Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Hong Kong raises nearly $44b to lead Asia-Pacific issuance
In the first half of 2026, Hong Kong experienced a significant surge in equity issuance, which increased by 29% to nearly US$44 billion. This growth was primarily driven by the robust performance of battery and circuit-board manufacturers, reflecting a strong demand in these sectors. The rise in equity issuance highlights the region's ongoing economic recovery and investor confidence, particularly in technology and renewable energy industries. The trend suggests that companies are capitalizing on favorable market conditions to raise funds for expansion and innovation, positioning themselves for future growth.
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The Innovation Story of SIASUN and Its Asia-Pacific Partners
Global technological development has been likened to a powerful river, driven by the collective knowledge and innovations from nations worldwide. This dynamic progress is characterized by collaborative efforts that have led to significant advancements across various fields. As countries share insights and resources, they contribute to a collective wave of achievements that propel technology forward. The ongoing exchange of ideas and expertise underscores the importance of international cooperation in fostering innovation and addressing global challenges. This collaborative spirit is essential for navigating the complexities of modern technological landscapes and ensuring that advancements benefit societies around the globe.
AGIBOT Launches in Malaysia – Marks the Start of a Series of Strategic Initiatives Across the Asia
AGIBOT has officially commenced its operations in Malaysia, signaling the start of strategic initiatives aimed at promoting automation and embodied intelligence throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The launch event featured the unveiling of the AI World Experience Centre, developed in collaboration with I-Berhad. This center is dedicated to the integration of robotics across multiple sectors, with a particular emphasis on improving human wellness and enhancing the overall quality of life. The initiative reflects AGIBOT's commitment to leveraging advanced technology to drive innovation and efficiency in various industries.
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General Oceans Expands Global Reach with Asia Office
General Oceans, the parent company of several underwater technology brands such as Nortek, Tritech International Ltd, and Klein Marine Systems, has announced the opening of a new sales office in Singapore. This strategic move, which took place recently, aims to enhance the company's global presence and better serve its clients in the Asia-Pacific region. By establishing a foothold in Singapore, General Oceans seeks to tap into the growing demand for underwater technology solutions and strengthen its market position. The new office is expected to facilitate improved customer engagement and support, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation and service excellence in the underwater technology sector.
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IEEE Honors Robotics Pioneer Toshio Fukuda
Toshio Fukuda has been blazing trails for most of his career. He is considered to be one of the most prolific scholars in robotics, writing more than 2,000 research papers and authoring several books on the field. He’s an influential figure thanks to his pioneering work developing biomedical robotic systems, industrial robots, micro-nano robotics, mechatronics, and AI-driven automation.Fukuda launched one of the first robotics conferences, the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS). It is still popular almost 40 years later.Toshio FukudaEmployerEgypt-Japan University of Science and Technology, in Alexandria TitleProfessor and vice president of research Member gradeLife Fellow Alma matersWaseda University, in Tokyo; University of Tokyo An IEEE Life Fellow, he is a professor emeritus in the department of micro-nano systems engineering and a visiting professor at Nagoya University, in Japan, where he taught for nearly 25 years. Currently, he is a vice president of research at the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology, in Alexandria, Egypt.Within IEEE, Fukuda has held top volunteer positions including the organization’s highest office: He served as IEEE president in 2020, becoming the first person of Asian descent to hold the role.He’s a former program director of Japan’s Moonshot program, which by 2050 intends to develop advanced AI robots.Born in Japan, Fukuda has been recognized by the country for his contributions to science with two of its highest awards: the Medal of Honor with a purple ribbon in 2015 and the Order of the Sacred Treasure in 2022.IEEE honored him with this year’s Richard M. Emberson Award for “distinguished service advancing the technical objectives of IEEE, especially in the area of robotics.” The IEEE Board-level award is sponsored by the IEEE Technical Activities Board. Fukuda received the award on 24 April at a ceremony in New York City.As a former IEEE president who has served as a master of ceremonies at several of the organization’s major award events, Fukuda noted that he is more accustomed to bestowing awards than receiving them.