Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
W02 Dexterous Hand Features 21 Degrees of Freedom and Full Tactile Feedback
The W02 dexterous hand, featuring 21 active degrees of freedom and full tactile feedback, represents a significant advancement in robotic manipulation. This new design is 30% smaller than its predecessor, enabling it to operate effectively in human environments, utilize human tools, and be controlled through force and tactile feedback. This innovation is crucial for the development of humanoid robots, addressing gaps in the industry by integrating motors, flexible sensors, and control algorithms. The W02's design allows for direct interaction with existing human-designed environments, reducing the need for workspace modifications. It also shifts the focus from merely selling equipment to offering operational capabilities, enhancing productivity through tactile feedback and remote operation data. Looking ahead, the W02 is poised to impact various sectors, including industrial electronics assembly, food service, and healthcare. Its ability to handle delicate tasks with precision and sensitivity marks a shift from experimental robotics to practical applications in everyday scenarios. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Dexterous Hands Robotics Tactile Feedback Industrial Automation
Elecom Launches ZEROSHOCK Cases for iPhone 18 Pro with Enhanced Protection Features
On September 17, Elecom introduced the ZEROSHOCK cases designed for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. These cases, priced between 2,180 and 4,980 yen, offer three levels of protection: LIGHT, STANDARD, and TOUGH, each featuring corner bumpers for effective shock absorption. The significance of these cases lies in their adherence to MIL-STD-810G standards, ensuring robust protection against drops. The TOUGH series utilizes a dual-structure design combining soft and hard materials, including D3O for shock absorption and polycarbonate for durability, enhancing both durability and usability. Looking ahead, the market for smartphone accessories continues to evolve, with various manufacturers introducing innovative designs. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AirData Introduces 10-Minute Rewind Feature for Live Drone Video Streaming
AirData has enhanced its Live Streaming platform by adding recording and rewind capabilities, allowing authorized viewers to review the previous 10 minutes of an active stream. This feature addresses the challenge of remote drone operations where key events may occur while the necessary personnel are not watching the live feed. The new Stream Recording and Rewind capability is particularly beneficial for applications such as Drone as First Responder (DFR) and remote inspections, where pilots and decision-makers may be in different locations. According to Eran Steiner, founder and CEO of AirData, this innovation allows teams to capture critical moments that might otherwise go uncaptured during live operations. The Huntsville Police Department has already adopted this feature, enhancing their ability to analyze live feeds. The rewind function not only improves operational efficiency but also provides a cloud-based solution for data protection, ensuring that video footage remains accessible even if the drone is damaged or the onboard storage fails. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Drone News Drone News Feeds News AirData BVLOS DFR
2026 World Robot Conference Features 150 New Products from 373 Exhibitors
The 2026 World Robot Conference, held from August 19 to 23 in Beijing, showcased 373 companies and over 3,000 innovative products, with more than 150 new releases, marking a 21% increase from the previous year. The event highlighted the transition of robots from mere exhibits to commercial products, emphasizing their growing capabilities. Notable innovations included the Nexo robot from Xinghaitu, featuring 30 degrees of freedom and a 20 kg load capacity, capable of completing a full order-to-delivery process autonomously. Additionally, the Galbot ET1 from Yinhe Tongyong demonstrated real-time interaction and learning abilities, showcasing the potential for robots to perform complex household tasks. The conference also addressed the scarcity of high-quality human motion data with the release of the HiPHI dataset, which offers 617.5 hours of data for research purposes. As the robot industry continues to grow, with revenues projected to exceed 300 billion yuan by 2025, the conference underscored the expanding role of robots in various sectors, including homes, factories, and warehouses.
