News/Manufacturing
Kentucky distillery takes its shot at AI, uses 1,500 sensors to automate bourbon production
Whiskey House, a new Kentucky distillery founded by bourbon industry veterans David Mandell and John Hargrove, has launched as a fully automated, technology-driven contract distilling operation amid widespread turmoil in the American whiskey market. The facility represents a dramatic departure from traditional whiskey-making methods, using advanced sensors, real-time analytics, and predictive control systems to address quality inconsistencies that plague the industry while serving the growing demand from non-distiller producer brands. The big picture: The American whiskey industry is experiencing significant upheaval, with major brands seeing declining sales and several companies filing for bankruptcy, yet Whiskey House sees opportunity in the...
read Oct 16, 2025AI streamlines luxury home construction in America’s other “bay area,” Tampa
A construction company is using artificial intelligence to build a luxury residence along Tampa's Riverwalk, marking a notable application of AI technology in high-end construction projects. The company claims the AI integration makes their construction process more efficient than traditional building methods. What you should know: Limited details are available about the specific AI applications being used in this Tampa construction project. The luxury residence is being built on Tampa Riverwalk, a prominent waterfront area in the city. The construction company reports that AI technology is improving efficiency in their building process. The project represents an emerging trend of AI...
read Oct 14, 2025MIT engineers create AI tool with 99% accuracy, replacing expensive lab equipment
MIT engineers have developed SpectroGen, an AI-powered "virtual spectrometer" that can generate spectroscopic data across different modalities with 99 percent accuracy. The tool addresses a critical bottleneck in materials quality control by allowing manufacturers to scan materials with a single, inexpensive instrument and then use AI to generate what the results would look like from other, more expensive scanning methods. Why this matters: Quality verification of new materials currently requires multiple specialized and expensive instruments, creating costly delays in manufacturing processes for batteries, electronics, and pharmaceuticals that could be dramatically streamlined. How it works: SpectroGen takes spectral measurements from one...
readGet SIGNAL/NOISE in your inbox daily
All Signal, No Noise
One concise email to make you smarter on AI daily.
Not to flex, but Flexxbotics’ FlexxCORE software nominated for robotics award
Flexxbotics, an American digital manufacturing company, has been nominated as a finalist in the Groundbreaking Technology category of the Humanoid Robotics Industry Awards 2025 for its FlexxCORE software platform. The recognition places the company alongside industry heavyweights including Nvidia, Agibot, and LimX Dynamics, highlighting how software infrastructure is becoming as critical as hardware in enabling humanoid robots to work seamlessly in manufacturing environments. What you should know: FlexxCORE acts as a communication bridge that allows humanoid and industrial robots to connect securely with factory equipment, IT systems, and human operators without complex custom coding. The platform uses specialized connectors called...
read Oct 10, 2025All-weather friends: China’s DEEP Robotics unveils world’s first weatherproof humanoid robot
DEEP Robotics, a China-based embodied intelligence company, has unveiled the DR02, which it claims is the world's first humanoid robot with an IP66 protection rating for all-weather outdoor operations. The industrial-grade robot combines waterproof capabilities with human-like proportions and advanced computing power, targeting applications in security patrols, factory operations, and other challenging environments where traditional humanoids couldn't previously function. What you should know: The DR02 represents a significant leap in humanoid robot durability and versatility for industrial applications. Standing 175cm tall with 68cm arm length, the robot matches adult male proportions for compatibility with existing human workspaces and tools. Its...
read Oct 9, 2025Stay-at-home bots: Figure 03 humanoid robot can fold laundry, wash dishes
Figure AI has unveiled its Figure 03 humanoid robot, a 5-foot-6-inch, 132-pound machine designed to perform household chores like folding clothes, washing dishes, and tidying rooms. The California startup positions this as a significant leap from factory automation to everyday home assistance, powered by its proprietary "Helix" AI system that enables real-time decision-making without predetermined scripts. What you should know: Figure 03 represents a major advancement in autonomous household robotics, operating independently without remote human control. The robot can perform complex sequences like picking up dishes from a living room, walking to the kitchen, rinsing them at the sink, and...
