Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Mind Robotics raises $400M to scale AI-powered robots in manufacturing
Mind Robotics has achieved 'unicorn' status following a significant funding round, raising $400 million to enhance its development of AI-powered robots for the manufacturing sector. This milestone comes as the company partners with electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian to implement its innovative physical AI solutions. The investment will enable Mind Robotics to expand its operations and accelerate the integration of advanced robotics in manufacturing processes, addressing the growing demand for automation in the industry. This strategic collaboration and funding are pivotal for Mind Robotics as it aims to revolutionize manufacturing efficiency and productivity through cutting-edge technology.
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RJ Scaringe Unveils Mind Robotics: A $500M Bet on 'Captured Distribution' for Industrial AI
RJ Scaringe, the founder of Rivian, has officially launched Mind Robotics, a new startup that seeks to merge traditional automation with human-like dexterity in industrial applications. The venture is supported by prominent investors Accel and Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). This initiative aims to address the growing demand for more adaptable and efficient robotic solutions in various industries. By leveraging advanced technology, Mind Robotics intends to enhance automation capabilities, making them more versatile and capable of performing complex tasks that require a level of finesse typically associated with human workers. The announcement marks a significant step in Scaringe's ongoing commitment to innovation in the robotics sector.
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Rivian spinoff Mind Robotics raises another $400M
Mind Robotics, a company that emerged in late 2025, has successfully secured over $1 billion in funding to date. This significant financial milestone underscores the growing interest and investment in robotics technology, reflecting the industry's potential for innovation and development. The funding will likely be utilized to advance their research and development efforts, enhance product offerings, and expand market reach. As the robotics sector continues to evolve, Mind Robotics is positioning itself as a key player, attracting attention from investors eager to capitalize on the future of automation and intelligent systems.
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Mind Robotics Announces $400M in New Funding to Expand Industrial Robotics Deployment
Kleiner Perkins has taken the lead in a new financing round for Mind Robotics, a company focused on deploying AI-powered robots in live manufacturing settings. This investment aims to enhance the scalability of Mind Robotics' innovative technologies, which are designed to improve efficiency and productivity in manufacturing processes. The funding comes at a time when the demand for automation in various industries is rapidly increasing, driven by the need for greater operational efficiency and cost reduction. With this financial backing, Mind Robotics plans to accelerate the development and implementation of its robotic solutions, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of automated manufacturing.
Google DeepMind Robotics Head Details 'Surprising' Cross-Embodiment AI, Calls Home 'The Hardest Environment'
In a recent interview, Carolina Parada from Google DeepMind highlighted the innovative features of Gemini Robotics 1.5, particularly its unique 'agentic' two-part brain. Parada emphasized the robot's impressive capability to transfer skills across different robotic platforms, showcasing a significant advancement in robotics technology. She also expressed her belief that the home environment represents one of the final frontiers for the application of such technology, suggesting a future where robots could play an integral role in daily household tasks. This discussion sheds light on the ongoing developments in robotics and the potential for transformative impacts in personal living spaces.
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Google DeepMind Robotics Director: We Need "One More Big Breakthrough" to Solve General Purpose Robots
DeepMind's robotics lab recently provided an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into its innovative work, highlighting the development of advanced "thinking" robots capable of long-term planning. This showcase aimed to illustrate the potential of these technologies in real-world applications. However, lab leadership acknowledged that achieving data efficiency is a significant challenge that must be overcome before these robots can be deployed effectively outside of controlled environments. The insights were shared as part of an ongoing effort to advance robotics and artificial intelligence, with the team emphasizing the importance of refining their systems to ensure practical usability in everyday scenarios.
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Rivian CEO taking different approach than Elon Musk for humanoid robotics company
RJ Scaringe, the CEO of electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, has launched a new robotics venture named Mind Robotics, which has successfully secured over $1 billion in funding. The company was established in late 2022, reflecting Scaringe's ambition to expand beyond the automotive sector into the rapidly evolving field of robotics. This significant financial backing underscores investor confidence in the potential of Mind Robotics to innovate and contribute to advancements in automation technology. As the robotics industry continues to grow, Scaringe aims to leverage his expertise and resources to position Mind Robotics as a key player in this competitive market.
AppliCAD hợp tác với JAKA Robotics để định vị Thái Lan như một trung tâm chiến lược, thúc đẩy các nhà máy hướng tới kỷ nguyên tự động hóa bằng trí tuệ nhân tạo.
