Articles tagged with "teleoperation"
Holiday prep goes robotic as Christmas machines tackle decor and meals
As the Christmas season approaches, robotics and autonomous systems are increasingly being employed to handle festive preparations, blending holiday traditions with advanced automation. HEBI Robotics demonstrated this trend with their mobile manipulator Treadward, equipped with a 7-DoF arm, which efficiently decorated a Christmas tree and staged festive scenes in just two days. The robot showcased impressive strength, coordination, and adaptability, highlighting the potential of mobile manipulators to assist in real-world holiday tasks. Meanwhile, Germany’s FZI Research Center explored the challenges of robotic meal preparation under the guidance of large language models and human teleoperation. Their staged demonstration humorously illustrated how small miscommunications between AI instructions and robotic execution can lead to chaotic outcomes, while emphasizing ongoing research in robotic manipulation, human-robot interaction, and AI decision support. Additionally, Fraunhofer IOSB presented an autonomous system that assembled and decorated a large outdoor Christmas tree using coordinated multi-robot operations, including autonomous cranes and quadruped robots. This project undersc
roboticsautonomous-systemsAIrobotic-manipulationteleoperationhuman-robot-interactionautomationTesla Optimus's fall in Miami demo sparks remote operation debate
A recent Tesla demonstration of the Optimus humanoid robot in Miami captured attention when the robot fell during its presentation, exhibiting hand movements that resembled a human removing a VR headset. This unusual gesture, despite the robot not wearing any device, sparked debate about whether Optimus was operating autonomously or being remotely controlled via teleoperation. Observers and industry experts noted that such hand motions are typical of robots controlled through VR interfaces, leading to speculation that Tesla’s demonstration may not fully reflect independent robot autonomy. Elon Musk, however, has denied these claims, asserting that recent videos showing Optimus performing tasks like kung-fu are driven by AI rather than teleoperation. Tesla recently shared an update highlighting significant progress in Optimus’s balance, coordination, and gait, demonstrated through videos of the robot running and performing smoother movements compared to earlier, more unstable steps. Optimus stands 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs about 160 pounds, and features highly dexterous hands with 11 degrees of freedom
roboticshumanoid-robotTesla-Optimusrobot-autonomyteleoperationAI-roboticsrobot-demonstrationTop 10 robotics developments of November 2025 - The Robot Report
The Robot Report’s November 2025 roundup highlights significant developments in the robotics industry, including funding milestones, new product launches, and strategic partnerships. Notably, Physical Intelligence secured $600 million in Series B funding to develop foundational models enabling robots to better understand and interact with the physical world, moving beyond deterministic programming. Foxconn partnered with Alphabet subsidiary Intrinsic to create AI-powered flexible robots for its U.S. factories, while Foxglove raised $40 million to expand its data platform supporting robotics development. Additionally, Agile Robots introduced Agile ONE, an industrial humanoid designed for safe collaboration with humans in manufacturing environments. The month also saw challenges for established companies: iRobot reported a 24.6% revenue decline in Q3 2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting ongoing struggles despite its legacy as a pioneer in consumer robotics with the Roomba vacuum. Teradyne Robotics, owner of Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots, conducted another workforce reduction of 14% following a prior 10
roboticshumanoid-robotsrobot-startupsAI-in-roboticsindustrial-robotsrobot-foundation-modelsteleoperationTeleop, not autonomy, is the path for 1X’s Neo humanoid
1X Technologies’ NEO humanoid robot features an impressive design and demonstrates strong manipulation and teleoperation capabilities. Despite these strengths, the robot falls short of true autonomy, as it cannot independently complete complex household tasks from start to finish. For example, no humanoid, including NEO, has been shown performing the entire laundry process—emptying pockets, treating stains, sorting, washing, drying, folding, and putting clothes away—due to current technological limitations. The company’s demonstrations primarily consist of polished, scripted snippets that highlight specific skills but lack the reliability and comprehensiveness required for practical daily home use. This gap underscores that teleoperation, rather than full autonomy, remains the more viable approach for NEO’s current and near-term applications. The article suggests that while NEO is a significant step forward in humanoid robotics, fully autonomous household robots are still a work in progress.
