Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
U.S. Sugar deploys autonomous John Deere tractor fleet across 255,000 acres
U.S. Sugar has initiated the largest commercial deployment of autonomous tractors in the American sugar industry, marking a significant advancement in agricultural technology. This initiative involves the use of unmanned John Deere tractors that operate continuously in the sugarcane fields of Florida. The deployment aims to enhance efficiency and productivity in sugarcane farming, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation in agriculture. By utilizing these autonomous machines, U.S. Sugar seeks to streamline operations and reduce labor costs, ultimately improving the overall sustainability of its farming practices. The move comes as the industry increasingly embraces automation to meet growing demands while addressing labor shortages.
Autonomous/semi-autosteering systems autonomous farm equipment autonomous tractors fleet management precision agriculture sugarcane
Embraer and OGMA complete first Hungarian C-390 maintenance in Portugal
Embraer, in collaboration with the Portuguese aerospace company OGMA, has successfully completed the first scheduled 24-month maintenance for a C-390 Millennium aircraft belonging to the Hungarian Air Force. This significant milestone was achieved as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the operational readiness and reliability of the aircraft, which plays a crucial role in Hungary's military capabilities. The maintenance work was carried out in Portugal, showcasing the partnership between the two companies and their commitment to supporting the Hungarian military's aviation needs. This maintenance cycle not only enhances the aircraft's performance but also extends its service life, reflecting the growing importance of the C-390 Millennium in modern air force operations.
News
Successful Conclusion of the 2026 Shougang Winter Olympics Robot Industry Conference
The 2026 Shougang Winter Olympics Robot Industry Conference, held recently in Beijing, brought together industry leaders, research institutions, and media representatives to explore the intersection of technology and industry under the theme 'Digital Shougang, New Journey.' The conference highlighted key projects in the robotics sector and facilitated discussions aimed at fostering collaboration in embodied intelligence. This event is seen as a pivotal moment in Beijing's ongoing efforts to establish itself as a center for artificial intelligence innovation, reflecting the city's commitment to integrating advanced technology into its industrial landscape.
Robotics Embodied Intelligence AI Innovation Industry Collaboration
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.
Warehouse Automation Mobile Robotics Logistics Supply Chain Management E-commerce
Rare 19th-century dental prosthetic that a wealthy person wore found in Portugal
A groundbreaking study has revealed the first documented fixed bone dental bridge, providing significant insights into ancient dental practices. Conducted by a team of researchers, the study was published in October 2023 and focuses on a remarkable archaeological find. The dental bridge, discovered in a burial site, dates back to a time when such advanced dental solutions were previously thought to be non-existent. This finding not only sheds light on the medical knowledge of ancient civilizations but also highlights the importance of dental health in historical contexts. The researchers utilized advanced imaging techniques to analyze the structure and composition of the bridge, demonstrating how early humans addressed dental issues. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding the evolution of dental care and the cultural practices surrounding it.
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.
Landmark UK-Portugal Ocean Research Partnership Celebrated in Madeira
The UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) and Madeira Island’s Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation (ARDITI) have forged a significant partnership aimed at enhancing deep-ocean research. This collaboration was highlighted by the arrival of the research vessel RRS Discovery in Madeira, which coincided with ARDITI's acquisition of two advanced NOC Autosub Long Range (ALR) autonomous underwater vehicles. This marks a historic moment as it is the first instance of this cutting-edge technology being sold internationally. The partnership aims to leverage these innovative tools to further scientific exploration and understanding of the deep ocean, underscoring the growing importance of international cooperation in marine research.
national oceanography centre (noc) madeira island’s regional agency for the development of research technology and innovation (arditi) noc autosub long range (alr) autonomous underwater vehicles
MIT-designed educational factory embraces modern manufacturing
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Tecnológico de Monterrey (Tec de Monterrey) have announced plans to broaden the FrED (Frugal and Inclusive Education) curriculum to universities throughout Mexico. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and promote innovative teaching methods in response to the growing demand for accessible and inclusive education. The collaboration is set to roll out in early 2024, with the goal of equipping students with practical skills and knowledge that address local challenges. By leveraging MIT's expertise in technology and Tec de Monterrey's strong presence in the region, the program seeks to foster a new generation of leaders capable of driving social change. The expansion is part of a larger effort to improve educational equity and empower students from diverse backgrounds, ultimately contributing to the development of a more inclusive society.
