Researchers at Stanford University have developed a groundbreaking reinforcement learning framework that enhances the upper-body compliance of humanoid robots. This innovative approach builds on the recent advancements made by MIT's SoftMimic project. The new technology allows robots to perform delicate tasks such as safely hugging, providing support, and handling fragile objects. The research aims to improve human-robot interaction and expand the practical applications of robotics in everyday life. By enabling robots to exhibit more human-like movements and responses, this development could significantly enhance their functionality in various settings, from caregiving to manufacturing. The findings underscore the potential for robots to integrate more seamlessly into human environments, promoting safety and efficiency in their interactions.
Stanford’s ‘GentleHumanoid’ Teaches Robots to Hug, Shake Hands, and Handle Balloons
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Figure Joins NVIDIA's Open Agent Safety Platform to Enhance Humanoid Robot Safety
Figure has officially joined NVIDIA's Open Agent Safety Platform, a collaborative initiative aimed at establishing safety protocols for advanced AI agents. Announced by NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang on September 28, the platform includes over 100 industry partners, emphasizing the importance of safety as humanoid robots begin to integrate into homes and workpla...
Brett Adcock NVIDIA Jensen Huang
China Dominates Humanoid Robot Patents with 60.8% Share, Impacting Global Competition
China has significantly increased its share of humanoid robot patents, reaching 60.8% as of the first half of 2026, according to data from the Intellectual Property Office. This rise marks an increase from 51.8% in 2024, while the US and South Korea saw declines in their shares, holding 21.8% and 4.6%, respectively. The implications of China's patent domi...
All News
Humanoid Robot Industry Growth: Profitability and Market Dynamics Explored
The humanoid robot industry is projected to experience significant growth, with global shipments reaching approximately 19,000 units in the first half of 2026, a nearly threefold increase year-on-year. Goldman Sachs has raised its 2035 market forecast from $38 billion to $138 billion, predicting sales of 6.48 million units, a 4.7-fold increase from previo...
Humanoid Robots Industrial Automation Market Analysis
Nations Technologies and SIAT Launch N32H785 Dual-Core MCU for Humanoid Joint Motors
On September 23, 2026, Nations Technologies and SIAT introduced the N32H785, a dual-core MCU designed for joint-motor drives. This reference design boasts a rated torque of 20 N·m and a peak torque of 60 N·m, along with a current loop frequency of 20 kHz. The launch of the N32H785 is significant as it addresses the growing demand for advanced motor contro...
Challenges of Safety for Free-Standing Humanoids in Robotics Industry
The article discusses the fundamental safety principle in industrial robotics, which states that a stopped robot is a safe robot. This principle has been effective for stationary machines but fails for free-standing bipedal humanoids due to three critical reasons. The significance of this issue lies in the evolving landscape of robotics, where humanoids a...
Allgemein Anwendungen & Lösungen Humanoide Robotik
ULTRA Enables Humanoid Robots to Move Boxes with Target Guidance: IROS 2026 Best Paper Candidate
The IROS 2026 conference has nominated a paper highlighting ULTRA, a system that allows humanoid robots to move boxes simply by providing a target. This innovation showcases advancements in robotic mobility and task execution. The significance of ULTRA lies in its potential to enhance the efficiency of humanoid robots in various applications, particularly...
Robotics Automation AI
Research Highlights Risks of Smart Systems Including AI, Robotics, and Bioweapons
Recent discussions have highlighted the risks associated with advanced technologies, including industrial robots, drones, and AI systems. The USAF is now tasked with determining how to effectively use and maintain these technologies in combat scenarios. Meanwhile, ANYbotics has developed robot dogs capable of navigating secured facilities while adhering t...
AI and Robotics
RobotToday Weekly September 21 – 25, 2026
Cognex buys RealSense, Qualcomm acquires PickNik, the IFR counts 5 million factory robots, AGIBOT deploys 300 robots at Chimelong, and Tekever raises $580 million.
