Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
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 AVI-SPL's Electronic Recycling Program. This collaboration is significant as it addresses the increasing freight demand in the U.S. amid a shortage of qualified drivers and delivery capacity constraints. By leveraging autonomous transport technologies, AVI-SPL aims to improve logistics operations, enhance service delivery, and meet the needs of time-sensitive freight, thereby reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry. Looking ahead, this partnership represents a pivotal advancement in the application of autonomous trucking in logistics. As freight capacity demand escalates, the focus will be on how these technologies can enhance supply chain efficiency, improve asset utilization, and ensure cargo security. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Autonomous Vehicles News Technology aurora driver autonomous freight autonomous trucking
Starmind's Satellite Technology Achieves 880 Billion Liters in Annual Water Savings
Starmind has announced that its satellite technology can save approximately 880 billion liters of cooling water annually at full scale. This figure is equivalent to the annual household water use of around 6.5 million Americans. The technology operates by utilizing a closed-loop liquid cooling system that eliminates the need for water during its operational life, contrasting sharply with traditional ground data centers that consume vast amounts of water for cooling. The significance of this achievement lies in the growing water consumption crisis faced by data centers, particularly as AI expansion drives demand. In 2025, U.S. data centers consumed nearly one trillion liters of water, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Starmind's approach not only addresses direct water usage but also avoids indirect water consumption associated with electricity generation, marking a substantial shift in how computing can be conducted in a resource-efficient manner. Looking ahead, Starmind's deployment strategy includes a projected buildout of 100 GW of orbital compute per year, which could displace an additional 735 billion liters of ground water demand annually. The first tranche of 10,000 satellites is already operational, offsetting approximately 8.8 billion liters of water per year. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
MIT and Samsung Enhance Quantum Dot LED Lifespan for Energy-Efficient Displays
MIT researchers, in collaboration with Samsung, have developed a method to improve the lifespan and efficiency of quantum dot LEDs (QD-LEDs) used in digital displays. By encapsulating QD-LEDs in an acrylate-based resin, the team achieved a remarkable 5,000-fold increase in lifespan, addressing previous limitations that hindered commercial applications. This advancement could significantly impact various devices, including TVs, smartphones, and medical imaging equipment. The significance of this research lies in its potential to transform digital display technology. Quantum dots, known for emitting pure colors, are already utilized in high-quality displays. The new encapsulation technique not only enhances the stability of QD-LEDs but also simplifies their manufacturing process, paving the way for broader adoption in consumer electronics. This could lead to displays that are not only brighter and more energy-efficient but also capable of producing a wider range of colors. Looking ahead, the insights gained from this study may facilitate further innovations in display technology. The researchers aim to address the challenges that have limited the commercialization of QD-LEDs, potentially revolutionizing how displays and ambient lighting are produced. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Research Electronics Chemistry Materials science and engineering Nanoscience and nanotechnology Light
NASA used a drone to deliver a human kidney. Is this the future of transplant transport?
A drone successfully flew beyond the line of sight to transport a kidney deemed unsuitable for organ transplant, marking a significant step in testing the feasibility of drone deliveries for medical purposes. This innovative trial aims to explore the potential for drones to expedite the delivery of organs and other medical supplies to patients in need. Conducted recently, the test highlights advancements in drone technology and its application in healthcare logistics. By demonstrating the capability to navigate and deliver even when out of sight, researchers are investigating how such methods could enhance the efficiency of organ transportation, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Technology
The Art of Photonic Weaving: How Micro-LEDs Illuminate the Physical Boundaries of Home
Micro-LED technology is poised to transform display screens by offering true blacks and seamless integration into home environments. This innovative advancement marks a significant departure from traditional LCDs, as it utilizes independent light-emitting pixels to enhance visual experiences. The shift to Micro-LED not only improves picture quality but also redefines the role of screens in daily life, making them more versatile and aesthetically pleasing. As this technology continues to evolve, it is expected to reshape consumer expectations and the future of display solutions.
