News/Robotics
Chinese robotics startup AI2 eyes IPO after securing $70M robot deal
Chinese robotics startup AI2 Robotics plans to go public within one to two years, driven by explosive revenue growth from industrial demand for its humanoid robots. The company just secured a $70 million contract with semiconductor display manufacturer HKC Corporation for over 1,000 humanoid robots across three years—nearly five times its $15 million revenue from the first half of 2024. What you should know: AI2 Robotics is targeting aggressive growth as China's robotics sector capitalizes on long-term demographic challenges. CEO Eric Guo projects "10 times growth (in revenue) pretty much every year" as industrial automation demand accelerates. The startup has...
read Sep 9, 2025Somewhere between Big AI and blue-collar are the skills driving the robotics and automation hiring boom
The robotics and automation industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, fundamentally reshaping how companies across sectors approach work and productivity. As businesses increasingly integrate intelligent machines into their operations, a surge in specialized job opportunities is creating new career pathways for professionals ready to embrace this technological shift. This transformation extends far beyond traditional manufacturing floors. From surgical robots assisting in operating rooms to autonomous vehicles navigating city streets, the applications of robotics and automation are expanding rapidly across industries. Understanding these hiring trends—and the skills driving them—provides crucial insight for professionals navigating this evolving landscape. The automation talent boom Companies...
read Sep 9, 2025NASA scientist proposes AI astronauts could replace humans on Mars missions
Planetary scientist Pascal Lee proposes that "artificial astronauts" — AI-powered humanoid robots with human-like physical capabilities — could serve as actual crew members on Mars missions within the coming decades. These space-rated artificial humans would eliminate the need for life support systems and consumables required by human astronauts, while potentially surpassing human capabilities in space exploration tasks. What you should know: The concept builds on rapid advances in robotics and artificial intelligence that could mature alongside planned Mars mission timelines. Lee, who chairs the Mars Institute and directs NASA's Haughton-Mars Project, presented this vision at a Space Robotics Workshop in...
read Sep 9, 2025New tech, old world: Helsing and ARX partner to develop AI-powered defense systems for Europe
Helsing, an AI defense company, and ARX Robotics, a specialist in unmanned ground systems, have announced a strategic partnership to develop AI-based reconnaissance and strike systems for European defence forces. The collaboration aims to digitize and network land domain operations using artificial intelligence, drawing on battle-tested technologies from Ukraine to give European armed forces a technological advantage on the battlefield. What you should know: The partnership focuses on transforming Europe's fragmented and analog land warfare capabilities into a connected, AI-driven network. The companies will jointly develop reconnaissance and strike systems that enable armed forces to "act faster, more precisely, more...
read Sep 9, 2025Massachusetts startups pursue “AgeTech” to tackle senior care crisis
Massachusetts-based startups are developing AI-powered robots and wearable devices to address the challenges of a rapidly aging population amid severe caregiver shortages. These "age-tech" companies are targeting a market where 13% of the state's 1.2 million seniors have dementia and one-quarter of direct care positions remain unfilled, though venture capital investment in the sector remains limited. What you should know: Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have created Abbi, an AI-powered conversational robot designed to combat loneliness among seniors with dementia. The robot runs on SoftBank hardware and engages residents in personalized conversations using preloaded pictures and topics from their life...
read Sep 8, 2025Dyson’s new robot vacuum abandons signature design for generic look
Dyson unveiled its second robot vacuum, the Spot+Scrub Ai, at IFA 2025, promising advanced AI-powered stain detection and cleaning capabilities. However, the device's generic appearance and features closely mirror existing competitors like iRobot's Roomba models, raising questions about whether the company known for innovative design has abandoned its originality in favor of market conformity. Key features: The Spot+Scrub Ai represents a significant departure from Dyson's first robot vacuum, the 360 Vis Nav, incorporating several industry-standard elements. The robot includes LiDAR navigation (a laser-based mapping system), vacuum and mopping functions, and a self-emptying base station with three separate bins for clean...