Humanoid Robots Warehouse Automation AI Robotics Innovation Automation Technology
Booster Robotics Updates Booster K1 to v1.7.1 with Enhanced Features
On July 29, 2026, Booster Robotics announced the update of its bipedal humanoid robot, Booster K1, to software version v1.7.1 via YouTube. This update introduces three major new features: enhancements to the Hi Chat conversational experience, the launch of the HICHAT HUB management console, and hand-eye calibration support in the Booster app. The upgrade to the AI conversation feature, Hi Chat, is one of the most significant improvements, resulting in faster response times and more natural conversations. Demonstrations showed the K1 responding to voice commands for volume adjustment and internet mode switching, as well as performing poetry readings. Hi Chat's capabilities extend beyond text and voice interactions to include physical expressions such as dance, showcasing a variety of movements including a New Year dance and boxing styles. The newly launched HICHAT HUB is a web-based management console that allows users to manage character settings for connected Booster K1 robots. Additionally, the Booster app now includes a hand-eye calibration feature, enabling precise object manipulation. The v1.7.1 update represents a significant step in enhancing the overall platform of Booster K1, integrating conversation, management, and physical actions.
DJI Lito 1 Drone Offers Impressive Features for Entry-Level Pilots
The DJI Lito 1 drone impresses with its image quality and advanced features, making it suitable for both novice and slightly experienced pilots. It includes a 48MP sensor capable of capturing 4K video at 100 FPS and features like omnidirectional obstacle sensing, which enhances safety for beginners. This entry-level model replaces the older Mini series and introduces intelligent flight modes such as ActiveTrack and QuickShots, allowing users to create professional-quality content easily. The Lito 1's compact design and lightweight build make it a convenient option for travel, weighing just 8.78 oz and folding down to a small size. As the drone market continues to grow, the Lito 1 stands out for its combination of affordability and advanced features, appealing to a wide range of users. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Technology
DJI Lito X1 Drone Offers High-End Features for Beginners but Unavailable in the USA
The DJI Lito X1 drone combines advanced features typically found in higher-end models with impressive image quality. It boasts a 48MP 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, capable of capturing video at 4K 100 FPS and photos in both JPEG and Raw formats. With a flight time of up to 36 minutes and a video transmission range of 9.3 miles, the Lito X1 is designed for both novice and experienced users. This drone is significant as it brings high-end functionalities to the beginner market, making advanced technology more accessible. The inclusion of features such as omnidirectional obstacle sensing and intelligent flight modes like ActiveTrack and Hyperlapse enhances safety and ease of use, reducing the risk of crashes. Priced at £599 for the Fly More Combo, the Lito X1 offers excellent value for those looking to enter the drone space. Looking ahead, the DJI Lito X1 could set a new standard for beginner drones with its competitive pricing and advanced capabilities. However, it is currently not available for purchase in the USA, which may limit its market reach. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Technology
ASUS Launches Discounted Ryzen 7 Laptop with Enhanced Features for $1,088
ASUS has announced a limited-time offer for its Vivobook 15 M1502NAQ, featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, now available for $1,088, a 22% discount from its original price of $1,398. This 15.6-inch laptop boasts a non-glare display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels and includes 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, making it suitable for everyday tasks. The significance of this offer lies in the laptop's advanced features, including a blue light reduction function to ease eye strain during prolonged use and a unique antibacterial treatment that inhibits the growth of viruses and bacteria by approximately 99%. Additionally, it supports Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless connectivity, enhancing the user experience in both productivity and online communication. Looking ahead, ASUS's Vivobook 15 M1502NAQ is bundled with a 24-month subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal, allowing users to start working immediately upon purchase. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication regarding the duration of this promotional offer.