robothumanoid-robotteleoperationrobotics-technologyautomationmanipulation-skillshousehold-robotsTeleop, not autonomy, is the path for 1X’s Neo humanoid
1X Technologies’ NEO humanoid robot boasts an impressive design and strong teleoperation capabilities but currently falls short of achieving full autonomy, especially in complex household tasks like laundry or cleaning. Such chores remain beyond reach due to the unpredictable, cluttered, and highly variable nature of home environments, which pose significant challenges for robots—particularly humanoids with legs. While humanoid robots are beginning to find practical applications in structured industrial settings, the home remains a difficult environment for autonomous operation. Demonstrations of NEO’s abilities are limited to scripted, partial tasks rather than reliable, end-to-end autonomous performance. The article argues that instead of focusing solely on autonomy, 1X should leverage teleoperation as a practical and transformative path forward. By positioning NEO as a remotely operated platform, humans could provide the cognitive control while the robot acts as a physical proxy, enabling services like remote cleaning or eldercare. Although teleoperation raises privacy concerns due to cameras and sensors in private spaces, transparency, operator anonymity,
robothumanoid-robotteleoperationremote-controlhome-automationrobotics-technologyprivacy-concerns1HMX introduces Nexus NX1 for full-body motion capture, teleoperation - The Robot Report
1HMX has introduced the Nexus NX1, a comprehensive full-body motion capture and teleoperation system designed to enhance training and simulation for humanoid robotics, embodied AI, and virtual reality (VR). The system integrates advanced technologies including HaptX Gloves G1 for tactile and force feedback, Virtuix Omni One’s 360-degree movement platform, and Freeaim’s motorized robotic shoes. It offers 72 degrees of freedom (DoF) body and hand tracking with sub-millimeter precision, capturing detailed data such as skeletal and soft tissue models, tactile displacement, pressure points, center of mass, and locomotion metrics. An included software development kit (SDK) facilitates integration with VR and robotics applications, enabling realistic real-time sensory input and valuable output data for robotic control, AI training, and user performance feedback. 1HMX envisions Nexus NX1 as a transformative tool across various industries including manufacturing, medical, defense, and research, supporting both single and multi-user immersive experiences with full
roboticsteleoperationmotion-capturehumanoid-robotsAI-trainingvirtual-realityhuman-machine-interfaceSS Innovations completes first telesurgery with new SSi Mantra console - The Robot Report
SS Innovations International Inc. has successfully completed the first telesurgery using its newly developed SSi Mantra Tele Surgeon Console (TSC), a compact, chair-based version of its larger SSi Mantra surgeon command center. Unveiled in 2024, the TSC features a smaller footprint, portability, and built-in electronics with lightweight glasses and 3D magnified viewing, enabling telesurgeries to be performed from diverse locations such as physician offices rather than traditional operating rooms. This design aims to expand patient access to surgical expertise by allowing surgical experts to operate remotely as long as connectivity is available. The company, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has focused on making robotic surgery more affordable and accessible globally, with its product lineup including the multi-arm SSi Mantra system and SSi Mudra instruments. To date, 35 telesurgeries, including 10 cardiac procedures, have been completed using the SSi Mantra, with the first American telesurgery occurring in June 2024
roboticstelesurgeryteleoperationmedical-robotsremote-surgeryrobotic-surgeryhealthcare-technologyReal Steel-style humanoid robots battle in secret San Francisco club
The article highlights a recent underground humanoid robot fighting event called the ‘Silicon Colosseum’ held in a SoMa warehouse in San Francisco. Inspired by the 2011 movie ‘Real Steel,’ the event featured smaller-scale humanoid robots battling inside an octagonal steel cage. Despite lacking the size and dexterity of their fictional counterparts, these robots generated significant excitement, drawing several hundred attendees to the invite-only event. Notably, a headless bipedal robot called K-Bot, controlled remotely by its CEO Benjamin Bolte, faced off against a glove-wearing house robot named Booster T1, which won the match and impressed the crowd with its resilience. The event also included a robot dog fight, and its organizer, Verda Korzeniewski, confirmed it was the second such event, with plans for another tournament in November. The article places this event within the broader context of increasing humanoid robot participation in sports and competitive activities worldwide. For instance, China recently hosted the