read Oct 7, 2025Former SpaceX engineer raises $25.5M to automate circuit board design with AI
Former SpaceX engineer Sergiy Nesterenko has raised $25.5 million in Series B funding for Quilter, his AI-powered circuit board design startup that aims to automate the traditionally labor-intensive process of creating printed circuit boards. The Los Angeles-based company is now valued at around $200 million and uses physics-based training rather than human designs to teach its AI system, positioning it to address growing demand amid hardware manufacturing shifts and designer shortages. What you should know: Quilter's AI transforms circuit board design from a months-long manual process into an automated system that can generate layouts from rough sketches. Traditional circuit board...
read Oct 6, 2025Heavy (valuation) lifting: Warehouse packaging automation market to hit $7.5B by 2029
The global end-of-line and warehouse packaging automation market is projected to grow from $5.1 billion in 2024 to $7.5 billion by 2029, representing a compound annual growth rate of 7.9%, according to new research from Interact Analysis, a global market research firm. This $2.4 billion expansion is being driven primarily by warehouse applications rather than traditional manufacturing, as companies combat rising labor costs and respond to e-commerce demands for more efficient packaging solutions. What you should know: Warehouse packaging automation is outpacing manufacturing growth, despite manufacturing currently holding the majority market share. End-of-line manufacturing packaging automation accounted for 61% of...
read Oct 6, 2025Netherlands delivers 150+ THeMIS combat robots to Ukraine
Milrem Robotics will deliver over 150 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine as part of a Dutch-funded defense initiative, with assembly operations being established at VDL Defentec's facility in the Netherlands. This marks one of the largest deployments of unmanned ground vehicles to support Ukraine's defense capabilities, building on the proven battlefield effectiveness of 15 THeMIS units already operating in the country since 2022. Key details: The donation was formally announced on October 6, with Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans joining Milrem Robotics and VDL for a signing ceremony at VDL's Born facility. VDL Defentec, a Dutch defense contractor, is...
read Oct 6, 2025China deploys 300K robots to compensate for manufacturing workforce shrinkage
China installed nearly 300,000 new industrial robots last year—accounting for over half of all global robot installations—as the nation deploys automation to counter a shrinking population that has declined for three consecutive years. This robotic surge is sustaining China's manufacturing dominance despite losing about 2 million people in the latest count, fundamentally reshaping global supply chains and industrial competition. The big picture: China's demographic crisis is driving an unprecedented automation revolution that's keeping factories operational while the working-age population shrinks by tens of millions over the next decade. The country's operational robot stock has surpassed 1 million units, far outpacing...
read Oct 3, 2025Nvidia and Fujitsu partner to build Japan’s AI infrastructure by 2030
Nvidia and Fujitsu announced a strategic partnership to develop AI infrastructure and smart robotics technology in Japan, with CEO Jensen Huang declaring that "the AI industrial revolution has already begun." The collaboration aims to establish comprehensive AI infrastructure across Japan by 2030, initially targeting the Japanese market before potential global expansion. What you should know: The partnership will focus on building foundational AI systems across multiple industries using Nvidia's graphics processing unit (GPU) technology. The companies plan to develop AI applications for healthcare, manufacturing, environmental solutions, next-generation computing, and customer services. Fujitsu will leverage its decades of experience in the...
read Oct 2, 20258-legged robot “Charlotte” builds 2,000 sq ft homes from dirt and waste in 24 hours
Crest Robotics has unveiled Charlotte, an eight-legged spider-inspired construction robot that builds walls layer by layer using locally sourced dirt, sand, and waste materials. The robot combines autonomous navigation with 3D printing technology to construct flood-resistant, fireproof structures, potentially revolutionizing both earthbound construction and future lunar settlement building. How it works: Charlotte operates as an autonomous construction system that maps building sites and adapts to terrain challenges in real-time. The robot's spider-like legs bend and stretch to navigate obstacles, climb over unfinished flooring, and position precisely where each new layer needs to be deposited. Charlotte maps entire construction sites and...
