, and transparent carbon footprint disclosure. Schneider Electric announced this achievement at its Innovation Summit North America event, emphasizing its commitment to setting new standards for transparency and accountability in industrial automation amid growing pressure to reduce environmental impact. UL Solutions developed the ECOLOGO program as a voluntary, life cycle-based ecolabel recognized globally for its rigorous, science-based criteria. It aims to help manufacturers demonstrate sustainability through third-party evaluation, offering assurance of credibility as an ISO Type 1 ecolabel under the Global Ecolabelling Network. Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy technology with over 160,
energyindustrial-automationcircuit-breakerssustainabilityECOLOGO-certificationSchneider-Electricenergy-technologyBeyond the robot: Shaping the future of autonomous operations - The Robot Report
The article "Beyond the robot: Shaping the future of autonomous operations" from The Robot Report highlights a significant evolution in the role of autonomous robots in industrial settings, as exemplified by ANYbotics’ ANYmal robot used for gas-leak detection and thermal inspections. At the ANYbotics Industry Forum (AIF) 2025, industry leaders and customers shared insights emphasizing a shift from focusing solely on robotic mobility and autonomy to leveraging the data intelligence, workflow integration, and human-robot collaboration that these systems enable. Real-world examples, such as a metals industry customer using ANYmal for thermal inspections to prevent furnace failures, demonstrate how robotics can scale operations, enhance safety, and generate substantial cost savings—over $1 million by avoiding downtime in this case. The article identifies three key takeaways defining the next phase of autonomous operations. First, it introduces the concept of Industry 5.0, which emphasizes a human-centric approach where robots handle repetitive, risky tasks, allowing workers to focus on
robotautonomous-systemsIndustry-5.0roboticsindustrial-automationhuman-robot-collaborationpredictive-maintenanceChina'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-technologyUnitree's new wheeled humanoid robot can work for 6 hours nonstop
Unitree Robotics, a Chinese robotics company, has introduced the G1-D, its first wheeled humanoid robot designed for fast, repetitive tasks in industrial, warehouse, service, and retail environments. The G1-D comes in two versions: a stationary Standard model and a mobile Flagship model that moves on a wheeled base at speeds up to 1.5 meters per second (5 feet per second). Standing between 49.5 and 66 inches tall and weighing up to 176 pounds, the robot features advanced dexterity with up to 19 degrees of freedom and arms capable of carrying up to 6.6 pounds. It is equipped with high-definition binocular cameras and wrist-mounted cameras, supporting various end effectors such as two-finger grippers, three-finger manipulators, and a five-finger dexterous hand to handle diverse tasks. The Flagship G1-D model is powered by an Nvidia Jetson Orin NX module delivering up to 100 TOPS
roboticshumanoid-robotAI-roboticsindustrial-automationwarehouse-roboticsAI-model-trainingautonomous-robotVeteran leads Isembard efforts to reshore U.S. manufacturing - The Robot Report
Isembard, led in the U.S. by Army Special Forces veteran Justin Baucum, is advancing efforts to reshore and reindustrialize American manufacturing by supporting small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) alongside larger manufacturers. Baucum was drawn to Isembard’s mission to address the decline of Western manufacturing capabilities and accelerate industrial growth. The company’s proprietary MasonOS platform connects various machines and automated workflows, aiming to reduce costs, shorten lead times, and provide franchise-like support to smaller manufacturers without sacrificing their independence. Isembard’s approach focuses on freeing workers from routine tasks to enhance craftsmanship and quality, positioning the U.S. as a hub for complex manufacturing challenges. Isembard operates a franchise model tailored to the fragmented SME manufacturing market, offering consistent service quality, common operating procedures, and improved market access. This model allows individual machine shops to maintain ownership while benefiting from shared resources, marketing support, and streamlined customer relationships under the Isembard brand
robotmanufacturingreshoringindustrial-automationCNC-machinesrobotics-integrationmanufacturing-softwareFrance's new humanoid enters the nuclear zone to take the heat
France has introduced Hoxo, an AI-powered humanoid robot developed by Capgemini and Orano, to enhance safety and operational efficiency within nuclear power plants. Launched at the Orano Melox facility in Gard, Hoxo integrates advanced robotics, AI computer vision, embedded sensors, and autonomous navigation to assist human operators in hazardous and complex technical tasks. The robot replicates human movements and uses real-time perception systems, aiming to redefine human-machine collaboration and push the boundaries of industrial automation in sensitive nuclear environments. Hoxo represents a significant technological advancement by combining robotics, AI, computer vision, and digital twins to tackle some of the most demanding challenges in nuclear operations. The project underscores the nuclear industry's ongoing commitment to innovation and automation, especially as it faces increasing pressure to maintain high safety standards while improving efficiency amid global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The current testing phase at the Melox facility will evaluate Hoxo’s effectiveness in supporting daily nuclear plant operations, with the potential to transform industrial performance and safety in
robotAIhumanoid-robotnuclear-energyindustrial-automationcomputer-visionhuman-machine-collaborationACCES I/O Products releases PCI Express Mini Card multifunction analog I/O module - The Robot Report
ACCES I/O Products Inc. has launched the mPCIe-DAAI16-8F, a high-performance multifunction analog input/output module in a compact PCI Express Mini Card (mPCIe) form factor. This rugged module features 16-bit precision with simultaneous analog input and output capabilities, including eight 16-bit analog outputs supporting both voltage and current ranges (4–20 mA, 0–20 mA, 0–24 mA). It also offers eight 16-bit analog input channels configurable as single-ended or differential inputs, with an aggregate sampling rate up to 1 MSPS for dynamic measurements. The module supports hardware-paced waveform playback at up to 125 kSPS per DAC channel and includes eight digital I/O pins for triggering, status, or control functions. Designed for embedded and OEM applications, the card is built to withstand shock and vibration, with factory options such as extended temperature ranges, current inputs, voltage dividers, HART modem capability, and
IoTembedded-systemsanalog-I/O-modulePCI-Express-Mini-CardFPGA-designindustrial-automationsensor-interfaceComparing 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-2030Top 10 smartest robot dogs in the world redefining technology
The article highlights the top 10 smartest robot dogs worldwide, emphasizing their diverse applications and technological advancements that are redefining robotics. Initially developed for military and industrial use, these robotic dogs now serve in various roles such as industrial inspection, security, logistics, and companionship. Boston Dynamics’ Spot leads the pack with its agility, AI autonomy, and ability to operate in hazardous environments like oil rigs and nuclear plants, making it a vital tool for industrial automation. Similarly, ANYbotics’ ANYmal excels in extreme conditions, autonomously detecting faults in chemical plants and mines, enhancing safety and productivity. Other notable models include Unitree B2, which balances performance and affordability for logistics and monitoring tasks, and Ghost Robotics’ Vision 60, designed for defense and security with modular payload capabilities for surveillance in harsh terrains. On the companion side, Sony’s Aibo stands out by providing emotional support through interactive, lifelike behavior, catering to households and individuals unable to keep real pets. Collectively, these robot dogs
robotroboticsrobot-dogsindustrial-automationAIautonomous-navigationinspection-robotsAdvantech, Qualcomm partner on edge AI applications
Advantech has announced a collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies and its subsidiary Edge Impulse to accelerate the adoption of next-generation edge AI applications using Qualcomm’s Dragonwing IQ-9075 processor. This partnership integrates Advantech’s edge AI platforms with the Dragonwing IQ-9075 and Edge Impulse’s developer tools, creating an ecosystem that simplifies AI development and deployment at the edge. The Dragonwing IQ-9075 processor, which powers Advantech’s new AIR-055 and AFE-A503 systems, delivers up to 100 TOPS of AI performance through dual Hexagon NPUs and an 8-core Kryo Gen 6 CPU, and is designed for industrial reliability with over 10 years of product longevity. Advantech’s AIR-055 system is a compact edge AI platform supporting VLMs and LLMs, featuring multiple connectivity options and direct MIPI-CSI camera connections for 2D/3D industrial imaging, targeting applications such as smart manufacturing, intelligent transportation systems
IoTedge-AIQualcommroboticsindustrial-automationembedded-systemssmart-manufacturingRivian creates another spinoff company called Mind Robotics
Rivian has launched its second spinoff company in 2025, named Mind Robotics, which focuses on industrial AI and robotics. According to Rivian’s third-quarter shareholder letter, Mind Robotics aims to use industrial AI to transform how physical-world businesses operate, leveraging Rivian’s operational data to create a robotics data flywheel. The company has raised approximately $110 million in external seed funding, though specific details about its operations or projects remain undisclosed. This follows an earlier spinoff in March, Also Inc., a micromobility startup partially funded by Eclipse and Greenoaks Capital. A trademark application for Mind Robotics was recently filed, listing Eclipse partner Jiten Behl and Eclipse’s Palo Alto address, suggesting a close relationship with the venture capital firm. It is unclear whether Rivian employees will transition to Mind Robotics, but Rivian hinted at leveraging its existing technology talent and innovation culture to expand its mission. While industrial AI and robotics are hot investment areas with competitors like Tesla and
roboticsindustrial-AIRivianMind-RoboticsAI-enabled-roboticsrobotics-startupindustrial-automation100 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-industryHumanoid robot aces real-world bin-picking test in German factory
Humanoid, a UK-based robotics and AI company, successfully completed a proof of concept (POC) with German engineering firm Schaeffler, demonstrating its pre-alpha humanoid robot's ability to perform real-world industrial bin-picking tasks. Conducted at Schaeffler’s Erlangen facility, the robot efficiently picked metallic bearing rings from bins, transferred them to a buffer table, and moved between workstations using parallel grippers in a production-like environment. This test highlighted the robot’s mobility, adaptability, and AI-driven precision, outperforming traditional automation systems like robotic arms and cobots, which often face efficiency and ROI challenges in similar tasks. The POC exceeded expectations by showing rapid skill training, on-site performance adjustments, and successful application of lab-developed models with minimal modifications. Humanoid prepared for the trial by creating a physical twin setup for teleoperation-based training, fine-tuning a Vision-Language-Action model, and integrating built-in sensors and cameras to reduce installation time. Both
roboticshumanoid-robotindustrial-automationAI-roboticsbin-pickingmanufacturing-technologyfactory-automationHow NVIDIA is bringing physical AI to its industrial customers - The Robot Report
NVIDIA is advancing the use of physical AI in industrial settings by enabling leading manufacturers and robotics companies to build digital twins of their factories using its Omniverse platform. Major companies such as Siemens, Foxconn Fii, Wistron, and Caterpillar are leveraging Omniverse technologies to create realistic 3D models integrated with live operational data, facilitating factory design, simulation, optimization, and real-time monitoring. Siemens is pioneering digital twin software compatible with NVIDIA’s Mega Omniverse Blueprint, currently in beta and integrated into the Siemens Xcelerator platform. Additionally, robot vendors like FANUC and Foxconn support 3D, OpenUSD-based digital twins, allowing manufacturers to easily incorporate robotic equipment into their virtual factory environments. At the GTC D.C. event, NVIDIA also introduced the Blackwell-powered IGX Thor robotics processor, designed to bring real-time physical AI to edge devices with high-speed sensor processing and enterprise-grade reliability. This platform is already adopted by companies including Diligent Robotics