robothumanoid-robotsrobot-fightingrobotics-sportsteleoperationVR-controlrobot-competitionsHow Guident is making autonomous vehicles safer with multi-network TaaS - The Robot Report
Guident Corp. is advancing autonomous vehicle (AV) safety through its teleoperation-as-a-service (TaaS) platform, which combines remote human oversight with robust multi-network connectivity. The company operates AV shuttles in South Florida and manages a variety of vehicles including a shuttle from AuVe Tech, a large-capacity bus at Michigan State University, and a security patrol robot called Watchbot. Central to Guident’s offering is its Remote Monitor and Control Center (RMCC), which enables remote control operators (RCOs) to monitor and intervene in real time via a patented ultra-low latency video streaming system. This system achieves connection speeds of 35 to 70 milliseconds, critical for timely remote interventions. Guident’s technology integrates a small proprietary hardware device, the vehicle teleoperation unit (VTU), installed on vehicles to connect sensors and cameras with multiple communication networks. The company’s multi-network backbone dynamically switches between terrestrial (4G/5G, private wireless) and non-terrestrial
robotautonomous-vehiclesteleoperationIoTremote-monitoring5G-connectivitysatellite-networksIcarus raises $6.1M to take on space’s “warehouse work” with embodied-AI robots
Icarus, a startup founded by Ethan Barajas and Jamie Palmer, has raised $6.1 million in seed funding to develop intelligent, dexterous robots aimed at automating the labor-intensive cargo logistics tasks aboard the International Space Station (ISS). After interviewing astronauts, the founders identified that much of the astronauts’ time—trained experts with advanced backgrounds—is consumed by unpacking, repacking, and stowing cargo arriving every 60 days, rather than conducting scientific experiments. To address this inefficiency, Icarus is creating robots equipped with two arms and jaw grippers designed specifically for cargo handling tasks, starting with simpler robotic designs rather than humanoid forms to achieve about 80% of the needed dexterity. The company has demonstrated promising results with a terrestrial teleoperation demo involving unzipping and repacking real ISS cargo bags and plans to conduct flight testing through a parabolic flight campaign followed by a one-year demonstration aboard the ISS via Voyager Space’s commercial Bishop airlock. Initially,
roboticsembodied-AIspace-robotscargo-logisticsteleoperationbimanual-manipulationspace-technologyFrom teleoperation to autonomy: Inside Boston Dynamics' Atlas training
In Episode 212 of The Robot Report Podcast, Boston Dynamics’ VP of robotics research, Scott Kuindersma, discussed the development of large behavior models (LBMs) for the Atlas humanoid robot. The team collected 20 hours of teleoperation data to train these LBMs, which enable Atlas to generalize manipulation tasks such as bi-manual operations, including picking and placing parts for the Spot quadruped robot. The development process involved data collection, annotation, model training, and evaluation, with a strong emphasis on combining simulation data and human demonstration data. Boston Dynamics plans to further test Atlas in Hyundai facilities and leverage AI-driven advancements to improve humanoid manipulation and dynamic behaviors. The episode also covered recent robotics industry news, including Serve Robotics’ acquisition of Voysys’ assets to enhance its autonomous delivery fleet with low-latency video streaming for remote monitoring and teleoperation. Zoox, an Amazon subsidiary, launched a free robotaxi service on the Las Vegas Strip, with plans to expand testing
roboticsBoston-DynamicsAtlas-robotteleoperationautonomous-robotsAI-in-roboticsrobot-manipulationServe Robotics acquires assets of Voysys to support autonomous delivery - The Robot Report
