News/Robotics
Swiss AI startup raises €114M to train robots using gaming data
Swiss AI startup General Intuition has raised €114 million in one of 2025's largest seed funding rounds, led by Khosla Ventures and General Catalyst with participation from Raine. The New York and Geneva-based company, spun off from Dutch video platform Medal, plans to bridge gaming data with real-world applications in robotics and drones, leveraging over 2 billion annual gameplay clips to train AI agents for both virtual and physical environments. What you should know: General Intuition emerged from Medal's extensive gaming content library, which processes nearly 1 billion video uploads annually from 10 million monthly active users. The startup uses...
read Oct 17, 2025Cartwheel’s Yogi robot targets home companionship as Tesla’s factory bots stall
Cartwheel Robotics has unveiled Yogi, a humanoid robot designed for home companionship and light household tasks, marking a shift from factory-focused robotics to personal home assistance. Unlike Tesla's industrial Optimus robot, Yogi emphasizes emotional connection and human-like interaction, potentially positioning home robotics as a more viable market than manufacturing automation. What you should know: Yogi represents a fundamentally different approach to humanoid robotics, prioritizing safety and emotional intelligence over industrial performance. The robot will be built using medical-grade silicone and protective soft materials, making it safe for close human interaction. Features include precision-engineered high-torque actuators with overload protection and a...
read Oct 17, 2025New York school district launches LEGO robotics program for grades 4-6
The Floral Park-Bellerose School District has launched a new LEGO robotics curriculum in its Discovery Lab sessions, introducing students in grades 4-6 to hands-on coding and engineering experiences. The program represents a growing trend of elementary schools integrating robotics education to develop critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills among younger students. What you should know: Sixth graders at John Lewis Childs School participated in their inaugural LEGO robotics lesson on October 6, working in pairs to build and program robotic creations. Students used LEGO Education SPIKE Essential app and kits to construct and code an arctic ride featuring a programmable...
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Man’s worst friend: Skyborne launches AI-powered CODiaQ robot dog with lethal weapons
Skyborne Technologies has launched CODiaQ (Controller-Operated Direct-Action Quadruped), a four-legged robotic weapons system equipped with AI-assisted target recognition and lethal capabilities. The system represents a significant development in autonomous warfare technology, combining mobility with direct-fire weapons and modular payloads for military operations. What you should know: CODiaQ integrates artificial intelligence with lethal weapons on a mobile quadruped platform designed for battlefield deployment. The system combines AI-assisted target recognition with CHAOS 12GA and HAVOC 40mm modular payloads for precise remote direct-fire and ballistic breaching operations. A single operator can control the quadruped remotely, though it's designed to operate autonomously for warfighters...
read Oct 17, 2025AI and robots go to White Castle in new Ohio prototype restaurant
White Castle has unveiled its "Castle of Tomorrow" prototype restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, featuring AI-powered drive-thru assistance, robotic fry stations, and redesigned dining spaces that blend automation with hospitality. The 104-year-old burger chain's tech-forward approach reflects a broader industry shift toward balancing digital efficiency with enhanced on-premise experiences as consumer spending returns to in-restaurant dining. What you should know: The new prototype incorporates several cutting-edge technologies designed to improve both customer experience and operational efficiency. The restaurant features Julia, an AI-powered drive-thru voice assistant named after a long-time team member, and the latest generation of Flippy, a robotic fry station...
read Oct 17, 2025Autonomous food delivery robots face regulatory roadblock in D.C.
D.C. transportation officials are resisting calls to fast-track regulations for autonomous food delivery robots on city sidewalks, despite pressure from tech companies eager to launch the service. The standoff highlights the tension between innovation advocates pushing for rapid deployment and regulators prioritizing safety concerns, particularly for pedestrians with disabilities. The big picture: Sharon Kershbaum, director of the D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT), emphasized that developing rules for sidewalk robots represents "really new territory" requiring careful consideration of pedestrian safety. "We're not dragging our feet. We know people want us to move more quickly. But there are no rules that govern...
read Oct 16, 2025Hampton Roads, Virginia tests AI waste sorting to cut landfill use by 50%
The Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) in Hampton Roads is implementing an AI and robotics-powered waste sorting facility in Portsmouth that could cut landfill waste by 50%. The facility represents a major pivot for SPSA after losing its primary revenue source when the Navy stopped purchasing steam in 2023 and a catastrophic fire destroyed the Wheelabrator facility. What you should know: The new mixed-waste sorting system uses artificial intelligence and image recognition to identify and remove recyclable and organic materials before they reach landfills. The technology can pull out approximately 50% of materials from the waste stream, extending landfill life...