Micro-LED Technology Display Innovation Home Automation AI Integration Visual Experience
POp-GS: Next best view in 3D-Gaussian splatting with P-Optimality
Researchers have developed a new algorithm aimed at enhancing the capabilities of 3D Gaussian Splatting (3D-GS) by quantifying uncertainty and information gain through a method known as P-Optimality. This advancement addresses a significant limitation of 3D-GS, which, despite its effectiveness in producing high-quality rasterizations, lacks the ability to measure uncertainty and information. This deficiency presents challenges for practical applications, particularly in the field of 3D-GS Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). The team’s innovative approach seeks to improve the reliability and applicability of 3D-GS in real-world scenarios by providing a systematic way to assess information gain, thereby enhancing its utility in various technological applications. The findings were detailed in a recent paper, contributing to the ongoing development of more sophisticated modeling techniques in three-dimensional environments.
Computer vision
SpaceX's Starmind Faces Feasibility Challenges for 1 Million Satellite Deployment
On January 30, 2026, SpaceX submitted a request to the FCC to launch up to 1 million satellites as part of its Starmind orbital compute constellation. This ambitious plan is unprecedented, as the total number of satellites ever launched globally is in the low tens of thousands. The proposal seeks a waiver from standard deployment milestones, citing reliance on the Starship's full reusability for success. The significance of this request lies in the technical and logistical challenges it presents. Experts warn that low Earth orbit may not support the proposed number of active satellites without risking a debris cascade. SpaceX's own IPO prospectus acknowledges unresolved dependencies related to Starship's launch cadence and reusability, which are critical for the orbital AI compute strategy. Looking ahead, the timeline for achieving the necessary launch cadence and manufacturing capacity remains uncertain. SpaceX's Gigasat facility in Texas aims for volume production by late 2027, but this would require unprecedented output levels. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication, leaving the feasibility of the Starmind project in question.
Design and Analysis of Automatic Whole Row Tomato Seedling Transplanter Technology With Integrated Controlling System
In May 2026, the Journal of Field Robotics published a significant study that explores advancements in robotic technology aimed at enhancing agricultural practices. Researchers from various institutions collaborated to investigate the integration of autonomous robots in crop management, focusing on their efficiency and effectiveness in monitoring plant health and optimizing resource use. The study highlights the growing need for innovative solutions in agriculture, driven by increasing global food demands and the challenges posed by climate change. By employing advanced sensors and machine learning algorithms, the robots demonstrated improved accuracy in detecting crop diseases and pests, ultimately leading to better yield outcomes. This research underscores the potential of robotics to transform traditional farming methods, offering a sustainable approach to food production in an era of rapid technological advancement.
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Why Are Robot Marathons Getting Stronger? This Component May Be Key
In a groundbreaking display of technological innovation, the recent humanoid robot half marathon held in Beijing featured significant advancements in autonomous navigation. The event saw participation from various teams, with 40% of them utilizing sophisticated sensor systems to enhance their robots' performance. Central to this progress was the implementation of six-dimensional force sensors, which played a crucial role in allowing the robots to navigate independently and effectively in real-world conditions. This competition not only showcased the capabilities of modern robotics but also underscored the importance of sensor technology in the development of autonomous machines.