Serve Robotics Inc., a company specializing in sidewalk delivery robots, has acquired the assets of Phantom Auto Inc. and its subsidiary Voysys AB for approximately $5.75 million in cash. Voysys, founded in 2014 and based in Norrköping, Sweden, is known for its ultra-low-latency video streaming, connectivity, and teleoperation technology critical for autonomous vehicles and robots. This acquisition enhances Serve Robotics' technology stack to support its expanding fleet, which currently operates in five cities and aims to reach six by year-end. Serve Robotics was already a customer of Voysys before Phantom Auto's bankruptcy and recognized Voysys' superior technology as essential for scaling reliable teleoperation and connectivity for Level 4 autonomous systems. Voysys will continue to operate as a standalone entity within Serve Robotics’ Software & Data Services platform, focusing on monetizing its proprietary technologies and maintaining global client relationships, including partnerships with a European commercial vehicle manufacturer, an autonomous trucking company, and an agricultural robotics firm. Voy
robotautonomous-deliveryteleoperationlow-latency-connectivityvideo-streamingServe-RoboticsVoysysMachines compete in martial arts at World Humanoid Robot Games
The World Humanoid Robot Games, held in Beijing at the National Speed Skating Oval, brought together over 500 humanoid robots from 280 teams across 16 countries to compete in a diverse range of events over three days. The competition featured 487 contests spanning 26 categories, including traditional sports like soccer and boxing, scenario-based challenges such as hospital medicine sorting and hotel cleaning, as well as fashion showcases and artistic performances. The opening ceremony highlighted human-robot collaboration through a blend of robotics and live performances, including robots executing complex martial arts movements and participating in a fashion runway that merged Chinese cultural heritage with robotics. The event emphasized both autonomous and teleoperated robot capabilities, with teams leveraging AI, visual recognition, and 5G networks to demonstrate advanced decision-making and adaptability in real-world tasks. Leading Chinese companies and top universities, alongside international teams from countries like the U.S., Germany, and Japan, showcased their humanoid robots, aiming to illustrate how these machines can integrate into human life
robotshumanoid-robotsAI-roboticsrobot-competitionsautonomous-robotsteleoperationrobot-applicationsPrismaX launches teleop platform for robotic arms - The Robot Report
PrismaX, a San Francisco-based startup with $11 million in funding, has launched a teleoperation platform for robotic arms aimed at bridging the gap between robotics and mainstream adoption. The platform allows users to remotely operate robotic arms and serves as a foundational step toward a future where humans and robots collaborate to enhance human capabilities. PrismaX’s co-founder and CEO Bayley Wang emphasized that this tele-op system is a proof of concept for a labor market where humans and robots work hand in hand, with the company focusing initially on teleoperations and visual data collection to train AI models. PrismaX has outlined a roadmap aligned with the robotics industry's evolution: in the short term, teleoperators will gather data and gain experience; in the mid-term, operators will manage fleets of robots performing real tasks; and in the long term, robots will achieve high autonomy powered by foundational AI models. The company envisions a self-reinforcing "data flywheel" where increased robot operation generates valuable datasets that improve AI,
roboticsteleoperationrobotic-armsAIautomationteleop-platformrobotics-industryUS scientists control humanoid robot in real time like black magic
Researchers at KIMLAB have developed PARPLE (Plug-and-Play Robotic Limb Environment), a modular platform that enables real-time control of robotic arms mimicking human arm movements. PARPLE integrates various robotic limbs ("followers") with diverse control devices ("leaders") such as gaming controllers, puppeteers, and VR interfaces. The system supports flexible configurations, allowing users to switch between joint-space control (one-to-one joint mapping) when leader and follower kinematics match, and task-space control (mapping end-effector poses) when they differ. It also provides real-time force feedback to enhance precision and user awareness, with intrinsic feedback helping maintain comfortable device positions and extrinsic feedback signaling physical constraints or obstacles encountered by the robotic limb. At the core of PARPLE is PAPRAS, a modular robotic arm that can be mounted and reconfigured without altering the control setup, facilitating testing across different robot forms. The leader devices are pluggable and share mounting interfaces with PAPRAS, enabling easy interchangeability and
roboticshumanoid-robotteleoperationmodular-robotic-armsreal-time-controlVR-interfacesrobotic-limbsHumanoid robots show promise in surgery as hospital strain grows