read Sep 8, 2025RoboBallet AI makes manufacturing elegant, coordinating 8 robotic arms in seconds
UCL, Google DeepMind, and Intrinsic have developed RoboBallet, an AI system that coordinates multiple robotic arms in manufacturing environments, solving up to 40 tasks with eight robotic arms in seconds compared to traditional programming methods that require hours of human work. The system uses reinforcement learning and graph neural networks to choreograph robot movements with unprecedented precision, potentially transforming factory efficiency and scalability across industries from automotive to electronics assembly. How it works: RoboBallet employs AI to learn optimal coordination patterns through trial and error, replacing labor-intensive manual programming. The system uses reinforcement learning (AI that learns through trial and...
read Sep 8, 2025Japan uses AI robots, holograms to transform hospitality while keeping human touch
Japan has positioned itself as the global leader in hospitality technology by integrating AI and robotics throughout its tourism sector in 2025. This technological transformation is reshaping guest experiences while setting new international standards for how hotels can blend cutting-edge innovation with traditional service excellence. The big picture: Japan's hospitality industry has successfully deployed humanoid robots, AI assistants, and hologram technologies across hotels nationwide, creating a new model for tech-enhanced tourism that other countries are now studying. What you should know: The integration extends far beyond novelty attractions to become essential operational infrastructure. Humanoid robots now handle check-in processes, room...
read Sep 5, 2025Tesla proposes new $2T pay plan for Musk tied to ambitious milestones
Tesla is asking investors to approve another substantial pay plan for CEO Elon Musk that would grant him over 423 million additional shares across 12 tranches tied to ambitious milestones over the next decade. The proposal would also increase Musk's voting control over the electric vehicle and robotics company, addressing demands he has made publicly since early 2024. What you should know: The compensation structure requires Tesla to nearly double its current market cap to $2 trillion while hitting aggressive operational targets. Musk would receive 1% equity for each half-trillion dollars of market cap growth, plus meeting production and delivery...
read Sep 5, 2025Running up that hill: Roborock’s new robot mowers tackle 80% slopes and 1.2-acre yards
Roborock has unveiled three new robot lawn mowers at IFA 2025, expanding beyond its popular vacuum cleaners into outdoor maintenance with AI-powered mowing technology. The RockMow Z1, S1, and RockNeo Q1 models feature all-wheel drive systems and can handle steep terrain up to 80% inclines, positioning the company to compete in the growing robotic lawn care market. What you should know: The flagship RockMow Z1 demonstrates impressive technical capabilities designed for various yard sizes and challenging terrain. The Z1 features four independently controlled wheels for all-wheel drive performance and can handle yards up to 5,000 square meters (roughly 1.2 acres)....
read Sep 4, 2025Nightfood buys $80M in hotels to test and license AI robotics tech
Nightfood Holdings, a hospitality technology company, is pursuing an ambitious strategy that combines hotel ownership with artificial intelligence-powered automation. Rather than simply selling robotic solutions to existing hotel operators, the company is buying properties outright and using them as testing grounds for next-generation hospitality technology. This vertical integration approach—owning both the real estate and the technology—positions Nightfood at the intersection of two major trends: the hospitality industry's chronic labor shortages and the rapidly expanding robotics market, which analysts project will reach $107 billion by 2034. The strategy addresses a fundamental challenge facing traditional robotics companies: proving their technology works in...
read Sep 4, 2025OPTEL acquires Vanguard Robotics to expand pharma automation beyond traceability
OPTEL Group has acquired Vanguard Robotics, a specialist in collaborative robot automation for pharmaceutical end-of-line operations. The strategic acquisition expands OPTEL's capabilities beyond its core traceability and supply chain solutions, positioning the company as a comprehensive automation partner for pharmaceutical manufacturers facing labor shortages and demanding regulatory requirements. Why this matters: The pharmaceutical industry is grappling with an aging workforce and shrinking labor pool, driving urgent demand for automation solutions that can deliver ROI within one to two years while maintaining strict compliance standards. What you should know: Vanguard Robotics brings specialized expertise in collaborative robotics tailored specifically for regulated...