roboticsAIdigital-twinsNVIDIA-Omniverseindustrial-automationcollaborative-robotsfactory-simulation2024’s Startup Battlefield runner-up geCKo Materials reveals four new products at TechCrunch Disrupt
geCKo Materials, the runner-up in the 2024 TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield, unveiled four new products that leverage its super-strong dry adhesive technology inspired by lizard feet. The new applications include a semiconductor wafer handling tool, a robotic gripper for smooth surfaces like solar panels and glass, a curved robotic end effector for irregular shapes, and a versatile gripper for robotic arms. This adhesive acts like a residue-free, reusable Velcro alternative that requires no electrical charge or suction, capable of holding 16 pounds per square inch and enduring up to 120,000 attachment cycles. Its adaptability to manufacturing and robotic applications has attracted major customers such as Ford, NASA, and Pacific Gas & Electric. Since last year’s Battlefield appearance, geCKo has tripled its team size, raised $8 million, and seen its adhesive used on six space missions, demonstrating its effectiveness in diverse environments including vacuum. Founder Dr. Capella Kerst highlighted the technology’s superior performance in semiconductor
materialsroboticsdry-adhesivesemiconductor-manufacturingrobotic-grippersspace-technologyindustrial-automationUS firm unveils wheeled humanoid robot with 4-camera vision system
Richtech Robotics has introduced Dex, its first mobile humanoid robot tailored for industrial use, showcased at GTC 2025 in Washington DC. Powered by NVIDIA Jetson Thor and featuring a four-camera vision system, Dex is designed to combine speed, safety, and precision in tasks such as operating manufacturing machines, sorting parts, material handling, quality inspection, and packaging. It comes in two versions: a stationary platform for continuous high-precision work and a mobile platform equipped with wheels for agile movement, boasting a battery life of four hours and a payload capacity of 11 pounds per arm. Dex’s design integrates Richtech’s experience from over 450 robot deployments, merging autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technology with dual-arm dexterity. The robot learns tasks through a "Sim2Real" approach, using NVIDIA Isaac Sim to train in virtual environments before real-world application, enhancing deployment speed, safety, and scalability. Unlike typical humanoids with legs, Dex’s wheeled mobility prioritizes operational efficiency
robothumanoid-robotautonomous-mobile-robotNVIDIA-Jetson-Thorrobotics-simulationindustrial-automationmachine-visionAugmentus gets funding to scale robotics software for high-mix production - The Robot Report
Augmentus, a robotics software company founded in 2019, has secured a strategic investment from Applied Ventures LLC to scale its solutions for high-mix, high-variability manufacturing. Traditionally, industrial automation has focused on high-volume, low-mix production, but Augmentus aims to enable factories to rapidly adapt to changing conditions by providing robots with advanced perception and adaptive motion capabilities. Their AutoPath robotics stack integrates 3D scanning, AI-driven automatic toolpath generation, and real-time adaptive robotic motion, allowing robots to handle part variations and process feedback autonomously without downtime. This no-code platform eliminates the need for expert programming, enabling rapid deployment and reconfiguration of robots in minutes rather than hours or days. The AutoPath system functions as both the "eyes and brains" of industrial robots, generating precise point clouds to capture intricate geometries and surface deviations, which are then used to dynamically adjust robotic paths for applications such as spraying, finishing, and welding. Augmentus serves industries including
roboticsindustrial-automationAIadaptive-roboticsmanufacturing-technology3D-scanningrobotic-softwareSoft elbow exoskeleton cuts muscle strain by 22% in factory tasks
Engineers at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) have developed a soft robotic elbow exoskeleton called the Pneumatically Actuated Soft Elbow Exoskeleton (PASE) designed to reduce muscle strain and fatigue in repetitive industrial tasks such as lifting, assembling, and drilling. The lightweight device uses a silicone pneumatic actuator powered by existing overhead pneumatic systems in factories, enabling it to assist elbow motion without restricting mobility. In tests with 19 participants, PASE reduced biceps and triceps muscle activity by up to 22% during lifting tasks and lowered perceived physical and mental workload by 8–10 points on NASA’s Task Load Index, indicating significant potential to prevent musculoskeletal injuries that account for nearly 30% of workplace injuries in the U.S. The interdisciplinary project, funded by UTA’s Interdisciplinary Research Program, emphasizes comfort and simplicity through a single-piece pneumatic actuator mounted on a carbon-fiber base plate wrapped in neoprene. The research team includes experts in industrial engineering
robotsoft-roboticsexoskeletonindustrial-automationworkplace-safetypneumatic-actuatorwearable-technologyHumanoids 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-robotsAti Motors releases Sherpa Mecha dual-armed mobile manipulator for manufacturing - The Robot Report
Ati Motors has launched the Sherpa Mecha, a dual-armed mobile manipulator designed for manufacturing applications. Unlike robots that strictly mimic human form, Sherpa Mecha emphasizes high-performance functionality tailored to industrial needs, such as machine tending, heavy bin transport, and parts inspection. The robot integrates deeply into manufacturing ecosystems to enhance information flow, automation, and system integration. Developed with input from academic and industry partners and tested on active factory floors, Sherpa Mecha features a humanoid-inspired design with proven actuation systems and modular AI, ensuring reliable performance and easy integration with existing automation lines. Founded in 2017 and based in Rochester Hills, Minnesota, Ati Motors specializes in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) with AI, serving sectors including automotive, aerospace, and electronics. The Sherpa Mecha was first introduced in July 2023 for collaborative innovation and is now commercially available. Ati Motors’ broader AMR portfolio includes various material movers such as the Sherpa XT Lite, Sherpa Lite
robotindustrial-automationmobile-manipulatormanufacturing-roboticsautonomous-mobile-robotsAI-roboticsdual-armed-robotHumanoid robot 'superworker' offers dexterous industrial assistance
Ati Motors, an Indian AI and robotics company, has introduced the Sherpa Mecha humanoid-inspired robot designed specifically for practical industrial applications rather than human-like imitation. Unlike traditional humanoid robots that focus on replicating human appearance and motion, Sherpa Mecha prioritizes functionality on manufacturing floors, performing tasks such as machine tending, material transport, and heavy bin handling. The robot features high-performance actuators, precision gripping, 3D navigation, and a 26-pound payload capacity, moving on wheels for enhanced speed and safety in industrial environments. This design reflects Ati Motors’ philosophy of creating robots “for industry, not spectacle,” emphasizing utility and integration over biomimicry. Sherpa Mecha is positioned as a “tool-forward industrial superworker” capable of continuous, fatigue-free operation and seamless integration into existing automation lines. Developed in collaboration with research institutions and industrial partners, the robot has undergone extensive testing to ensure reliability and compatibility. Ati Motors promotes Sherpa Mecha as a customizable platform
roboticsindustrial-automationhumanoid-robotAI-roboticsmanufacturing-technologyautonomous-robotsindustrial-superworkerABB Group to sell ABB Robotics to SoftBank for $5.375B - The Robot Report
ABB Group has announced the sale of its ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation division to SoftBank Group Corp. for $5.375 billion. The Zurich-based industrial automation giant had previously planned to spin off the unit due to declining orders and revenues from 2023 through early 2025. ABB Robotics generated $2.3 billion in revenue in 2024, accounting for about 7% of ABB’s total revenue, with an operational EBITDA margin of 12.1%. The division employs roughly 7,000 people and includes a product portfolio featuring the OmniCore controller, industrial automation solutions, robot arms, and autonomous mobile robots acquired through ASTI Mobile Robotics. ABB intends to use the proceeds from the sale according to its capital allocation principles while maintaining focus on its core electrification and automation strategies. SoftBank, which has a history of investments and ownership in robotics companies with mixed outcomes, views this acquisition as a strategic move to advance its vision of “physical AI” by combining ABB Robotics’
roboticsindustrial-automationABB-RoboticsSoftBankautonomous-mobile-robotsrobot-armsrobotics-investmentPI releases high dynamics linear motor stage family - The Robot Report
PI Physik Instrumente L.P. has introduced the V-573 family, a new series of high-dynamics linear motor stages designed for ultra-precise positioning in research and industrial applications. Manufactured in the U.S., these stages feature frictionless three-phase linear motors, crossed roller bearings for high stiffness and smooth operation, and offer specifications such as up to 360mm travel, 1nm absolute encoder resolution, 80nm bidirectional repeatability, and velocities up to 500mm/sec with 1g acceleration. The design emphasizes precision with straightness and flatness values as low as 1µm, and includes an anti-creep mechanism to enhance reliability. The stages integrate with PI’s ACS-based EtherCAT motion controllers, enabling optimized system performance through advanced algorithms. The V-573 stages are suitable for a broad range of industries including semiconductor manufacturing (nano-lithography, wafer inspection, metrology), silicon photonics, quantum computing, industrial automation, microscopy, and life sciences
robotautomationlinear-motorprecision-motionsemiconductor-manufacturingindustrial-automationmotion-controlEdge-to-cloud robotics: eInfochips teams up with InOrbit - The Robot Report
eInfochips, an Arrow Electronics company specializing in product engineering and digital transformation, has formed a strategic partnership with InOrbit, a provider of AI-powered robot orchestration. This collaboration aims to deliver scalable, optimized edge-to-cloud robotics solutions for industries requiring large-scale autonomous mobile robot (AMR) deployments, such as warehouses, factories, and industrial hubs. Leveraging eInfochips’ Robotics Center of Excellence, the partnership will support the entire robotics stack—from hardware design and sensor fusion to edge AI and digital twins—while InOrbit’s Space Intelligence platform will provide tools for real-time fleet management, incident response, multi-vehicle orchestration, and continuous performance optimization. The integrated offering is designed to simplify and accelerate the deployment of AMR fleets, enabling businesses to automate repetitive tasks like material handling and sorting with greater flexibility and operational scale. eInfochips brings extensive expertise in AI, hardware integration, and partnerships with platform providers like NVIDIA and Qualcomm, while InOrbit contributes its experience in managing thousands of robots
roboticsedge-computingautonomous-mobile-robotsAIIoTcloud-roboticsindustrial-automationCaPow Genesis power-in-motion tech receives CE Mark for European market - The Robot Report
