Picnic, a company specializing in pizza-making robots, has officially ceased operations. This closure marks a significant development in the food technology sector, highlighting the challenges faced by innovative startups in a competitive market. The announcement comes amid a broader trend of consolidation and investment within the agri-food industry, as companies seek to enhance efficiency and adapt to changing consumer demands. In related news, Elbit Systems has acquired Bluewhite, a move that underscores the growing interest in advanced agricultural technologies. Additionally, funding for virtual fencing initiatives continues to attract attention, while Anheuser-Busch has awarded an $80,000 grant to support advancements in this area. These developments reflect ongoing efforts to integrate technology into food production and distribution, aiming to improve sustainability and operational effectiveness.
AgriFood Signals: Elbit acquires Bluewhite, more funding for virtual fencing, Anheuser-Busch awards $80k grant
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
354,000 Chinese Industrial Robots Transforming the Landscape of the 'Four Great Families
A significant development in the robotics sector has emerged, with 354,000 Chinese industrial robots reportedly toppling the city walls of the 'Four Great Families'. This event highlights the rapid advancements in robotics technology and its implications for urban infrastructure. The importance of this transformation lies in the potential for industrial r...
Robotics Automation AI
China's Industrial Robot Installations Reached 354,000 in 2025, Dominating Global Market
In 2025, China installed 354,000 industrial robots, marking a 20% increase from the previous year and representing 59% of global installations, as reported by the International Federation of Robotics. This achievement solidifies China's position as the largest industrial-robot market for the second consecutive year. The global operational stock of industr...
News Feed
RobotPlusPlus Enhances Industrial Maintenance with HighMate Series at SMM 2026
RobotPlusPlus showcased its HighMate Series at SMM 2026 in Hamburg, focusing on industrial cleaning and corrosion control. The HighMate AP-F-CO Coating Robot+VOC Recovery System aims to reduce workers' exposure to hazardous tasks at height while enhancing the efficiency and consistency of cleaning and surface treatment processes. This development is signi...
Research Highlights Risks of Smart Systems Including AI, Robotics, and Bioweapons
Recent discussions have highlighted the risks associated with advanced technologies, including industrial robots, drones, and AI systems. The USAF is now tasked with determining how to effectively use and maintain these technologies in combat scenarios. Meanwhile, ANYbotics has developed robot dogs capable of navigating secured facilities while adhering t...
AI and Robotics
RobotToday Weekly September 21 – 25, 2026
Cognex buys RealSense, Qualcomm acquires PickNik, the IFR counts 5 million factory robots, AGIBOT deploys 300 robots at Chimelong, and Tekever raises $580 million.
RobotToday Weekly
PAL Robotics Unveils TIAGo Pro Arm for Advanced Manipulation and AI Research
PAL Robotics has launched the TIAGo Pro Arm, a standalone robotic manipulation platform designed for researchers in robot learning and physical AI. This new system is being showcased at IROS 2026 in Pittsburgh, running from September 27 to October 1. The arm features seven degrees of freedom and is built on ROS 2 and ros_control, incorporating Series Elas...
Global Industrial Robot Fleet Reaches 5 Million Units Driven by China’s Growth
The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reported that the global industrial robot fleet hit a record 5 million units in 2025, with over 600,000 new installations that year. China led the growth, contributing 354,000 installations, which accounted for 59% of the global total. The U.S. surpassed Japan to become the second-largest market, with nearly ...
AI AI Funding & Investment Capital Markets
IonQ to Install 256-Qubit Quantum Computer at Florida International University for Research
IonQ, a US quantum computing company, plans to install a 256-qubit trapped-ion quantum computer at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami by late 2027. This installation will provide researchers and students direct access to IonQ's sixth-generation quantum hardware, marking the first deployment of the Superion 256 system in Florida. The significa...
Science
ITESO Team Develops RoboMeshA Portable Educational Platform for Robotics Learning
In Guadalajara, Mexico, a team from ITESO, Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara, has developed RoboMeshA, a portable educational platform aimed at enhancing robotics and AI learning in high schools lacking advanced tools. This initiative, part of the EPICS in IEEE program, involves 15 engineering students and faculty advisors who designed a self-contained m...
Robotics Ai Type-ti
Challenges in Scaling Industrial Augmented Reality Pilots and Recent Developments
A recent exploration into industrial augmented reality (AR) highlighted the challenges faced in scaling pilots beyond initial demonstrations. While the technology proved effective for single high-value assets, transitioning to a fleet of machines revealed significant complexities in preparation and implementation. The initial success of AR pilots often le...
Factory / Digital Transformation
University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal and KUKA Systems AWS Launch FSW Research Platform
The University of Applied Sciences in Magdeburg-Stendal, in collaboration with KUKA Systems AWS, has introduced a new research cell dedicated to friction stir welding (FSW). This initiative aims to enhance the development and testing of innovative manufacturing processes, leveraging advanced robotics and digital technologies. The centerpiece of this resea...
China Installed 354,000 Industrial Robots in 2025, Representing 59% of Global Total
On September 24, the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) released its report 'World Robotics 2026,' revealing that China deployed 354,000 industrial robots in 2025, marking a 20% increase year-on-year and accounting for 59% of global installations. This figure surpasses the previous record by nearly 60,000 units, reinforcing China's position as the...
Industrial Robots Automation Robotics Market
New Holland Agriculture
United Kingdom
Global agricultural machinery brand of CNH Industrial (founded 1895) making tractors, combine harvesters, and precision farming equipment worldwide.
Osiris Agriculture
France
French agtech startup developing Oscar, an autonomous irrigation and fertigation robot for potato and vegetable producers in northern Europe.
Tensorfield Agriculture
United States
California-based agri-robotics company deploying semi-autonomous robots that use superheated vegetable oil to eliminate weeds without herbicides.
ADEK Industrial Computers
United States
US-based industrial PC manufacturer building custom rugged rack-mount, panel, and embedded computers for robotics, SCADA, and HMI applications since 1993.
Aichi Robot Industrial Promotion Council
Japan
Japanese industry council promoting robotics development and diffusion in Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan's largest robot manufacturing hubs.
Arctek Robótica Industrial
Brazil
Brazilian industrial robotics system integrator in Curitiba, Parana, specializing in robotic welding, automated handling, palletizing, and custom automation.
BioRobotics Laboratory, Korea University of Technology and Education
Korea, Republic of (South)
South Korean university research laboratory focusing on haptics, exoskeletons, rehabilitation robotics, and autonomous ground vehicles.
McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute
Canada
Hamilton, Ontario applied manufacturing research center at McMaster University; runs a 21,000 sq ft facility with seven research labs.
Robotics Education & Competition Foundation
United States
The REC Foundation is a US nonprofit that runs VEX-based robotics and drone competitions reaching 1.1 million students across 70 countries.
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