Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Hydromea and SepcoTech Collaborate to Introduce EXRAY Inspection Robotics in Scandinavia
Hydromea and SepcoTech A/S have formed a commercial partnership to promote Hydromea’s EXRAY™ subsea inspection system in Scandinavia. The focus will be on naval, defense, maritime, and offshore applications, addressing the need for inspections in submerged and confined spaces that are challenging for divers or traditional ROVs. The EXRAY™ system features a dual-vehicle setup, comprising a tethered mothership ROV for open water operations and a wireless flyout vehicle for accessing confined areas. This innovative design allows for safe inspections without the risks associated with divers or tethered ROVs, while also ensuring high-definition video transmission to operators. This partnership is significant as it enhances inspection capabilities for asset owners, aiming to minimize personnel exposure and improve the efficiency of subsea inspections. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
hydromea sepcotech exray inspection robotics scandinavian naval market
Perceptual Robotics Secures Over £4 Million for Wind Turbine Inspection Drone Expansion
Perceptual Robotics, a Bristol-based drone company, has successfully raised over £4 million (approximately $5.3 million) as of July 28, 2026. This funding, which includes investment from Innovate UK, Loggerhead Ventures, One Planet Capital, and new investor Investing for Purpose, will be used to enhance its wind turbine inspection platform. The significance of this funding lies in its potential to bolster the company's capabilities in both onshore and offshore wind turbine inspections. Matthew Jellicoe from One Planet Capital highlighted the strong investor support and the company's momentum, indicating that Perceptual Robotics is well-positioned for expansion into various verticals over the next two years. Looking ahead, Perceptual Robotics aims to accelerate product development and deepen its offshore support. The company plans to leverage this funding to enhance its autonomous drones and AI services, which are crucial for managing wind turbine blade inspections and extending service life for operators. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Drone News Drone News Feeds Inspection News UK Drone Industry UK Drone Space
Unitree Robotics, Hunan Steel, and Looper Robotics Form Alliance for Steel Plant Inspections
Unitree Robotics has partnered with Hunan Steel and Looper Robotics to create a tripartite alliance aimed at deploying legged robots for inspections in steel plants. This collaboration signifies a notable entry of embodied AI technology into the heavy industry sector. The partnership is significant as it highlights the increasing integration of advanced robotics and AI in traditional industries such as steel manufacturing. By utilizing legged robots, the alliance aims to enhance inspection processes, improve safety, and increase operational efficiency within the steel plant environment. Looking ahead, the deployment of these legged robots could set a precedent for further advancements in industrial automation. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Technology
ExRobotics launches UL-certified inspection robot for hazardous industrial sites in North America
ExRobotics has announced the North American launch of its UL Certified ExR-2.5 autonomous inspection robot at the recent Energy Drone & Robotics Summit in Houston. This certification marks another industry first for ExRobotics. The ExR-2.5 is the only UL Certified inspection robot for potentially explosive industrial environments. This provides operators with a recognised pathway to […]
Energy News asset integrity autonomous inspection Autonomous robots bp
ExRobotics launches UL-certified inspection robot for hazardous environments
ExRobotics has announced that its ExR-2.5 inspection robot has received certification for safe operations in explosive environments across North America. This certification allows the robot to be deployed in hazardous settings, enhancing safety and efficiency in inspections where traditional methods may pose risks. The launch of the UL-certified ExR-2.5 marks a significant advancement in robotics technology, aimed at addressing the challenges faced in environments that are potentially dangerous for human operators.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Cameras / Imaging / Vision Mobility / Navigation News Oil and Gas Safety & Security
The Role of RF Connectors in Robotic Vision, Sensor Communication, and Automated Inspection Systems
Recent advancements in robotic vision and automated inspection have highlighted the limitations of software solutions in addressing physical challenges. While fast GPUs, sophisticated models, and user-friendly dashboards are often celebrated as technological triumphs, they falter when confronted with the realities of a compromised physical signal path. For instance, a camera's ability to process images is hindered by a noisy clock, and sensors struggle to deliver accurate readings when interfaces become loose after repeated vibrations. This underscores the importance of considering the physical environment in the development and implementation of automated systems, as reliance solely on software capabilities may lead to significant operational failures.
Design Engineering Technology automated inspection automation news factory automation
Méca-Précis utilizes robotic measurement cell to eliminate inspection bottlenecks
French precision engineering firm Méca-Précis has implemented an automated part inspection system to enhance efficiency in its operations. The new robotic measurement cell integrates a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) from Mitutoyo with automation technology developed by Engineering Data. This advancement comes in response to growing production volumes, which had turned traditional inspection processes into a bottleneck, particularly for clients in the aerospace and space sectors that demand high precision and reliability. The automation aims to streamline the inspection workflow, ensuring that quality control keeps pace with increased manufacturing demands.
