Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
QCraft demonstrates urban NOA on Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon Ride chip, targets 2026 global mass production
QCraft showcased its urban Navigate-on-Autopilot (NOA) system, powered by Qualcomm’s SA8650P Snapdragon Ride platform, during a live demonstration on June 5 at Qualcomm’s Automotive Technology and Cooperation Summit in Wuxi, China. This event marked a significant step for the autonomous driving company, which is aiming for global mass production of its technology within this year. Attendees had the opportunity to experience live test rides, highlighting the practical applications of QCraft's advancements in autonomous driving. The demonstration underscores the growing collaboration between technology and automotive sectors, as companies like QCraft seek to revolutionize urban transportation through innovative autonomous solutions.
Autonomous Vehicles Computing Technology assisted driving automation news automotive technology
NASA briefly sheltered space station astronauts in SpaceX’s Dragon due to leaks
The Russian space agency Roscosmos has reported the discovery of new leaks in the Russian service module of the International Space Station (ISS). This announcement comes as part of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts to ensure the integrity and functionality of the module, which plays a crucial role in supporting the ISS's operations. The leaks were identified during routine inspections, prompting immediate attention from engineers and scientists. The agency has not specified the exact timing of the discovery but emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to maintain the safety and stability of the space station. This development underscores the challenges faced in maintaining aging space infrastructure and highlights the need for continued vigilance in space exploration efforts.
Space crew dragon Dragon international space station NASA SpaceX
Microsoft announces Android-based AI agent platform "Solara" and showcases Snapdragon-powered badge device.
At the recent Build 2026 conference, Microsoft unveiled a new platform called Project Solara, designed specifically for executing AI agents. Unlike traditional operating systems, this platform is based on AOSP (Android Open Source Project). In collaboration with Qualcomm, Microsoft introduced a device resembling an employee badge, as well as a stationary device developed in partnership with MediaTek. The company has initiated pilot programs with major enterprises to test these innovations.
‘World-first’ robot theme park with humanoid K-pop dancers for wooing audience
Galaxy Corporation, a leading entertainment technology firm known for managing prominent artists including G-Dragon, has officially launched its new headquarters in Seoul. The opening ceremony took place on October 15, 2023, and was attended by industry leaders, media representatives, and fans. This strategic move aims to enhance the company’s operations and expand its influence in the entertainment sector, particularly in music and digital content. The new facility is designed to foster creativity and innovation, providing state-of-the-art resources for artists and production teams. By establishing a central hub in Seoul, Galaxy Corporation seeks to strengthen its position in the competitive entertainment landscape and better support its roster of talent. The decision to open this headquarters reflects the company’s commitment to advancing the industry through cutting-edge technology and collaborative opportunities. In addition to serving as a workspace, the headquarters will host various events and initiatives aimed at engaging fans and promoting new projects. Galaxy Corporation's leadership expressed optimism about the potential for growth and the ability to create more impactful experiences for both artists and audiences.
Honor Robot Phone: A Smartphone That Literally Reaches Out and Takes Photos for You
At Qualcomm's annual Snapdragon Fans event held in Shenzhen on May 24, Honor introduced the Robot Phone, marking a significant innovation in smartphone technology. This device is recognized as the world's first smartphone equipped with a motorized arm that functions as an integrated gimbal, enhancing photography capabilities. Additionally, the Robot Phone features on-device embodied AI, enabling users to engage in autonomous photography and control smart home devices seamlessly. Honor's unveiling of this groundbreaking technology aims to redefine user interaction with smartphones, combining advanced photography and smart home integration in a single device.
Technology
Honor’s first robot smartphone revealed in high-resolution images
On Saturday, Qualcomm celebrated the anniversary of its Snapdragon Fans community with a special event where Honor introduced the groundbreaking Honor Robot Phone, touted as the world's first robot smartphone. The event featured high-resolution images released by Qualcomm, highlighting the device's innovative back design and its unique robotic-arm camera gimbal. This cutting-edge smartphone is powered by a flagship Snapdragon chipset, emphasizing Qualcomm's commitment to advancing mobile technology. The unveiling marks a significant milestone in the integration of robotics and smartphones, showcasing the potential for enhanced functionality and user experience in the mobile market.
News Feed
DEEP Robotics Files for STAR Market IPO, Seeks ~$3.5B Valuation
DEEP Robotics has joined the ranks of China's 'Hangzhou Seven Dragons' by filing for a listing on the STAR Market, following Unitree Robotics and Qiangkin Technology. The company aims to raise around 2.5 billion yuan, which is equivalent to approximately $3.5 billion in valuation. This move reflects the growing interest and investment in robotics technology within the region, as companies seek to capitalize on the expanding market opportunities in advanced robotics and automation. The filing marks a significant step for DEEP Robotics as it seeks to enhance its financial standing and support its future growth initiatives.