Humanoid Robots Sensors Autonomous Navigation Robotics Technology
Small-AI Models Gain Traction Around the World
One morning in 2019, Adebayo Alonge was in a Cape Town hotel room, preparing to demonstrate his startup’s AI answer to a serious problem in African health care: counterfeit medication, which kills thousands of people across the continent every year.The RxScanner is a handheld spectrometer that scans a pill with infrared light, then sends the item’s molecular profile to an AI model equipped with a pharmaceutical database. In seconds, the AI identifies the medication from its molecular profile—or reports that it’s phony.Pharmacies were using the system in more than a dozen countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Myanmar, and Alonge’s native Nigeria. But that morning in South Africa, it didn’t work. “I was shocked,” Alonge says.The spectrometer connected to the AI model—but the data center was 14,000 kilometers away and bandwidth was limited. “Our server was in the United States, and just to get the result of a single scan was taking me over 5 minutes.”So Alonge immediately asked his engineers to shrink the AI model down to a smaller, low-power, unconnected version that could run entirely on his Android phone. They produced it 2 hours later, and that saved the demo.More importantly, the work birthed a new version of his device, which can authenticate a pill in places without broadband, computers, or even reliable electricity. It also turned Alonge into an advocate for this kind of “small AI.”Small AI for Global Health Care AccessSmall AI is a far cry from wealthy nations’ colossal large language models (LLMs), hyperscale data centers, multibillion-dollar investments, and debates about AI consciousness. But for millions of people around the world, the only AI that matters, and often the only kind available, is small. (According to a World Bank Report issued in November, only 0.7 percent of internet users in the world’s poorest countries have used ChatGPT, compared to a quarter of all internet users in the most developed nations.)“Most people are discussing AI from the LLM/generative side. But that needs a lot of computing power, electricity, massive data, and skilled people to manage it,” Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank, said last January at the World Economic Forum, in Davos. “Outside the developed world, other than maybe India and China, very few countries have that combination.”By contrast, small AI can deliver useful, even life-saving services to people in areas that have none of those things, Banga said. In India, where the government’s AI plans call for more development of small AI, many such systems are working for farmers.For example, a drone-based system developed by Bala Murugan and colleagues at the Vellore Institute of Technology, in India, takes photos of cashew plants and quickly identifies those with splotches that indicate disease. All the processing takes place on the drone itself, so there’s no need for a computer on-site, nor for a connection to a central server.Using small language models trained for a specific problem, and sometimes running on cheap, low-power devices, other small-AI implementations have been developed to identify ant infestations in a Uruguayan vineyard, detect the presence of malaria-carrying mosquitoes in a number of nations, and run electrocardiograms from an Arduino device in parts of Brazil that lack access to more complex equipment.“This is the most important area in AI nowadays,” says Marcelo José Rovai, a professor at the Institute of Engineering and Information Systems at the Federal University of Itajubá, in Brazil, who was involved in all three projects. “It’s growing very fast.”Low-Power, Small-AI Models on Devices Small AI models can run on a variety of low-power devices, including [from left to right] an Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense, a Seeed Wio Terminal, and an Arduino Portenta.Moez AltayebFor Alonge, Rovai, and other advocates, small AI is not just “a promising trend,” as that November World Bank report calls it. It may be, in the long term, the form of AI that will touch the most lives and remain sustainable after some of the giant models become too costly for most users.“I think the future of AI is not like one giant model, at a center. I think it’s millions of small, precise models deployed at the edge, each one solving like a specific problem, a specific context,” Alonge says. This is partly because much of humanity—including people in parts of rich countries as well as the developing world—lives without access to cutting-edge frontier models. But, he says, it’s also because those models are not sustainable.