“It’s very interesting to be on the receiving end,” he says.The journey into robotics researchAs a teenager, Fukuda spent his summer breaks teaching himself how to build things including transistor radios and steam engines.“It was very nice to have a hands-on hobby and make these kinds of things myself,” he says. His experimentation led him to study engineering.He earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering in 1971 from Waseda University, in Tokyo. He says one of his professors there—Ichiro Kato, regarded as the father of Japanese robotics research—was a good mentor who made a positive impact.Fukuda’s research interests were robotics and mechatronics, a field that combines robotics, electronics, computer science, and control systems.He went on to earn a master’s degree and a doctorate in science from the University of Tokyo, in 1971 and 1977. During those years, he also attended Yale, where he conducted research on advanced control theory in 1973.He reflects fondly on his time at Yale: “It was a very nice environment and a kind of free-thinking atmosphere. It motivated me to study more.”“IEEE doesn’t care who you are, what you do, what country you are from, or whether you are male or female. IEEE accepts people who have energy and passion.”While at Yale, Fukuda served as an assistant to his advisor—which led him to consider a career in academia, he says, because he enjoyed the freedom that research work afforded him.But he realized that such freedom comes with a price. University researchers are expected to raise the money that funds their work. He compares researchers to small-business owners who have to bring in money to keep their enterprise afloat.That realization led him to select robotics as his field because he intended to develop technologies useful to industry, he says.After earning his doctorate, he returned to Japan in 1977 to work as a research scientist at the government’s Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, later renamed the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, in Tsukuba.“There was a lot of research going on at the lab, including practical robotics and theory,” he says.He left Japan in 1979 to become a visiting research fellow at the University of Stuttgart, in Germany. During his year there, he studied systems, software problems, and related topics.He returned to Japan and was hired as an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the Tokyo University of Science. He conducted research into practical uses for robots by visiting industrial plants. He decided to develop robots that inspect industrial equipment such as those used in assembly plants, oil refineries, and power stations—places that “can be hostile environments for humans,” he says.His work drew interest from chemical, oil, and utility companies.“I got a lot of money from them for this very practical application, which funded my research,” he says, laughing.Developing popular robotic systemsFukuda grew tired of making those robots, he says, so he switched to creating ones for scientific applications. He developed many techniques, but he probably is best known for his modular, cellular robotic systems (CEBOTs), which he introduced in 1985.He has described how CEBOTs work in numerous papers published in the IEEE Xplore Digital Library.The CEBOT system is composed of a number of autonomous robotic cells that stick together like interlocking Lego plastic bricks, he says.Each cell is a fundamental modular unit that has a function. When a simple task is given, the system can analyze it and generate the structure of the cellular manipulator. The cells connect to and detach from each other through connection mechanisms and cooperate mutually, creating complex structures and configurations.“You start developing from the component-wise to the cell-wise to a small functional unit—and then you come up with clusters that make bigger systems. We can make a society of robot beings like that,” he explained in his oral history published on the Engineering and Technology History Wiki. “It’s a distributed robotic system, a self-organized robotic system, and also an evolutionary robotic system.“It’s also a fault-tolerant robot system because if something is wrong, you just remove those things and make a new one. You keep the system working. That’s a great thing.”Today CEBOTs are used for a variety of tasks such as delivering medication in hospitals, assisting with planting crops, and transporting products in distribution centers. Check out IEEE Spectrum’s Robots Guide for news from the world of robotics.In 1989 Fukuda joined Nagoya University as a professor of mechanical engineering and micro-nano systems engineering. During his 24-year career there, he was director of the university’s Center for Micro-Nano Mechatronics. He developed a long list of technologies at the university, including many for medical applications. He also conducted groundbreaking research into intelligent robotic systems and micro- and nano-robotics.Another technology he is known for is brachiation robots, which he helped develop in 1988. He calls them monkey robots because they’re based on the pendulum-like