read Oct 16, 2025eInfochips partners with InOrbit.AI to simplify robot fleet management
eInfochips, an Arrow Electronics subsidiary specializing in product engineering, has formed a strategic partnership with InOrbit.AI to deliver comprehensive edge-to-cloud robotics solutions for large-scale autonomous mobile robot (AMR) deployments. This collaboration addresses the growing demand for scalable robot operations across warehouses, industrial facilities, and manufacturing environments by combining hardware expertise with AI-powered orchestration capabilities. What you should know: The partnership merges eInfochips' robotics development capabilities with InOrbit's Space Intelligence platform to create end-to-end solutions for enterprise robot deployments. eInfochips brings expertise in hardware design, power and motor control, sensor fusion, edge AI, functional safety, and digital twin technology through their...
read Oct 14, 2025Serve Robotics tops Fast Company’s tech list with Gen3 delivery robots
Serve Robotics has secured the top spot in Fast Company's "Next Big Things in Tech" list for the Robotics and Automation category, highlighting its third-generation autonomous sidewalk delivery robot. The recognition validates Serve's position in the expanding last-mile logistics market as the company scales toward its goal of deploying 2,000 robots across major U.S. cities by the end of 2025. What you should know: Serve's third-generation robot represents a significant leap in autonomous delivery capabilities compared to previous models. The Gen3 robot operates nearly twice as fast, travels double the distance, runs six additional hours per day, and carries larger...
read Oct 14, 2025Coco Robotics hires UCLA professor Bolei Zhou to lead new physical AI lab
Coco Robotics has established a new physical AI research lab led by UCLA professor Bolei Zhou, who also joins the startup as chief AI scientist. The move represents the company's strategic pivot from human-operated delivery robots to fully autonomous systems, leveraging five years of real-world data collected from its last-mile delivery fleet. What you should know: Coco Robotics has accumulated millions of miles of operational data from urban delivery routes, positioning the company to accelerate AI automation research. The startup launched in 2020 using teleoperators—remote human controllers—to help robots navigate obstacles during deliveries, but CEO Zach Rash says the company...
read Oct 14, 2025Revolute Robotics raises $1.9M for hybrid roll-and-fly surveillance robots
Revolute Robotics has raised $1.9 million to accelerate deployment of its spherical robots that can both roll across terrain and fly when needed. The Arizona-based company's hybrid mobility robots are designed for surveillance, security, defense applications, and industrial inspections in hard-to-reach areas, positioning them to serve critical infrastructure and military markets. What you should know: Revolute's robots combine ground and aerial capabilities in a single spherical design equipped with advanced sensing technology. The "Hybrid Mobility Robot" features LiDAR sensors (which use laser beams to create detailed 3D maps), thermal imaging, gas and radiation detection, and ultrasonic systems for comprehensive data...
read Oct 14, 2025Moxi robots target $900B senior care market to address labor shortages
Diligent Robotics is piloting its Moxi robots in US senior living facilities to address chronic labor shortages in the sector. The Texas-based startup, which has already deployed Moxi robots for over 1.25 million deliveries across 25+ hospitals, is now targeting the $900 billion senior care market through its participation in the AARP AgeTech Collaborative, a program that helps technology companies develop solutions for aging populations. What you should know: Moxi robots are being adapted from hospital environments to meet the unique needs of senior living facilities, where both operational support and companionship are essential. The robots will be tested for...
read Oct 13, 2025TDK develops analog AI chip that mimics brain function for edge computing
TDK, a company best known for audio cassettes, has developed a prototype analog reservoir AI chip that mimics brain function for real-time learning applications. The chip, created in collaboration with Hokkaido University, uses analog circuitry to process time-varying data at high speed and ultra-low power, making it suitable for robotics and human-machine interfaces that require instant feedback. How it works: The chip mimics the human cerebellum and uses natural physical dynamics of analog signals for efficient processing. Unlike traditional deep learning models that rely on cloud processing and extensive datasets, this technology learns directly at the edge using analog circuitry...
read Oct 13, 2025Not 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 13, 2025Swiss agtech Ecorobotix raises $150M to scale plant-by-plant AI spraying
Swiss agtech company Ecorobotix has raised $150 million across Series C and D funding rounds to accelerate development of its Plant-by-Plant AI software for precision crop spraying. The company's technology uses computer vision and robotics to enable ultra-precise pesticide application with spray footprints of just a few centimeters, potentially reducing chemical input usage by up to 95% while helping farmers cut costs and meet sustainability pressures. What you should know: Ecorobotix's ARA "smart" spraying systems are already operational in more than 20 countries including the US, Europe, and Oceania. The funding consists of $45 million raised in 2024 and $105...
read Oct 13, 2025Musk’s xAI shifts from text to world models for gaming and robotics
Elon Musk's xAI is developing world models—AI systems that learn from video and robot data to understand how objects move and interact in the real world, moving beyond traditional text-based AI. The company has hired two former Nvidia researchers and plans to release an AI-generated video game by the end of next year, signaling its expansion into gaming and robotics markets where AI needs to operate in physical spaces. What you should know: World models represent a significant shift from language-focused AI to systems that can perceive and reason about physical environments like humans do.• xAI hired Zeeshan Patel and...
