Articles tagged with "robotics-safety"
IEEE study group publishes framework for humanoid standards
The IEEE Humanoid Study Group has published a comprehensive framework aimed at guiding the development of standards for humanoid robots. This framework addresses the unique risks and capabilities of humanoids to support their safe and effective deployment across industrial, service, and public sectors. The study group focused on three key interconnected areas: Classification, Stability, and Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). Classification involves creating a clear taxonomy to define humanoid robots by their physical and behavioral traits and application domains, serving as a foundation for identifying applicable standards and gaps. Stability focuses on developing measurable metrics and safety standards for balancing robots, including dynamic balance and fall-response behaviors. HRI guidelines aim to ensure safe, trustworthy interactions between humans and humanoid robots, covering collaborative safety, interpretable behavior, and user training. Led by Aaron Prather of ASTM International, the working group comprised over 60 experts from industry, academia, and regulatory bodies who collaborated for more than a year. Their efforts included market research, vendor and end-user interviews,
roboticshumanoid-robotsrobot-standardshuman-robot-interactionrobotics-safetyIEEE-standardsautonomous-systemsUL Solutions opens 1st service robot testing lab
UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, has opened its first testing laboratory for commercial and service robots in Seoul, South Korea. The lab aims to provide testing and certification services focused on identifying emerging hazards, especially those related to human-robot interactions. It will primarily test compliance with UL 3300, the Standard for Safety for Service, Communication, Information, Education and Entertainment Robots. This standard addresses critical safety aspects such as mobility, fire and shock hazards, and safe interaction with vulnerable individuals, requiring features like speed limits, object detection, and audible/visual indicators to ensure robots operate safely alongside people in public and commercial settings. The establishment of this lab reflects the rapid growth of the robotics industry, where robots are increasingly deployed in diverse environments including hotels, healthcare, retail, and delivery services. UL Solutions highlights the importance of addressing new safety concerns as robots take on more roles outside traditional industrial floors. The global service robotics market is expanding, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by labor
robotservice-robotsrobot-testinghuman-robot-interactionUL-3300-standardrobotics-safetycommercial-robotsFieldAI raises $405M to build universal robot brains
FieldAI, a robotics AI company, announced a $405 million funding raise to develop universal "robot brains" capable of controlling diverse physical robots across varied real-world environments. The latest funding round, including a $314 million tranche co-led by Bezos Expedition, Prysm, and Temasek, adds to backing from investors such as Khosla Ventures and Intel Capital. FieldAI’s core innovation lies in its "Field Foundation Models," which integrate physics-based understanding into embodied AI—AI that governs robots physically navigating environments—enabling robots to quickly learn, adapt, and manage risk and safety in new settings. This physics-informed approach contrasts with traditional AI models that often lack risk awareness, making FieldAI’s robots better suited for complex and potentially hazardous environments. Founder and CEO Ali Agha emphasized that their goal is to create a single, general-purpose robot brain that can operate across different robot types and tasks, with a built-in confidence measure to assess decision reliability and manage safety thresholds. Agha’s decades
robotartificial-intelligenceembodied-AIrobotics-safetyrobot-learningAI-modelsrobotics-technologyWill Automated Delivery Robots Solve Last-Mile Delivery Issues? - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the potential and challenges of automated delivery robots in addressing last-mile delivery issues, as highlighted during the Traffic Safety Forum at the 125th New York International Auto Show. A key focus was on urban mobility safety and how emerging technologies, including autonomous delivery robots like Coco, are shaping city streets. Coco, an electric delivery robot developed by COCO, demonstrated its capabilities by autonomously navigating a crowded indoor environment to deliver cookies to forum participants. The robot’s advanced sensors, AI, and remote human monitoring ensure safe and efficient operation, even in complex spaces. Despite some instances of deliberate obstruction by humans, Coco’s performance illustrated the promise of such technology in enhancing urban logistics while maintaining safety. The forum also featured insights from city officials and industry experts on integrating technology and data to improve road safety and urban transportation. NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez shared the city’s approach to these challenges, while representatives from Nexar and Verra Mobility highlighted the importance of smart dash cameras and automated enforcement solutions in