CaPow Technologies Ltd., an Israeli company specializing in wireless power delivery for mobile robots, has received CE certification for its Genesis power-in-motion technology, enabling its entry into the European market. The CE Mark confirms compliance with the EU’s health, safety, and environmental standards. The Genesis platform provides wireless charging to automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) as they operate, eliminating downtime and ensuring continuous throughput. CaPow emphasizes its robot-agnostic, modular system that integrates easily into existing factory and warehouse infrastructures, minimizing installation time and operational disruptions. The technology has proven commercially successful in the U.S., with clients such as Hyundai Glovis benefiting from improved productivity and guaranteed 100% fleet uptime. CaPow highlights that wireless charging reduces the need for large robot fleets by up to 30%, cuts hazardous battery storage requirements, saves space, lowers carbon emissions, and supports scalable automation deployments. With CE certification, CaPow aims to expand its footprint across the European Economic Area and
robotenergywireless-chargingautomated-guided-vehiclesautonomous-mobile-robotsindustrial-automationCE-certificationToyota adds another $1.5B to its bet on startups at every stage
Toyota is significantly expanding its investment in startups across various stages of development, committing an additional $1.5 billion to support innovation in mobility, climate, AI, and industrial automation. The company announced the creation of Toyota Invention Partners Co., a strategic investment subsidiary with about $670 million in capital focused on early-stage, Japan-based startups with a long-term investment horizon. This new entity complements Toyota’s existing venture arms—Toyota Ventures, which targets early-stage startups, and Woven Capital, which focuses on growth-stage companies. Woven Capital also launched a second $800 million fund aimed at Series B to late-stage startups advancing AI, automation, climate tech, energy, and sustainability, and has become a wholly owned Toyota subsidiary. This multi-tiered investment approach allows Toyota to support startups from the initial invention phase through growth and maturity, with the potential for successful ventures to be integrated into Toyota’s balance sheet. The strategy reflects Toyota’s deepening commitment to the startup ecosystem and its role in developing technologies
robotAIindustrial-automationadvanced-manufacturingroboticsstartup-investmentautomotive-technologyNext-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-TechnologyChina bets on car-style rocket production to surpass SpaceX’s pace
China is revolutionizing its aerospace manufacturing by adopting a car-style mass production approach, known as the “final assembly pull” system, to compete with the US and SpaceX’s rapid launch pace. Inspired by lean manufacturing principles pioneered by Toyota, this system shifts from the traditional “push” production—where components are made based on forecasted demand—to a “pull” approach where parts are produced and assembled only as needed. This reduces waste, inventory bottlenecks, and delays, enabling faster and more cost-effective production of rockets and satellites while maintaining quality. The transformation involves a coordinated national strategy integrating state-owned enterprises, research institutes, and private suppliers, supported by AI, robotics, and a collaborative digital platform that provides real-time supply chain visibility. This modular and flexible manufacturing model allows China to dynamically reconfigure workflows and streamline production. With plans to deploy satellite mega-constellations such as Guowang, Qianfan, and Hongtu-3, China aims to significantly boost its orbital launch
materialsmanufacturingaerospacelean-manufacturingsatellite-productionrocket-productionindustrial-automationIndustry experts react to U.S. robotics tariff proposal - The Robot Report
The U.S. Department of Commerce has initiated a Section 232 investigation into imports of robotics, industrial machinery, personal protective equipment, and medical devices, with the potential to impose tariffs aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing and national security. This move is part of broader efforts by the current administration to compete more effectively with China, which currently leads the world in industrial robot usage, possessing five times the operational stock of industrial robots compared to the U.S. The investigation, begun on September 2 but not immediately publicized, targets a wide range of equipment including CNC machines, automated tools, and robots, intending to encourage reshoring and foreign investment in U.S. production. Industry experts and robotics leaders have expressed concerns about the potential tariffs. Startup founders and executives at robotics events noted that much of the world’s industrial automation comes from Asian and European suppliers, which U.S. companies rely on for quality components necessary for reshoring efforts. They also highlighted the challenge posed by increased H-1B visa fees
roboticsindustrial-automationtariffsmanufacturingU.S.-China-tradereshoringindustrial-robotsIFR: industrial robot deployments have doubled in 10 years
The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reported that industrial robot installations worldwide reached 542,000 units in 2024, more than doubling the number from a decade ago. This marks the fourth consecutive year with over 500,000 units installed annually, with Asia dominating 74% of new deployments, followed by Europe at 16% and the Americas at 9%. The total operational stock of industrial robots globally increased by 9% to 4.66 million units in 2024, reflecting strong ongoing demand driven by industries transitioning to digital and automated processes. China remains the largest robotics market, accounting for 54% of global installations with a record 295,000 units installed in 2024. Notably, Chinese manufacturers now hold a majority domestic market share of 57%, up from 28% a decade ago, and the country’s operational robot stock surpassed 2 million units. Other Asian markets also show significant activity: Japan installed 44,500 units (a slight
industrial-robotsrobotics-marketautomationmanufacturing-technologyChina-roboticsrobot-deploymentindustrial-automationRoboCup Logistics League: an interview with Alexander Ferrein, Till Hofmann and Wataru Uemura - Robohub
The RoboCup Logistics League, part of the Industrial League at RoboCup 2025 held in Salvador, Brazil, focuses on advancing intelligent robotics and AI in smart factory logistics. The league simulates an intra-production logistics scenario where teams of three robots manage the delivery and production of various products using six machines arranged on a playing field. Robots must navigate, avoid collisions, and handle simple manipulation tasks such as moving colored discs that represent product components. The primary challenge lies in production logistics and planning, requiring robots to collaboratively produce complex products within a limited timeframe. Unlike other RoboCup competitions, this league emphasizes long-horizon planning and real-time adaptation due to dynamic order arrivals and interactions with opponent teams. A key aspect highlighted by the league’s organizers is the necessity for online planning and execution monitoring. Since product orders are unpredictable and numerous, pre-planned sequences are ineffective. Robots must continuously replan and adjust their strategies during execution to respond to changing conditions on the field, including the actions of competing teams. This
roboticssmart-factoryindustrial-automationRoboCuplogistics-robotsAI-in-manufacturingproduction-logisticsANYbotics earns strategic investment from Climate Investment - The Robot Report
ANYbotics AG, a Zurich-based company specializing in quadruped robots for autonomous industrial inspections, has received a strategic investment from Climate Investment (CI), increasing its total funding to over $150 million. The company’s flagship robot, ANYmal, is designed to operate safely in hazardous, explosive, and all-weather conditions, providing early detection of asset degradation, such as equipment overheating, abnormal vibrations, and gas leaks. ANYmal D is already conducting thousands of inspections weekly, autonomously navigating complex industrial sites with AI-powered capabilities including collision avoidance and stair climbing. The investment will support the upcoming market launch of ANYmal X in 2026, an Ex-certified legged robot tailored for explosive environments, enabling continuous and safe inspections in such zones. ANYbotics also recently introduced enhanced gas-leak and presence-detection features, integrating gas detectors and acoustic imaging to precisely locate leaks and measure ambient gas concentrations. The funding will further aid ANYbotics’ global expansion and strengthen collaborations with CI’s extensive network
roboticsindustrial-automationautonomous-robotsenergy-sectoremissions-reductionAI-navigationhazardous-environment-robotsCarbonSix says its toolkit brings robot imitation learning to the factory floor - The Robot Report
CarbonSix Inc., a manufacturing-focused AI developer, has launched SigmaKit, a toolkit that brings robot imitation learning directly to factory floors. Designed for industries such as electronics, batteries, and food and beverage, SigmaKit enables manufacturers to deploy AI-powered robots without needing specialized expertise or extensive programming. The system uses imitation learning, allowing robots to learn complex, delicate, and non-standardized tasks—like film attachment, assembly, and cable fastening—by observing human demonstrations. This approach addresses traditional automation challenges in unstructured and variable manufacturing environments, where conventional robots struggle to adapt. SigmaKit integrates AI algorithms, precision robotic grippers, sensor modules, and a teaching tool that simplifies operation. Users build training datasets by repeatedly demonstrating tasks, with models generated in less than a day depending on complexity. The resulting robotic "skills" can then be deployed to handle variable, non-routine tasks efficiently. Founded in 2024 by co-CEOs Jehyuk Kim and Terry Moon, CarbonSix leverages deep
roboticsindustrial-automationimitation-learningAI-robotsmanufacturing-technologyrobotic-toolkitfactory-automationU.K.-based startup Humanoid unveils HMND 01 Alpha mobile manipulator - The Robot Report
Humanoid, a London-based robotics and AI startup founded in 2024 by Artem Sokolov, has unveiled the HMND 01 Alpha, a dual-armed mobile manipulator designed for industrial applications. Developed in just seven months, the robot aims to address labor shortages in manufacturing by supporting workers rather than replacing them. The HMND 01 Alpha stands 220 cm tall, can move at speeds up to 7.2 kph, and features 29 active degrees of freedom. It can carry payloads up to 15 kg with both arms and is equipped with versatile end-effectors—a dexterous five-fingered hand or a simpler parallel gripper—allowing it to handle a range of tasks from delicate manipulation to heavy lifting. Its perception system includes 360-degree RGB cameras and depth sensors, enabling comprehensive environmental awareness. Humanoid targets a $38 billion industrial market in Europe, with plans to expand globally where robot density remains relatively low despite productivity benefits. The company emphasizes
robothumanoid-robotindustrial-automationAI-roboticsmobile-manipulatorlabor-shortage-solutionmanufacturing-roboticsUK startup launches fastest-developed humanoid robot for logistics
UK-based robotics and AI startup Humanoid has unveiled the HMND 01 Alpha, the fastest-developed humanoid robot prototype designed for industrial logistics, retail, and manufacturing tasks. Developed in just seven months by a team of around 170 experts, the nearly 87-inch tall wheeled robot integrates multiple AI workflows powered by NVIDIA’s Jetson Thor platform, enabling autonomous operation, real-time adaptation to environments, and simultaneous running of large-scale generative AI models. The robot can move at speeds up to 4.4 mph, carry payloads of 33 lbs or more, and operate in confined spaces such as factory floors and store aisles. The HMND 01 Alpha features advanced perception capabilities with 360-degree RGB cameras and depth sensors, 29 active degrees of freedom (excluding end-effectors), and interchangeable end-effectors including a dexterous five-fingered hand or a simpler parallel gripper. It can reach items from floor level up to two meters high and handle shelf depths
roboticshumanoid-robotAI-roboticsindustrial-automationlogistics-technologyautonomous-robotsNVIDIA-Jetson-Thor4D1 launches T2 for rugged, millimeter-level 3D indoor positioning - The Robot Report
