News/Robotics
NVIDIA unveils open-source robotics platform with physics simulation and AI reasoning
NVIDIA unveiled a comprehensive robotics development platform at the Conference on Robot Learning (CoRL) in Seoul, introducing open-source tools designed to accelerate the transition from research labs to real-world robotic applications. The semiconductor giant's latest announcements center on solving fundamental challenges in robotics development: creating realistic simulations for training, enabling human-like reasoning in robots, and bridging the gap between virtual testing and physical deployment. The new platform combines three core technologies that work together as an integrated system. The Newton Physics Engine provides realistic simulation environments where robots can safely learn complex tasks. The Isaac GR00T foundation model serves as...
read Sep 26, 2025Never “Metabot” they didn’t like: Meta bets big on humanoid robots with software-first strategy
Meta is positioning humanoid robotics as its next "AR-size bet," signaling a multi-billion dollar investment in the emerging field. CTO Andrew Bosworth revealed that CEO Mark Zuckerberg directed the creation of a dedicated robotics research team earlier this year, with the company developing its own humanoid robot called "Metabot" while planning to license its software platform to other manufacturers. The big picture: Meta views software, not hardware, as the primary bottleneck preventing widespread humanoid robot adoption, focusing its efforts on solving complex manipulation tasks that current robots struggle with. Key technical challenges: Bosworth emphasized that while robots can perform dynamic...
read Sep 26, 202524 high school robotics teams battle at New Jersey mall this weekend
Bridgewater Commons mall in New Jersey will host RoboCon this weekend, transforming the shopping center into a massive robotics and technology playground featuring 24 high school teams competing in robot battles. The free event, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, aims to inspire K-12 students in STEM fields through hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities spanning both levels of the mall. What you should know: The Robot Rumble competition will showcase teams from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland competing Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Five New Jersey FIRST Robotics Competition high school...
read Sep 26, 2025Nurse Ratchet: Diligent Robotics’ wheeled hospital bots save 500K human hours
Vivian Chu, co-founder and CTO of Diligent Robotics, argues that wheeled robots will handle most commercial applications, challenging the current industry focus on bipedal humanoid robots from companies like Tesla and Figure.AI. Her Austin-based startup has deployed over 90 wheeled robots across 25+ hospitals, completing 1.2 million supply deliveries and saving an estimated half a million hours of human labor. What you should know: Diligent Robotics' wheeled robot Moxi represents what Chu calls the "minimum viable humanoid" — a practical approach to workplace automation. Moxi features two arms, a head, and wheels instead of legs, designed specifically for hospital environments...
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, 2025“Ready to (give me an) order?” Georgia startup deploys service robots at Mexican restaurant
Alpharetta-based To Do Robotics is deploying service robots at El Porton Mexican Restaurant in Roswell, where the machines guide diners to tables and deliver meals directly from the kitchen. The technology represents founder Marianela Naninga's effort to bring automated hospitality solutions she first encountered in Seoul to American restaurants, hotels, and healthcare facilities. What you should know: The robots handle specific restaurant tasks while working alongside human servers rather than replacing them.• Servers load food into compartments on the robots, which are programmed to navigate directly to designated tables.• The machines can store table locations in their memory and operate...
read Sep 25, 2025Robosen debuts retrofuturistic, programmable Disney character robots
Robosen Robotics has unveiled a collection of programmable Disney and Pixar character robots that bridge the gap between childhood nostalgia and cutting-edge technology. The company, a leader in consumer robotics with 15 years of development experience, is launching what it calls the world's first modular smart toy platform—essentially transforming beloved animated characters into interactive, programmable companions. Available for pre-order starting September 25, the collection features characters from Toy Story and WALL-E, each equipped with precision engineering that enables authentic movements, character voices, and programmable behaviors. This represents a significant evolution from traditional action figures, offering users the ability to create...
read Sep 25, 20256-year-old Indian prodigy displays prowess in coding, robotics and more
A 6-year-old Indian prodigy named AgniV has captured the internet's attention with his advanced skills in coding, robotics, and quantum physics discussions. The young boy, dubbed "India's smartest kid," has amassed a million social media followers and recently shared his ambitious dreams of becoming an astronaut and F1 racer in a podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia, a popular Indian podcaster. What makes him unique: AgniV demonstrates technical abilities far beyond his age, confidently discussing complex programming concepts and scientific principles. He codes in Scratch (a visual programming language designed for children) and can program Arduino electronic boards to control lights, sensors,...