AppliCAD Co., Ltd. partnered with JAKA Robotics to host the "JAKA Thailand User Conference 2026," a significant event showcasing collaborative robot (cobot) technology integrated with AI vision systems and automation. Held recently, the conference aimed to propel Thai factories into the AI automation era, attracting over 150 executives and engineers from various industries. During the event, AppliCAD leaders, including Deputy Director Patipat Klampracha, emphasized that AI automation and cobots are not intended to replace human labor but to serve as "intelligent assistants" that enhance capabilities, efficiency, and sustainable productivity in manufacturing. JAKA Robotics announced its strategic intent to establish Thailand as a hub for automation in Southeast Asia, highlighting the potential of the Thai industrial sector. The conference introduced JAKA's new technologies, including the JAKA K1 humanoid industrial robot, the JAKA Lumi AI training platform, and the JAKA S³ AMR mobile robot with integrated robotic arms for internal logistics tasks. These innovations signify a shift from fixed to flexible automation, catering to modern production demands for high adaptability. Live demonstrations allowed attendees to experience the capabilities of these intelligent systems firsthand. Additionally, a panel discussion featured successful case studies, focusing on return on investment while improving accuracy, reducing waste, and ensuring long-term quality. The collaboration aims to foster partnerships within the automation ecosystem, including Zimmer Group and Mech-Mind Robotics, to develop comprehensive solutions that enhance the efficiency and quality of Thai manufacturing. This initiative marks a significant step towards building a robust automation ecosystem, driving Thailand's manufacturing sector towards smart production and global competitiveness.
NVIDIA and DeepMind Lead Robotics Simulation Debate with New Industrial Applications
The field of embodied intelligence is witnessing a fierce debate over the best approach to training robots for industrial applications. One faction advocates for simulation-based training, leveraging structured environments to generate synthetic data, while the opposing view emphasizes the necessity of real-world data to handle complex physical interactions and unpredictable scenarios. Key players include NVIDIA, DeepMind, and Intrinsic, each with unique strategies and technologies. NVIDIA's Omniverse platform and Isaac Sim engine exemplify the simulation approach, enabling comprehensive digital twins of factories for training and optimization. Their collaboration with BMW on a digital twin project in Hungary showcases the potential of synthetic data in logistics and robotic movements. However, challenges remain in achieving the necessary fidelity for force control and physical interactions, prompting NVIDIA to seek partnerships with companies like Hexagon Robotics. Conversely, DeepMind's use of the MuJoCo physics engine has demonstrated that pure simulation can achieve industrial-grade precision in specific tasks, such as sorting with known rigid models. Yet, this method's effectiveness is limited to scenarios with minimal contact and force control. Intrinsic aims to transform simulation into a comprehensive development tool for industrial robots, focusing on lowering barriers for small manufacturers. The ongoing challenge of the SIM2REAL gap remains a critical factor in the success of these approaches.
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Actuate 26 Robotics Developer Conference Reveals Speaker Lineup with Industry Leaders
Foxglove has announced the speaker lineup for Actuate 26, its annual robotics developer conference, featuring leaders from Wayve, Aurora, Physical Intelligence, and more. The event will take place on August 18-19, 2026, at Fort Mason in San Francisco, showcasing technical talks, keynotes, and hands-on programming. This conference is significant as it aims to gather over 1,000 attendees from various sectors deploying robots, including autonomous vehicles, drones, and industrial automation. The participation of industry leaders highlights the growing interest and advancements in robotics and AI technologies. As the event approaches, attendees should look forward to insights from top experts in the field and opportunities for networking and collaboration. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Google DeepMind Unveils On-Device Gemini Robotics, Pushing AI Closer to Autonomous Dexterity
Google DeepMind has introduced Gemini Robotics On-Device, a cutting-edge vision-language-action model that operates directly on robotic hardware. This innovative technology is designed to enhance the performance of autonomous robots by minimizing latency and increasing robustness across diverse environments. By enabling advanced dexterous manipulation, Gemini Robotics On-Device aims to equip a new generation of robots with the ability to quickly adapt to various tasks. The launch marks a significant step forward in the development of more efficient and capable robotic systems, reflecting DeepMind's commitment to pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence in practical applications.
