KUKA has unveiled its innovative iiQKA.OS2 operating system, designed to enhance digital manufacturing capabilities. This scalable and customizable platform features a comprehensive virtual robot controller (VRC) and is equipped with AI capabilities, ensuring compliance with the upcoming ISO 10218:2025 standards and bolstering cyber resilience. The new operating system, which was introduced recently, aims to future-proof manufacturing processes by providing a user-friendly web-based interface. Users can now operate the system with their own teach pendants or the KUKA smartPAD, significantly improving accessibility and ease of use for operators. This advancement reflects KUKA's commitment to advancing automation technology and meeting the evolving needs of the manufacturing industry.
iiQKA.OS2 operating system: Virtual robot controller for production of the future
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
RobotToday Weekly Briefing August 31 – September 4, 2026
This week in robotics: NVIDIA agrees to buy Hugging Face for $12.93 billion, Figure signs a $3.5 billion compute deal with Nscale for up to 100,000 GPUs, Tesla launches steering-wheel-free Cybercabs in Austin under NHTSA scrutiny, and Uber and Wayve bring the UK its first autonomous rides. August 31 – September 4, 2026.
RobotToday Weekly
Universal Robot Launches Da Sheng 1: A Versatile Industrial Dexterous Hand
At the WRC exhibition, Universal Robot unveiled the Da Sheng 1, an industrial-grade dexterous hand designed to overcome existing limitations in robotic gripping technology. This innovative product aims to combine the high load capacity of traditional grippers with the versatile operational capabilities of dexterous hands, addressing a significant industry...
Dexterous Hands Industrial Robotics Automation Technology
China’s Dexterous Hand Industry, 2026 Part 1 — The Demand Picture
MIR Databank puts China dexterous hand shipments above 30,000 units in 2026, yet only 3.5% of 2025 demand came from factory production. Part 1 of 3.
Components and Hardware Humanoids
China’s Dexterous Hand Industry, 2026 Part 2 — The Technology
Linkage, tendon, direct drive or hybrid — and why hardware is converging while the DL1–DL5 manipulation scale decides who wins. Part 2 of 3.
Components and Hardware
Can Improved Hydraulic Systems Propel Humanoid Robots Towards Greater Versatility?
The humanoid robot industry faces a paradox: the pursuit of versatility necessitates specialized power solutions. Tesla's Optimus, Figure AI's tests at BMW, and Agility Robotics' Digit at Amazon showcase advancements but reveal structural weaknesses in execution. Issues like insufficient power, range anxiety, and adaptability to extreme environments remai...
Hydraulic Systems Humanoid Robots Robotics Technology
U.S. Army Awards $464.8 Million Contract for 30-kW LOCUST Laser Systems
The U.S. Army has awarded AeroVironment a $464.8 million contract for the production of LOCUST laser systems under the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program. This contract marks a significant milestone as it is the first production contract for a directed-energy weapon in U.S. history, indicating a shift from experimental systems to operational capab...
Military
Army Grants $465M Contract to AeroVironment for First High-Energy Laser Production
The Army has awarded AeroVironment (AV) a $464.8 million contract for the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, marking the first production contract for a high-energy laser weapon. This program aims to enhance the Army's capabilities to counter unmanned systems effectively, as stated by Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the acting chief of staff. The contra...
Land Warfare Aerovironment Army
AIR Partners with Elmo Motion Control for Advanced Cargo Drone Technology
AIR VEV Inc. has formed a strategic partnership with Elmo Motion Control Ltd. to integrate high-performance motion control systems into its Heavy Lift UAS. Elmo's Gold HV drive will enhance the AIR 120D cargo drone's electric propulsion motors, ensuring precise control and efficiency. This collaboration aims to optimize the aircraft's performance while mi...
Actuators / Motors / Servos Defense / Security Drones
Hebbian Robotics Releases HFlow 0.2.4 for Robotic Data Quality Control
Hebbian Robotics has launched HFlow 0.2.4, a preliminary version of its open-source tool aimed at robotic data quality control. The software organizes videos, joint states, actions, and timestamps used for training models, while tracking transformations applied to each episode. Robotic teams often accumulate recordings from cameras, sensors, and commands ...
Robots
Vision Aerial Begins Production of Vulcan Drones Ahead of Mobix Labs Acquisition
Vision Aerial has commenced production of its new Vulcan drone family, including the Vulcan SX and the pre-order launch of the Vulcan YX. This move follows the announcement of its acquisition by Mobix Labs, which aims to enhance its portfolio with American-made autonomous aerial systems. The production of the Vulcan drones is significant as it reflects Vi...
News
Challenges Faced by Precision Gear Manufacturers Amid Rising Humanoid Robot Production
On August 25, 2026, Zhongda Lide (002896.SZ) reported its semi-annual results, revealing a revenue of 597 million yuan, a 15.61% increase. However, net profit dropped by 40.09% to 27.78 million yuan, with a significant decline in gross margin. Despite the rising production of humanoid robots, the company faces intense price competition in the precision ge...
Precision Gears Humanoid Robots Robotics Supply Chain
Europe's First Humanoid Robot Production Facility Launches Operations in Serbia
On August 29, the first humanoid robot mass production facility in Europe officially commenced operations in Šabac, Serbia. This factory, built by the global automotive parts supplier Minth Group from Jiaxing, Zhejiang, features core technology provided by Zhiyuan Robotics. The factory's first humanoid robot showcased its capabilities, including organizin...
Humanoid Robots Robotics Manufacturing Automation Technology
Da Shiang Automation Industrial Co. Ltd. 達詳自動化工業股份有限公司
Taiwan
Taiwan-based robotic system integrator founded 2013; 1,000+ robot projects in automotive, aerospace, and metal manufacturing.
Janome Industrial Equipment Europe GmbH
Germany
German sales subsidiary of Janome Industrial Equipment (Japan), distributing servo presses and desktop/Cartesian robots in Europe since 1984.
Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) 工業技術研究院
Taiwan
Taiwan's leading government-backed applied R&D institute driving industrial and robotics innovation.
IT+Robotics (IT)
Italy
IT+Robotics develops 3D machine vision systems for industrial robotics including EyeT+ random bin-picking, adaptive machining path generation and automated 3D completeness inspection for production quality control.
Magellium (FR)
France
French software and data analytics company specializing in satellite image processing, remote sensing, and geospatial intelligence. Serves space, defense, and environmental monitoring sectors. Website unavailable at scrape time.
Ortelio Ltd
United Kingdom
Ortelio Ltd is a UK cloud robotics research company founded in 2011 that develops AI platforms giving robots intelligence for service and healthcare tasks.
Vision and Control Systems, LLC
United States
Full-service US automation integrator specializing in machine vision, robot integration, motion control, and PLC programming for manufacturers.
PBA Systems Pte Ltd
Singapore
Singapore precision motion specialist (est. 1999); direct drive motors, nano-precision gantry stages, and mechatronic systems for semiconductor packaging.
Kithara Software GmbH
Germany
German real-time software specialist since 1996, providing Windows-based RTOS extensions (RealTime Suite) with EtherCAT for robotics and industrial automation.
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