movement of monkeys swinging from tree to tree. The gravity-based locomotion enables continuous movement.Brachiation robots now are inspecting high-voltage transmission towers and bridges, searching damaged buildings for survivors, and performing maintenance on pipelines and cables.Fukuda retired from the university in 2013 and was named professor emeritus.He didn’t stay retired for long, though. He next held a teaching appointment at Meijo University, in Nagoya, until he left in 2022 to join the Egypt-Japan University.A prominent volunteerHe joined IEEE in 1980 at the encouragement of one of his research advisors, Professor Fumio Harashima, now an IEEE Life Fellow. After attending conferences and reading the organization’s publications, Fukuda says, he looked forward to becoming more involved.“I wanted to know how to organize a conference and how to edit a paper for one of its Transactions,” he says. “I wanted to know what was going on from inside the organization, not just the outside.”In 1988 he was the founding chair and organizer of IROS, in Tokyo. The conference had 330 attendees that year, and was supported by Harashima. Today it is one of the largest and most prestigious conferences on the topic, attracting more than 9,000 people annually. Out of 120,000 conferences, it was the only conference in the Nature Index database for this year, Fukuda says.In 1996 he and other members launched IEEE Transactions on Mechatronics.He was the founding president of the IEEE Nanotechnology Council, which was established in 2002. He is considered a pioneer in nanotechnology research, particularly regarding how it relates to robotics.Over the years, he has held numerous volunteer positions on IEEE editorial boards and committees.He was the 1998–1999 president of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, becoming the first non-U.S. member to hold the title.He was director of IEEE Division X (2001–2002 and 2017–2018), which covers intelligent systems, biological engineering, robotics, control systems, and photonic technologies. He served as the 2013–2014 director of IEEE Region 10 (Asia-Pacific).As the 2020 IEEE president, Fukuda saw the organization through the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of travel restrictions, he realized IEEE should change how it offered its in-person services, specifically educational programs. He encouraged IEEE Educational Activities to develop an online learning platform. The IEEE Learning Network started with just three courses and now offers nearly 2,000 courses, webinars, and learning materials.An award-winning memberThe Emberson Award joins a slew of other recognitions Fukuda has received from IEEE. They include several from the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society: a 2004 Pioneer Award, a 2009 Saridis Leadership Award, and the 2011 Harashima Award for Innovative Technologies. He is also a recipient of the Board-level 2010 IEEE Robotics and Automation Technical Field Award.He says he feels strongly that IEEE should be a diverse organization that is welcoming to all. As IEEE president, he led efforts to devise a diversity, equity, and inclusion program. Several policies, procedures, and bylaws were revised to give members a safe, inclusive place for discourse.“It’s important for IEEE to make everyone feel comfortable,” he says. “DEI programs are important. All people should be equal. IEEE doesn’t care who you are, what you do, what country you are from, or whether you are male or female. IEEE accepts people who have energy and passion.“It accepted me, from the Far East. That’s why I like it.”You can learn more about Fukuda and his career from the oral history conducted by the IEEE History Center.
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Neolix partners with QuikBot to develop autonomous delivery network
Neolix, a developer specializing in Level 4 autonomous logistics vehicles, has formed a strategic partnership with Singapore's QuikBot Technologies to create a comprehensive autonomous delivery solution. This collaboration aims to facilitate deliveries across public roads, building interiors, and directly to doorsteps. The partnership will support Neolix's pilot deployment in Singapore and assist in meeting compliance requirements, while also enhancing the autonomous delivery capabilities of both companies throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
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The Drone Industry’s Battery Problem Has a New Challenger
Factorial Energy, a battery technology company, has announced new partnerships aimed at enhancing drone performance through the integration of next-generation solid-state batteries. These collaborations span across the United States, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on improving drone endurance, power, and cold-weather capabilities for both commercial and defense applications. By leveraging advanced battery technology, Factorial seeks to address the ongoing challenges faced by the drone industry, particularly in terms of battery efficiency and reliability. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of innovative battery solutions in advancing drone technology and expanding its potential uses in various sectors.