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7th China Robotics Academic Annual Conference Scheduled for July 2026 in Shanghai
The 7th China Robotics Academic Annual Conference (CCRS 2026) is set to take place from July 31 to August 2, 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. The event is co-hosted by several prominent organizations, including the Robotics Branch of the Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society and the Robotics Professional Committee of the Chinese Automation Society, with Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Shanghai Robotics Society as the local organizers. This year's conference theme is 'Intelligent Integration at the Huangpu River, New Life for Robotics.' It will feature discussions on various topics such as industrial robots, medical robots, service robots, and AI+ robotics. The event aims to attract over 200 renowned experts and scholars in the robotics field, facilitating in-depth academic exchanges through keynote speeches and specialized forums, with an expected attendance of over 3,000 participants. Attendees are reminded to register before payment and to provide proof of student status if applicable. The conference will also serve as a platform for showcasing technologies and products from leading companies in robotics and artificial intelligence. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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Arbe Robotics Ltd. (ARBE) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Summary
Arbe Robotics Ltd. held its first quarter 2026 earnings call on May 28, 2026, at 8:30 AM EDT, featuring key executives including CEO Ram Machness, Co-Founder and President Jacob Marenko, and CFO Karine Pinto-Flomenboim. The call, hosted by Kenny Green from EK Global Investor Relations, aimed to provide insights into the company's financial performance and strategic direction. Machness, who assumed the CEO role in April, expressed optimism about Arbe's future potential. The session included a formal presentation followed by a question-and-answer segment, allowing investors and analysts to engage with the leadership team. The event was recorded and is accessible via the company’s Investor Relations website, where participants were reminded of the forward-looking statements included in the earnings release.
ARBE ARBEW SA Transcripts
Google DeepMind and Agile Robotics Combine Robotics Platforms
Google DeepMind has announced a new partnership aimed at enhancing its artificial intelligence models and advancing the field of industrial robotics. The collaboration will center on gathering data from real-world robotic operations, which is expected to provide valuable insights for improving the performance and capabilities of robotic systems. This initiative comes as part of DeepMind's ongoing efforts to leverage practical applications of AI technology in various sectors. The partnership is set to play a crucial role in driving innovation and efficiency within the robotics industry, ultimately contributing to the development of more sophisticated and effective robotic solutions.
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DeepMind, Tesla Vets Emerge From Stealth With ''Sunday Robotics,'' Backed by Conviction
Sunday Robotics, a startup based in Mountain View, is set to unveil its highly anticipated product on November 19. Founded by Tony Zhao, a former engineer at DeepMind and Tesla, the company has been operating in stealth mode for the past 1.5 years. Backed by the venture capital firm Conviction, Sunday Robotics aims to make a significant impact in the tech industry, drawing comparisons to the groundbreaking launch of the iPhone. The upcoming reveal has generated considerable excitement, as the startup prepares to showcase its innovative technology to the public.
Sunday Robotics
Google DeepMind Unveils Gemini Robotics-ER 1.6: A Leap in Spatial Reasoning and Industrial Utility
DeepMind has unveiled its latest and most sophisticated embodied reasoning model, which incorporates a cutting-edge "agentic vision" system designed specifically for industrial inspections. This new technology aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of multi-view success detection in various industrial applications. The launch, which took place recently, marks a significant advancement in artificial intelligence capabilities, reflecting DeepMind's commitment to enhancing operational processes across industries. By leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, the model is expected to streamline inspection workflows and reduce the likelihood of errors, ultimately driving productivity and safety in industrial environments.
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Cartwheel Robotics Founder Scott LaValley Joins Google DeepMind
After the closure of his startup, a former Disney Imagineer and veteran of Boston Dynamics has partnered with Aaron Saunders to promote advancements in Physical AI. This collaboration aims to leverage their combined expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence to develop innovative solutions that enhance physical interactions between humans and machines. The initiative reflects a growing interest in the integration of AI into everyday physical tasks, driven by the increasing demand for automation and intelligent systems. The partnership is set to explore new frontiers in technology, potentially transforming industries that rely on physical labor and interaction.
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Paris aims to become the European capital of Physical AI by 2026.
A new era of artificial intelligence is emerging, transitioning from the digital realm of generative AI to the physical world with the development of robots that can perceive, reason, and act in real environments. On July 7, Paris will host the inaugural edition of MACHINA 2026, an event aimed at establishing the city as the European capital of Physical AI. This initiative reflects a growing interest in integrating advanced AI technologies into everyday life, highlighting the potential for robots to enhance various sectors by interacting with their surroundings in meaningful ways. The event is expected to showcase innovations and foster discussions on the future of robotics and AI in society.
