A Japanese marine research agency is set to develop an advanced autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) by fiscal 2028 to enhance the search for rare earth elements and other mineral resources in the seabed near Minamitorishima, Japan's easternmost territory. This initiative, announced on June 3, 2026, aims to secure a stable supply of these critical materials, which are essential for various high-tech industries. The project reflects Japan's ongoing efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign sources, particularly China, amid rising global demand for rare earths. The development of this hybrid vessel is expected to significantly accelerate exploration and retrieval processes in the region, positioning Japan as a key player in the global rare earth supply chain.
Japan to develop deep-sea drone in hunt for rare earths
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Real-Time Supply Chains Transform Industrial Real Estate and Inventory Management
Recent advancements in predictive analytics, robotics, and data-driven logistics are reshaping industrial real estate by reducing reliance on large inventories. Traditionally, warehouses were designed to manage uncertainty through storage, but the shift towards real-time coordination is changing this paradigm. As supply chains become more connected and vi...
Features Logistics Supply chain
Japan's ATLA Selects Terra Drone Interceptor for 2026 Counter-UAV Trials
Japan's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) has chosen Terra Drone's interceptor drone as a test article for its Interceptor Drone Rapid Acquisition Programme. This selection marks a significant step in Japan's efforts to enhance its counter-UAV capabilities. The decision to utilize Terra Drone's locally developed technology underscores the ...
News
The Evolution of Intelligent and Adaptive Automation in Supply Chains
Supply chain automation is set to become increasingly intelligent, connected, and adaptive. AI-driven software is transitioning from merely reactive monitoring to more advanced predictive and prescriptive capabilities. This evolution will enable operations to rebalance workloads and optimize performance automatically. The significance of this shift lies i...
Current Disturbances Impacting Online Localization for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
The Journal of Field Robotics has published an early view article discussing the challenges of online localization for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in the presence of current disturbances. This research highlights the difficulties faced by AUVs when global references are not available, which is crucial for their navigation and operational efficie...
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Actuate 26 Robotics Developer Conference Reveals Speaker Lineup with Industry Leaders
Foxglove has announced the speaker lineup for Actuate 26, its annual robotics developer conference, featuring leaders from Wayve, Aurora, Physical Intelligence, and more. The event will take place on August 18-19, 2026, at Fort Mason in San Francisco, showcasing technical talks, keynotes, and hands-on programming. This conference is significant as it aims...
Bayraktar KIZILELMA Drone Successfully Tests JET-230 Supersonic Missile at Mach 2.5
Türkiye's Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned fighter aircraft has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing its first live-fire test with the ROKETSAN JET-230 supersonic missile. The test involved launching the missile from over 120 kilometers, accurately hitting a maritime target, which enhances KIZILELMA's capabilities with indigenous weapon...
Military
Japanese Researchers Develop Floating Companion Robot Inspired by Fictional Characters
Researchers at Keio University in Tokyo have created a silent, floating companion robot that mimics the movement of animated creatures. This innovative prototype, inspired by characters like Tinker Bell and Pokémon’s Mew, is designed to be approachable and safe for indoor environments. The significance of this development lies in its potential to enhance ...
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
ParaZero Technologies Launches DefendAir for Autonomous Drone Interception in Military Applications
ParaZero Technologies has introduced its DefendAir platform, designed to intercept first-person view (FPV) drones autonomously before they can strike military vehicles. This system utilizes a non-explosive net-based interception method, creating a 360-degree defensive envelope around assets. The platform aims to enhance protection for both moving and stat...
Military
FCC Fines Eight Companies for Alleged DJI Drone Bypass in the US Market
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated a crackdown on eight companies suspected of facilitating DJI's circumvention of the US foreign drone ban. Each company, including Cogito Tech and Xtra Technology, has been fined $25,000 for failing to respond to FCC inquiries regarding their marketing of radio equipment in the US. The deadline for ...
Policy Tech
Quantum Systems Group's Apex Recordhunter Drone Achieves 434 mph Speed Milestone
Quantum Systems Group, a German aerospace firm, has announced that its Apex Recordhunter experimental drone reached a remarkable speed of 434 miles per hour. This achievement, pending formal certification, could set a new world record for battery-powered unmanned aerial vehicles. The project emphasizes advancements in electric propulsion and aerodynamics,...
Military
AVI-SPL and Volvo Autonomous Solutions Launch Freight Operations Between Dallas and Houston
AVI-SPL, in partnership with Volvo Autonomous Solutions, has initiated commercial autonomous freight operations between Dallas and Houston using the Volvo VNL Autonomous vehicle powered by the Aurora Driver. This operation will facilitate the transport of audio-visual electronics, including new products and end-of-life equipment for recycling, enhancing A...
Autonomous Vehicles News Technology
Blueye Robotics (NO)
Norway
Norwegian developer and manufacturer of professional underwater ROVs for aquaculture monitoring, subsea inspection, and situational awareness. Products are designed for ease of deployment and reliable operation in marine environments.
Chasing Innovation
China
Chinese manufacturer of industrial-grade underwater ROVs for subsea inspection, aquaculture, scientific research, and search operations. Products emphasize intelligent control systems and ease of operation for professional underwater drone missions.
DOF Subsea
Norway
DOF provides integrated subsea and offshore services using a fleet of purpose-built vessels equipped with ROVs and intervention equipment. Services span inspection, repair, maintenance, and light construction for offshore energy infrastructure.
Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI Robots)
United States
Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI Robots) designs and manufactures vendor-independent vehicle automation systems. Its proprietary technology platform revolves around Mobius, an advanced autonomous command and control software suite. Mobius orchestrates multi-vehicle operations, integrating precise navigation, real-time obstacle detection, and path-planning capabilities into legacy fleets. The company's product line includes drive-by-wire hardware kits that convert standard industrial vehicles into autonomous units capable of remote teleoperation or fully automated execution. These solutions automate heavy machinery within the mining, agriculture, automotive testing, and government logistics sectors, emphasizing increased operational safety and predictable cycle times.
CalmCar Vehicle Vision (CN)
China
Chinese automotive AI company providing L2 to L4 intelligent driving solutions including ADAS, automated parking, and occupant monitoring systems. Products address urban traffic scenarios and driver/occupant monitoring using computer vision.
Vehicle Technologies Inc.
United States
Developer of autonomous and remote-controlled vehicle systems and drive-by-wire conversion technology. Provides unmanned ground vehicle platforms and electromechanical actuation systems for defence and commercial automation.
Langebaek Logistics A/S
Denmark
Scandinavian consultancy specializing in supply chain management, logistics optimization, and warehousing. Advises clients at strategic and operational levels, integrating automation and AI into logistics workflows.
Qubiqa (prev Univeyor Logistics) (DK)
Denmark
Qubiqa is a Danish supplier of intelligent material handling and logistics systems, providing turnkey intralogistics solutions including conveyor systems and palletizing equipment, specializing in the insulation manufacturing sector.
Scallog Scalable Logistics (FR)
French developer of goods-to-person robotic order picking systems for logistics warehouses. Robots integrate with existing WMS/ERP platforms; claimed ROI under two years with documented productivity gains above 40% in order picking operations.
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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