News
Cloud Depth Technology Files for STAR Market IPO, Seeks ~$3.5B Valuation
Cloud Depth Technology has joined the ranks of Unitree Robotics and Qiangkin Technology by filing for a listing on China's STAR Market. This move, announced recently, aims to secure approximately 2.5 billion yuan, which is equivalent to a valuation of around $3.5 billion. The filing marks a significant step for the company, positioning it among the prominent 'Hangzhou Seven Dragons' in the tech sector. This initiative reflects the growing trend of innovative technology firms in China seeking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the STAR Market, which is known for supporting high-growth enterprises.
IPO
Menlo Research Open-Sources Asimov v1, Releasing CAD and Simulation Files for "The Rest of Us"
Menlo Research has unveiled the complete open-source repository for the Asimov v1 humanoid robot, coinciding with the launch of their "Here Be Dragons" kit. This comprehensive release includes detailed mechanical designs, electrical wiring schematics, and a MuJoCo simulation model, aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration within the robotics community. The initiative, announced recently, seeks to empower developers and researchers by providing them with the necessary resources to advance humanoid robotics. By making these materials publicly accessible, Menlo Research hopes to stimulate further research and development in the field, encouraging a collaborative approach to technological advancement.
open-source Asimov
Beyond the Kit: Asimov Details the 100-Hour Path to a Walking Humanoid
Menlo Research has unveiled a detailed guide to accompany its recently launched "Here Be Dragons" DIY kit, aimed at enthusiasts looking to construct a 1.2-meter humanoid robot at home. This guide addresses the mechanical, electronic, and simulation challenges that builders may encounter during the assembly process. The initiative, which seeks to empower hobbyists and aspiring engineers, provides step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips to facilitate the creation of the humanoid. By offering this resource, Menlo Research hopes to enhance the accessibility of advanced robotics projects, encouraging innovation and hands-on learning in the field.
US open-source Asimov
Neura Robotics and Qualcomm Partner to Standardize "Brain and Nervous System" for Physical AI
Neura Robotics and Qualcomm have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at expediting the commercialization of humanoid robots. This partnership will leverage Qualcomm's advanced Dragonwing processors alongside Neura Robotics' Neuraverse ecosystem, enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of humanoid robotics. The initiative, which was unveiled recently, seeks to address the growing demand for innovative robotic solutions in various sectors. By integrating cutting-edge technology from both companies, the collaboration is poised to significantly advance the development and deployment of humanoid robots, ultimately transforming industries that rely on automation and robotics.
US Neura Robotics Qualcomm Europe Market Neuraverse
Video Friday: A Robot Hand With Artificial Muscles and Tendons
IEEE Spectrum robotics has released its weekly roundup of notable robotics videos and a calendar of upcoming events, including the International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) scheduled for June 1-5, 2026, in Vienna. This week's highlights feature advancements in biomimetic design, showcasing a printed hand that integrates soft and rigid components with artificial muscles, enhancing our understanding of natural kinematic structures. Boston Dynamics product managers reflect on classic robots, including LittleDog, which contributed to legged locomotion research over a decade ago. Additionally, DRAGON Lab has introduced a new trajectory planning method for floating-based articulated robots, facilitating exploration in complex environments. Their OmniPlanner tool has been tested extensively across various terrains, including underground mines and forests. The FZI Research Center, in collaboration with ETH Zurich and other institutions, has made strides in preparing for lunar missions by testing cooperative autonomous multirobot teams outdoors. Meanwhile, advancements in humanoid robotics are being discussed, with Kamel Saidi from NIST emphasizing the importance of performance standards for broader adoption. In academia, Junyao Shi from UPenn's GRASP lab will address the challenges of building general-purpose robots, focusing on how human data and foundation models can bridge existing gaps in robotics. This ongoing exploration of robotics technology underscores the field's rapid evolution and its potential impact on various sectors.
Humanoid-robots Video-friday Underwater-robots Bipedal-robots Robot-videos
Asimov Launches $15,000 "Here Be Dragons" DIY Humanoid Kit
Menlo Research has transitioned its open-source project, Asimov, from a GitHub repository to tangible hardware, introducing a bipedal kit aimed at facilitating rapid iteration and "Processor-in-the-Loop" development. This move, announced in October 2023, marks a significant step in the project’s evolution, allowing developers and researchers to engage in hands-on experimentation with bipedal robotics. The new hardware kit is designed to streamline the development process, enabling users to quickly test and refine their algorithms in real-world scenarios. By bridging the gap between software and physical implementation, Menlo Research aims to enhance innovation in robotic systems and foster a collaborative environment for advancements in the field.
open-source Asimov