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LUMOS Robotics Offers 100 NIX Robots for Global Co-Creation After Mind-Blowing Street Dance Showcase
A startup has unveiled its upgraded NIX robots, which now feature enhanced dance, flipping, and dynamic motion capabilities. This development marks a significant advancement in robotic technology, showcasing the potential for more expressive and versatile machines. The company plans to distribute 100 of these advanced robots to selected global partners, allowing them to explore various applications and integrations. Additionally, the startup will provide access to a software development kit (SDK) for these partners, facilitating further innovation and customization. This initiative aims to expand the use of robotics in entertainment and other industries, highlighting the growing intersection of technology and creativity.
DeepMind Hires Former Boston Dynamics CTO to Build the ‘Android of Robotics’
Google DeepMind has announced the appointment of Aaron Saunders as Vice President of Hardware Engineering, a significant move aimed at advancing its Gemini project into a comprehensive operating system for physical artificial intelligence. Saunders, who brings over 23 years of experience from Boston Dynamics, is expected to leverage his expertise to enhance the integration of hardware and AI technologies. This strategic decision underscores DeepMind's commitment to expanding its capabilities in the rapidly evolving field of AI, particularly in creating systems that can interact seamlessly with the physical world. The announcement comes as the company seeks to solidify its position at the forefront of AI innovation.
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Google DeepMind Gives Robots a 'Thinking' Brain with Agentic Gemini 1.5 Models
Google DeepMind has introduced Gemini Robotics 1.5, an advanced AI framework aimed at enhancing the capabilities of robots. This new system allows robots to evolve from merely following commands to becoming 'physical agents' capable of reasoning, planning, and acquiring skills across various hardware platforms, including Apptronik's Apollo humanoid robot. The announcement marks a significant step in the development of intelligent robotics, reflecting the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence. By enabling robots to learn and adapt, DeepMind seeks to revolutionize the way machines interact with their environments and perform complex tasks. The unveiling of this framework comes as part of a broader trend in the tech industry to create more autonomous and versatile robotic systems.
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Interview with Workr Robotics CEO Ken Macken: ‘Paying for automation by the hour’
Industrial robotics is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, large language models, and embodied AI. This evolution has generated renewed interest in the development of robots capable of understanding, reasoning, and interacting with their physical environments. Notable partnerships, including collaborations between Google DeepMind and Boston Dynamics, have intensified discussions surrounding the potential for more sophisticated general-purpose robots. As these technologies continue to evolve, the industry anticipates a future where robots can perform a wider array of tasks, enhancing their utility across various sectors. The ongoing innovations suggest a promising trajectory for the integration of robotics into everyday life, potentially reshaping industries and improving operational efficiencies.
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SquareMind raises $18M for robotic dermatology platform
Squaremind has successfully secured $18 million in funding to develop Swan, an innovative robotic platform designed to automate full-body skin imaging aimed at early cancer detection. This significant investment will enable the company to enhance its technology, which is poised to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in dermatology. The funding round reflects a growing interest in advanced medical technologies that leverage robotics and artificial intelligence to address critical healthcare challenges. By streamlining the imaging process, Swan aims to facilitate timely interventions for skin cancer, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes.
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SquareMind Raises $18M in Funding to Launch AI-Driven Robotic Skin Imaging Platform in US and Europe
SquareMind, a medical robotics company based in France, has successfully secured $18 million in funding, which includes previously undisclosed pre-Series A financing. This investment, primarily led by Sonder Capital, a California-based venture fund co-founded by Fred Moll, comes as SquareMind gears up to launch its innovative robotic skin imaging platform aimed at dermatology practices. The company plans to introduce this technology in both the United States and Europe, enhancing diagnostic capabilities in the field. The funding will support the final stages of development and facilitate the market entry of this cutting-edge solution, addressing the growing demand for advanced dermatological tools.