read Oct 1, 2025Automaker Stellantis and Mistral expand partnership with 2 new AI platforms
Carmaker Stellantis and French AI firm Mistral AI are expanding their 18-month partnership to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption across the automaker's global operations. The collaboration introduces two new platforms designed to integrate AI solutions into sales, aftersales, and core production processes, positioning Stellantis to leverage AI for enhanced customer service and operational efficiency. What you should know: The expanded partnership builds on successful pilot programs that began 18 months ago between Stellantis, which owns brands like Jeep and Ram, and Mistral AI, a French artificial intelligence company. Two new platforms will launch: Innovation Lab and Transformation Academy, each targeting different...
read Sep 30, 2025Samsung goes silver-collar with robots for shipyard welding amid labor shortages
Samsung Heavy Industries has successfully tested Diden Robotics' quadrupedal welding robot at its shipyard, marking a significant milestone in automating South Korea's labor-intensive shipbuilding industry. The trials validate the potential for widespread deployment of walking robots that can navigate complex ship structures using magnetic feet and autonomous systems, with commercial rollouts planned for 2026. What you should know: The Diden 30 robot demonstrated its ability to perform welding tasks on actual ship blocks under construction, proving its readiness for real industrial applications. The quadrupedal robot uses magnetic feet to traverse steel walls and ceilings, successfully crossing shipyard structures like longitudinal...
read Sep 29, 2025NY’s Alfred State gets $474K NSF grant for robotics technician training
Alfred State has been awarded a $474,019 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop educational pathways for robotics and automation technicians in agricultural and industrial sectors. The funding addresses the growing demand for skilled technicians in automation—a critical need for maintaining food security and supporting manufacturing workforces in rural areas. What you should know: The Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant will fund a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for high-paying automation careers through innovative educational strategies. Assistant Professors Jessica Hutchison and Dr. Mohamed Eleshaky are leading the project titled "Developing a Robotics and Automation Technician Pathway for the...
read Sep 29, 2025Globo-Robo advances though Chinese dominance commands 54% market share
Industrial robot installations worldwide doubled over the past decade, reaching 542,000 units in 2024 according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), a global trade association that tracks automation trends. This surge reflects industries' accelerating shift toward digitization and automation, with China leading the charge by capturing 54% of global installations while European markets show concerning declines. The big picture: Asia dominates the global robotics landscape, accounting for 74% of new deployments compared to just 16% in Europe and 9% in the Americas. China's commanding lead: The country installed 295,000 robotic units in 2024, representing more than half of global...
read Sep 29, 2025Apple supplier BOE launches $28M robotics unit amid China’s market dominance
Chinese display manufacturer BOE Technology Group has launched Beijing BOE Robot, a new subsidiary focused on developing industrial robots and AI software, with registered capital of 200 million yuan ($28 million). The move positions the Apple supplier to capitalize on China's dominance in industrial robotics, where the country deployed 295,000 robots in 2024—accounting for 54% of global installations. What you should know: BOE, the world's largest display maker, established the robotics subsidiary on Thursday as part of a broader trend among major manufacturers pursuing automation technologies.• The new company will focus specifically on industrial robots and artificial intelligence software development.•...
read Sep 26, 2025Craft works: Germany leads Europe in robot installations with 26,982 new units
Germany has solidified its position as Europe's robotics powerhouse, ranking fourth globally in industrial robot density and leading Europe in new robot installations, according to the International Federation of Robotics 2025 World Report. This dominance reflects Germany's strategic importance as a manufacturing hub and its ability to attract significant foreign investment in automation technologies. What you should know: Germany stands as the only European country to crack the global top five across multiple robotics categories. The country achieved fourth place worldwide in industrial robot density with 449 robots per 10,000 manufacturing employees. Germany installed 26,982 new robots, more than any...