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 10, 2025Staples High School hosts Connecticut’s first drone programming competition
Staples High School will host its first-ever drone competition on February 21, drawing teams from across Connecticut and beyond to compete in autonomous drone programming challenges. The event marks a significant expansion for the school's RoboWreckers club, which is working to rebuild the competitive robotics program that placed second globally at the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship in 2009. What you should know: Students will program pre-assembled drones to navigate obstacle courses autonomously, tackling both standardized challenges and yearly mission objectives. Teams must guide drones through set obstacles like flying in figure-eight patterns or navigating through cubes, according to Tech...
read Oct 10, 2025Nightfood acquires $52.8M hotel in SoCal for hospitality robots to practice in
Nightfood Holdings has acquired the 120-room Hilton Garden Inn Rancho Mirage for approximately $52.8 million, marking the company's fifth hotel purchase in less than two years as it transforms into TechForce Robotics. The acquisition strategy positions hotels as live testing environments for the company's Robotics-as-a-Service platform, targeting hospitality automation as its entry point into the broader robotics market. The big picture: Nightfood is building a vertically integrated robotics ecosystem that combines real estate ownership with technology development, using hotel properties as operational laboratories for AI-connected service robots. Why this matters: The hospitality industry faces persistent staffing challenges for "heavy-duty, repetitive,...
read Oct 10, 2025Serve Robotics raises $100M to scale autonomous delivery robot fleet
Serve Robotics has secured $100 million through a registered direct offering, selling 6.25 million shares to institutional investors at $16 per share. The autonomous sidewalk delivery company plans to use the funds for general corporate purposes and working capital as it scales its AI-powered robot fleet across multiple U.S. markets. What you should know: The offering represents significant institutional confidence in Serve's autonomous delivery technology and market position. Northland Capital Markets served as the sole placement agent, with Oppenheimer & Co. and Wedbush Securities acting as capital markets advisors. The transaction is expected to close on October 14, 2025, subject...
read Oct 10, 2025Chinese humanoid robot listed on Walmart at 57% markup over China price
Chinese robotics company Unitree briefly listed its G1 humanoid robot and Go2 Robot Dog on Walmart's US website through a third-party vendor, marking the first time Chinese humanoid and quadruped robots appeared on a major American retail platform. The listings exposed significant price premiums for US buyers and highlighted China's growing lead over American robotics companies like Tesla and Boston Dynamics. What you should know: The robots were offered by Futurology, a third-party vendor, with substantial markups compared to Chinese pricing. The G1 humanoid robot was priced at $21,600 on Walmart, representing a 57% premium over its $13,500 mainland China...
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 9, 2025Norwegian Army selects Six Robotics’ autonomous drone swarm system
The Norwegian Army has selected Six Robotics' Valkyrie autonomous drone swarm system for a pilot program focused on concept and technology development across multiple Army units. This contract marks a significant milestone in Norway's military modernization efforts, as armed forces worldwide increasingly integrate autonomous systems to maintain operational advantages in future combat environments. What you should know: The Valkyrie system represents Norway's strategic investment in next-generation warfare capabilities that prioritize speed and autonomy. The drone swarm will support training and exercises with advanced unmanned systems, preparing soldiers for combat environments defined by autonomous operations. Valkyrie provides scalable and intelligent swarm...
read Oct 9, 2025The eye in AI: World’s first AI-driven robotic cataract surgery completed successfully
Horizon Surgical Systems has completed the world's first robotic cataract surgery using its Polaris platform, with the procedure performed by Los Angeles-based surgeon Uday Devgan, M.D., FACS. This milestone represents the convergence of AI-driven visualization and micro-robotic control in ophthalmic surgery, potentially addressing workforce shortages and standardizing outcomes in the most commonly performed operation worldwide. What you should know: The Polaris system combines artificial intelligence with robotics specifically designed for eye surgery, aiming to reduce variability and increase precision in cataract procedures. Cataract surgery is performed more than five million times annually in the United States alone, but outcomes can...
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