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 25, 2025Trexo robotic legs help disabled children in Canada walk for first time
Trexo Robotics is bringing its robotic leg devices to Kids Physio Group Victoria on September 26-27, offering children with mobility disabilities the opportunity to trial walking technology that may enable some to walk for the first time. The collaboration highlights how robotic assistive technology is expanding access to mobility therapy for children with disabilities, providing new pathways to independence and improved quality of life. What you should know: Two Trexo devices and team members will travel from Ontario to facilitate hands-on trials for children of all ages at the Victoria clinic.• The robotic legs provide postural support that enables children...
read Sep 25, 2025Now docking at Contemplation Station: DeepMind’s new AI models let robots think before they act
Google DeepMind has unveiled Gemini Robotics 1.5 and Gemini Robotics-ER 1.5, the first AI models that enable robots to "think" before taking action, marking what researchers call the dawn of agentic robots. This breakthrough represents a fundamental shift from task-specific robotic programming to general-purpose AI that can adapt to new situations without reprogramming, potentially transforming how robots operate in real-world environments. How it works: The system uses two complementary AI models that work together to enable more sophisticated robotic behavior. Gemini Robotics-ER 1.5 serves as the "thinking" model, processing visual and text input to generate step-by-step natural language instructions for...
read Sep 24, 2025Coast Guard drops $350M anchor in robotics to modernize operations
The U.S. Coast Guard has announced a $350 million investment in robotics and autonomous systems to enhance mission execution and operational capabilities across its fleet. This significant funding, delivered through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, positions the Coast Guard to modernize its operations with cutting-edge technology that reduces personnel risk while expanding mission reach in hazardous environments. What you should know: The Coast Guard has allocated $11 million for immediate upgrades to critical autonomous systems in fiscal year 2025 as the first phase of this broader robotics initiative. Key details: Three primary technologies will receive initial funding to replace...
read Sep 24, 2025Iranian students win top spots in AI competition at Turkish TEKNOFEST 2025
Iranian students captured first and second places in the inventions and innovative technologies category at TEKNOFEST 2025, demonstrating the country's growing prowess in robotics and artificial intelligence. The achievement at Turkey's premier technology festival signals Iran's emergence as a competitive force in global tech innovation, with young engineers successfully competing against teams from 56 countries. What you should know: TEKNOFEST 2025 brought together nearly 1,000 projects from around the world in Istanbul from September 17-21, positioning itself as the world's largest aviation, space, and technology festival. The Iranian team consisted of eight members: Kian Karbalei, Mehrtash Razgordani, Artin Islampanah, Seyyed...
read Sep 24, 2025Skild AI’s universal robot brain goes starfish, adapts even after losing limbs
Skild AI has developed an "omni-bodied brain" that allows a single AI model to control multiple types of robots and adapt to extreme physical damage, including continuing to operate after losing limbs. The breakthrough represents a significant step toward more generalized robotic intelligence that could work across any hardware platform, addressing a key limitation in current robotics where AI models are typically designed for specific robot types. What you should know: The AI system can control unfamiliar robotic hardware and adapt to severe physical modifications without additional training. When a four-legged robot's limbs were cut off with a chainsaw, the...
read Sep 24, 2025Humanoid robot takes a stand against engineer behaving aggressively
A viral video showing a robotics engineer violently yanking a humanoid robot by a chain around its neck has sparked widespread social media discussion about robot resilience and potential future uprisings. The footage demonstrates remarkable advances in robotic balance and stability, as the Unitree G1 robot maintains its footing despite aggressive physical disturbances designed to test its adaptive capabilities. What you should know: The disturbing footage was originally shared by Tsinghua University PhD student Zhikai Zhang, who developed the humanoid motion tracker system called Any2Track in collaboration with Galbot, a Chinese robotics company. The video shows the robot stumbling but...