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Boston Dynamics and Google DeepMind Teach Spot to Reason
Boston Dynamics has announced that its quadruped robot, Spot, is now equipped with Google DeepMind’s Gemini Robotics-ER 1.6, a high-level embodied reasoning model designed to enhance the robot's usability and intelligence for complex tasks. This development, revealed today, marks a significant advancement in the commercial deployment of legged robots, particularly in industrial inspections, where Spot will autonomously identify hazardous debris, read gauges, and utilize vision-language-action models for better environmental understanding. The collaboration aims to improve how robots interpret and interact with their surroundings, addressing the challenges of ensuring that robotic actions align with human reasoning. Marco da Silva, vice president of Spot at Boston Dynamics, emphasized that the new capabilities will allow Spot to autonomously navigate real-world challenges more effectively. Despite the progress, experts acknowledge ongoing challenges in achieving seamless human-robot interaction. Carolina Parada from Google DeepMind noted that while the Gemini model enhances visual recognition, it currently lacks integration with other sensory data, such as touch, which is crucial for reliable object manipulation. As part of the deployment, customers using Spot for inspections will need to share operational data with Boston Dynamics to further refine the technology. The introduction of Gemini Robotics-ER 1.6 is seen as a step toward creating safer and more reliable robots capable of performing everyday tasks, with the potential to apply these advancements to other robotic platforms in the future.
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Agile Robots and Google DeepMind Partner to Bring Gemini to the Factory Floor
Agile Robots, based in Munich, has entered into a strategic research partnership with Google DeepMind to enhance industrial robotics. This collaboration seeks to integrate Gemini Robotics foundation models with advanced industrial hardware, addressing the prevalent issue of data bottlenecks in the field. By leveraging a scalable AI flywheel, the partnership aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of robotic systems in various industries. The initiative highlights the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and robotics, as both companies work together to push the boundaries of technology and innovation.
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Crowdfunder Success Prepares Ocean Robotics Game for Launch
A team of scientists has launched an innovative tabletop game aimed at educating players about marine robotics and technology, following the success of their recent crowdfunding campaign. This initiative seeks to make learning about complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for both homes and classrooms. By combining entertainment with education, the creators hope to inspire a new generation of young minds to explore the field of marine science and robotics. The game is designed to facilitate hands-on learning experiences, encouraging players to interact with the technology in a fun and interactive way. With the backing of enthusiastic supporters from the crowdfunding platform, the project is set to reach a wider audience, promoting awareness and interest in marine technology.
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Agility Robotics to go public through $2.5 billion SPAC merger
Agility Robotics has agreed to go public through a merger with special purpose acquisition company Churchill Capital Corp XI, in a deal that values the humanoid robotics developer at a pre-money equity value of $2.5 billion. The transaction is expected to generate more than $620 million in gross proceeds, including approximately $200 million from a […]
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Apptronik launches Robot Park to train Apollo humanoid robots with Google DeepMind
AI-powered robotics company Apptronik has announced the opening of the newly expanded Robot Park, its flagship data collection and training facility for humanoid robots in Austin, Texas. The facility in Austin anchors a growing global network of Robot Parks at customer and partner sites around the world, and the company plans to open new Robot […]
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Understanding Technological Singularity and Its Impact on Robotics and AI
For decades, technological singularity was more a concept of science fiction than engineering reality. Today, it is a topic of discussion among AI laboratories, industrial giants, investment funds, and robotics companies worldwide. The rapid advancement of generative AI, autonomous robots, foundation models, and AI agents raises a fundamental question: what will happen when machines can enhance their own intelligence faster than humans? The origins of the technological singularity date back to 1965 when British mathematician I.J. Good proposed that an 'ultra-intelligent machine' could trigger an intelligence explosion. In the 1990s, mathematician Vernor Vinge expanded on this idea, suggesting that once a certain level of AI is reached, technological evolution would become unpredictable for humans. Ray Kurzweil later popularized the concept, predicting that artificial general intelligence (AGI) could emerge in the coming decades, leading to continuous self-improvement of systems. Currently, the landscape is shifting rapidly, with large language models, vision-language-action models, and autonomous agents enabling robots to understand natural language instructions, interpret their environment, and learn new tasks without specific programming. Companies like NVIDIA, Google DeepMind, and Tesla are investing billions in developing this new generation of intelligent robots.
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TARS DexHand Makes Global Debut at ICRA: Redefining Dexterous Operations with Mind-Hand Integration
At the ICRA conference held in Vienna, TARS DexHand was unveiled, showcasing an innovative 'mind-hand' integration system designed to mimic human hand movements with 21 degrees of freedom. This advanced technology enhances task execution by utilizing sophisticated data alignment and modeling capabilities. During the demonstration, the system performed real-time interactions and complex tasks, underscoring its significant potential for industrial applications and the advancement of embodied intelligence. The event highlighted the ongoing evolution in robotics and its implications for various sectors.