A recent study by University of California San Diego researchers demonstrates the potential of humanoid surgical robots to alleviate physician burnout and reduce hospital wait times amid growing healthcare system strains. The team developed a bimanual teleoperation system for the Unitree G1 humanoid robot, equipped with Inspire Gen4 robotic hands, allowing a human operator to remotely control both arms for diverse medical tasks. Tested across seven procedures—including physical exams (such as auscultation and Leopold maneuvers), emergency interventions (like Bag Valve Mask ventilation and endotracheal intubation), and precision needle insertions—the robot showed promising ability to replicate key medical assessments and interventions. The system employs impedance control and a virtual spring-damper mechanism to ensure safe, precise, and coordinated bimanual movements, with operator inputs captured via foot pedals, HTC Vive trackers, and cameras. Despite these advances, challenges remain, notably limited force capacity for high-strength procedures and sensor sensitivity constraints affecting accuracy. The study highlights that current surgical robots tend
robothumanoid-robotssurgical-robotsteleoperationmedical-roboticshealthcare-technologyrobotic-surgeryJapan builds glove that steers drones remotely with hand gestures
Researchers at the University of Tokyo’s Dragon Lab have developed a novel teleoperation system that enables precise control of omnidirectional aerial drones using a data glove and hand gestures. This six degrees of freedom (6-DoF) system tracks the operator’s shoulder and hand movements, including finger flexion, to intuitively steer drones in complex environments. Unlike traditional joystick controls, this glove-based interface offers four distinct control modes—Spherical, Cartesian, Operation, and Locking—each designed for specific navigation or manipulation tasks. Operators switch modes seamlessly through recognized hand gestures, with visual cues displayed to reduce cognitive load and improve situational awareness. The system was validated through real-world tests involving obstacle avoidance, corridor navigation, and a valve-turning task, demonstrating smooth drone trajectory tracking with a latency of 0.3 to 0.5 seconds suitable for low-speed operations. Spherical Mode, which aligns drone movement with the operator’s arm direction, was found to be the most intuitive, though judging radial
robotdrone-controlteleoperationdata-glovehuman-machine-interfaceaerial-robotsgesture-recognitionChinese humanoid robot cooks steak by remote control from 1,118 miles away
Chinese robotics company Dobot Robotics has demonstrated its humanoid robot, Atom, cooking a steak via remote control from 1,118 miles away using virtual reality (VR). The robot, equipped with five-fingered hands and 28 degrees of freedom, precisely mirrored an engineer’s hand gestures in real time with an accuracy of 0.05 millimeters. The demonstration showcased Atom performing delicate cooking tasks such as patting the steak, pouring oil, flipping the steak, and sprinkling salt, highlighting its human-like dexterity. Currently, only the robot’s upper body is controllable via VR, while walking remains autonomous or limited. Released in March 2025 at a price of around $27,500, Atom represents a significant advancement in teleoperated robotics, proving that high-precision control over long distances is feasible. Dobot envisions applications in hazardous or inaccessible environments like nuclear plants or outer space, as well as precision-demanding tasks such as surgery and housework. The demonstration positions
roboticshumanoid-robotteleoperationvirtual-realityremote-controlprecision-roboticsDobot-RoboticsChina’s ‘slim-waisted’ humanoid robot debuts with human-like skills
China’s Robotera has unveiled the Q5 humanoid robot, a slim-waisted, 1650 mm tall machine weighing 70 kg, designed for practical deployment in sectors like healthcare, retail, tourism, and education. Featuring 44 degrees of freedom (DoF), including the highly dexterous 11-DoF XHAND Lite robotic hand, Q5 excels in precise manipulation and smooth navigation within complex indoor environments. Its compact size and fused LiDAR with stereo vision enable autonomous movement with minimal human oversight. The robot supports full-body teleoperation via VR and sensor gloves and interacts through AI-powered natural dialogue, facilitating responsive, context-aware communication. Powered by the EraAI platform, Q5 integrates a complete AI lifecycle from teleoperation data collection to model training and closed-loop learning, offering over four hours of runtime on a 60V supply. Its 7-DoF robotic arms have a reach extending beyond two meters, allowing it to handle objects at various heights safely and compliantly.