Engineering Robotics advanced manufacturing aerospace components aerospace manufacturing automated inspection
Implementing Automated Quality Inspection with a Pick and Place Robotic Arm
In a significant advancement towards "Zero-Defect Manufacturing," the boundaries between production and quality control are being redefined. Modern manufacturing facilities are now incorporating real-time inspection directly into the material handling process, rather than waiting until products reach the end of the assembly line. This shift is facilitated by the use of a 6-axis robotic arm, which functions as both a pick-and-place device and an inspection station, enabling manufacturers to detect defects immediately and minimize waste. During the automated quality inspection, the robotic arm evaluates components as it lifts them, utilizing a vision tunnel or high-resolution sensors to check for dimensional accuracy, surface integrity, and assembly verification. Parts that meet quality standards proceed to the "Good" bin, while those that fail are diverted to rework or scrap stations, ensuring that only flawless components advance in the production process. To achieve effective robotic inspection, three key technologies are essential: adaptive grippers for versatile handling, advanced vision sensors for precise measurements, and Edge AI processing to enable real-time data analysis. The JAKA Zu series of robots exemplifies this integration, particularly the JAKA Zu7 model, which is designed for high-precision inspection tasks. With a payload capacity of 7kg and a work radius of 819mm, it offers the agility and strength needed for rapid inspection cycles, while its compatibility with various communication protocols allows seamless integration with manufacturing systems. This innovative approach transforms each handling operation into an opportunity for quality assurance, enhancing overall production efficiency.
GameChange Solar Partners with Raptor Maps to Deliver First Integrated Solar Tracker Monitoring + Robotic Inspection System
GeniusVision and Raptor Maps have announced a strategic integration aimed at enhancing the efficiency of solar asset management. This collaboration, revealed in October 2023, seeks to significantly reduce operational costs while simultaneously improving the long-term performance of solar energy systems. By combining their advanced technologies, the two companies aim to provide solar operators with more comprehensive data analytics and insights, enabling better decision-making and optimized asset performance. The integration is expected to streamline operations, making it easier for solar energy providers to monitor and manage their assets effectively. This initiative reflects a growing trend in the renewable energy sector, where innovative partnerships are increasingly seen as essential for driving down costs and maximizing the potential of solar energy.
Perceptual Robotics Raises Funding to Automate Wind Turbine Inspection Drones
Perceptual Robotics, a Thessaloniki-based company, has successfully secured new funding to enhance its autonomous wind turbine inspection platform. The investment round, announced on May 5, 2026, was led by Loggerhead Ventures, with additional support from One Planet Capital. This financial backing aims to advance the development of AI-powered drones designed for wind farm maintenance, reflecting the growing demand for innovative solutions in renewable energy infrastructure. The funding will enable Perceptual Robotics to scale its operations and improve the efficiency of wind turbine inspections, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of wind energy production.
Drone News Drone News Feeds Europe Drone Industry European Union infrastructure Inspection
Deep Robotics Deploys Quadruped Robots at FAW Plant for Inspection
Deep Robotics has introduced its Jueying X30 quadruped robots at a FAW Group factory, marking a significant step towards automating inspection tasks and enhancing industrial maintenance efficiency. This deployment, which took place in October 2023, aims to streamline operations within the manufacturing environment. By utilizing advanced robotic technology, the initiative seeks to reduce human error and increase productivity in routine inspections. The integration of these robots is expected to not only optimize maintenance processes but also contribute to overall operational effectiveness at the facility.
News
IQUA Robotics Validates the Use of AUVs for Autonomous Ship Hull Inspection
The ESCABVENTS project, a collaboration between IQUA Robotics and Zamakona Yards shipyard, has successfully completed proof of concept tests for the use of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) in naval inspection tasks. This initiative, part of the broader Sail2future project, aims to enhance efficiency and safety in the preventive maintenance of vessels. Funded by the European Union's NextGenerationEU program, the project received support through the PERTENAVAL aid managed by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, as part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. The successful tests mark a significant step forward in modernizing naval inspection processes, potentially leading to safer and more efficient maritime operations.
iqua robotics auv autonomous ship hull inspection
SeaRenergy and Tethys Robotics Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance Offshore Subsea Inspection Services
Tethys Robotics AG has entered into a strategic partnership with SeaRenergy Offshore Holding GmbH, a prominent offshore service provider recognized for its expertise in complex subsea operations across Europe. This collaboration, announced recently, aims to enhance subsea inspection services by leveraging SeaRenergy's extensive experience in offshore wind and marine projects alongside Tethys Robotics’ advanced inspection technology. The partnership is expected to elevate performance standards in the industry, combining operational insights with cutting-edge technological capabilities.
searenergy tethys robotics strategic partnership offshore subsea inspection services
Deep Robotics delivers X30 quadruped robot SPock for Singapore power inspections
Deep Robotics, a Chinese robotics company, has collaborated with Singaporean electrical equipment supplier Eastern Green Power to provide an innovative power tunnel inspection solution to Singapore Power Group (SP Group). This advanced system incorporates Deep Robotics' X30 quadruped robot, marking the first deployment of a Chinese-developed robot dog in an international power infrastructure. The initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and safety of power tunnel inspections through the integration of cutting-edge digital technologies. The delivery of this solution signifies a significant step in the application of robotics within the energy sector, showcasing the potential for improved operational capabilities in challenging environments.
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