robotautonomous-deliveryurban-mobilityAI-navigationelectric-delivery-robotlast-mile-deliveryrobotics-safetyHumanoid robot freaks out in viral clip, handler blames code error
A viral video captured a Unitree H1 humanoid robot thrashing violently during a testing session at a Chinese facility, causing the crane suspending it to crash and narrowly missing nearby technicians. The incident sparked widespread alarm and online debate about the safety and unpredictability of advanced robots. The robot’s handler, Cix Liv, attributed the malfunction to a coding error—specifically, running a full-body control policy while the robot’s feet were not grounded, which led to instability. The footage, featuring shocked observers and frantic exchanges, drew comparisons to sci-fi scenarios of machines going rogue. The Unitree H1 is a commercially available humanoid robot standing nearly six feet tall and capable of dynamic movements such as running, dancing, and backflips, with joints that can exert significant torque. While these capabilities demonstrate impressive robotic advancements, they also raise serious safety concerns in the event of malfunctions. Similar incidents have occurred before, including a May 2025 episode where the same model malfunctioned violently during
robothumanoid-robotrobot-malfunctionrobotics-safetyUnitree-H1robot-testingrobot-control-systemsWeek in Review: X CEO Linda Yaccarino steps down
The Week in Review highlights several major tech developments, starting with the departure of Linda Yaccarino as CEO of X after a challenging two-year period marked by advertiser backlash, controversies involving Elon Musk, and AI-related issues on the platform. Despite her leadership, the company faces ongoing difficulties ahead. Apple is adjusting its user interface by reducing transparency in features like Notifications and Apple Music to improve readability ahead of its fall OS launch. Hugging Face introduced Reachy Mini, an affordable, programmable robot aimed at AI developers, priced from $299 and integrated with its AI hub. In consumer tech, Nothing launched its ambitious Phone 3 with innovative features like a second screen and AI capabilities, though mixed reactions to design and pricing may limit its market impact. Samsung released new foldable phones, including the Z Fold7, Z Flip7, and a more affordable Z Flip7 FE. Rivian unveiled a high-performance electric vehicle boasting over 1,000 horsepower and advanced software features, positioning it as a flagship
robotAIprogrammable-robotsHugging-Facerobotics-safetyAI-developershuman-robot-interactionRealSense spins out of Intel to scale its stereoscopic imaging technology
RealSense, a stereoscopic imaging technology company, has spun out of Intel after 14 years of development within the semiconductor giant. Led by CEO Nadav Orbach, who has been with Intel since 2006 and transitioned to managing RealSense’s innovation efforts, the company focuses on real-time, high-accuracy 3D perception technology. Initially exploring various applications such as gesture recognition for computers and phones, RealSense found its primary market in robotics, while also serving diverse industries including fish farming and AI-driven restaurant inventory management. The company currently serves over 3,000 customers and has experienced increased demand in recent years, driven by advancements in AI. The decision to spin out was motivated by the need to scale more effectively and meet growing market demand. RealSense secured approval for the spinout last year and has raised $50 million in a Series A funding round led by Intel Capital and other strategic investors. The new capital will be used to expand the go-to-market team and enhance the technology,
robotics3D-perceptionstereoscopic-imagingRealSenseAI-technologyrobotics-safetyIntel-spinoutVideo: Korean humanoid robot pulls off 88lbs bicep curls like a pro
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has developed a humanoid robot named ARMstrong Dex, designed primarily for disaster response and hazardous environments such as nuclear power plant dismantling. A recent video demonstration showcased the robot performing human-like bicep curls lifting approximately 88 pounds (40 kg) per arm, highlighting its strength, control, and mechanical stability. Although this test represents a fraction of its full lifting capacity—up to 441 pounds (200 kg) per arm—the exercise emphasizes the robot’s fine motor control and safe operation, crucial for handling delicate tasks in dangerous conditions. ARMstrong Dex is a human-sized, dual-arm hydraulic robot equipped with dexterous manipulators and caterpillar tracks for mobility across rough terrain. Its capabilities include manipulating valves, plugging cords, carrying debris, and operating tools such as spray guns, making it versatile for disaster relief and nuclear decontamination tasks. KAERI has licensed its technology to robotics firms for practical applications, and the robot serves as a research
robothumanoid-robotdisaster-responseheavy-lift-robothydraulic-robotnuclear-decommissioningrobotics-safety