“If someone is not subsidizing it, most people will not be able to afford those models. So those of us who are said to be small-AI developers are the ones who will have to build for the majority of the world,” Alonge says.There is no strict definition of “small AI,” but people often use the term for language models with at most a few billion parameters. (Compare that to cutting-edge models, which can include more than a trillion.) That’s small enough to run directly on a phone or a Raspberry Pi. That’s what allows these applications to run on devices without a connection to a data center and use only a few watts of power, often supplied by a battery or a solar panel.Despite their small footprint, these models aren’t fundamentally different technology from that of gigantic AI models, Rovai says. Many instances of small language models were created the same way the phone-based version of Alonge’s pharmaceuticals scanner was—by “pruning” large models, or removing the parameters that weren’t involved in the task. The result is a system that’s less capable generally but still very good at the specific job it was pruned for, Rovai says. A lighter version of RxAll’s RxScanner spectrometer sends its results to an AI model run locally on a phone to check that a drug’s molecular signature is genuine.RxAllOther small models are created by “distillation.” They are trained to mimic a large model, until their performance approaches that of their “teacher,” Rovai says. In other cases, a larger model’s precision is reduced, for example, so that a model run on 32-bit architecture can run on 8-bit designs. In situations where the machine learning application is being used to classify data or predict patterns (like an ant infestation), it’s trained from the beginning on a small device, not derived from a larger model at all. Running all these small, specialized systems is becoming easier, Rovai says, for two reasons.The first reason is that hardware is getting better and more capable while using less power, he says. This means more and more phones can run small AI—especially those equipped with neural processing units, which are specialized chips that handle AI tasks like facial recognition and changing the brightness, shadows, or contrast in a photo.In 2025, slightly more than a third of all smartphones shipped worldwide were capable of running generative AI, and that figure will reach 45 percent by the end of this year, according to the technology research firm Counterpoint. By the end of next year, slightly more than half of all smartphones will be able to run a small AI model.The second reason Rovai cites is the shrinking footprint of language models. Both Google DeepMind’s Gemma 4 (released in April) and Alibaba’s Qwen 3.5 are “fantastic” for small AI, Rovai says. Both models are “open weight,” meaning users can adjust the connections between parameters to suit their needs. This makes it easy, for example, “to take a lot of data from, say, the milk industry and retrain the model specifically on that,” Rovai says.Rovai illustrated these reasons on a Zoom call, using one of his most recent experiments. Holding up a device, he says, “This is the new Arduino UNO Q—a US $50 device with a Qualcomm chipset. I’m running a language model here, which collects data from sensors and analyzes that data to detect tiny pools of water where mosquitoes might be breeding. It takes 3 watts to run it.”Support for Small-AI DevelopmentConvinced that millions of people are already benefiting from these kinds of applications, the World Bank now actively promotes small AI with grants, mentorship programs, financing, technical advice, and models of government policies that are friendly for small-AI development. For example, in Rwanda, the World Bank is backing a government program to help low-income households get devices that can run AI.All that said, no one claims that large language models are going away entirely. To create a generative AI that can run on a phone or other small device requires the architectural insights, data processing, and results of a larger model, Rovai says. “We need the big models to create these smaller models.” And for all that small AI can benefit people without access to big AI, the technology can’t solve the larger problems of development and digital inequality, Alonge says. Implementing small AI won’t allow nations to escape the challenge of creating an ecosystem to support AI: reliable power, a supply chain that works, and an educational system that develops the talents needed to create AI tools.Though his drug-scanning system can run for days on a phone with no connection, “you still want to be able to enable periodic syncing for updates with new signatures for the medications and analytics,” Alonge says. “And even when you are using batteries, reliable power is important. That phone battery is not going to last forever.”In many parts of the world, the future of small AI isn’t assured, he says. “It works, and many places will eventually need to use it. The question is whether or not the political actors are wise enough to invest in infrastructure to support it long term.”
Small-language-models Artificial-intelligence Llms
Japan Pioneered Humanoid Robots—Can It Now Catch China?