4D1 has launched the T2, a precise indoor positioning system designed to deliver millimeter-level 3D positioning with six degrees of freedom (6DoF) for industrial environments such as factories and process-centric industries. The T2 system addresses common challenges in indoor positioning like accuracy loss, drift, and bulky hardware by providing drift-free, real-time location tracking that includes full orientation for both robots and human operators. Its rugged, compact design is IP54-rated for dust and water resistance, making it suitable for harsh industrial settings. The system uses advanced sensor fusion, combining ultrasonic signals with an inertial measurement unit (IMU), enabling calibration-free operation and rapid deployment with existing industrial equipment. 4D1 emphasizes that T2 facilitates seamless collaboration between humans, robots, and AI systems, enhancing efficiency, safety, and productivity on the shop floor. The system generates AI-ready operational data that supports task validation, faster workforce upskilling, and actionable insights, contributing to smarter decision-making and AI-driven
robotindoor-positioningindustrial-automationAIcollaborative-robotssensor-fusionIIoTRethink Robotics shuts down -- again
Rethink Robotics, a pioneer in collaborative robots (cobots), has shut down for the second time. Originally founded in 2008 as Heartland Robotics by Rodney Brooks and Ann Whittaker, the company rebranded as Rethink Robotics in 2012 and gained attention with its Baxter and Sawyer cobots. Despite raising $150 million, the company struggled with issues related to precision and repeatability due to its use of series elastic actuators. After declaring bankruptcy in 2018, Rethink was acquired by Germany’s HAHN Group, which aimed to improve the technology. However, by 2024, after being relaunched under the United Robotics Group (URG) and returning to the U.S., Rethink faced new challenges with its latest products—Reacher robot arms, Ryder autonomous mobile robots, and Riser mobile manipulators—that were not market-ready, leading to poor sales. The financial difficulties culminated when URG’s investors withdrew funding, forcing
roboticscollaborative-robotscobotsautonomous-mobile-robotsindustrial-automationrobotics-startupsRethink-Roboticsigus to demonstrate FR20 affordable palletizing cobot at Pack Expo - The Robot Report
At Pack Expo 2023, igus GmbH showcased its Fairino FR20 collaborative robot (cobot), designed specifically for industrial palletizing tasks. The FR20 features a robust 20 kg payload capacity, a reach of 1,854 mm, and six degrees of freedom, enabling it to handle heavy and dynamic operations with high precision (±0.1 mm repeatability). It offers IP54 protection, intuitive drag-and-teach programming, and an open EtherCAT architecture, making it suitable for applications including palletizing, machine tending, and metal processing. The cobot’s versatile configuration supports different palletizing patterns and can cover two pallet positions, enhancing efficiency in logistics, manufacturing, and warehousing environments. The Fairino FR20 is now available in the U.S. through the RBTX online marketplace, which connects customers with over 40 partners offering compatible components like cameras, grippers, and sensors. Customers can purchase the robot alone, with training, or as a turnkey installation
robotcollaborative-robotpalletizing-cobotindustrial-automationmotion-plasticsEtherCATmanufacturing-roboticsASMPT chooses Renishaw for high-quality motion control - The Robot Report
ASMPT, a global leader in semiconductor assembly and packaging equipment, has partnered with Renishaw for over 25 years to enhance motion control solutions critical to semiconductor manufacturing. ASMPT operates worldwide and has expanded its capabilities through acquisitions of several equipment brands, enabling a broader range of process solutions. The companies have collaborated extensively on position encoder applications, customized solutions, and machine testing to meet the stringent demands of modern semiconductor packaging, which requires high position accuracy, stability, compact machine design, and quality control. ASMPT utilizes various Renishaw encoder products, including the ATOM DX, VIONiC incremental, and RESOLUTE absolute encoder series, in equipment such as the INFINITE 12-inch die bonder. This machine features precise epoxy dispensing and micron-level bond line thickness inspection, relying on high-performance encoders for motion control. A key challenge in back-end semiconductor manufacturing is minimizing the size and weight of readheads and interfaces, as machines may house up to twenty readheads. Renish
robotmotion-controlsemiconductor-packagingindustrial-automationposition-encodersprecision-engineeringmanufacturing-technologyChina 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-industryUniversal Robots designs UR8 Long for space-constrained tasks - The Robot Report
Universal Robots (UR) has introduced the UR8 Long, a new collaborative robot arm designed to extend reach and automate more complex welding and industrial tasks, especially in space-constrained environments. With a reach of 1,750 mm—matching the larger UR20 model—but featuring a slimmer profile and 30% less mass, the UR8 Long offers a payload capacity of 8 kg, making it suitable for applications such as precision dunnage picking, multi-point inspections, and complex weldments. The robot supports both PolyScope 5 and PolyScope X software and can be enhanced with UR’s MotionPlus technology for improved motion control, enabling smoother trajectories and integration with external axes like linear rails and rotary positioners. The UR8 Long aims to improve productivity and safety by simplifying programming through upgraded freedrive capabilities, allowing users to manually guide the arm with precision. Its compact wrist design facilitates mounting on gantries or overhead systems, optimizing space and efficiency. Universal Robots emphasizes the cobot’s suitability for
robotcollaborative-robotindustrial-automationcobotrobotic-armmotion-controlwelding-automationUniversal Robots picks Technicon as certified partner for the pharmaceutical industry - The Robot Report
Universal Robots (UR), a leading developer of collaborative robot arms, has officially named Technicon as a UR global Certified Solution Provider (CSP) for the pharmaceutical industry. Technicon, a Nordic automation company specializing in compact automated systems for life sciences, has been a UR distributor and integrator in Denmark since 2019. The partnership highlights Technicon’s expertise in designing, developing, and implementing automation solutions tailored to highly regulated pharma environments, including optimizing fill and finish lines, lab quality control, and packaging processes. This CSP status enables Technicon to offer end-to-end solutions from design through deployment and service to international pharmaceutical clients. UR is part of Teradyne Robotics, which has recently experienced leadership changes and financial challenges, including a 17% revenue decline year-over-year in Q2 2025 and workforce reductions. Despite this, UR remains the primary revenue driver within Teradyne Robotics. The company plans to showcase new fabrication automation systems and debut a new cobot model at FABTECH
roboticscollaborative-robotspharmaceutical-automationUniversal-Robotscobotsindustrial-automationTechniconRoboBallet makes robotic arms dance in sync on factory floors
RoboBallet is a new AI system developed by a team from UCL, Google DeepMind, and Intrinsic that choreographs the movements of multiple robotic arms on factory floors, significantly improving efficiency and scalability in manufacturing. Traditional robotic coordination requires extensive manual programming to avoid collisions and complete tasks, a process that is time-consuming and prone to errors. RoboBallet overcomes these challenges by using reinforcement learning combined with graph neural networks, enabling it to plan coordinated movements for up to eight robotic arms performing 40 tasks in seconds, even in previously unseen layouts. This approach treats obstacles and tasks as points in a network, allowing rapid and adaptable planning that outperforms existing methods by generating plans hundreds of times faster than real-time. The system’s scalability is a major breakthrough, as it learns general coordination rules rather than memorizing specific scenarios, making it capable of handling complex, dynamic environments where factory layouts or robot configurations change frequently. RoboBallet’s ability to instantly generate high-quality plans could prevent costly
roboticsindustrial-automationAIrobotic-armsmanufacturing-technologyreinforcement-learningfactory-efficiencyCan Clean Hydrogen Be Produced Without The Colors? - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Houston-based Utility Global’s (UG) innovative approach to producing clean hydrogen without relying on the conventional color-coded classifications (green, blue, grey) typically used in the hydrogen industry. UG’s patented H2Gen system uniquely utilizes the inherent energy in industrial waste gases—such as off-gases from steel mills and methane-rich biogas from landfills and farms—to drive hydrogen production. This method bypasses the large electricity demands of traditional water electrolysis, effectively turning environmental liabilities into a free energy source. Additionally, the system captures a concentrated CO₂ stream, making carbon sequestration more feasible and cost-effective. A key challenge of UG’s technology lies in the precise control required for the electrochemical reactions within its solid oxide reactors, as minor fluctuations in temperature, pressure, or gas composition can affect efficiency and hydrogen purity. To address this, UG partners with Rockwell Automation, which provides an advanced control system (PlantPAx Distributed Control System) that continuously monitors and adjusts process variables in real
energyclean-hydrogenhydrogen-productionindustrial-automationelectrochemical-reactorwaste-gas-utilizationcarbon-captureVietnam’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-computingVinMotionBeyond 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-technologyElephant Robotics builds myCobot Pro 450 to meet industrial expectations - The Robot Report
Elephant Robotics has launched the myCobot Pro 450, a compact collaborative robot arm designed to meet industrial-level demands across education, research, and commercial applications. The robot features a modular design with a 1 kg payload, 450 mm reach, and high positioning accuracy of ±0.1 mm. Weighing under 5 kg, it incorporates harmonic reducers, servo motors, joint brakes, and integrated controllers within an all-metal, durable housing. The myCobot Pro 450 supports various end effectors such as cameras, suction pumps, and grippers, enabling rapid deployment for tasks like data collection, fine manipulation, and intelligent human-robot interaction (HRI). The cobot supports personalized applications including 3D visual random sorting, robotic writing and painting, and compound mobile inspections. It integrates with peripherals like 3D cameras, recognition software, industrial PCs, and mobile platforms (e.g., myAGV Pro) to offer scalable solutions. Notably, the myC
robotcollaborative-robotmyCobot-Pro-450industrial-automationAI-integrationhuman-robot-interactionrobotic-armChinese 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-armsWatch: China’s MagicBot humanoid robot pulls 551 pounds with ease -65 Main, SEO
MagicLab, a Chinese robotics startup, has unveiled its AI-enabled humanoid robot, MagicBot, showcasing its remarkable strength by pulling a cart carrying three adults weighing approximately 551 pounds (250 kg). The demonstration video highlights the robot’s ability to pull progressively heavier loads—176 pounds, 375 pounds, and finally 551 pounds—while maintaining a walking speed that decreases from 1.57 mph to 0.67 mph as the weight increases. MagicBot is a third-generation AI-controlled robot designed primarily for industrial automation but is versatile enough to perform domestic tasks, public service roles, and specialized functions such as search and rescue. Equipped with 42 degrees of freedom, advanced sensors including LiDAR, RGBD and fisheye cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and a proprietary navigation algorithm, MagicBot achieves human-like movement and situational awareness. It can carry loads of up to 44 lbs per arm and handle delicate objects with sub-millimeter precision, thanks to high-torque servo actu
robothumanoid-robotAI-roboticsindustrial-automationMagicBotrobotic-sensorsrobot-navigationSEW-EURODRIVE supports heavy industry gearing with fast turnaround - The Robot Report
SEW-EURODRIVE has introduced externally assembled oil cooling and supply systems for heavy industry gearing, now produced at its Heavy Industry Gearing (HIG) facility in Wellford, South Carolina. This shift to local assembly significantly reduces lead times from 14–20 weeks to as short as six weeks, addressing previous delivery bottlenecks caused by reliance on global channels. These systems are designed to support torque-dense, compact gearboxes where thermal management is critical, ensuring efficient oil delivery, circulation, and cooling tailored for demanding industrial applications. The new external lubrication systems come in various configurations, including oil-to-air cooling (OAP1), oil-to-water cooling (OWP1), and pressure lubrication without cooling (ONP1), all sized using SEW-EURODRIVE’s thermal validation tools. They support startup oil viscosities up to 5,000 cSt and offer flexible mounting options for ease of maintenance. Additionally, the systems feature modular, sensor-ready components such as
