News/Robotics
Castle built on sand: Nvidia and Abu Dhabi launch Middle East’s first AI robotics lab
Nvidia and Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute have launched the Middle East's first joint AI and robotics research lab, marking a significant milestone for the region's technological development. The collaboration establishes a dedicated hub for developing next-generation AI models, robotics platforms, and humanoid technologies that will accelerate innovation across multiple industries. What you should know: The TII-NVAITC Joint Lab combines Nvidia's accelerated computing platforms with TII's multidisciplinary research capabilities across AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and high-performance computing. This represents the first NVAITC lab established in the Middle East, positioning the region as a strategic hub for advanced AI and robotics...
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 Sep 19, 2025Go, Figure! Company secures deal to deploy 100K humanoid robots in 4 years
Figure AI has secured a major partnership to manufacture and deploy up to 100,000 humanoid robots over the next four years, marking one of the largest commercial robotics deals in U.S. history. The agreement positions the American company to compete directly with Chinese robotics manufacturers like Zhiyuan Robotics in the rapidly expanding humanoid robotics market. What you should know: Figure AI's CEO Brett Adcock announced the partnership with "one of the largest companies in the United States," though specific details remain confidential. The deal will focus on cost reduction and AI data collection while targeting both commercial operations and household...
read Sep 19, 2025Not your grandfather’s Friday night fights: Techies flock to robot boxing matches in SF
San Francisco's tech community has embraced an unusual Friday night entertainment: humanoid robot boxing matches that draw hundreds of spectators to underground venues. The AI boom has fueled a broader resurgence of live events in the city, with tech workers seeking memorable experiences beyond traditional networking gatherings as a way to connect and decompress from work. The big picture: San Francisco's cultural scene is experiencing a renaissance driven by the AI boom, with nearly 2,000 live events held last month—nearly double from a year ago—and AI-focused events rising more than four times to 578, according to Luma, an event platform....
read Sep 18, 2025Florida A&M and FSU researchers build AI-powered robotic unicycles for faster stroke rehab
FAMU-FSU researchers are developing an AI-powered robotic unicycle system to study how humans learn complex motor skills, with the ultimate goal of creating smarter physical therapy tools for stroke survivors and mobility-impaired patients. The $799,000 National Science Foundation project represents a novel approach to rehabilitation robotics by focusing on skill acquisition rather than simply assisting with movements people already know how to perform. How it works: The research unfolds in three distinct phases, each building toward more sophisticated human-robot interaction. Researchers first study how subjects learn to unicycle unassisted, using motion-capture suits to gather data from joint positions and mathematically...
read Sep 18, 2025AI comes for the beekeeper with robotic hives that cut colony deaths by 70%
California-based startup Beewise has developed the BeeHome, an AI-powered robotic beehive system that can manage up to 10 traditional hives simultaneously while providing automated care for bee colonies. The technology addresses a critical agricultural crisis, as 40% of bee colonies are collapsing annually due to climate change impacts like stronger hurricanes, wildfires, and increased pesticide use—threatening the pollination of over one-third of crops humans consume. How it works: The BeeHome uses cameras and AI software to monitor individual bees and automatically respond to their needs through robotic interventions. "A robotic beehive is essentially like a traditional beehive. It's completely backwards...
read Sep 18, 2025Icarus Robotics raises $6.1M for AI worker robots in space stations
Pigs in space never made sense. But robots... Icarus Robotics has raised $6.1 million in seed funding to develop AI-controlled worker robots for commercial space stations. The New York startup aims to handle routine tasks like cargo management and equipment checks, freeing astronauts to focus on scientific research that only humans can perform. The big picture: With the International Space Station set for decommissioning and commercial space stations on the horizon, the economics of astronaut time are becoming increasingly scrutinized—especially when highly trained crew members spend valuable hours on mundane tasks rather than groundbreaking science. Why this matters: At $130,000...
read Sep 18, 2025Korean tech giants move AI research to Silicon Valley amid work restrictions
Korean AI robotics companies are relocating their research operations to Silicon Valley to access top-tier talent, with Samsung, LG, and Hyundai establishing or expanding facilities in the region. This exodus reflects growing concerns about Korea's restrictive research environment, which industry experts say could undermine the government's ambitious goal to become a global leader in "physical AI" despite plans to invest $4.3 billion over five years. The talent exodus: Major Korean conglomerates are betting their robotics future on Silicon Valley expertise rather than domestic capabilities. Samsung Research America hired Kris Hauser, a University of Illinois professor with awards from IEEE and...
read Sep 16, 2025Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em: AI-powered robotic hosiery helps millions with foot drop disability
Two Harvard engineering students and Army veterans have developed Sole1, a robotic sock that uses artificial intelligence to help people with foot drop, a walking disability affecting thousands. The device just won the US James Dyson Award and could offer a more comfortable, less visible alternative to existing bulky braces that have remained largely unchanged since the 1940s. The big picture: Bradley Wagman and Viktor Bokisch are leveraging their military experience and engineering expertise to create assistive technologies for disabled veterans and others facing mobility challenges. Both veterans sustained injuries during their service—Wagman from parachute training and Bokisch from deployment-related...