read Sep 25, 2025Tesla faces $51M suit after California factory robot injures technician
A Tesla robotics technician has filed a $51 million lawsuit against the automaker and robotics supplier FANUC America, alleging a malfunctioning robot struck him unconscious at the Fremont factory in July 2023. Peter Hinterdobler claims the incident has already cost him over $1 million in medical expenses, with an additional $6 million expected for ongoing treatment, highlighting growing concerns about workplace safety protocols in automated manufacturing environments. What happened: Hinterdobler was helping an engineer disassemble a robot on July 22, 2023, when the machine's arm "suddenly and without warning released with great force," according to the federal complaint filed in...
read Sep 24, 2025Commerce Department opens probe into medical equipment and robotics imports
The U.S. Commerce Department has opened national security investigations into imports of medical equipment, robotics, and industrial machinery under Section 232 authority. These previously undisclosed probes, initiated on September 2, could lead to significant tariff increases on a broad range of critical goods including personal protective equipment, medical devices, and advanced manufacturing systems. What you should know: The investigations target four key sectors that are considered essential to national security and economic competitiveness.• Personal protective equipment and medical items under scrutiny include face masks, syringes, and infusion pumps.• The robotics category encompasses programmable, computer-controlled mechanical systems used in manufacturing and...
read Sep 24, 2025ABS, Persona AI partner to test humanoid robots in shipyards (and hopefully minimize rust)
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a maritime safety classification society, and robotics firm Persona AI have signed a memorandum of understanding to test humanoid robots in shipyard environments. This collaboration represents a significant step toward integrating advanced robotics into maritime construction, potentially transforming how ships are built and inspected while establishing new industry standards for robotic certification. What you should know: The partnership will focus on developing inspection technologies for Persona AI's humanoid robot platform, which incorporates NASA's robotic hand technology. Unlike fixed industrial robots, these humanoid models are designed to operate in facilities built for people, giving them...
read Sep 24, 2025Unreal steel: Finnish sorting company orders 7 more AI robots after successful trial
ZenRobotics, a Finnish AI-powered robotic sorting company, and US Conveyor, a specialist in custom scrap metal recycling systems, have secured a repeat order for seven Heavy Picker robots from one of the largest steel recyclers in the United States. This follows the successful installation of three units for the same customer in 2024, demonstrating growing confidence in robotic solutions as the industry faces increasing demand for high-purity recycled metals and safer working conditions. What you should know: The Heavy Picker robots use AI and advanced robotics to separate ferrous and non-ferrous metals with high precision, addressing critical industry challenges. The...
read Sep 23, 2025Boeing taps Palantir for AI-powered defense manufacturing upgrade
Boeing's defense and space division has partnered with Palantir Technologies to integrate the software company's AI platform across its military production operations. The collaboration will standardize data analytics across Boeing's defense manufacturing lines and provide AI tools for classified military projects, positioning both companies to capitalize on the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and defense contracting. What you should know: Boeing Defense Systems will use Palantir's AI solutions to enhance operations across its diverse military manufacturing portfolio. The unit produces military aircraft, helicopters, satellites, spacecraft, missiles, and weapons systems. Palantir will supply AI tools specifically designed for classified projects supporting...
read Sep 22, 2025Popping and locking a squat: PAL Robotics’ headless Kangaroo nails movement tasks
PAL Robotics has released a demonstration video of its headless Kangaroo humanoid robot performing advanced movement tasks, including squatting while lifting a container filled with houseplants. The video showcases the Barcelona-based company's latest research platform, designed to push the boundaries of bipedal locomotion and human-like strength capabilities. What you should know: The Kangaroo robot demonstrates fluid movement and precise object manipulation despite its minimalist, headless design. Standing 160 centimeters tall and weighing 40 kilograms, the robot features 28 degrees of freedom powered by custom force-controlled linear actuators with integrated force sensors. The demonstration shows the robot accurately gripping a plastic...
read