As robots increasingly interact with humans, their ability to perceive and respond to social cues has become essential. This development highlights the importance of enhancing humanoid robots' sensory capabilities, enabling them to see, hear, and react effectively in real-time situations. Researchers and engineers are focusing on advanced technologies that allow these robots to better understand and navigate human environments, ensuring smoother interactions. The ongoing advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning are driving this evolution, as they equip robots with the tools needed to interpret complex social dynamics. As this field progresses, the integration of sophisticated sensory systems is expected to play a crucial role in the future of humanoid robotics, ultimately improving their functionality and acceptance in everyday life.
How humanoids learn to read the room
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Mitsubishi Motors to Begin Mass Production of Humanoid Robots by 2027
Mitsubishi Motors has announced plans to start mass production of humanoid robots at its factory in Japan by 2027. In collaboration with the Tokyo University startup Highlanders, the company aims to produce 1,000 units per month initially, utilizing existing space in its Kyoto engine plant. The robots will first be deployed in Mitsubishi's own facilities ...
Humanoid Robots Manufacturing Automation AI Technology
CubeMars Launches New Hollow Planetary Power Modules for Humanoid Robot Joints
In 2026, humanoid robots are approaching a critical point for industrial application. CubeMars has launched two specialized hollow planetary power modules, AKH70-16 and AKH70-48, which are crucial for enhancing flexibility and load capacity in robotic joints. These modules integrate brushless motors, planetary gear reducers, encoders, and driver boards, a...
Humanoid Robots Robotic Joints Power Modules
STMicroelectronics Invests in Oversonic Robotics to Enhance Humanoid Robot Development
Oversonic Robotics, an Italian cognitive robotics firm known for RoBee, has announced a strategic investment from STMicroelectronics, Fondazione ENEA Tech Biomedical, and SpotInvest. This investment aims to accelerate Oversonic's industrial, technological, and international growth, particularly in the cognitive humanoid robotics sector. The involvement of...
Humanoids News artificial intelligence
Robot.com Introduces R-noid Humanoid Robot for Challenging Labor Markets
Robot.com has officially launched R-noid, a humanoid robot designed to tackle repetitive and hard-to-fill jobs across various industries. Deployed under a Robot-as-a-Service model, R-noid can achieve autonomous operation within eight to twelve weeks, addressing significant staffing challenges in sectors like healthcare and food services. The introduction ...
Humanoids News automation
Robbyant Unveils LingBot-Depth 2.0 with Enhanced Spatial Perception for Robotics
Chinese AI company Robbyant has launched LingBot-Depth 2.0, a next-generation spatial perception model designed to enhance robotic navigation in complex environments. This model builds on the previous LingBot-Depth, utilizing the Masked Depth Modeling technique and trained on 150 million samples, achieving top results in 12 out of 16 depth completion benc...
AI and Robotics
ROBOTTODAY Weekly July 6 – 10, 2026
This week in robotics: AI² Robotics raises $735M for wheeled humanoids, Unitree G1 performs first live surgery, Dexmal launches DexOS platform, Agility Robotics announces SPAC, and Ondas acquires DZYNE for $875.8M. July 6–10, 2026.
RobotToday Weekly
Humanoid Robot H1 Completes First Live Gallbladder Surgery Under Surgeon Control
In July 2026, a humanoid robot successfully performed the world's first live gallbladder surgery on a pig under the control of a surgeon. This groundbreaking procedure, documented by Nature and featured on the front page of the New York Post, has sparked significant discussions in the tech community about the implications of humanoid robots in surgical se...
Humanoid Robots Surgical Robotics AI in Healthcare
Ant Group Launches LingBot-VA 2.0 with Advanced Spatial Awareness and Vision Models
On July 10, Ant Group introduced LingBot-VA 2.0, the first embodied native action model in the industry. This release marks the culmination of their full-stack 2.0 model series, featuring advancements in spatial perception and real-time interaction. The launch has generated significant buzz across international platforms like Reddit and Hugging Face, indi...
Robotics AI Machine Learning
AI² Robotics Secures $735 Million Funding for Wheeled Humanoid Robots Development
AI² Robotics has successfully raised approximately $735 million in a recent funding round, elevating its valuation to around $2.8 billion. The Shenzhen-based company specializes in wheeled humanoid robots, which feature a humanoid torso and five-fingered hands, offering a unique alternative to traditional bipedal systems. This funding round attracted a di...
Artificial Intelligence / Cognition China Financial
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
Ant Group Launches Open Source LingBot-Vision: A Breakthrough in Robotic Vision Technology
Ant Group's Robbyant has introduced the LingBot-Vision model, a groundbreaking visual perception technology designed for robots. This innovative model, which operates with just 1.1 billion parameters, significantly outperforms traditional systems in depth estimation and object boundary recognition. By enhancing robots' ability to comprehend intricate envi...
Robotic Vision Depth Perception AI Technology
Ant Group Unveils Groundbreaking Spatial Perception Model for Robots
Ant Group's Robbyant has unveiled LingBot-Depth 2.0, an advanced spatial perception model designed to enhance robot vision in complex environments, such as those involving glass and mirrors. This innovative model, which operates with just 1.1 billion parameters, demonstrates superior performance compared to larger models while requiring less training data...
Robotics AI Computer Vision
Humanoid M.AX Alliance
Korea, Republic of (South)
The Humanoid M.AX Alliance, established in April 2025, is a consortium comprising 224 entities focused on advancing Korea's humanoid robotics sector. Key initiatives include developing shared Robot AI Foundation Models, conducting R&D on next-gen humanoid technologies, and collaborating on AI semiconductors and mobility batteries. The Alliance also emphasizes startup acceleration and talent development through partnerships with leading universities.
Kind Humanoid (Acq. by 1X)
United States
NEO is an advanced humanoid robot designed for versatile applications in domestic and commercial environments. It utilizes artificial intelligence algorithms for natural language processing and machine learning to enhance user interaction. The robot is equipped with a modular hardware architecture, enabling scalability and customization. Key features include real-time data processing, autonomous navigation, and integration with IoT devices for smart home functionality.
Rotaku (humanoid robotics; limited public info)
United States
The humanoid robots developed feature a height of 1.7m, a weight of 45kg, and 22 degrees of freedom, enabling complex manipulation tasks. The system utilizes a robust SDK for high- and low-level control, alongside a data analytics stack for telemetry management. Advanced simulation environments support reinforcement learning for policy optimization, ensuring effective deployment in real-world scenarios.
AU Centre for Robotic Vision (ACRV) (AU)
Australia
Australian research centre focused on robotic vision systems, operating under university auspices. Conducts research in computer vision and perception for autonomous robots. Website was inaccessible at time of scrape; inferred from name and known public profile as a vision-focused robotics institute.
Scorpion Vision Software (UK)
Norwegian-based 2D and 3D industrial machine vision software platform (marketed under Tordivel AS). Offers sub-pixel and micron-level non-contact measurement, configurable inspection tools, and advanced calibration capabilities without programming.
Robotic Vision Technologies
US developer of Vision Factory, a 3D machine vision platform enabling industrial robots to locate parts in six degrees of freedom from a single camera image. Targets automated manufacturing lines requiring high-speed, accurate part location without structured environments.
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.
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.
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