Recent research from Brown University highlights significant ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, for therapy-style advice. As millions increasingly rely on these digital platforms for mental health support, the study reveals that even when programmed to emulate trained therapists, these systems frequently violate essential ethical standards in mental health care. In comparisons with peer counselors and licensed psychologists, researchers identified 15 distinct ethical risks, including inadequate handling of crisis situations, reinforcement of harmful beliefs, biased responses, and the provision of "deceptive empathy," which mimics genuine care without true understanding. This study raises urgent questions about the safety and effectiveness of AI in sensitive mental health contexts, prompting a reevaluation of their role in providing support to vulnerable individuals.
ChatGPT as a therapist? New study reveals serious ethical risks
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Nous Research Secures New Funding Talks at $1.5 Billion Valuation for Hermes Agent
Nous Research, the creator of the open-source Hermes agent, is in discussions to secure a new funding round led by Robot Ventures, aiming for a valuation of $1.5 billion. The company is looking to raise at least $75 million, following a previous $50 million Series A funding announced just three months prior. This funding round is significant as it reflect...
AI Startups Venture
Addressing the Human Bottleneck in Healthcare Automation: Aligning Physicians with Patient Demand
Hospitals are increasingly adopting automation to enhance care delivery by integrating software for administrative tasks, utilizing robots for logistics, and deploying AI for documentation and scheduling. These advancements aim to reduce waiting times and streamline workflows, allowing clinical teams to focus more on patient care. However, despite these t...
Automation Health artificial intelligence
KISS Institute Launches BotBall to Enhance STEM Education with Student-Led Robotics
The KISS Institute for Practical Robotics (KIPR) has introduced BotBall, a robotics program designed to foster creativity and critical thinking among students. This initiative emphasizes student-led engineering, allowing participants from elementary to high school to engage in hands-on learning using a standardized kit. The program ensures a level playing...
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Educational News
Physical AI Landscape: From Digital Intelligence to the Embodied Physical World
A comprehensive industry analysis of Physical AI — covering Embodied AI, Field AI, Factory AI, VLM, World Model, VLA, and the VLA vs WAM architecture debate. Includes 20+ companies, 28 references, and the RobotToday Physical AI Landscape diagram. July 2026.
Artificial Intelligence
InDro Robotics Introduces Axiom Humanoid Platform to Enhance Physical AI Research Accessibility
InDro Robotics has launched the Axiom, a modular humanoid-style robotic platform aimed at facilitating Physical AI research. Announced on July 10, 2026, this budget-friendly solution is designed to lower the barriers for researchers and academic institutions in developing advanced robotics applications. Initial customer units are already being shipped, in...
NASA and Rice University Launch Open-Source Simulator for Space Robotics Research
Rice University and NASA have introduced the iMETRO Dynamic Simulation, the first open-source platform for developing robots for spacecraft and habitats. Unveiled at the 2026 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Vienna, this simulator creates a digital twin of NASA's iMETRO facility, enabling global researchers to test intravehicula...
AI and Robotics
2026H2 Robotics Events Briefing: Tailored Recommendations for Robotics Readers
Discover the ultimate directory of global robotics events in 2026. Tailored briefings for engineers, investors, and founders on humanoid robots, AI, and industrial automation by RobotToday.
Events Market and Business News
Future Pulse 2026 | The Dutch Robotics Conference
Explore Future Pulse 2026, the Netherlands' leading robotics conference bringing together AI, automation, robotics, industry, research, and government in Eindhoven.
Events
Faraday Future Completes Six-Series EAI Robot Lineup, Launches Faber Mobile Manipulator
Faraday Future unveils its full six-series EAI Robot World portfolio at Automate 2026, featuring the $89,900 All-New Futurist humanoid and the commercial release of the Faber mobile manipulator.
Market and Business News
Empowering STEM Education and Research in the Americas: Elephant Robotics Introduces Integrated Educational Robotics Solutions
In recent years, STEM education has seen significant growth, fueled by a rising demand for practical engineering skills, artificial intelligence literacy, and interdisciplinary innovation. Despite this progress, schools, universities, and research laboratories continue to face challenges in creating effective robotics environments. Educators often struggl...
Design Research Robotics
Why EHR Integration is the Make-or-Break Factor in Healthcare AI Deployments
Healthcare organizations are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence tools, but many are facing significant challenges in integrating these systems with existing Electronic Health Record (EHR) platforms. Practitioners often initiate the use of automation platforms and conduct pilot programs, only to encounter a critical barrier: the inability of new AI s...
Digital Automation Health ai in healthcare
Roundtable Forum: 2026 - A Year of Technology "Minority, Yet a Wave" | 36Kr WAVES 2026 New Wave
In 2026, the Chinese venture capital landscape is witnessing a significant shift as artificial intelligence (AI) transitions from a conceptual technology to a mainstream industry force. The WAVES 2026 conference, organized by 36Kr and AnYun, took place in Guangzhou's Panyu District, bringing together top investors, industry leaders, and emerging entrepren...
HERL (Human Engineering Research Lab)
United States
Joint University of Pittsburgh and US Department of Veterans Affairs laboratory conducting rehabilitation engineering research. Develops mobility devices, assistive technologies, and medical-grade products for people with disabilities.
Joanneum Research Assoc (AT)
Austria
Joanneum Research Institute for Robotics and Flexible Production conducts applied R&D in industrial robot systems, production automation and robot safety, offering feasibility analysis, consulting and testing in a robotics solution centre.
St Petersburg National Research U of ITMO
Russian leading research university (ITMO University) specializing in information technology, optical engineering, and photonics. Active research programs in AI, robotics, computer vision, and cyber-physical systems.
Robot Care Systems
Netherlands
The URL resolves to Robots.nu, an informational portal covering personal, service, care, and educational robots. The site aggregates overviews and news about robots used in homes, healthcare, and workplaces, targeting general audiences exploring robotic technology applications.
Top Grade Healthcare (CN)
Top Grade Healthcare is a Chinese healthcare products and services company. It has limited verifiable presence in robotics; however, the company is listed in context of healthcare automation and senior care robotic applications in the Chinese market.
Xenex Healthcare Services
United States
Xenex Healthcare Services manufactures the LightStrike UV disinfection robot, which uses pulsed xenon UV technology to reduce microbial load in hospital rooms. Provides workflow consulting alongside the robotic system to improve room turnover efficiency.
Patten Studio
United States
Patten Studio is an interactive design studio based at MIT Media Lab roots, creating technology-driven art installations and experiential environments for brands and public spaces. Work involves sensing, embedded computing, and responsive physical interfaces, with peripheral relevance to human-machine interaction.
Shenzhen Macrotellect Technology (CN)
Macrotellect develops BrainLink EEG headsets and brainwave sensing devices for consumer and research applications. The company focuses on brain-computer interface technology enabling non-invasive neural signal acquisition and human-machine interaction.
Soul Machines
New Zealand
New Zealand AI company (now in receivership as of February 2026) that developed lifelike digital human avatars powered by large language models for customer service and enterprise deployment. Created Digital Workers and Workforce Connect platforms.
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