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Tesla rolls out supervised Full Self-Driving in China in wider global push
Tesla has officially launched its Full Self-Driving system, known as FSD Supervised, in various countries and regions globally, including China. This rollout encompasses over a dozen markets across North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. The introduction of this advanced driver-assistance technology signifies Tesla's ongoing efforts to extend its reach beyond the United States, aiming to enhance driving safety and convenience for users worldwide. The deployment of FSD Supervised is part of Tesla's broader strategy to innovate and lead in the autonomous driving sector, leveraging its technology to meet the growing demand for advanced driving solutions.
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Japan eyes low-cost cardboard drones that could be hard to detect for military use
Japan is actively seeking innovative strategies in military technology, as evidenced by a recent meeting between Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada and key defense officials. This gathering took place in Tokyo on October 10, 2023, and aimed to discuss the integration of advanced technologies into Japan's defense capabilities. The motivation behind this initiative stems from increasing regional security threats and the need for Japan to enhance its military readiness. By exploring unconventional methods, including potential collaborations with private sector tech firms, Japan aims to modernize its defense infrastructure and ensure a robust response to evolving challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. The discussions highlighted the importance of agility and adaptability in military operations, reflecting a shift in Japan's defense strategy to incorporate cutting-edge innovations.
Northrop, Hanwha to jointly develop solid rocket booster for long-range AReS missile
Northrop Grumman, a leading aerospace and defense technology company, has partnered with South Korean defense firm Hanwha Aerospace by signing a Memorandum of Agreement aimed at enhancing collaboration in the defense sector. This agreement was finalized recently, signaling a commitment to strengthen defense capabilities and technological advancements between the two companies. The partnership is expected to facilitate the development of innovative solutions and support regional security efforts, particularly in response to evolving threats in the Asia-Pacific region. By leveraging each other's expertise and resources, Northrop Grumman and Hanwha Aerospace aim to deliver advanced defense systems that meet the needs of their respective governments and allies.
JAKA Robotics: Driving Innovation as a Leading Robotics Company in APAC
JAKA Robotics is making significant strides in the field of industrial automation, focusing on smart manufacturing solutions across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The company specializes in collaborative robots that work safely alongside human operators, ensuring consistent performance in various applications such as electronics assembly, automotive component handling, and semiconductor processes. With a commitment to precision and stability, JAKA employs advanced control systems and intelligent software, achieving high repeatability levels essential for sensitive tasks like shaft assembly. Their robots are designed with low-noise circuitry and automated quality controls, enabling manufacturers to maintain efficiency and reduce errors during production. The Zu series of JAKA robots highlights the company's emphasis on flexible deployment, featuring compact designs that fit into confined workspaces. User-friendly programming tools allow even those without technical backgrounds to manage complex tasks, while safety features like collision protection and zero-drift calibration enhance human-robot collaboration. JAKA also prioritizes seamless system integration, offering communication interfaces compatible with manufacturing execution systems (MES), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and vision modules. This adaptability supports more complex automation scenarios and allows non-specialized staff to operate sophisticated processes efficiently. As JAKA Robotics continues to innovate, it remains dedicated to enhancing productivity and operational resilience in the electronics, automotive, and semiconductor sectors, exemplifying how advanced automation solutions can transform modern manufacturing in the APAC region.
DOBOT Showcases Multi-Form Embodied Intelligence at APEC PPSTI
DOBOT Robotics showcased its innovations at the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI) exhibition, which took place from February 2 to 4, 2026, at the Haixinsha All-Space Intelligent Experience Center in Guangzhou, China. The event brought together leaders and experts in the field to discuss advancements and collaborations in science and technology. DOBOT's participation highlights its commitment to contributing to the dialogue on innovation and its applications in various sectors. The exhibition served as a platform for the company to demonstrate its cutting-edge robotics solutions and engage with other industry stakeholders, fostering potential partnerships and collaborations aimed at driving technological progress in the Asia-Pacific region.
DeepOcean Acquires Shelf Subsea to Create a Global Subsea Player
DeepOcean, a prominent ocean services provider, has announced its acquisition of Shelf Subsea, an independent subsea services company well-established in the eastern hemisphere. This strategic move, finalized recently, aims to enhance DeepOcean's global presence in the subsea services market by expanding its operational reach into the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. The acquisition is driven by a strong industrial fit between the two companies, allowing for a more comprehensive portfolio of solutions to meet the growing demands of the subsea industry. With this merger, DeepOcean positions itself as a significant player in the global subsea services sector, poised to leverage its expanded capabilities to better serve clients worldwide.