robothumanoid-robotAI-roboticsautonomous-navigationrobotic-manipulationteleoperationservice-robotsNew capsule lets users teleport full‑body motion to robots remotely
H2L, a Tokyo-based company, has developed the Capsule Interface, a novel teleoperation system that uses advanced muscle displacement sensors to capture subtle shifts in muscle tension and intent in real time. Unlike traditional teleoperation methods relying on motion sensors (IMUs, exoskeletons, optical trackers), this muscle-centric approach enables humanoid robots to replicate not only a user’s movements but also the force and effort behind them. This results in more realistic, immersive, and emotionally resonant remote interactions, as robots can mirror the intensity of actions such as lifting heavy objects, enhancing haptic authenticity and a sense of embodiment. The Capsule Interface transforms the user’s body into a remote control for humanoid robots, allowing full-body motion and force transmission while the user remains seated or lying down. Equipped with speakers, a display, and muscle sensors, the system offers a low-effort, natural experience that can be integrated into everyday furniture like beds or chairs, avoiding the need for bulky equipment or extensive training.
robothumanoid-robotsteleoperationmuscle-sensorsremote-controlhuman-machine-interactionhaptic-feedbackRobotaxi trial: How Tesla's advanced tech will ensure public safety
Tesla is launching a robotaxi trial in Austin starting June 22, 2025, deploying a small fleet of around 10 Model Y vehicles within a geofenced area. The service will operate daily from 6:00 AM to midnight, excluding airports and potentially limited by weather conditions. Access to the trial is invitation-only, primarily extended to Tesla investors and enthusiasts via the Robotaxi App, allowing users to request rides and provide feedback. To ensure safety, Tesla will implement teleoperation—remote human monitoring and control of vehicles—to manage unforeseen events and take control if necessary, especially during the early stages of deployment. While teleoperation is a common method used to supervise autonomous vehicles, experts caution about its reliability due to potential cellular network delays or disconnections, which could pose safety risks. Tesla plans to avoid the most challenging intersections in Austin during initial testing to mitigate risks. The company aims to expand the robotaxi service to other cities such as Los Angeles, San Antonio, and San Francisco by the
robotautonomous-vehiclesteleoperationTeslarobotaxiremote-monitoringself-driving-carsPrismaX launches with $11M to scale virtual datasets for robotics foundation models - The Robot Report
PrismaX, a San Francisco-based startup founded in 2024 by Bayley Wang and Chyna Qu, has launched with $11 million in funding to address key challenges in the physical AI and robotics industry related to data quality, model development, and scalability. The company is developing a robotics teleoperations platform aimed at creating a decentralized ecosystem that incentivizes the collection and use of high-quality visual datasets. PrismaX’s approach focuses on establishing fair use standards where revenue generated from data powering AI models is shared with the communities that produce it, thereby tackling issues of data scarcity, bias, and affordability that have hindered robotics advancements. The platform is built around three foundational pillars: data, teleoperation, and models. PrismaX plans to validate and incentivize visual data to scale robotics datasets comparable to text data, define uniform teleoperation standards to streamline operator access and payments, and collaborate with AI teams to develop foundational models that enable more autonomous robots. This integrated approach aims to create a “data flywheel
roboticsartificial-intelligenceteleoperationdata-scalabilityautonomous-robotsrobotics-foundation-modelsdecentralized-technology