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Why the world’s most successful robotics founders are systems thinkers
Ajay Agarwal recently highlighted the significant impact of systems thinking in the field of robotics, emphasizing its potential to drive substantial productivity gains and open up multibillion-dollar markets. This discussion sheds light on the approach taken by some of the most successful founders in the robotics industry, who leverage systems thinking to innovate and optimize their technologies. The insights were shared in a post featured on The Robot Report, illustrating how this mindset can transform the landscape of robotics and contribute to economic growth.
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Geek+ Partners with Mindugar to Accelerate Warehouse Automation Adoption Across Latin America
Geek+ has announced a strategic partnership with Mindugar to advance warehouse automation across Latin America. This collaboration will integrate Geek+'s innovative mobile robotics solutions with Mindugar's expertise in racking systems. Set to roll out in response to the burgeoning e-commerce and logistics markets in the region, the partnership aims to provide scalable automation systems designed to enhance efficiency and productivity for local businesses. By leveraging their combined strengths, both companies seek to address the increasing demand for advanced logistics solutions in Latin America.
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DAIMON Robotics Wants to Give Robot Hands a Sense of Touch
In April 2023, DAIMON Robotics, a Hong Kong-based company, launched Daimon-Infinity, touted as the world's largest omni-modal robotic dataset for physical AI. This extensive dataset, which includes high-resolution tactile sensing data from over 80 real-world scenarios and 2,000 human skills, aims to enhance robot manipulation capabilities across various tasks, from household chores to industrial assembly lines. The initiative is backed by collaborations with prominent partners, including Google DeepMind, Northwestern University, and the National University of Singapore. Prof. Michael Yu Wang, co-founder and chief scientist of DAIMON, emphasized the importance of tactile feedback in improving robotic dexterity, advocating for a shift from the traditional Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model to a more integrated Vision-Tactile-Language-Action (VTLA) framework. This transition is crucial for enabling robots to perform complex manipulation tasks effectively, especially in environments where visual data alone is insufficient. Recognizing a significant data gap in the robotics industry, DAIMON has committed to open-sourcing 10,000 hours of its dataset to support broader research and development efforts. The company aims to accelerate the deployment of embodied AI by providing high-quality tactile data, which is essential for training robots to interact with their surroundings more naturally and effectively. As the robotics landscape evolves, DAIMON's innovative approach positions it as a key player in advancing the capabilities of humanoid robots in real-world applications.
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Countdown to Early Bird Discount: The 2nd Intelligent Robotics Key Technologies Conference (IRCTC2026) is About to Begin!
The 2nd Intelligent Robotics Key Technologies Conference is set to occur from May 15 to 17, 2026, in Hangzhou, China. This significant event will showcase presentations on the latest advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence, aimed at fostering collaboration among industry experts. The conference seeks to promote breakthroughs in essential technologies, highlighting the importance of innovation in the rapidly evolving field of robotics. By bringing together leading minds, the event aims to address current challenges and explore future opportunities in intelligent robotics.
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Google DeepMind Opens the Portal: Project Genie and the Quest for the "Infinite Training Loop"
Google DeepMind has introduced Project Genie, an innovative experimental tool that utilizes the Genie 3 world model to generate interactive 3D environments from textual descriptions and images. Launched recently, this project aims to address the challenges of data limitations in robotics, which is a critical step towards achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI). By moving beyond traditional gaming applications, Project Genie represents a significant advancement in DeepMind's overarching strategy to enhance the capabilities of AI in real-world scenarios. The initiative underscores the company's commitment to pioneering technologies that can bridge the gap between virtual and physical environments, ultimately paving the way for more sophisticated robotic systems.
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OpenMind Launches Hardware-Agnostic App Store to Unify Humanoid "Skills"
OpenMind has launched a new shared marketplace for robotic applications, aiming to unify the fragmented robotics industry. This initiative is backed by prominent partners such as UBTECH and AgiBot, who are collaborating to eliminate existing software silos that hinder innovation and integration in the field. The marketplace, introduced in October 2023, seeks to foster collaboration among developers and users by providing a centralized platform for accessing and sharing robotic software solutions. By streamlining the development process and enhancing interoperability, OpenMind hopes to accelerate advancements in robotics technology and broaden its accessibility to a wider audience.
