Editor-Curated Robotics Industry Briefing - RobotToday

Insights from Jawed Chowdhry Ahead of Yokogawa's YNOW2026 Conference

Next week, the EndeavorB2B Automation Group will convene in New Orleans for Yokogawa’s YNOW2026 Users Conference and Exhibition. This event will gather industry leaders to discuss the future of industrial automation, digital transformation, and sustainability. Jawed Chowdhry, Yokogawa's Oprex Lifecycle manager, will present on Day 1 about building a roadmap for sustained operational performance. Chowdhry highlights several key trends impacting the industrial sector, particularly in North America. Aging infrastructure poses significant challenges, with many control systems over 20 years old. Additionally, a workforce gap is emerging as experienced professionals retire, and organizations face increasing regulatory complexities, especially regarding cybersecurity. Economic pressures are also pushing manufacturers to enhance efficiency while managing costs. The theme for YNOW2026, “In Tune with Tomorrow—Harmonizing People and Progress,” emphasizes the importance of aligning innovation with human needs. Chowdhry believes that focusing on people and purpose is essential for addressing real business challenges and achieving meaningful progress in the industry. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

AutomationWorld.com By (undefined) Aug 27, 2026 Process / Digital Transformation

Airbound Secures $37 Million Series A to Launch 10,000 Daily Drone Deliveries in Andhra Pradesh

Bengaluru-based aerospace startup Airbound successfully closed a $37 million Series A funding round on August 25, 2026, led by Greenoaks with participation from DoorDash and others. The company aims to revolutionize drone delivery with a payload-to-aircraft ratio three times better than industry standards, and has signed a commercial agreement with Andhra Pradesh to establish a drone delivery network. The significance of Airbound's achievement lies in its innovative approach to drone design and delivery logistics. The startup's blended-wing-body tailsitter aircraft, which can carry 1 kilogram of payload, has already completed over 13,000 autonomous missions without failures. The first commercial corridor in Bengaluru has been operational since January 2026, demonstrating the potential for rapid and efficient healthcare deliveries. Looking ahead, Airbound plans to expand its aerial network across three districts in Andhra Pradesh, targeting 10,000 flights per day to serve retail, e-commerce, and healthcare sectors. The company has already increased production capacity significantly and aims to further scale operations, indicating a strong commitment to transforming logistics in India and beyond. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.