A humanoid robot has made history in South Korea by participating in a Buddhist ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of technology and spirituality. The event took place recently at a temple in Seoul, where the robot, designed to mimic human behavior, performed rituals traditionally carried out by monks. This unprecedented involvement aims to explore the potential of robotics in religious practices and to engage younger generations in spiritual activities. The initiative reflects a growing interest in how technology can enhance cultural and religious experiences, prompting discussions about the future role of robots in society. The robot's participation was facilitated by a team of engineers and Buddhist scholars who collaborated to ensure that the rituals were performed respectfully and accurately. This event not only showcases advancements in robotics but also raises questions about the evolving nature of faith and community in an increasingly digital world.
South Korea’s robot monk Gabi joins Buddhist ceremony, takes vows at temple
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Obayashi Corporation Launches 18-Month Project with Humanoid Robots in Construction
Obayashi Corporation has initiated an 18-month joint verification project utilizing humanoid robots at a construction site near Tokyo. The project aims to address the critical labor shortage in Japan's construction industry, where over one-third of workers are aged 65 and older, while less than 10% are under 30. The introduction of humanoid robots is seen...
Humanoid Robots Construction Automation Robotics
Xiaopeng Motors Plans to Launch IRON Humanoid Robot with 1,000 Units Monthly Production by 2027
Xiaopeng Motors has announced plans to launch its IRON humanoid robot globally by 2027, aiming to ramp up production to over 1,000 units per month by the end of this year. The robot will initially serve as a sales assistant in domestic stores, with expansion to international locations later in the year. This initiative is significant as Xiaopeng's Preside...
Humanoid Robots Robotics AI
AI Robots Achieve 3,500 Garment Sorts Per Hour in South Korean Warehouse
In a warehouse located in Icheon, South Korea, a fleet of AI-guided robots is sorting garments at a remarkable rate of 3,500 items per hour, approximately four times the output of human workers. Since their deployment, the women's clothing company has reported 'zero losses'—no picking errors and no stockouts due to logistics mistakes. Despite this advance...
AI Robotics Warehouse Automation Sewing Automation
Japan's Leading Robot Manufacturers Collaborate with Nvidia on AI-Enabled Hardware
Nvidia Corp. has announced an expanded collaboration with four prominent Japanese industrial automation companies to enhance robot development. This partnership aims to support Jensen Huang's initiative to advance AI-enabled hardware in the robotics sector. The collaboration is significant as it underscores the growing importance of integrating AI capabil...
Agility Robotics Proposes Six Key Recommendations for U.S. Humanoid Robot Policies
Agility Robotics has outlined six recommendations aimed at establishing a robust policy framework for humanoid robots in the U.S. According to CEO Peggy Johnson, these recommendations are essential for enhancing the regulatory environment and ensuring the successful integration of humanoids into the workforce. She emphasizes the need for domestic producti...
China Defense / Security Humanoids
RoboParty Launches Open Source Framework for Next-Gen Humanoid Robot Development
In the past two years, the humanoid robot industry has seen numerous impressive demonstrations, but a shift is emerging in the second half of 2026. Companies are now focusing on developing training frameworks, development platforms, data tools, open-source models, and various R&D infrastructures. The competition is evolving from showcasing superior robots...
Humanoid Robots R&D Infrastructure Open Source
The Advantages for OEMs Collaborating with Skilled Robotics Integrators
A proficient robotics integrator serves as a vital link between robot manufacturers and customers' operational needs. By leveraging their deep understanding of technology, integrators facilitate the effective application of robotic solutions in real-world scenarios. This collaboration is essential as it ensures that the unique requirements of customers ar...
Mistral AI Introduces Robostral Navigate for Autonomous Robotic Navigation
Mistral AI has launched Robostral Navigate, the first AI model specifically designed for robotic navigation. This marks a significant shift for the French company, which has previously focused on large language models, as it ventures into Physical AI. The goal is to enable robots to understand natural language instructions, interpret their surroundings us...
À la une IA Industrie
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
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
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.
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.
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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