On May 3, the US government implemented a significant policy change by terminating the duty-free treatment for low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong. This decision affects cross-border e-commerce companies, including major players like Shein and Temu, which have relied on the previous exemption for packages valued under a certain threshold. Under the new regulations, all shipments, regardless of their value, will now incur tariffs that can reach as high as 145%. This shift aims to address trade imbalances and protect domestic industries, marking a notable escalation in trade tensions between the United States and these regions. The move is expected to reshape the landscape of e-commerce, as businesses navigate the increased costs associated with importing goods from China and Hong Kong.
US ends duty-free treatment for Chinese low-value packages, creating uncertainty for Shein, Temu and logistics sector
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Universal Robots Introduces Gen 7 Platform for Enhanced Industrial Automation and AI
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AI and Robotics
Domestic Brands Capture 55% of China's Industrial Robot Shipments Led by Estun
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Geek+ and UPS Collaborate to Establish Asia-Pacific's Largest Logistics Center
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Embodied Intelligence Industrial Automation IoT
Textron and Merlin Labs Develop SkyCourier UX Drone for Uncrewed Aerial Logistics
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Market and Business News
Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Automated Logistics company
United States
US material handling systems integrator founded in 1952, delivering warehouse automation, AGVs, AMRs, conveyors, and Exacta supply chain software.
E-COBOT
France
French AMR manufacturer and system integrator offering the HUSKY robot range and MyCobot fleet management software.
EasyMile
France
French autonomous vehicle technology company providing driverless solutions for airports, industrial sites, and public transit.
ADEK Industrial Computers
United States
US-based industrial PC manufacturer building custom rugged rack-mount, panel, and embedded computers for robotics, SCADA, and HMI applications since 1993.
Aichi Robot Industrial Promotion Council
Japan
Japanese industry council promoting robotics development and diffusion in Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan's largest robot manufacturing hubs.
Arctek Robótica Industrial
Brazil
Brazilian industrial robotics system integrator in Curitiba, Parana, specializing in robotic welding, automated handling, palletizing, and custom automation.
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.
Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL)
United States
VA–Univ. of Pittsburgh research center founded 1994, developing wheelchair robotics and assistive mobility tech for veterans and people with disabilities.
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.
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