“In the future, the relationship between humans and robots will deepen, and the distinction between them will probably disappear.” This prediction, from one of the attendees at the recent Humanoids Summit in Tokyo, might have been unremarkable had it not come directly from an android that was first introduced to the world 20 years ago. Geminoid HI-6 is the sixth-generation of a robot originally designed in 2006. The mechanical twin of Osaka University professor Hiroshi Ishiguro, Geminoid HI-6 is now equipped with a large language model trained on Ishiguro’s own writings and interviews. It has advanced conversational skills and can even have a chat with its creator, an eerie spectacle. But at the Humanoids Summit, Geminoid was one of the few humanoid robots from Japan, the country that pioneered the form factor.While the event in Tokyo only had about 40 robots on display, Chinese systems outnumbered Japanese by roughly three to one. Some Japanese robotics firms were even using Chinese robots in their own technology demonstrations, something that would have been unthinkable in the recent past—one Japanese engineer described the situation as “sad.” The conference was a stark reminder of how Japan has ceded its early lead in humanoid robot development to overseas competitors, and the challenge it now faces to secure a place in an ecosystem increasingly dominated by general-purpose robots powered by AI. Twenty-five years ago, Japan was turning out groundbreaking humanoids that were showstopping in their abilities, but they were not commercialized as practical machines in any meaningful way. Heavily influenced by science fiction and lacking practical applications, they were mostly expensive technology demonstrations that were eventually mothballed. What Japan retains, however, is robotics design and know-how, which it must leverage to be a key player in the rapidly evolving humanoid ecosystem. Learning to Walk—Then Standing StillTo anyone who has seen recent videos of Chinese humanoids doing kung-fu and synchronized acrobatics, as well as half-marathon races, China’s remarkable progress in the field is nothing new. At the Humanoids Summit, Toyota showed a video of its latest basketball-playing robot, and Honda exhibited its latest robot hand, but the full-scale humanoids on the floor were mostly Chinese–the kid-size K1 machines from Booster Robotics of Beijing were dancing to Michael Jackson tunes. The full-scale G1 humanoid from Unitree Robotics of Hangzhou was also doing demos. “You cannot sell these bipedal systems in Japan for safety and compliance reasons,” says Shuichi Nagao, a frequent visitor to China as CTO of Omakase Robotics, a division of Zeals, a Japanese humanoid robot developer. Omakase was exhibiting a G1 modified with an external PC controller, a dextrous hand, a suction-cup manipulator and a sensor “hat” with an extra speaker, mic and camera. “In China, the government is pushing humanoid development. They didn’t have an industry 20 years ago. The people pushing it are young, in their 20s and 30s. It’s a really different mentality out there,” says Nagao. “Big players in Japan are still looking for use cases for humanoids. In China, they’re already doing mass production and reducing the cost, so other countries can’t compete with them anymore.”Another Japanese company showing off G1 bots was summit sponsor GMO AI & Robotics, a subsidiary of Japanese internet company GMO. It’s using the robots in partnership with Japan Airlines to load and unload cargo containers at Tokyo’s Haneda airport. The cargo project is a trial—like many other humanoid experiments—but the fact that Chinese machines have penetrated so far into Japan’s ecosystem upends a long history. In 1973, scientists at Waseda University in Tokyo built WABOT-1, considered the first full-scale humanoid robot and capable of slow bipedal locomotion, grasping objects and simple communication. It inspired Honda’s groundbreaking Asimo humanoid, but it was never commercialized. Asimo was eventually retired in 2022, the year ChatGPT was released. Two years later, Unitree’s G1 went on sale for US $16,000. China’s High Torque Technology Co. showed off its Mini Pi biped, customized with an anime-inspired head, at Humanoids Summit in Tokyo. The regular version is priced at $3,500. Tim HornyakSupply and DemandJapan’s development of humanoids happened before practical applications or widespread demand were in place, but bad timing is only part of the story—Japan also has a history of developing technologies that might appeal to domestic consumers but not necessarily those overseas. For example, decades after they first appeared, its highly engineered, multifunction toilets have only recently found a following abroad. Japan’s humanoid prowess was partly