robotenergyindustrial-automationthermal-managementlubrication-systemsgearbox-coolingSEW-EURODRIVECoffee roasting techniques: The hidden secret to eco-friendly beans
The article discusses how traditional coffee roasting techniques contribute significantly to the coffee industry’s carbon footprint, accounting for up to 15% of its total emissions. Conventional roasting methods, largely unchanged since the early 1900s, rely on fossil fuels and involve heating roasters to around 600°C in batch processes that are energy-inefficient and environmentally harmful. This outdated approach not only increases greenhouse gas emissions but also leads to higher operational costs and growing pressure from consumers demanding sustainable products. To address these challenges, Belgium-based company CEE has developed an innovative continuous roasting system using Siemens’ Digital Twin technology and software tools such as Solid Edge, Simcenter, and NX. This new method moves coffee beans along a conveyor through precision-controlled chambers, using hot air at less than half the temperature of traditional roasters and recirculating it multiple times. The result is a roasting process that uses two to three times less energy, enabling easier electrification and the potential for fully renewable or hybrid energy use. Siemens
energyenergy-efficiencydigital-twin-technologysustainable-coffee-roastingSiemensrenewable-energyindustrial-automationFORT Robotics adds $18.9M to Series B funding for robotic safety - The Robot Report
FORT Robotics, a Philadelphia-based company specializing in remote control technology and safety for autonomous systems, has secured an additional $18.9 million in its Series B funding round led by Tiger Global. This brings the company’s total funding to $60.5 million. Founded in 2018, FORT Robotics provides a Robotics Control Platform designed to ensure safe, secure, and dynamic control of autonomous machines, supporting over 500 customers with approximately 12,000 units deployed across industries such as warehousing, agriculture, and construction. The company emphasizes enhancing human-machine collaboration while minimizing risks to people, assets, and data. The new capital will be used to enhance existing products by expanding communication protocols, API integrations, and international compliance, as well as to develop next-generation safety solutions featuring advanced data analytics tailored to the unique challenges of physical AI. FORT Robotics aims to accelerate the growth and implementation of its protective technologies as autonomous systems become more prevalent globally. The funding round attracted both returning investors—including Tiger Global,
roboticsautonomous-systemsrobotic-safetyphysical-AIhuman-machine-collaborationindustrial-automationrobotics-fundingJeh Aerospace nets $11M to scale the commercial aircraft supply chain in India
Jeh Aerospace, an Indian startup founded by former Tata Group executives Vishal Sanghavi and Venkatesh Mudragalla, has raised $11 million in Series A funding to address production bottlenecks in the global commercial aircraft supply chain. The company focuses on scaling the manufacturing of precision metallic components for aero engines and aerostructures, supplying U.S.-based Tier 1 suppliers who serve major aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing. Headquartered in Atlanta to better serve its U.S. customers, Jeh Aerospace operates a 60,000-square-foot precision manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, India, where it leverages software-defined manufacturing, robotics, and IoT to reduce product lead times from the industry standard of 15 weeks to just 15 days. The startup’s approach aims to bring predictability and dynamic scheduling to aerospace component production, helping alleviate the current supply chain constraints amid a surge in global air traffic demand and a record commercial aircraft backlog nearing 15,700 units. Jeh Aerospace deliberately targets
robotIoTaerospace-manufacturingprecision-machinerysupply-chainindustrial-automationaircraft-componentsCorsha gets investment from Cybernetix Ventures for robot cybersecurity - The Robot Report
Corsha Inc., a Vienna, Virginia-based company specializing in machine cybersecurity, has secured investment from Cybernetix Ventures as part of its $18 million Series A-1 funding round. Corsha’s platform focuses on securing machine-to-machine (M2M) connections within robotics and industrial automation, addressing a gap where traditional cybersecurity has largely centered on human protection while neglecting operational technology. Founded in 2017, Corsha offers a patented Machine Identity Provider (m-IdP) that provides dynamic, cryptographic machine identities, continuous verification, and automated lifecycle management to ensure secure, authorized connections across cloud, edge, hybrid, and air-gapped environments. The m-IdP platform is designed to support the growing autonomy and interconnectivity of industrial systems by embedding zero-trust principles and enabling secure data movement and automation at machine speed and scale. Cybernetix Ventures highlighted Corsha’s solution as a foundational trust layer critical for the future of connected, autonomous systems, emphasizing the increasing need for
robotcybersecuritymachine-identityindustrial-automationoperational-technologyautonomous-systemsIoT-securityTeradyne Robotics generates $75M in Q2
Teradyne Robotics, encompassing Universal Robots (UR) and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR), reported $75 million in revenue for Q2 2025, marking a 9% increase from Q1 but a 17% decline compared to the same quarter in 2024. Universal Robots remained the dominant contributor with $63 million (84% of the group’s revenue), while MiR generated $12 million. The year-over-year decline reflects ongoing challenges in the global automation market, including extended sales cycles and cautious capital spending in manufacturing sectors. Despite these headwinds, a structural reorganization consolidating UR and MiR’s sales, marketing, and service teams in early 2025 helped drive quarter-on-quarter growth and improved operational efficiency. Looking ahead, Teradyne Robotics secured a significant, undisclosed deal expected to be a major growth driver in 2026 and plans to open a U.S.-based manufacturing facility to better serve regional customers. The company also continues to invest in international markets
roboticscollaborative-robotsTeradyne-RoboticsUniversal-Robotsautonomous-mobile-robotsindustrial-automationrobot-market-trendsChina's brainy humanoid robot worker adapts, lifts and never tires
Shanghai Electric has introduced SUYUAN, its first self-developed industrial humanoid robot, at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025 in Shanghai. SUYUAN features 38 degrees of freedom and a powerful on-device AI processor capable of 275 trillion operations per second (TOPS), enabling fluid, human-like movements and precise task execution. Equipped with LiDAR and binocular vision, the robot can autonomously navigate complex industrial environments and perform tasks such as sorting and moving crates of varying sizes, significantly boosting warehouse productivity. SUYUAN weighs 110 pounds, stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, and can lift objects up to 4.4 pounds with a total payload capacity of 22 pounds, moving at a walking speed of 3.1 miles per hour. In addition to SUYUAN, Shanghai Electric showcased its collaboration with Johnson Electric on next-generation humanoid robotics, unveiling advanced components like rotary joints and dexterous finger joints. The company also demonstrated the “LINGKE” dual
roboticshumanoid-robotindustrial-automationAI-processorLiDAR-navigationwarehouse-roboticsShanghai-ElectricAeva strikes lidar chip-making deal with LG subsidiary
Aeva Technologies, a U.S.-based company specializing in 4D LiDAR sensing systems, has entered a manufacturing partnership with LG Innotek, the components and materials subsidiary of South Korea’s LG. Under the deal, LG Innotek will manufacture and supply Aeva’s Atlas Ultra 4D LiDAR sensors primarily for the automotive sector, targeting some of the top 10 global passenger vehicle OEMs. LG Innotek will also invest up to $50 million in Aeva, acquiring about a 6% equity stake. The partnership aims to eventually expand the use of Aeva’s LiDAR technology into consumer electronics, robotics, and industrial automation. Aeva’s 4D LiDAR technology differs from conventional LiDAR by using Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) sensing, which measures both distance and velocity for every pixel in real time, providing richer data akin to moving from black-and-white to color imaging. The company has miniaturized the entire LiDAR system
LiDARroboticsautomotive-technologysilicon-photonicssensor-technologyindustrial-automationsmart-infrastructureAeva strikes lidar chip-making deal with LG subsidiary
Aeva Technologies, a U.S.-based maker of advanced 4D LiDAR sensing systems, has entered a manufacturing partnership with LG Innotek, the components and materials subsidiary of South Korea’s LG. Under the agreement, LG Innotek will manufacture and supply Aeva’s Atlas Ultra 4D LiDAR sensors primarily for the automotive sector, targeting some of the top 10 global passenger vehicle OEMs. LG Innotek will also invest up to $50 million in Aeva, acquiring about a 6% equity stake. The partnership aims to eventually expand the use of Aeva’s technology into consumer electronics, robotics, and industrial automation. Aeva’s 4D LiDAR technology differs from conventional systems by using Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology to measure both distance and velocity for every pixel in real time, providing richer data akin to moving from black-and-white to color imaging. The company has miniaturized the entire LiDAR system, including optics,
robotIoTlidarautomotive-technologysilicon-photonicsindustrial-automationsmart-infrastructureApera AI closes Series A financing, updates vision software, names executives - The Robot Report
Apera AI, a Vancouver-based developer of 4D Vision technology for industrial automation, has closed an oversubscribed Series A financing round. The company plans to use the new funding to expand its team, improve processes, and drive product innovation. Apera AI’s patented 4D Vision system integrates advanced 3D vision with artificial intelligence—the “fourth dimension”—to enable robots to perform complex tasks such as bin picking, de-racking, and assembly with high speed and precision. This technology addresses common manufacturing challenges like shifting bins, changing lighting, and worn grippers, which traditional 3D vision systems struggle to handle. In conjunction with the funding announcement, Apera AI released Apera Vue 9.50, an updated version of its controller software featuring vision-guided TCP calibration, recording and playback capabilities, and an accuracy insight tool. These enhancements help manufacturers maintain precision despite real-world variations on the factory floor. The company also emphasizes no-code setup tools, AI-powered calibration,
robotindustrial-automationAI-vision4D-vision-technologymanufacturing-roboticsrobotic-calibrationautomation-softwareWhy Dispo’s co-founder made the leap from social media to steelmaking
Daniel Liss, co-founder of the social network Dispo and the dating app Teaser AI, has shifted his focus from social media to steelmaking, driven by concerns about U.S. supply chain vulnerabilities highlighted during a National War College war game exercise. The exercise underscored the lack of domestic shipbuilding capacity and steel production critical for national defense, inspiring Liss to found Nemo Industries. Nemo aims to modernize the outdated steel industry by using AI to optimize pig iron production, moving beyond traditional, manual methods. Unlike typical industrial software firms, Nemo plans to build and operate its own furnaces, leveraging AI from the ground up to gain a significant margin advantage. Nemo’s approach includes using natural gas-fired furnaces, which emit less carbon dioxide than the coal commonly used in steelmaking, and exploring carbon capture technologies supported by tax incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act. Liss’s partner, Michael DuBose, brings expertise from the natural gas sector, which is critical for scaling operations.