read Sep 16, 2025Dyna Robotics raises $120M with $600M valuation from tech giants
Dyna Robotics has secured $120 million in Series B funding led by CRV, First Round Capital, and RoboStrategy, with participation from Nvidia, Amazon, and Salesforce venture arms. The round values the general-purpose robotics startup at over $600 million, highlighting growing investor confidence in cost-effective robotic solutions for widespread deployment. What you should know: The funding round demonstrates significant backing from major technology companies investing in the future of robotics automation.• The $120 million Series B was led by CRV, First Round Capital, and RoboStrategy, a specialized robotics investment fund.• Technology giants Nvidia Corp., Amazon.com Inc., and Salesforce Inc. participated through...
read Sep 16, 2025Conceivable raises $50M to automate IVF with AI-powered robots
Conceivable Life Sciences has secured $50 million in Series A funding to bring AI-driven automation and robotic precision to in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. The funding, led by ARTIS Ventures, Stride, and ACME Ventures, will help commercialize the company's Aura platform, which aims to reduce the manual inconsistencies and high failure rates that plague current IVF workflows. Why this matters: IVF cycles cost between $12,000 to $25,000 in the United States, with many families requiring multiple attempts for success, making process improvements potentially life-changing for thousands of prospective parents. How the technology works: Conceivable's Aura platform uses AI algorithms integrated...
read Sep 15, 2025OpenAI quietly rebuilds robotics team with humanoid focus after 5-year break
OpenAI is quietly rebuilding its robotics team after shuttering the division in 2020, with new hiring patterns suggesting the company may be targeting humanoid robot development. The move signals a renewed focus on physical AI systems as part of OpenAI's broader push toward artificial general intelligence, potentially positioning the company to compete in the rapidly expanding robotics market. What you should know: OpenAI began posting robotics job openings in January 2025, marking its return to the field after a five-year hiatus. Job listings reveal the company is assembling a team focused on training robots through teleoperation (remote human control) and...
read Sep 15, 2025Virginia Tech secures $500K NSF grant for robot theater AI ethics program
Virginia Tech researchers have secured a $500,000 National Science Foundation grant to expand their robot theater program, an innovative after-school initiative that teaches children robotics through performance-based learning. The funding will enable the team to integrate AI ethics education into the curriculum and develop materials for nationwide distribution, addressing the growing need for ethical technology education as human-robot interaction becomes increasingly prevalent. What you should know: Robot theater combines creative expression with hands-on robotics education, allowing elementary school children to collaborate with robots through dance, acting, music, and art. The program was conceptualized in 2015 by Myounghoon "Philart" Jeon, professor...
read Sep 15, 2025DOF Robotics raises $40M in IPO for immersive attraction expansion
DOF Robotics, an award-winning producer of immersive simulation attractions and robotic systems, has completed its Initial Public Offering on Borsa Istanbul, raising over $40 million and representing 29% of the company's current value. The IPO enables significant investment in R&D projects, production capacity expansion, and entry into new markets as the 19-year-old company continues its global growth trajectory across 60 countries. What you should know: DOF Robotics has established itself as a major player in the immersive entertainment industry through strategic partnerships and consistent growth. The company exports to over 60 countries across six continents, providing simulators and immersive experiences...
read Sep 12, 2025Lights, camera, robots! Shotoku unveils Swoop cranes to automate broadcast studios
Shotoku Broadcast Systems has unveiled its new Swoop robotic crane line at IBC2025, designed to replace manually operated cranes and jibs in studio environments. The launch represents a significant advancement in studio robotics, offering broadcasters enhanced creative possibilities and operational flexibility while integrating seamlessly with existing robotic camera systems. What you should know: The Swoop line launches with two models featuring different boom arm reaches and base options to match various production needs. Swoop 140 offers a 140 cm (4'7") boom arm reach, while Swoop 220 extends to 220 cm (7'3"). Both versions can be configured with either a SmartPed...
read Sep 12, 2025Tesla bets on humanoid robots for 80% of its $25T future as EV sales drop 13%
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced a dramatic strategic shift, projecting that 80% of the company's value will come from its Optimus humanoid robots rather than electric vehicles, positioning Tesla as a potential $25 trillion company by 2050. This pivot comes as Tesla's core EV business faces mounting challenges, with global sales dropping 13% in the first half of 2025 and the company's U.S. market share falling to levels not seen since 2017. What you should know: Tesla plans aggressive production scaling for its Optimus robots, targeting 5,000 units this year and up to 1 million annually by decade's end....