RobotToday Weekly
PAL Robotics Unveils TIAGo Pro Arm for Advanced Manipulation and AI Research
PAL Robotics has launched the TIAGo Pro Arm, a standalone robotic manipulation platform designed for researchers in robot learning and physical AI. This new system is being showcased at IROS 2026 in Pittsburgh, running from September 27 to October 1. The arm features seven degrees of freedom and is built on ROS 2 and ros_control, incorporating Series Elas...
IonQ to Install 256-Qubit Quantum Computer at Florida International University for Research
IonQ, a US quantum computing company, plans to install a 256-qubit trapped-ion quantum computer at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami by late 2027. This installation will provide researchers and students direct access to IonQ's sixth-generation quantum hardware, marking the first deployment of the Superion 256 system in Florida. The significa...
Science
ITESO Team Develops RoboMeshA Portable Educational Platform for Robotics Learning
In Guadalajara, Mexico, a team from ITESO, Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara, has developed RoboMeshA, a portable educational platform aimed at enhancing robotics and AI learning in high schools lacking advanced tools. This initiative, part of the EPICS in IEEE program, involves 15 engineering students and faculty advisors who designed a self-contained m...
Robotics Ai Type-ti
University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal and KUKA Systems AWS Launch FSW Research Platform
The University of Applied Sciences in Magdeburg-Stendal, in collaboration with KUKA Systems AWS, has introduced a new research cell dedicated to friction stir welding (FSW). This initiative aims to enhance the development and testing of innovative manufacturing processes, leveraging advanced robotics and digital technologies. The centerpiece of this resea...
GMO Humanoid Lab
Japan
Tokyo Physical AI lab opened April 2026 by GMO Internet Group, running whole-body humanoid control research and Japan's Humanoid Hack hackathons.
Hubei Jingchu Humanoid Robot Co., Ltd 湖北荆楚人形机器人有限公司
China
HUST-spinout Wuhan maker of direct-drive humanoid and quadruped robots, including the compact Jingchu Xiaochu and heavy-duty Jingchu Heibao.
Humanoid
United Kingdom
UK startup building commercially scalable, general-purpose humanoid robots via its KinetIQ VLM/VLA framework, offered as RaaS.
Human in Motion Robotics
Canada
Vancouver, Canada medical-robotics company founded 2016 builds the XoMotion self-balancing exoskeleton for people with spinal cord injury or stroke.
LG Display
Korea, Republic of (South)
Seoul display maker (KRX:034220, NYSE:LPL), formed 1999, that launched plastic OLED humanoid-robot face panels for industrial settings in 2026.
Roboblock System Co., Ltd.
Korea, Republic of (South)
South Korean robotics distribution and development company founded in 1997; supplies AI robots, drones, humanoid kits, and VR/AR systems internationally.
BioRobotics Laboratory, Korea University of Technology and Education
Korea, Republic of (South)
South Korean university research laboratory focusing on haptics, exoskeletons, rehabilitation robotics, and autonomous ground vehicles.
McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute
Canada
Hamilton, Ontario applied manufacturing research center at McMaster University; runs a 21,000 sq ft facility with seven research labs.
Robotics Education & Competition Foundation
United States
The REC Foundation is a US nonprofit that runs VEX-based robotics and drone competitions reaching 1.1 million students across 70 countries.
Yuanqi Innovation (Xiamen) Robot Co., Ltd. 元启创新（厦门）机器人有限公司
China
yuanqirobot.com resolves to a Xiamen-based robot company; directory lists it as Qingdao YuanQi Intelligent Robot Tech — city mismatch requires verification.
OM Robot Technology Co. Ltd. 东莞全向机械科技有限公司
China
Chinese manufacturer of mecanum wheels, omnidirectional wheel bases, and mobile robotic platforms for AGV applications.
Techman Robot Inc. (TM Robot) 達明機器人股份有限公司
Taiwan
Techman Robot is a Taiwanese cobot maker producing AI-powered collaborative robots with integrated built-in vision for manufacturing automation.
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