steelmakingAI-optimizationindustrial-automationenergy-efficiencynatural-gascarbon-capturesupply-chain-managementChina's L7 humanoid hits 9 mph to become 'fastest bipedal robot'
China’s L7 humanoid robot has set a new benchmark as the fastest bipedal robot, capable of sprinting at speeds up to 14.4 km/h (9 mph). Standing 5.7 feet tall, the L7 combines impressive mobility with advanced dexterity, featuring 55 degrees of freedom and delivering up to 400 Nm of torque. This enables it to perform a wide range of tasks, from industrial operations like sorting, scanning, and using power tools, to athletic feats such as 360-degree spins and breakdancing. It can lift loads up to 44 pounds with both arms and demonstrates sophisticated visual recognition and manipulation skills, highlighting its potential for real-world applications in manufacturing, logistics, and service environments. The L7 represents a significant engineering advancement by integrating a unified “body plus brain” architecture that addresses the complexity challenges associated with scaling humanoid robots. This design allows it to execute both large-scale movements and fine motor tasks with remarkable coordination and control. A demonstration
robothumanoid-robotbipedal-robotroboticsindustrial-automationrobot-mobilityrobot-dexterityChina firm unveils self-charging robot built for 24/7 factory labor
China’s UBTech has introduced the Walker S2, the world’s first humanoid robot capable of fully autonomous battery swapping, enabling continuous 24/7 operation in industrial settings. The robot can replace its own depleted battery pack within three minutes without human intervention, thanks to an advanced dual-battery balancing system and standardized battery modules. This system allows the Walker S2 to switch to a backup battery if the main one fails and intelligently decide between charging or swapping based on task urgency, ensuring uninterrupted and optimized factory performance. In addition to the Walker S2, UBTech has made strides in humanoid robot collaboration with its “BrainNet” framework, demonstrated earlier in 2025 at Zeekr’s 5G-enabled smart factory. This cloud-device intelligence system integrates a “super brain” for complex decision-making and “intelligent sub-brains” for distributed multi-robot control, enabling multiple Walker S1 robots to coordinate tasks such as assembly and inspection with high precision. Powered by proprietary reasoning technology
robothumanoid-robotautonomous-battery-swappingindustrial-automationenergy-managementfactory-roboticsUBTechLoomia 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-technologyBedrock Robotics brings in $80M for construction retrofit kits - The Robot Report
Bedrock Robotics, a San Francisco-based startup founded in 2024 by former Waymo leaders and a Segment veteran, has emerged from stealth with $80 million in seed and Series A funding to develop autonomous retrofit kits for the construction industry. Instead of selling new machinery, Bedrock upgrades existing heavy equipment fleets with reversible hardware and software installations that enable fully autonomous operations. Their system, the Bedrock Operator, integrates high-definition cameras, lidar, GPS, and IMU sensors to provide survey-grade localization and expert machine capabilities, aiming to improve safety, accelerate project timelines, and increase profitability. The company already has active deployments on excavators at construction sites in Arizona, Texas, and Arkansas. The startup addresses critical challenges in the construction sector, including a severe labor shortage—500,000 workers short in the U.S.—and an aging workforce with 40% expected to retire within a decade. With U.S. manufacturing investment rising sharply amid reindustrialization efforts, Bedrock’s automation technology seeks to bridge
roboticsautonomous-systemsconstruction-automationheavy-equipment-retrofitBedrock-Roboticsindustrial-automationconstruction-technologymaxon Group acquires minority stake in Synapticon
The maxon Group, a Swiss leader in high-precision drive systems, has acquired a minority stake in Germany-based Synapticon, a provider of intelligent motion control solutions with integrated safety functions. While financial details were not disclosed, the collaboration aims to jointly develop high-performance drive solutions that integrate functional safety by combining components from both companies. This partnership allows maxon to expand its expertise in highly integrated drive systems and offer more powerful and safer solutions to customers, particularly in fast-growing sectors such as robotics, medical technology, intralogistics, and industrial automation. Synapticon’s “software-first” approach focuses on compact, intelligent motion control technologies used in robotic arms, autonomous transport, and complex industrial machinery. The collaboration enables efficient development of existing products and alignment with new applications, addressing increasing functional safety requirements in high-tech industries. Both companies view the partnership as strategically important, with Synapticon’s CEO emphasizing the significant market opportunities and potential to advance motion control technology. Additionally, Synapticon’s CEO
roboticsmotion-controldrive-systemsfunctional-safetyindustrial-automationrobotic-armsautonomous-transport-systemsNew ultra-secure SSD can self-destruct to protect sensitive data
Taiwanese company TeamGroup has introduced the P250Q-M80, a new internal SSD designed for ultra-secure data protection by featuring a self-destruction mechanism. Targeted at sectors such as defense, industrial automation, AI development, and cryptocurrency storage, this drive can erase sensitive data either through a software-level wipe or a hardware-level kill switch. The software wipe can be interrupted and resumed automatically, while the hardware kill switch, activated by holding an external red button for 5 to 10 seconds, sends a high-voltage surge to physically destroy the NAND flash chips, rendering the drive permanently unusable and data irrecoverable. This irreversible destruction can also be triggered remotely via a wired external button, making it suitable for high-risk environments requiring immediate data elimination. Beyond its security features, the P250Q-M80 offers robust performance and durability. It uses a PCIe Gen4x4 interface with NVMe 1.4 protocol, delivering read speeds up to 7,000
materialsdata-storageSSDcybersecurityindustrial-automationNAND-flashPCIe-Gen4New humanoid robot handles pick-and-place tasks with accuracy, speed
Kinisi Robotics, a US-based startup founded in 2023, has introduced KR1, an autonomous humanoid robot designed for precise pick-and-place tasks in industrial and warehouse environments. Equipped with two hands and a wheeled base, KR1 combines human-like strength and dexterity to handle a variety of objects—from heavy boxes to delicate items—with accuracy and speed. It supports a payload of up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms), operates for up to eight hours on a single charge with hot-swappable batteries, and navigates smoothly on flat warehouse floors without the complexity of legged locomotion. The robot’s onboard intelligence enables it to autonomously avoid obstacles, adapt to changing workflows, and learn from simple demonstrations, allowing rapid deployment and easy scaling with minimal infrastructure changes. KR1 operates independently without relying on cloud connectivity, processing data locally to ensure reliable, fast responses even in offline or low-connectivity settings. This standalone architecture enhances operational continuity, data privacy, and overall performance. Kinisi’s
robothumanoid-robotwarehouse-automationpick-and-place-robotroboticsindustrial-automationautonomous-robotApera AI updates Apera Forge design and AI training studio - The Robot Report
Apera AI Inc. has released an updated version of Apera Forge, its web-based, no-code design and AI training studio aimed at simplifying 4D vision-guided robotic projects. The latest update enhances advanced robotic cell design capabilities, supports end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT)-mounted camera configurations, and introduces full simulation and AI training for de-racking applications. These improvements enable users to simulate and validate complex robotic environments—including robot, gripper, camera, part geometry, and cell layout—within minutes, significantly reducing development time from weeks or months to hours. Trained AI models developed in Forge reportedly achieve over 99.9% reliability in object recognition and task execution, with complete vision programs ready for deployment within 24 to 48 hours. Key new features include greater flexibility in cell design, allowing arbitrary positioning of cameras and bins, integration of reference CAD files for accurate visualization, and an Obstacle Autopilot for improved robot navigation and collision avoidance. The platform now supports EO
roboticsAI-trainingvision-guided-robotsrobotic-simulationindustrial-automationend-of-arm-toolingrobot-navigationbinder releases M9 circular connectors for space-constrained applications - The Robot Report
Binder USA LP has expanded its circular connector portfolio with the introduction of the compact M9 Series, designed for space-constrained applications in industrial automation, medical technology, and test and measurement environments. The M9 connectors combine a robust, screw-locking design with versatile configurations, offering protection ratings from IP40 to IP67, shielded or unshielded options, and both field-wireable and overmolded versions. Available in metal or plastic housings with two to eight pins, the series includes models 702, 711, and 712, each tailored for different environmental and technical requirements, ensuring secure and stable connections even in harsh conditions involving vibration, moisture, or dust. The M9 Series is particularly suited for applications demanding reliable signal transmission within limited installation spaces, such as mobile diagnostic devices in medical technology, compact control units and sensor systems in industrial automation, and automated guided vehicles in logistics. Binder emphasizes the connectors’ proven reliability and versatility, supported by automated manufacturing processes and strict quality control
robotindustrial-automationcircular-connectorselectrical-connectionscompact-designIP67-protectionfactory-automationTesollo to present humanoid robot hand at AI for Good Global Summit 2025 - The Robot Report
Tesollo Inc., a South Korean robotics company, will showcase its advanced humanoid robotic hand, the Delto Gripper DG-5F, at the AI for Good Global Summit 2025 in Geneva. The DG-5F features 20 degrees of independent actuation, closely mimicking the dexterity and motion of a human hand, enabling complex object manipulation, tool use, and fine assembly. Designed to replicate natural human motion, the gripper supports multiple grip modes (pinch, power, precision) and can be equipped with high-precision force sensors for real-time feedback, slip prevention, and adaptive grasp control. Its size and structure resemble an adult male hand, making it adaptable for real-world industrial and service applications. Built from lightweight, high-strength materials, the DG-5F is durable enough for repetitive, high-speed operations and is compatible with ROS 2 for easy integration with various robotic platforms. Tesollo envisions its robotic hand being used in diverse fields such as AI-driven
roboticshumanoid-robotrobotic-handAI-roboticsindustrial-automationprecision-manipulationROS-2-integrationSEW-EURODRIVE now assembles planetary gear units in the U.S. - The Robot Report
SEW-EURODRIVE has expanded its U.S. manufacturing capabilities by beginning local assembly of its P2.e planetary gear units in Wellford, South Carolina. This move significantly reduces lead times to as short as six weeks for standard two- and three-stage ratios and about 12 weeks for custom options. The P2.e series is designed to deliver high torque (24.8 kNm to 124 kNm) in a compact footprint, featuring advanced cooling systems, durable direct bearing designs, and flexible motor mounting options. It supports a wide gear ratio range (15.2 to 332) and is suitable for heavy-duty applications across industries such as bulk material handling, steel, pulp and paper, oil and gas, power generation, and water treatment. Founded in 1931, SEW-EURODRIVE is a global leader in industrial automation with over 1,000 patents and a presence in more than 50 countries. The company emphasizes engineered solutions that enhance efficiency,