read Sep 12, 2025ETH Zurich creates 3D bioprinted tissue bridges for better prosthetics
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a breakthrough biohybrid system that combines synthetic and biological materials to replicate the natural interface between bones and muscles. This innovation could transform medical robotics and implants by solving the critical problem of poor force transmission between biological and artificial components, potentially leading to more effective prosthetics and human-machine interfaces. What you should know: The team created a 3D bioprinted actuator that structurally and functionally mimics the natural connection between muscle and bone, addressing energy losses at biological-synthetic interfaces. Researchers developed a tendon made from printed cell tissue with stiffness levels between living muscle...
read Sep 12, 2025DroneDeploy reaches break-even, raises $15M for autonomous job sites
DroneDeploy, a company that specializes in capturing real-world data using drones, has reached break-even profitability and secured $15 million in strategic funding to accelerate its AI and robotics capabilities. This milestone allows the reality capture company to reinvest all earnings into product development, positioning it to lead the transformation of construction sites, inspections, and drone operations through autonomous technology. What you should know: The break-even achievement marks a turning point for DroneDeploy after a decade of growth, setting it apart from competitors who struggled after the overfunded 2021 cycle. CEO and cofounder Mike Winn explained that "reaching break-even means we've...
read Sep 12, 2025Serve Robotics buys Phantom Auto for $5.75M to boost delivery robot operations
Serve Robotics has acquired the assets of Phantom Auto and its subsidiary Voysys for approximately $5.75 million, adding ultra-low latency video streaming and teleoperation technology to its autonomous delivery robot fleet. The Swedish company's technology enables glass-to-glass latency as low as 50 milliseconds, which will help Serve maintain safe operations as it rapidly scales its sidewalk delivery operations in dense urban environments. What you should know: Voysys brings industry-leading video streaming capabilities that have already been integrated into Serve's production fleet of hundreds of robots.• The company's proprietary bandwidth regulation, advanced video compression, and multi-link redundancy technology sets new benchmarks...
read Sep 11, 2025Swim team? Old news! All-girls underwater robotics team raises $2K through community raffle.
The Clarkston P.E.O. FE Chapter has partnered with ECH Science, an all-girls underwater robotics team, to promote women's education through a fundraising raffle. The collaboration highlights growing community support for encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers through hands-on robotics and engineering programs. What you should know: ECH Science brings together girls from different schools and communities who share a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math. The team explores new concepts through hands-on outreach activities and competitive challenges, applying scientific and engineering processes in real-world scenarios. They have become a local role model and inspiration for others in the community...
read Sep 11, 2025Water in a dust bowl: Tulsa teachers build underwater robots for Navy-aligned STEM program
The Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance hosted professional development training for 20 teachers to launch underwater robotics programs at their schools through the SeaPerch Challenge. The initiative aims to expand access to hands-on STEM education while preparing students for real-world careers in fields like naval operations and engineering. What you should know: The SeaPerch program teaches students to build and operate remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), developing skills directly applicable to military and civilian careers. Teachers learn comprehensive technical skills including cutting pipe, soldering, and drilling to construct the underwater robots. The program is partnered with the Naval League, which helps...
read Sep 11, 2025AI rent-a-bots patrol Austin neighborhoods with remote human oversight
Austin-based CTX Patrol has deployed AI-powered security robots in partnership with Daxbot, an Oregon-based robotics company, to patrol northeast Austin neighborhoods. One robot named Palmer now monitors the Windsor Park area, representing a cost-effective approach to maintaining continuous security presence while keeping human operators safely removed from potential threats. How it works: Palmer combines advanced surveillance technology with remote human oversight to monitor neighborhoods around the clock.• The robot is equipped with advanced cameras and facial recognition technology to detect suspicious activity in real-time.• Trained operators monitor Palmer continuously from Daxbot's headquarters in Philomath, Oregon, ready to assess threats and...
read Sep 11, 2025To LEGO, and beyond! Over 1,200 students compete in California FIRST robotics challenge DECODE
Over 115 California high school engineering teams gathered at La Cañada High School for the FIRST Tech Challenge DECODE season kickoff on September 6, drawing more than 1,200 participants and family members. The event launched this year's robotics competition, where students design and build robots to compete in challenges that prepare them for STEM careers through hands-on engineering experience. What you should know: FIRST Tech Challenge is a global nonprofit program that engages students ages 4-18 in team-based robotics competitions designed to build future-ready skills. Teams work with mentors throughout the year to design, build, and program robots for competition....
read Sep 11, 2025Construction robotics market to hit $8.47B by 2034 amid labor shortages
The advanced robotics in construction market is projected to surge from $1.53 billion in 2024 to $8.47 billion by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of 18.7%. This dramatic expansion reflects the construction industry's urgent need to address labor shortages, safety concerns, and efficiency demands through automation technologies ranging from autonomous vehicles to 3D printing robots. Why this matters: Construction companies are increasingly turning to robotics to solve persistent industry challenges while meeting growing infrastructure demands in an era of rapid urbanization. Key market drivers: Several factors are accelerating adoption of construction robotics across the industry. Labor shortages in...
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