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Humanoid Robot Market Set for Explosive Growth, Reaching $113B by 2033, Report Finds
A recent market report forecasts significant growth in the global humanoid robot market, predicting an increase from $2.37 billion in 2023 to more than $113 billion by 2033. This surge is largely attributed to rising demand in sectors such as caregiving, defense, and retail automation. Currently, hardware and wheeled robots are the dominant players in the market; however, the report highlights that software solutions and bipedal robots are expected to experience the fastest growth rates. North America currently leads the market, but regions such as Asia-Pacific and Africa are anticipated to undergo rapid expansion in the coming years.
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Exail Supplies Navigation Systems to NOR Offshore Rental for Expansion into APAC Region
NOR Offshore Rental (NOR) has placed an order for multiple units of Exail's subsea Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) and Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS). This acquisition is part of NOR's strategy to enhance its rental equipment offerings in response to increasing market demand for advanced navigation technology. The order coincides with the upcoming opening of NOR's new office in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, which aims to bolster the company's presence in this key market.
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Google Cloud Greater China President Kathy Lee reportedly stepping down; Microsoft veteran Bin Shen tapped as successor
Kathy Lee, the President of Google Cloud for Greater China, is reportedly set to resign, with Bin Shen, the former Vice President and Head of Consumer and Device Sales for Microsoft Greater China, anticipated to succeed her. This leadership change comes amid ongoing tensions between Lee and Google’s Asia-Pacific division, which have raised concerns about the effectiveness of her tenure. Under Lee's guidance, Google Cloud has focused on expanding its client base and enhancing its services in the region. The transition is expected to take place soon, although specific timelines have not been disclosed. The move reflects Google's ongoing strategy to strengthen its position in the competitive cloud market in Asia.
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Blackstone’s AirTrunk Seeks $3 Billion Loan for Sydney Project
AirTrunk Pty., a data center operator supported by Blackstone Inc., is currently negotiating with banks for a significant loan of A$4.3 billion (approximately $3 billion) to finance a new project in Australia. This move is part of the company's ongoing strategy to expand its operations across the Asia Pacific region, leveraging debt to fuel its growth. The discussions with financial institutions reflect AirTrunk's commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and capabilities in response to the increasing demand for data services in the region.
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Bizmile has been Appointed as the Exclusive Distributor of Silicon Sensing Systems Products in South Korea
Bizmile has solidified its position in Korea's aerospace and defense sectors by partnering with various international component manufacturers. The latest development in this expansion is the addition of Silicon Sensing to its roster of clients. This agreement marks a significant milestone as it extends Silicon Sensing’s distribution network from 20 companies across 14 countries to include its inaugural representative in Asia and the Pacific Rim. The collaboration aims to enhance market reach and facilitate the introduction of advanced aerospace technologies in the region.
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Terradepth Awarded 5-Year Contract in Global Offshore Energy
Terradepth, a prominent provider of Ocean Data as a Service (ODaaS), has secured a five-year Master Services Agreement with a major offshore energy company. This partnership will enable Terradepth to provide autonomous hydrographic survey and data services, significantly reducing both the time and cost associated with traditional hydrographic surveys. The initial project under this agreement focuses on a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal located in the Asia Pacific region. This collaboration aims to enhance operational efficiency in offshore energy projects while leveraging advanced technology for data collection and analysis.
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Kraken Robotics Announces More than $3 Million in Synthetic Aperture Sonar Sales
Kraken Robotics has secured over $3 million in new orders for its Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) systems, which will be deployed on small and medium-class uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs). This development highlights the growing demand for advanced underwater technology among clients across the Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America. The orders reflect Kraken's commitment to enhancing maritime operations through innovative sonar solutions, enabling improved underwater exploration and data collection capabilities. The integration of these systems into UUVs is expected to advance the capabilities of marine research and commercial applications in various regions.
kraken robotics synthetic aperture sonarRobotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