robotindustrial-automationplanetary-gear-unitsenergy-efficiencymanufacturingheavy-industriesmodular-drive-systemsAmazon launches new AI foundation model, deploys 1 millionth robot - The Robot Report
Amazon has reached a significant milestone by deploying its 1 millionth robot across its global fulfillment network, solidifying its position as the world’s largest operator and manufacturer of industrial mobile robots. This achievement builds on a robotics journey that began with the acquisition of Kiva Systems in 2012 and has since evolved to include advanced autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) like Proteus, Hercules, Pegasus, and Titan, capable of handling various inventory weights and tasks with precision navigation and safety around employees. Alongside this milestone, Amazon introduced DeepFleet, a generative AI foundation model designed to optimize the coordination and movement of its robotic fleet. DeepFleet acts like an intelligent traffic management system, improving robot travel times by 10%, reducing congestion, and enabling faster, more cost-effective package deliveries. This AI leverages Amazon’s extensive inventory data and AWS tools to enhance operational efficiency while supporting the company’s processing of billions of orders annually. Despite the increasing automation, Amazon emphasizes its commitment to workforce development, retraining
robotartificial-intelligenceautonomous-mobile-robotsindustrial-automationAmazon-RoboticsAI-foundation-modelwarehouse-automationComau launches mobile robots, cobots, and exoskeletons at Automatica - The Robot Report
Comau S.p.A. introduced its new MyMR family of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at Automatica 2025 in Munich, marking its entry into the rapidly growing intralogistics automation market. The MyMR line features three models with payload capacities of 300, 500, and 1,500 kg, designed to address challenges such as labor shortages, material handling inefficiencies, and safety concerns across manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics environments. These AMRs offer advanced capabilities including intelligent fleet management, real-time obstacle avoidance, dynamic adaptation to layout changes without requiring fixed infrastructure, and the ability to convert between AMR and automated guided vehicle (AGV) modes, enhancing operational flexibility and uptime. In addition to the MyMR AMRs, Comau unveiled the MyCo family of collaborative robots (cobots), comprising six models with payloads from 3 to 15 kg and reach between 590 and 1,300 mm. These cobots are designed for versatile applications
robotautonomous-mobile-robotscobotsindustrial-automationintralogisticswarehouse-automationhuman-machine-collaborationHexagon launches AEON humanoid robot for industrial applications - The Robot Report
Hexagon AB has launched its first humanoid robot, AEON, designed specifically for industrial applications to address labor shortages and enhance operational efficiency. Unveiled at the Hexagon LIVE Global event, AEON integrates Hexagon’s expertise in precision measurement and sensor technologies with advanced locomotion, AI-driven mission control, and spatial intelligence. This combination enables the robot to perform a variety of tasks such as manipulation, asset inspection, reality capture, and operator support across industries including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics. AEON features agility through bipedal locomotion and dexterity, environmental awareness via multimodal sensor data fusion, versatility in task execution, and power autonomy enabled by a battery-swapping mechanism. Hexagon is collaborating with partners such as Schaeffler and Pilatus to pilot AEON in real-world industrial scenarios like machine tending, part inspection, and reality capture. These pilots aim to demonstrate the robot’s capabilities and contribute to sustainable growth amid demographic changes affecting labor availability.
roboticshumanoid-robotindustrial-automationAIsensor-technologymanufacturinglogisticsIDS Imaging adds Sony Starvis 2 sensors to GigE uEye LE series
IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH is set to expand its GigE uEye LE series of project cameras by introducing models equipped with Sony Starvis 2 sensors by the end of June 2025. These new single-board cameras, compliant with GigE Vision standards, are designed for high-volume, cost-sensitive industrial applications such as quality assurance, medical technology, and automation. The Starvis 2 sensors, based on CMOS technology, offer enhanced light sensitivity, reduced noise, and extended dynamic range, enabling consistent high-quality imaging even in low-light environments. The new camera models will feature sensor options including the IMX675 (5 MP), IMX676 (12.5 MP), and IMX678 (8 MP), with the 12.5 MP IMX676 sensor particularly suited for applications like microscopy due to its square 1/1.6″ sensor format. IDS emphasizes that these cameras maintain the GigE uEye LE family’s design-to-cost philosophy, making them suitable for integration into
robotindustrial-automationmachine-visionCMOS-sensorsimage-processingembedded-systemsquality-assuranceHumanoid robot uses NVIDIA tech to run real-world factory operations
Hexagon, in partnership with NVIDIA, has developed AEON, a humanoid robot designed to perform complex industrial tasks such as machine operation, part sorting, inspection, and asset scanning. AEON targets sectors like manufacturing, transportation, aerospace, and logistics, aiming to enhance precision and reduce human error in dynamic factory environments. The robot integrates advanced mechatronics, multimodal sensor fusion, and real-time AI to function as a flexible, autonomous industrial assistant. AEON’s development was accelerated through extensive simulation training using NVIDIA’s Isaac platform, enabling it to acquire navigation and manipulation skills within weeks rather than months. It operates on NVIDIA’s robotics stack, including Jetson Orin computers for real-time decision-making, with plans to upgrade to the IGX Thor platform to improve collaborative safety. The robot also leverages NVIDIA’s Isaac GR00T foundation model and Mimic tools to learn from human demonstrations and generate synthetic motion data, expanding its capabilities. A key feature of AEON is its ability to capture physical
robothumanoid-robotindustrial-automationNVIDIA-AIrobotics-simulationfactory-operationsAI-roboticsPremier Automation launches innovation hub in Pennsylvania - The Robot Report
Premier Automation has launched the Premier Innovation Hub in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, aiming to serve as a national model for industrial automation, workforce development, and technology commercialization. Supported by over $3 million in state funding through grants, loans, and training programs, the facility is designed to bring together manufacturers, engineers, and innovators to accelerate automation and industrial advancement. The hub will expand Premier Automation’s manufacturing operations, host Premier Labs—a venture studio focused on launching companies in manufacturing automation and AI—and provide commercial lease space for industrial innovation firms. Premier Automation, based near Pittsburgh, specializes in industrial control systems, robotics integration, and custom automation solutions across sectors such as manufacturing, metals, energy, and material handling. The location leverages Westmoreland County’s skilled workforce, with experience in traditional industries like mining, steel, and glass, while benefiting from proximity to Pittsburgh’s innovation ecosystem in AI, robotics, and advanced engineering. The hub aims to bridge cutting-edge technologies with the practical needs of established manufacturing industries
robotindustrial-automationmanufacturing-technologyAI-innovationworkforce-developmentrobotics-integrationautomation-hubWelding project uses robotics to crunch 12 workhours into 45 minutes - The Robot Report
The article details a successful automation project undertaken by Properly Works and Seibel Modern to dramatically improve the efficiency of fabricating steel fencing for a bridge construction project. Faced with the challenge of producing over 3 miles of fencing within 90 weeks—each segment requiring about 10 hours of manual welding and setup—Seibel Modern partnered with Properly Works to develop a fully automated robotic welding work cell. This integrated system, orchestrated by an AutomationDirect Productivity PLC, synchronized the welding process, robot movements, and fixture positioning, achieving a remarkable 12-to-1 reduction in production time (compressing 12 work hours into 45 minutes) while also reducing rework by 50%. The collaboration leveraged Seibel Modern’s expertise in welding geometry and fixture design alongside Properly Works’ automation and sensor integration capabilities. The automated fixture featured a servo motor-driven rack-and-pinion mechanism and hydraulic lift for precise positioning, synchronized with the robotic welding arm’s gantry system. A programmable logic controller (
roboticsautomated-weldingindustrial-automationrobotic-welding-armmanufacturing-efficiencycollaborative-robotswelding-technologyGecko Robotics reaches unicorn status with latest funding
Gecko Robotics, a Pittsburgh-based company specializing in robotic technology for critical infrastructure, has reached unicorn status following a $125 million Series D funding round that doubled its valuation to $1.25 billion. The new capital will fuel the company’s expansion and focus on sectors such as defense, energy, and manufacturing—areas increasingly prioritized by governments and corporations. Recent strategic partnerships include collaborations with NAES to modernize the energy sector, L3Harris on an Extended Reality product, and ongoing work with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Gecko’s CEO, Jake Loosararian, highlighted the company’s AI-powered operating platform, Cantilever, which ensures data integrity and enables advanced diagnostics and modernization of physical infrastructure worldwide. Gecko Robotics employs a variety of robots capable of climbing, flying, and swimming to collect high-fidelity data on complex built environments, including U.S. Navy warships and power plants. Cantilever’s AI-driven decision-making framework can predict infrastructure failures, optimize operations, and improve efficiency
robotAIcritical-infrastructureenergyindustrial-automationrobotics-technologyinfrastructure-maintenanceUniversal Robots offers direct torque control for demanding cobot tasks - The Robot Report
Universal Robots (UR) has introduced early access to its Direct Torque Control technology for its e-Series and UR Series collaborative robots (cobots), supported by PolyScope 5 and PolyScope X software. This technology enables real-time control of all robot joints at 500 Hz without requiring a custom software stack, significantly simplifying the process for researchers and developers. By allowing direct torque control, UR aims to expand cobot capabilities in demanding tasks such as assembly and screwdriving, where precise force and delicate touch are essential. The interface has already been utilized by NVIDIA Robotics in a beta phase to demonstrate sim-to-real transfer for gear assembly applications. Despite these technological advancements, Universal Robots has experienced a slowdown in sales in 2024 and early 2025. As part of Teradyne Inc.’s robotics group, UR’s sales declined 3% year-over-year, while the group’s overall robotics revenue dropped 21% in Q1 2025 compared to the previous year. This decline coincides with a 10% global staff reduction at Teradyne Robotics in January. Nonetheless, UR remains a market leader, having surpassed 100,000 cobots sold. The company also recently launched the UR15, its fastest cobot model, which offers up to 30% cycle time improvements for pick-and-place tasks, aiming to boost productivity and reduce costs across various industries.