read Sep 4, 2025Startup uses AI and robotics to build shippable homes 30-50% cheaper
Raleigh-based startup Placeable has launched to tackle the U.S. housing affordability crisis using AI, robotics, and modular construction to produce homes that are 30-50% cheaper per square foot than traditional builds. Founded by veteran entrepreneur Ed Holloway, the company aims to streamline housing production through automated factory processes that eliminate common construction inefficiencies like weather delays, material waste, and labor bottlenecks. The big picture: Placeable represents a technology-first approach to addressing America's housing shortage, which has left the country undersupplied by millions of homes due to slow, fragmented traditional construction methods. How it works: The startup builds homes in controlled...
read Sep 3, 2025Where the sidewalk ends…and AI begins: Serve Robotics acquires Vayu to boost last-mile delivery
Serve Robotics has acquired Vayu Robotics to enhance its autonomous sidewalk delivery capabilities through advanced AI foundation models and simulation technology. The acquisition combines Serve's real-world operational experience and sidewalk dataset with Vayu's expertise in AI modeling and scalable simulation-powered data engines, positioning the company to accelerate deployment of delivery robots nationwide while working toward its goal of reducing delivery costs to $1. What you should know: The acquisition strengthens Serve's position in autonomous delivery by merging complementary technologies and expertise. Serve brings proven operational depth with an established autonomy stack and extensive real-world sidewalk navigation data collected from current...
read Sep 3, 2025Future sport activity sees 4-legged robot ANYmal play badminton with humans
Scientists at ETH Zürich have successfully trained a four-legged robot called ANYmal to play badminton against human opponents, achieving rallies of up to 10 shots through advanced AI and reinforcement learning. The breakthrough demonstrates how quadruped robots can master complex sports requiring coordinated whole-body movement and real-time visual perception, potentially opening new applications for disaster relief and debris removal operations. What you should know: ANYmal combines sophisticated hardware with AI-powered learning to compete in dynamic sports scenarios. The robot weighs 110 pounds, stands 5 feet 3 inches tall with an attached arm, and operates 18 joints simultaneously across four legs...
read Sep 3, 2025HappyRobot raises $44M for freight AI automation at $500M valuation
HappyRobot, an AI startup automating freight communications, has raised $44 million in Series B funding led by Base10 Partners, valuing the company at approximately $500 million. The San Francisco-based firm specializes in AI agents that handle routine logistics tasks like rate negotiation and appointment booking for major freight operators including DHL, Ryder, and Flexport. Why it matters: HappyRobot's specialized approach targets the freight industry's specific operational challenges rather than offering general-purpose AI solutions. The company has raised nearly $62 million total since its 2022 founding, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz, Y Combinator, and new investors including Tokio Marine and WaVe-X....
read Sep 2, 2025Creative Runway AI expands into brass tacks robotics and self-driving car simulation
Runway AI, the $3 billion video generation company, is expanding beyond creative tools into robotics and autonomous vehicle training after receiving inbound interest from firms in those industries. The move leverages the company's existing world models to tap into rapidly growing simulation markets, with backing from major investors including Nvidia, Alphabet, and General Atlantic. The big picture: Runway's pivot reflects how generative AI is increasingly shaping robotics and self-driving development, positioning the company to capture demand in markets projected to grow from $16.5 billion combined in 2025 to over $51 billion by 2034. Market opportunity: The numbers underscore significant growth...
read Sep 2, 2025Tesla bets 80% of future value will come from robots, not cars
Tesla has unveiled "Master Plan 4.0," marking a dramatic pivot from its electric vehicle roots toward artificial intelligence and robotics as the company's primary growth engine. The new strategy positions the humanoid Optimus robot at the center of Tesla's future, with CEO Elon Musk expecting approximately 80% of the company's value to eventually come from robotics rather than automotive sales. The big picture: Tesla is fundamentally reimagining itself as an AI and robotics company rather than an electric vehicle manufacturer, betting that humanoid robots will drive exponentially greater value than cars. Key details: The Master Plan 4.0 document prominently features...
