Startup Foundation, under the leadership of former Synapse CEO Sankaet Pathak and AI research chief Professor Patrick van der Smagt, has announced plans to develop humanoid robots that utilize Deep Variational Bayes Filters to enhance their interaction with the environment. The initiative aims to revolutionize how robots learn and adapt to their surroundings. As the company sets ambitious fundraising targets to support this innovative project, experts are scrutinizing the scientific principles behind these claims, as well as the potential challenges that may arise during development. The project is positioned at the forefront of AI and robotics, promising to push the boundaries of technology and human-robot interaction.
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Original from HumanoidsDaily: Humanoid Startup Foundation Pins Hopes on Decades of AI Research to Give Robots a Deeper Understanding of Physics
Humanoid Startup Foundation Pins Hopes on Decades of AI Research to Give Robots a Deeper Understanding of Physics
RobotToday Initiative
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
LG Electronics Expands Humanoid Robot Actuator Supply Chain Ahead of 2027 Goals
LG Electronics is enhancing its robot-actuator division by hiring for six mid-career positions, aiming to supply motorized joints for humanoid robots by 2027. Actuators, which can account for up to 60% of a humanoid's cost, are critical components in the robotics industry. This strategic move is significant as LG seeks to establish itself as a key player ...
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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...
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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
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
Humanoid Robots Enhance Performance in Real-World Applications with New Testing Metrics
Recent advancements in humanoid robotics have led to the development of new testing methods that evaluate how effectively these robots can handle real-world forces. This shift is significant as humanoid robots transition from novelty items to practical tools in various industries, including manufacturing and logistics, where they perform tasks such as lif...
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
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...
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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
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.
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.
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.
Alkadur Robot Systems GmbH
Germany
Alkadur Robot Systems (Germany) manufactures automated doner kebab cutting robots for commercial food service environments. The robotic systems use optically integrated sensors to deliver precise, hygienic, single-button-operated meat slicing for high-volume restaurant and catering operations.
CRP Robot (CN)
China
Chinese high-tech enterprise manufacturing industrial robots, collaborative robots, and core robot components including control systems and servo systems. Main drafting unit of four Chinese national standards in the industrial robot domain.
Dr Robot
Canada
Dr Robot Inc develops WiFi-connected robot platforms, motor drivers, servo controllers, and OEM robot kits for autonomous mobile and humanoid robot development. Products target educational, research, and personal robot application developers.
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