robotcollaborative-robotsdirect-torque-controlUniversal-Robotscobotsrobotics-technologyindustrial-automationHuman-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-automationSpot robot dog gets AI boost to detect equipment failures early
Boston Dynamics has enhanced its Spot robot dog through an upgraded version of its Orbit intelligent automation platform, aimed at advancing predictive industrial maintenance. The new system enables Spot to autonomously inspect industrial sites, capturing consistent visual data that Orbit analyzes using vision-language prompts to quickly identify hazards such as overheating motors, air leaks, safety risks, corrosion, and equipment deterioration. This approach addresses traditional gaps in condition-based monitoring by providing repeatable, detailed inspections and transforming visuals into actionable insights, including numerical data and descriptive text. A notable addition is the Site View feature, which creates a lightweight visual history of facilities using 360° images, supporting remote monitoring and condition tracking over time. The updated Orbit platform also introduces centralized fleet management dashboards for enterprise users, allowing oversight of multiple robots across sites with customizable user permissions and detailed activity logs. Privacy is maintained through an automatic face-blurring function in images captured by Spot’s cameras. Software updates can be deployed over the air to multiple robots simultaneously, and Orbit can be hosted on-premise or in the cloud as a virtual machine. Integration with third-party systems is facilitated via APIs, webhooks, and a low-code beta for automated work order generation. Additionally, a dynamic thermal thresholding feature helps automatically detect temperature anomalies by analyzing statistical data, reducing the need for expert intervention and enhancing early failure detection in industrial environments.
robotAIpredictive-maintenanceindustrial-automationBoston-Dynamicsfacility-inspectionautonomous-robotsHeadless humanoid robot built in 40 days to work in Renault factory
Wandercraft, a Paris-based company known for its exoskeleton technology, has developed a headless humanoid robot named Calvin in just 40 days. This voice-controlled, self-balancing robot is designed to perform tough, painful, and non-ergonomic manufacturing tasks, aiming to relieve Renault Group’s workers from such duties while enhancing productivity by reducing production time. Calvin represents Wandercraft’s first industrial humanoid robot and incorporates adaptable hands capable of switching between various end effectors like suction cups and grippers, allowing it to meet diverse operational needs. Beyond industrial applications, Calvin also holds potential for medical care uses. Renault Group has made a strategic investment in Wandercraft, forming a commercial partnership to develop Calvin and future next-generation robots primarily for industrial purposes. This collaboration leverages Renault’s industrial expertise, particularly in design-to-cost and scaling, to industrialize robots and exoskeletons, thereby reducing costs and accelerating automation. Renault’s Chief Industry and Quality Officer, Thierry Charvet, emphasized that the partnership will enable workers to focus on higher-value tasks while improving overall factory productivity. Wandercraft’s CEO Matthieu Masselin highlighted the broader vision of combining robotics and exoskeleton technology to improve lives both in industrial settings and beyond, including clinics and homes.
roboticshumanoid-robotindustrial-automationexoskeleton-technologymanufacturing-roboticsRenault-Groupvoice-controlled-robotHEBI Robotics gets SBIR grant to develop hardware for hazardous environments - The Robot Report
HEBI Robotics, a Pittsburgh-based company specializing in modular robotic systems, has received a $250,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Army to develop hardware capable of operating safely in hazardous environments containing flammable vapors or fluids. The company aims to create modular building blocks that simplify and reduce the cost of producing robots certified to meet NEC Class I, Division 1 safety standards, which are required for workspaces with explosive or volatile materials. This development will enable robots to perform critical military and industrial tasks such as handling energetics, fuel-tank inspection, and repair, thereby enhancing safety by reducing human exposure to dangerous conditions. HEBI Robotics’ modular approach, described as “Lego-like,” allows for rapid and reliable customization of robots for various challenging environments, including wet, dirty, and underwater settings. The company’s platform is already used in diverse industries and has earned recognition such as the 2025 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award. The SBIR-funded project marks a significant step toward creating rugged, certified robotic hardware for hazardous environments, with collaboration planned alongside military stakeholders to ensure compliance and performance. This Phase I award could lead to further funding and full-scale production if successful, supporting the U.S. government’s goal to foster innovation and commercialization through small business research initiatives.
roboticsmodular-robotshazardous-environmentsindustrial-automationSBIR-grantmilitary-applicationsrobotic-hardwareWandercraft unveils Calvin, new industrial humanoid, and Renault partnership - The Robot Report
Wandercraft, a French robotics company founded in 2012 with a mission to aid people with severe mobility impairments, has unveiled its first humanoid robot named Calvin. Developed in just 40 days using technology from its exoskeleton products, Calvin is designed primarily for industrial applications. This launch coincides with Renault Group’s minority investment in Wandercraft, aimed at advancing Calvin as a next-generation industrial robot to alleviate workers from physically demanding tasks, improve ergonomics, and boost productivity. Renault will also support commercialization efforts by leveraging its expertise in cost reduction and scaling, facilitating broader market access for Wandercraft’s robotics, including its new exoskeleton, Eve. Wandercraft’s flagship product, the Atalante X exoskeleton, is a self-stabilizing device used in nearly 100 rehabilitation centers worldwide, enabling patients with spinal cord injuries and stroke to walk and relearn natural motion. It features ActiveBalance mode and 12 degrees of freedom for hips, knees, and ankles, offering benefits for both patients and therapists. The device has FDA clearance and CE marking for various conditions. Building on this success, Wandercraft recently introduced a Personal Exoskeleton prototype designed for everyday use in home and community settings, currently undergoing clinical trials. This system also features a fully powered lower body and dynamic walking control, aiming to enhance personal mobility outside clinical environments.
roboticshumanoid-robotexoskeletonindustrial-automationmobility-assistancerehabilitation-technologyRenault-partnershipmaxon releases ESCON2 servo controllers
Maxon has launched the ESCON2 series of servo controllers, designed to deliver enhanced smoothness, dynamics, and precision in various machines and devices. This new line leverages an innovative Hall sensor-based speed control method combined with field-oriented control (FOC) commutation to improve performance, even for BLDC motors without encoders. The ESCON2 controllers range from the compact ESCON2 Nano 24/2 to the more powerful ESCON2 Compact 60/30, supporting voltages up to 60V and currents up to 30A. These controllers are suitable for a wide array of applications including industrial, robotics, medical, and analytical fields, and offer flexible integration options such as plug-in modules, ready-to-connect compact designs, or housed units. The ESCON2 series is notable for its high control rates—10 kHz for speed and 50 kHz for current—and its ability to maintain precise motor currents, torques, and speeds with high energy efficiency, even under continuous operation. The controllers use advanced algorithms and overload-resistant power stages to enable rapid accelerations and accurate motion profiles, resulting in faster machine cycles and improved product quality. A key innovation is the patent-pending method that analyzes Hall sensor switching edges to create virtual sensor information, allowing smooth and stable speed control comparable to encoder-based systems, but without the added cost and wiring complexity of encoders. Additionally, the ESCON2 offers versatile command and monitoring interfaces, including analog/digital I/Os, USB, RS232, and CAN with CANopen CiA402 protocol support. It supports multiple control modes such as Profile Velocity Mode, Cyclic Synchronous Velocity, and Torque modes, alongside maxon-specific modes that combine analog and digital input control. These features enable precise commanding, process monitoring, IoT integration, and predictive maintenance, making ESCON2 a highly adaptable and efficient solution for modern servo control needs.
roboticsservo-controllersmotor-controlBLDC-motorsfield-oriented-controlCANopenindustrial-automationMIT-NVIDIA create robot tech that plans thousands of moves in secs
robotroboticsalgorithmtask-planningmotion-planningindustrial-automationNVIDIAsamos PRO MOTION Controller wins award for Wieland Electric - The Robot Report
robotautomationsafetymotion-controlindustrial-Ethernetindustrial-automationWieland-ElectricKepler debuts fifth-gen K2 humanoid robot to boost industrial automation
robotindustrial-automationhumanoid-robotautonomous-systemsroboticsadvanced-actuatorsdexterous-handsRoboForce introduces Titan mobile manipulator, brings in $5M more in funding - The Robot Report
robotAImobile-manipulatorindustrial-automationroboticsfundingtechnology10 robotics trends spotted at Automate 2025 - The Robot Report
robotautomationroboticsindustrial-automationcollaborative-robotstrade-showtechnology-trendsUS startup unveils rugged Titan robot for tough industrial workspace
robotindustrial-automationAI-roboticsprecision-engineeringmodular-designoperational-efficiencyTitan-robotNew haptic tools let humans feel and guide machines in real time
robothaptic-technologyindustrial-automationremote-controldigital-twinsaugmented-realitysafety-in-manufacturingOrbbec, Connect Tech to provide support for Gemini stereo depth camera - The Robot Report
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robotIoTindustrial-automationmachine-controlAI-roboticsautomation-technologiesreal-time-dataOrbbec designs Gemini 435Le to help robots see farther, navigate smarter
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