read Sep 1, 2025How hotels are using humanoid AI robots to solve staffing challenges – and impress international travelers
The hospitality industry stands at an inflection point where science fiction meets business reality. Humanoid AI robots—once relegated to tech demos and research labs—are now checking guests into luxury hotels from Singapore to San Francisco. This isn't just about novelty; it's about fundamental shifts in how hotels compete for guest loyalty while managing persistent labor shortages and rising operational costs. Recent industry surveys suggest that 49% of travelers would welcome robot greetings in hotel lobbies, while nearly 70% expect hotels to adopt innovative technologies during their stays. Properties introducing humanoid AI into guest services report stronger engagement metrics and more...
read Sep 1, 2025Wedbush gives Serve Robotics $15 target as autonomous last-mile delivery heats up
Wedbush Securities has initiated coverage on Serve Robotics Inc. (NASDAQ:SERV) with an "Outperform" rating and a $15 price target, positioning the autonomous delivery company as a key player in the AI-driven last-mile delivery market. The rating reflects growing analyst confidence in robotics companies that can capitalize on enterprise demand for automated delivery solutions and operational efficiency. What they're saying: Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives sees significant potential in Serve's autonomous delivery platform and growth trajectory.• "We are initiating coverage on Serve Robotics with an OUTPERFORM rating and a $15 price target. In our view, Serve Robotics has established a pioneering autonomous...
read Sep 1, 2025OpenMind’s $20M robotic dogs head to homes for AI testing next month
San Francisco AI startup OpenMind is preparing to deploy robotic quadruped dogs into homes next month for real-world testing, marking a significant step toward bringing autonomous household robots to market. The company recently raised $20 million in funding and will roll out 10 "thinking dogs" to collect data and refine the technology for applications ranging from home security to eldercare assistance. What you should know: OpenMind's robotic dogs are designed to autonomously navigate homes and interact meaningfully with residents. The quadrupeds can explore houses independently, locate their owners after extended absences, and perform wellness checks to ensure residents are safe....
read Sep 1, 2025Apple shifts automation costs to suppliers in major policy change
Apple has mandated that suppliers implement robotics and automation systems as a prerequisite for manufacturing contracts, marking a significant shift from its previous approach of financially supporting supplier upgrades. The move aims to reduce labor dependency, improve product quality consistency, and cut long-term production costs as Apple continues diversifying its supply chain away from China. The big picture: This automation mandate represents Apple's most aggressive push yet toward robotics-driven manufacturing, covering all major product lines including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch production. Key policy changes: Apple now requires suppliers to fund their own automation upgrades rather than providing financial...
read Aug 29, 2025Girls get hands-on with retail robots at BJ’s Wholesale Club STEM program
BJ's Wholesale Club recently hosted Girls Inc. of Worcester students for a behind-the-scenes look at how STEM powers retail operations, featuring demonstrations of autonomous robotics technology. The initiative highlights growing efforts by retailers to inspire the next generation of female STEM leaders while showcasing how advanced automation is transforming modern retail environments. What you should know: The visit was part of the Eureka program, a STEM-intensive leadership initiative for girls in grades 8-12. Caroline Krieger, Robotics & Automation Manager at BJ's Wholesale Club, shared her career journey and demonstrated how retail robotics work in practice. The students got hands-on experience...
read Aug 28, 2025John Deere backs first robotics testing farm for agtech startups in Salinas, California
The Reservoir broke ground Wednesday as the first on-farm robotics hub dedicated to specialty crops in Salinas, California, providing agtech startups with a dedicated testing space for automation tools. The innovation farm aims to support California's agricultural sector by giving emerging technology companies a place to develop and refine solutions without disrupting working farms, with industry giant John Deere serving as a key partner. What you should know: The Reservoir will grow celery, lettuce, and strawberries while serving as a testing ground for agricultural technology startups. Danny Bernstein, CEO of The Reservoir, said their goal is to "support the startups,...
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