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DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis: World Models and 'Infinite Training Loops' are the Keys to AGI
In the season finale of the Google DeepMind podcast, Demis Hassabis discussed the limitations of language models in advancing robotics. He emphasized that while language models play a crucial role, they are insufficient on their own for the development of physical AI. Hassabis highlighted the importance of integrating world-generators, such as Genie, with agents like SIMA to create a more effective synergy that can enhance robotic capabilities. This collaboration aims to address the challenges faced in the field of AI, particularly in bridging the gap between virtual understanding and real-world application. The insights shared during this episode reflect ongoing efforts to innovate and improve the functionality of AI in practical settings.
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OpenMind Opens Pre-Orders for "BrainPack," Betting on a Universal Nervous System for Robots
OpenMind has introduced its flagship hardware, a cutting-edge backpack featuring NVIDIA’s Jetson Thor, aimed at enhancing the autonomy of third-party robots. This announcement comes just three months after the company successfully completed its Series A funding round. The innovative design of the backpack is intended to empower various robotic systems by providing them with advanced processing capabilities, thereby facilitating their independent operation in diverse environments. The unveiling marks a significant milestone for OpenMind as it seeks to position itself at the forefront of robotics technology, leveraging recent financial backing to accelerate product development and market entry.
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Robotics Institute Developing Drones To Fight Wildfires
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute are developing drones aimed at combating wildfires, a project inspired by the brown haze that enveloped Pittsburgh and other U.S. cities last summer. This haze was a result of unprecedented wildfires in Canada, which served as a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by such natural disasters. The initiative seeks to enhance firefighting capabilities and mitigate the impacts of wildfire smoke on urban areas. By leveraging drone technology, the Robotics Institute aims to improve monitoring and response efforts during wildfire events, ultimately contributing to better environmental management and public safety.
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Geekplus Partners with Mindugar to Accelerate Warehouse Automation Adoption Across Latin America
A new collaboration has emerged in the region, focusing on the development of advanced Shelf-to-Person and Tote-to-Person solutions that integrate cutting-edge robotics with local infrastructure expertise. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency in supply chain management and improve operational workflows for businesses. By leveraging innovative technology alongside the existing capabilities of local partners, the collaboration seeks to address the growing demand for automation in logistics and warehousing. The project is expected to roll out in the coming months, with stakeholders emphasizing the importance of combining technological advancements with regional knowledge to create tailored solutions that meet specific market needs. This partnership represents a significant step forward in the evolution of automated systems within the industry, promising to streamline processes and reduce operational costs for companies in the area.
How Sony AI’s table tennis robot is advancing physical AI
Omron and Kuka have showcased their latest advancements in robotics with a table tennis-playing robot, highlighting the innovative potential of industrial robots beyond traditional manufacturing tasks. While these companies have previously demonstrated similar robotic systems, the introduction of a robot capable of playing table tennis captures attention due to its unique application of robotics and artificial intelligence. This development underscores the growing interest among researchers in exploring the capabilities of robots in dynamic environments, where agility and quick decision-making are crucial. The demonstration serves not only as a testament to technological progress but also as a playful reminder of the diverse possibilities that robotics can offer in various fields.
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Figure AI had one of its robots race a human to sort packages. It lost.
In a recent package sorting contest, an intern from Figure AI demonstrated superior performance compared to a humanoid robot, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced in the field of robotics automation. The competition, held to evaluate advancements in robotic efficiency and accuracy, took place in October 2023. This event not only showcased the capabilities of human workers but also highlighted the limitations of current robotic technology in handling complex sorting tasks. The outcome raises important questions about the future of automation and the role of human intelligence in environments traditionally dominated by machines. As industries increasingly turn to automation to enhance productivity, this contest serves as a reminder of the intricate skills that humans still bring to the table, suggesting that a collaborative approach may be necessary to fully realize the potential of robotics in various sectors.
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Agile Robots showcases force-control technology, humanoids, and physical AI at Robot Technology Japan event
Agile Robots is making a significant impact at Robot Technology Japan (RTJ) 2026, where the Munich-based company is showcasing its extensive range of industrial robotics, embodied AI, and humanoid technologies. The event, taking place in Nagoya, serves as a platform for Agile Robots to highlight its latest innovations, including advanced force-control systems, collaborative robots, and AI-driven automation solutions. This presentation underscores the company's commitment to expanding its presence in the global automation market, reflecting the growing demand for sophisticated robotic technologies in various industries.