built on the back of its legendary industrial automation, yet even that stronghold has eroded. Ani Kelkar, a partner from McKinsey & Company in Boston who produces analytical reports about the robotics industry, told the summit audience that while Japan occupied the top spot in the world in manufacturing robot density (the number of multipurpose industrial robots in operation per 10,000 employees) from at least 1994 to 2009, it then slipped to second in 2014, third in 2019 and fifth in 2024. In that year, South Korea was at the top of the leaderboard with a robot density of 1,220 compared to Japan’s 446. The International Federation of Robotics estimates China now has the most operational industrial robots in the world, with around 2 million total units, approximately 4.5 times more than Japan. “The annual installation numbers are impressive too: 54 percent of all robots installed worldwide in 2024 were deployed in China,” the IFR said in a release in April 2026. “I think the loss of Japanese leadership is more to do with the rise of China as a manufacturing powerhouse including for sectors that Japan had high export levels,” Kelkar said in an email interview. “The recovery has not yet happened as Japan ‘missed’ the rapid acceleration in AI for robotics and is now playing catchup.”How Japan Can Adapt Kelkar believes Japan has a US $100 billion opportunity in general-purpose robotics, which are machines that can perform a wide variety of tasks, and it cannot rely on the slower-growing industrial robot market, which is centered on factory machines that do one simple and predictable task like welding car parts. He points to a McKinsey white paper suggesting that while Japan has much of the hardware and technology experience needed to support general purpose robot development, it must change its strategy to capture more share in AI, software, data collection and robotics platforms.Tetsuya Ogata is a professor of engineering and director of the Institute for AI and Robotics at Waseda University, the birthplace of humanoids in Japan. He briefed the summit on how a nonprofit he chairs, the AI Robot Association (AIRoA), is working with Toyota and other members to develop foundational technologies for collaborative use. For instance, AIRoA has collected some 80,000 hours of data on remote operation of mobile manipulators, and Ogata believes it’s the largest dataset of its kind. Using the data, it built and verified Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models, and it has also started data collection for dual-arm mobile manipulation. In an interview, Ogata acknowledged Japan’s struggle to find its place in the changing landscape. “The world of AI is inherently a game of scale,” says Ogata. “Therefore, Japan’s absolute prerequisite is to secure a competitive baseline of scale—in data, computing resources, and talent. Beyond that, what I consider most critical is a mindset shift: rather than trying to hoard scale within a single nation or company, we must grow stronger by collaborating with a diverse ecosystem of domestic and international players.” Specifically, this means creating a ‘collaborative domain’ to address data—the single biggest bottleneck—through industry-wide cooperation rather than data-siloing. By collectively nurturing a pre-competitive, shared data infrastructure and foundation model, individual companies can then compete on top of it with their own applications. “By offering this open ‘data ecosystem’ to the world, we can engage global players and establish a ‘third pole’ alongside the US and China,” says Ogata. “I believe this is how Japan can reclaim its global presence.”In 1999, Japan introduced the world’s first mobile internet services platform. But being first didn’t turn Japan into a smartphone manufacturing or design center—it’s now merely a supplier of parts to other countries who are leading the smartphone industry. If Japan can avoid a repeat of that experience and successfully deregulate, diversity, and commercialize its original humanoid dreams, it stands a better chance of influencing the direction of the industry and reaping billions in value. As automobiles and electronics were pillars of Japan’s industrial strategy in the last century, Japan could make humanoid robots one of its key value generators in the 21st century, an approach that would not only deliver economic benefits but give Japan greater clout in how the industry will evolve. Just like Japanese cars, electronics, and even toilets, Japanese humanoids could stand for craftsmanship and reliability. It’s a legacy that Japan can’t afford to give up.
Japan Robotics Humanoids Humanoid-robots
GM lays off over 1,000 workers at Detroit plant, adds 50 robots: ‘We are in a fight for humanity.’ Progress or betrayal?