read Sep 24, 2025Alibaba Cloud integrates Nvidia’s Physical AI tools into PAI service
Alibaba will integrate Nvidia's complete suite of AI development tools for "Physical AI" into its cloud software platform. This partnership positions Alibaba to leverage advanced robotics and embodied AI capabilities within its Platform for AI (PAI) service, potentially expanding its competitive edge in the enterprise AI market. What you should know: The integration brings Nvidia's Physical AI software stack directly into Alibaba Cloud's existing AI platform infrastructure. Alibaba Cloud's Platform for AI (PAI) will now include access to Nvidia's full suite of development tools designed specifically for Physical AI applications. Physical AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can understand...
read Sep 24, 2025Kodiak Robotics secures $212.5M for autonomous trucking ahead of NASDAQ debut
Ares Acquisition Corporation II saw its shares surge 6.42% in after-hours trading following news that its planned merger with autonomous vehicle company Kodiak Robotics secured over $212.5 million in institutional funding. The PIPE financing, which includes backing from George Soros' Soros Fund Management and Cathie Wood's ARK Investments, more than doubled the original $100 million target and signals strong investor confidence in the self-driving truck technology sector. What you should know: The merger funding package totals over $275 million when combined with remaining trust account funds, positioning the combined company for a robust market entry.• Institutional investors committed $212.5 million...
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, 2025Tom Brady rubs shoulders with AI massage company Aescape as new innovation chief
Tom Brady is joining forces with Aescape, the world's first robotic massage technology company, in what sources describe as a merger that will make him Chief Innovation Officer. The partnership aims to expand Aescape's reach from luxury hotels and gyms into professional sports facilities and potentially the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, while democratizing access to high-quality massage therapy through AI-powered robotics. What you should know: Brady will share his longevity and recovery protocols with Aescape while his business partner Alex Spiro, a prominent attorney who has represented Jay-Z and Elon Musk, joins as a strategic advisor in exchange for equity.•...
read Sep 23, 202530 US hospitals deploy “Robin the Robot” for pediatric care amid AI attachment concerns
Hospitals across the United States are deploying Robin the Robot, a therapeutic AI companion designed to behave like a seven-year-old girl to comfort pediatric patients. The cartoon-faced robot has been implemented in 30 healthcare facilities across California, New York, Massachusetts, and Indiana, offering emotional support to children during medical treatment while raising questions about AI's role in human care. What you should know: Robin combines AI technology with human remote operation to create personalized interactions with young patients. The robot is only 30% autonomous, with the remaining functionality handled by remote teleoperators from Expper Technologies, the company that built Robin...
read Sep 23, 2025Daytona 1000: Amazon opens automated warehouse facility creating 1k Florida jobs
Amazon has opened a new $200 million robotics fulfillment center in Daytona Beach, Florida, marking a significant expansion of the company's automated warehouse operations in the region. The facility represents part of Amazon's broader $38 billion investment across Florida and is expected to create over 1,000 jobs with starting wages of $19 per hour plus benefits. What you should know: The new fulfillment center on Bellevue Avenue showcases Amazon's commitment to advanced robotics technology in its logistics operations. The facility features cutting-edge robotics systems designed to streamline order fulfillment and package processing. Starting wages of $19 per hour plus benefits...
read Sep 22, 2025Serve Robotics acquires teleoperation tech for $5.75M to scale delivery robots
Serve Robotics has acquired key assets from Phantom Auto and its subsidiary Voysys AB for $5.75 million in cash, integrating ultra-low latency video streaming and teleoperation capabilities into its autonomous delivery robot fleet. The acquisition strengthens Serve's ability to scale its Level 4 autonomy platform in urban environments, where human operators can remotely intervene when robots encounter unexpected obstacles like pedestrians or construction zones. What you should know: The deal brings critical remote operation technology that allows human oversight of autonomous delivery robots with minimal delay. Voysys contributes proprietary bandwidth regulation and video compression achieving glass-to-glass latency as low as...
read Sep 22, 2025ANYbotics raises €127M for explosive environment-certified four-legged robot
Swiss robotics developer ANYbotics has raised over €127 million in funding to accelerate global expansion and bring its new ANYmal X model to market, with Climate Investment (CI) leading the latest investment round. The funding positions ANYbotics to capitalize on growing demand for autonomous inspection solutions in hazardous industrial environments, particularly as the company prepares to launch the world's first explosion-certified legged robot in 2026. What you should know: ANYbotics' four-legged robots are already performing thousands of weekly inspections across critical industries, with over 200 units deployed in the field.• The ANYmal robots excel at autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, and...
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