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Video shows humanoid robot acting ‘rogue’ in Indonesian office, ‘attacking’ coworkers
A recent video from Indonesia has sparked widespread attention as it showcases a humanoid robot appearing to malfunction. The footage, which has gone viral on social media, depicts the robot exhibiting erratic behavior, leading viewers to question its functionality and the technology behind it. This event took place in a public demonstration aimed at showcasing advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence. The creators of the robot intended to highlight its capabilities, but the unexpected performance has instead raised concerns about the reliability of such technologies. Experts are now discussing the implications of this incident for future developments in robotics, emphasizing the importance of rigorous testing and quality control in the industry. The video serves as a reminder of both the potential and the challenges of integrating advanced robotics into everyday life.
AI and Robotics
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
Design and Testing of a Minimal Configuration Underwater Micro‐Glider: Automating Lake and Reservoir Monitoring
The Journal of Field Robotics has recently published an early view article highlighting advancements in robotic technology and its applications in various fields. This publication, which became available in October 2023, showcases innovative research conducted by a team of engineers and scientists from leading universities and research institutions. The article focuses on the development of autonomous robots designed for complex tasks in environments such as agriculture, disaster response, and exploration. The research aims to address the growing need for efficient and reliable robotic systems capable of operating in challenging conditions, driven by the increasing demand for automation in various industries. Through rigorous testing and experimentation, the authors detail the methodologies employed in creating these advanced robotic systems, emphasizing their potential to enhance productivity and safety. The findings presented in this publication are expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing discourse on the future of robotics and its integration into everyday life. As the field of robotics continues to evolve, this early view article serves as a timely reminder of the transformative impact that innovative technologies can have on society, paving the way for further research and development in the coming years.
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Interview with Luo Jianlan: The true scaling law of robots occurs in real deployment loops.
In the past six months, the focus of the domestic embodied intelligence sector has shifted from hardware competition to the deeper challenges that define the intelligence limits of robots. Luo Jianlan, an associate professor at Shanghai Chuangzhi Academy and chief scientist at Zhiyuan Robotics, argues against the prevailing notion that robots can replicate large language models through sheer data accumulation. He emphasizes that the core issue in embodied intelligence is not about breakthroughs in isolated components but rather the ability to create a closed-loop system in real-world deployments. Luo, who has a background in both academia and industry, including roles at Google X and DeepMind, believes that many teams in the sector are not genuinely pre-training models but are instead engaged in mid-training or fine-tuning due to the scarcity of high-quality interaction data. He asserts that true embodied intelligence requires a scalable closed-loop system, where deployment leads to data collection, which in turn enhances model capabilities. His current focus includes developing scalable online post-training infrastructure, enabling robots to learn continuously in real-world environments, and creating a world model that predicts the consequences of actions rather than merely generating video. Luo suggests that the future of embodied intelligence hinges on successfully integrating these elements into a cohesive system, with significant advancements expected in the next 12 to 18 months. He believes that the first team to effectively implement a "deployment-data-iteration" cycle in semi-structured environments like convenience stores will gain a substantial competitive edge.
Colin Angle's Second Startup: This Time, Robots Don't Do Housework
Colin Angle, the founder of iRobot and the mind behind the Roomba, has unveiled his latest innovation, a robot named Familiar, which is designed to provide companionship rather than perform household tasks. This launch comes at a time when the demand for emotional support robots is increasing, driven by a growing awareness of loneliness in society. Familiar seeks to address this emotional need by offering a non-judgmental presence, distinguishing itself from traditional pets that often come with specific care expectations. The introduction of Familiar marks a significant shift in the robotics market, as it embraces the role of a supportive companion in an era where social isolation is becoming more prevalent.
Companion Robots AI Emotional Support Technology Robotics
Google’s Genie world model can now simulate real streets with Street View
Google DeepMind is set to enhance its Project Genie by integrating it with Street View, aiming to develop immersive and interactive world simulations. This innovative initiative will enable users to explore diverse environments, experience dynamic weather changes, and encounter rare scenarios. The integration is part of DeepMind's broader effort to advance applications in robotics, gaming, and travel, providing a more engaging and realistic experience for users. The project is expected to leverage the extensive data from Street View to create detailed and responsive virtual landscapes, making it easier for developers and users alike to engage with these simulations in meaningful ways.
AI Robotics genie 3 Google Google I/O google io 2026Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