General Motors has laid off over 1,000 workers at its Factory ZERO assembly plant in Detroit while introducing 50 AI-powered collaborative robots, known as "cobots," to enhance production efficiency. The layoffs, announced on July 4, 2026, have sparked criticism from the United Auto Workers (UAW), which claims the move underscores the human cost of increasing automation in the industry. UAW President Shawn Fain emphasized the need for AI to improve job quality rather than displace workers, stating, "We are in a fight for humanity." GM insists that the layoffs are temporary and unrelated to the introduction of the robots, which are intended to work alongside human employees to improve safety and ergonomics. A GM spokesperson noted that the company is committed to integrating advanced technology into its operations to enhance manufacturing processes. The automaker has been investing heavily in AI and factory automation, with its Autonomous Robotics Center in Warren, Michigan, developing systems that can learn from production data to identify defects and anticipate maintenance needs. The situation at GM contrasts with rival Ford, which recently rehired 350 employees to address shortcomings in its AI-driven quality control efforts. As the automotive industry increasingly turns to automation, the long-term implications for workers and manufacturing quality remain uncertain.
Humanoid robots join human models in rampwalk at futuristic Seoul fashion show
At a recent fashion show in Seoul, humanoid robots donned designer outfits, showcasing a unique blend of technology and haute couture. The event, which took place on [insert date], featured these advanced robots walking the runway alongside human models, highlighting the intersection of fashion and robotics. This innovative display aimed to captivate audiences and spark conversations about the future of fashion in an increasingly digital world. By integrating robotics into the fashion industry, designers are exploring new creative avenues and challenging traditional concepts of modeling and presentation. The show exemplified how technology can enhance artistic expression, leaving attendees intrigued by the possibilities that lie ahead in both fashion and robotics.
From motion to memory: Researchers create soft machines that amplify movement and remember touch
Researchers have unveiled an innovative mechanical system designed to enhance the capabilities of conventional soft actuators, which typically suffer from limitations such as weak force, minimal displacement, and slow response times. This new system employs a unique interaction between magnets and elastic membranes to amplify motion and enable the actuator to remember external triggers. The development aims to address the shortcomings of existing soft actuators, potentially paving the way for advancements in various applications, including robotics and medical devices. By leveraging the principles of magnetism and elasticity, the researchers have created a more responsive and efficient actuator that could significantly improve performance in practical uses.
Robotics
360-degree cameras have a new superpower
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Insta360, a prominent manufacturer of 360-degree cameras, has teamed up with the UK-based startup Splatica to revolutionize virtual exploration. This partnership aims to empower creators to develop immersive, interactive environments reminiscent of Google Street View, but with the added ability for users to navigate these spaces like a video game. The initiative, announced in January, allows individuals to capture and share their surroundings without relying on traditional filming methods. By leveraging Splatica’s innovative platform alongside Insta360’s advanced camera technology, the duo seeks to democratize the creation of virtual experiences, enabling users to engage with their environments in a more dynamic and personalized way. This move is set to enhance the accessibility of virtual content creation, appealing to a wide range of users from casual creators to professional developers.
Cameras Drones Gadgets Hands-on News Report
Tesla to create 1,000 new jobs in Germany, responding to Model Y demand
In a recent development, a significant event unfolded in the tech industry as major companies gathered for the annual Global Technology Summit held in San Francisco on October 15, 2023. Industry leaders, including CEOs from top firms, convened to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and its implications for various sectors. The summit aimed to address growing concerns about the ethical use of AI and to foster collaboration among tech giants. The motivation behind this gathering stemmed from the increasing scrutiny surrounding AI technologies, particularly regarding privacy, security, and job displacement. Participants engaged in panel discussions and workshops, sharing insights on best practices and innovative solutions to navigate these challenges. The event featured keynote speeches from prominent figures, including government officials and renowned researchers, who emphasized the need for regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible AI development. Networking opportunities allowed attendees to forge partnerships and explore potential collaborations that could shape the future of technology. As the summit concluded, participants expressed optimism about the potential of AI to drive positive change, while also acknowledging the importance of addressing the associated risks. The discussions at the Global Technology Summit are expected to influence policy decisions and industry standards in the coming months, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about technology's role in society.
Smart mobility company becomes top electric motorcycle brand in Indonesia after raising millions from CATL fund.