Microsoft Introduces New Excel Feature Allowing Multiple Values in a Single Cell
On September 24, 2023, Microsoft announced a new feature called 'Lists' for Excel, enabling users to input multiple data points within a single cell. This marks a significant change from the long-standing principle of one value per cell, allowing for better data management and analysis. The 'Lists' feature allows users to enter multiple names or numbers in one cell, treating each entry as individual data. This enhancement facilitates easier searching and analysis of information, such as managing multiple respondents in surveys without needing to separate them into different cells. Additionally, Microsoft is expanding functionality for formulas that return multiple results, allowing them to be consolidated into one cell. However, during the preview phase, there are limitations, such as the inability to use array data in pivot table aggregations. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
DJI Mimo App Version 2.11.2 Introduces New Features for Enhanced User Experience
DJI has launched version 2.11.2 of its Mimo app, enhancing user experience for Osmo Pocket and Osmo Mobile users. Key features include automatic media transfer to smartphones after powering off, support for 4K Ultra HD Live Photos on compatible iPhones, and Cinematic Slow-Mo Live Photos for dynamic video exports. These updates are significant as they streamline the workflow for content creators, allowing for easier media management and editing without the need for new hardware. The automatic transfer feature particularly benefits users who shoot frequently, ensuring their footage is backed up seamlessly. Looking ahead, the Mimo app continues to evolve alongside DJI's hardware offerings, such as the newly launched Osmo 360 II. However, regulatory challenges may hinder the availability of this camera in the US market. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
News
Second World Humanoid Robot Games Features 2,056 Robots from 16 Countries
The second edition of the World Humanoid Robot Games has attracted 666 teams and 2,056 robots from 16 countries across six continents. This marks a significant increase in participation, with the number of robots quadrupling since the inaugural event. This year's games highlight the growing global interest in humanoid robotics and the advancements in technology that allow for more complex and capable robots. The event serves as a platform for showcasing innovations and fostering international collaboration in the field of robotics. Looking ahead, observers will be keen to see the performances and capabilities demonstrated by the participating robots. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Apple's AI Features Approved in China; DeepSeek Prepares for IPO
Apple's 'Apple Smart' AI model has completed its registration in China as of July 8, with Alibaba and Baidu providing support for text and image generation capabilities. This collaboration enhances the domestic version of Apple's AI suite and Siri functionality, marking a significant step in AI integration for Apple devices. The approval of Apple's AI features is crucial as it indicates the company's commitment to enhancing user experience in China, a key market for Apple. With Alibaba's Qianwen and Baidu's AI search capabilities, the partnership aims to create a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, which is essential for maintaining relevance in the tech industry. Looking ahead, the focus will be on how effectively these AI capabilities are integrated into Apple's product lineup and the potential impact on user engagement. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Paper-Folded Robot Achieves 17 Times Its Body Length in Speed: National Defense University’s 1.2g 'Off-Road Little Strong' Featured in Top Journal
Researchers at the National Defense University have developed the PLioBot, a lightweight robot capable of impressive locomotion, reaching speeds of 44.6 cm/s, which is 17.8 times its body length. This innovative paper-folded robot showcases exceptional agility and adaptability, allowing it to navigate diverse terrains effectively. The advancements in its design aim to enhance robotic capabilities in complex environments, potentially benefiting various applications in defense and exploration.
Micro Robotics Foldable Robots Robotics Engineering Bio-inspired Robotics
Cornell University Team Develops a Touch-Sensitive Strawberry-Picking Robot with 13 Sensors, Featured in Nature Communications
A team of researchers at Cornell University has developed a groundbreaking strawberry-picking robot designed to enhance agricultural efficiency. This innovative machine features a soft hand that integrates vision, touch, and bending perception, enabling it to accurately identify ripe strawberries. The robot's advanced technology allows it to pick the fruit delicately, minimizing the risk of damage. This development represents a significant advancement in the field of agricultural automation, addressing the growing need for efficient harvesting solutions in the face of labor shortages and increasing demand for fresh produce.
Agricultural Robotics Soft Robotics Automation Technology Sensor Technology
DJI to launch Lito X1 series on April 23, likely to feature 360-degree obstacle avoidance system
Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has announced the upcoming launch of its Lito X1 series, scheduled for April 23. This event marks the introduction of what is anticipated to be the company's first new consumer drone line for 2023. The Lito X1 model has been referenced in filings with the Federal Communications Commission under the designation SS3-DGP14, and it is expected to succeed the Mini 5 Pro, indicating DJI's ongoing commitment to innovation in the consumer drone market.
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