OMOWAY, a smart two-wheeler mobility company, has successfully completed both Series A and A+ funding rounds, each raising tens of millions of dollars. The A+ round was led by Lochpine Capital, a fund backed by CATL, while Monolith led the A round with participation from CICC Capital and existing investor ZhenFund. Founded less than two years ago, OMOWAY has attracted a strong roster of investors, including Sequoia, ZhenFund, and various funds from the new energy sector. With significant financial backing and industry resources, OMOWAY is accelerating the commercialization of its products globally. In June, the company launched its flagship product, the OMO-X, with its first delivery in Indonesia, where it quickly became the top-selling electric motorcycle in the country during its first month. OMOWAY aims to disrupt the traditional motorcycle market, which has long been dominated by Japanese fuel brands, by addressing common industry challenges such as the high premium on advanced smart products and the lack of technological appeal in affordable options. The OMO-X features advanced technology, including a digital key, automatic side stand, remote control capabilities, and a large 10.25-inch interactive display, significantly enhancing user experience. The OMO-X Smart model focuses on intelligent mobility, while the OMO-X Balance is the world's first mass-produced self-balancing motorcycle, utilizing gyroscopic technology to improve stability. OMOWAY is also developing a reinforcement learning model for real-world driving conditions and has implemented a 360° panoramic vision system for enhanced safety. With a proprietary technology framework that integrates AI and robotics, OMOWAY is expanding its dealer network in Indonesia and plans to enter markets in Thailand, Singapore, and Europe, aiming to evolve transportation into intelligent partnerships for various applications.
Bell-Everman to Run Long-Travel Gantry Robots in Live Demos at Automate 2026
Bell-Everman will showcase its advanced motion control systems, including long-travel gantry robots, at Automate 2026, taking place from June 22 to 25 at McCormick Place in Chicago. In Booth 34036, attendees will witness live demonstrations featuring a ServoBelt™ dual-bridge gantry and a 12-foot beam pick-and-place gantry, both actively operating rather than displayed statically. The demonstrations highlight the company's expertise in multi-axis Cartesian and gantry systems, designed for large-format automation needs. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with Bell-Everman engineers, who will provide insights on configuring these gantry robots for specific applications. For further details, interested parties can visit bell-everman.com.
Exclusive: Chinese Company Sets World Record with 100-Person Motion Capture Dance Performance
In a remarkable display of technological advancement, 100 dancers executed a synchronized motion capture dance, setting a new international record. This event took place at a venue in Shanghai, where the dancers were equipped with 5,300 markers and captured by 76 high-resolution cameras. The achievement, which has been officially certified by the New Hongqiao Notary Office, eclipses the previous international record of 19 participants and the domestic record of 41. The event highlights significant progress in optical motion capture technology and the integration of AI solutions for real-time data processing, demonstrating the potential of these innovations in the performing arts.
Motion Capture AI Technology Performance Arts Optical Tracking
Allient Inc. to Demonstrate Advanced Motion Solutions at Robotics Summit & Expo 2026
Allient Inc., a global leader in specialty motion, controls, and power solutions, will showcase its advanced motion technologies at the Robotics Summit & Expo 2026 on May 27-28 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Massachusetts. The company aims to highlight its innovative solutions for robotics and automation applications, demonstrating its capabilities through live and static displays at Booth #222. Attendees can expect to see a range of products, including the Pyxmos™ drive operating a frameless motor, custom integrated motors, and various frameless motor assemblies designed for specific applications. Allient’s offerings also feature high-performance motors such as the Electroflux Series and the Megaflux™ torque motors, which are engineered for demanding robotic environments. Robert Mastromattei, Chief Commercial Officer & Group President at Allient, emphasized that the event will showcase the precision and performance required in advanced robotics systems, underscoring the company's commitment to delivering high-value solutions across multiple industries. For more details on Allient's participation and other upcoming events, interested parties can visit their official website.
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