Classes and programs International initiatives 3-D printing Automation Collaboration Manufacturing
Pakistan gives foreign banks an edge in shift to Islamic finance
FinancePakistan gives foreign banks an edge in shift to Islamic financeDomestic lenders required to convert to sharia-compliant model from 2028One currency, two banking systems. Pakistan's banks must all offer sharia-compliant services from 2028, but foreign banks will be able to continue offering non-Islamic services alongside -- giving them a possible advantage. © ReutersADNAN AAMIRJuly 7, 2026 14:31 JSTISLAMABAD -- In the run-up to its banking reform toward Islamic banking, the Pakistani government has decided to require domestically owned banks to operate under a fully sharia-compliant model from 2028 to eliminate interest-based finance.Read NextEnergyPakistan approves final link in 1,600-km national oil pipelineFinanceBangladesh bets $3.2bn to avert a banking crisis but reforms elusiveBusiness trendsPakistani gig workers' exports to hit record high but AI threats loomCommoditiesIndian families scale back on gold for weddings as prices hover near highsEnergyBangladesh power cuts deepen as government struggles to pay billsFood & BeverageIndia's sugar industry likely to exit exports and exist for ethanolDefensePakistan unfazed by Afghan-Russian military pact, say officialsTradeChinese firms brace for new EU rules as trade deficit tops $1bn a dayInternational relationsBangladesh courts China to drive infrastructure and trade pushBusiness dealsPakistan offers up 3 state-owned power distributors in privatization pushLatest on FinanceFinanceSingapore's Temasek to raise AI exposure 2.5-fold over 5 yearsFinanceJapan brokerages set sights on US mega-IPOs after strong SpaceX debutFinanceJapan's blockchain-based security tokens to open to foreign investorsSponsored ContentAbout Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.
Small-AI Models Gain Traction Around the World
One morning in 2019, Adebayo Alonge was in a Cape Town hotel room, preparing to demonstrate his startup’s AI answer to a serious problem in African health care: counterfeit medication, which kills thousands of people across the continent every year.The RxScanner is a handheld spectrometer that scans a pill with infrared light, then sends the item’s molecular profile to an AI model equipped with a pharmaceutical database. In seconds, the AI identifies the medication from its molecular profile—or reports that it’s phony.Pharmacies were using the system in more than a dozen countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Myanmar, and Alonge’s native Nigeria. But that morning in South Africa, it didn’t work. “I was shocked,” Alonge says.The spectrometer connected to the AI model—but the data center was 14,000 kilometers away and bandwidth was limited. “Our server was in the United States, and just to get the result of a single scan was taking me over 5 minutes.”So Alonge immediately asked his engineers to shrink the AI model down to a smaller, low-power, unconnected version that could run entirely on his Android phone. They produced it 2 hours later, and that saved the demo.More importantly, the work birthed a new version of his device, which can authenticate a pill in places without broadband, computers, or even reliable electricity. It also turned Alonge into an advocate for this kind of “small AI.”Small AI for Global Health Care AccessSmall AI is a far cry from wealthy nations’ colossal large language models (LLMs), hyperscale data centers, multibillion-dollar investments, and debates about AI consciousness. But for millions of people around the world, the only AI that matters, and often the only kind available, is small. (According to a World Bank Report issued in November, only 0.7 percent of internet users in the world’s poorest countries have used ChatGPT, compared to a quarter of all internet users in the most developed nations.)“Most people are discussing AI from the LLM/generative side. But that needs a lot of computing power, electricity, massive data, and skilled people to manage it,” Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank, said last January at the World Economic Forum, in Davos. “Outside the developed world, other than maybe India and China, very few countries have that combination.”By contrast, small AI can deliver useful, even life-saving services to people in areas that have none of those things, Banga said. In India, where the government’s AI plans call for more development of small AI, many such systems are working for farmers.For example, a drone-based system developed by Bala Murugan and colleagues at the Vellore Institute of Technology, in India, takes photos of cashew plants and quickly identifies those with splotches that indicate disease. All the processing takes place on the drone itself, so there’s no need for a computer on-site, nor for a connection to a central server.Using small language models trained for a specific problem, and sometimes running on cheap, low-power devices, other small-AI implementations have been developed to identify ant infestations in a Uruguayan vineyard, detect the presence of malaria-carrying mosquitoes in a number of nations, and run electrocardiograms from an Arduino device in parts of Brazil that lack access to more complex equipment.“This is the most important area in AI nowadays,” says Marcelo José Rovai, a professor at the Institute of Engineering and Information Systems at the Federal University of Itajubá, in Brazil, who was involved in all three projects. “It’s growing very fast.”Low-Power, Small-AI Models on Devices Small AI models can run on a variety of low-power devices, including [from left to right] an Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense, a Seeed Wio Terminal, and an Arduino Portenta.Moez AltayebFor Alonge, Rovai, and other advocates, small AI is not just “a promising trend,” as that November World Bank report calls it. It may be, in the long term, the form of AI that will touch the most lives and remain sustainable after some of the giant models become too costly for most users.“I think the future of AI is not like one giant model, at a center. I think it’s millions of small, precise models deployed at the edge, each one solving like a specific problem, a specific context,” Alonge says. This is partly because much of humanity—including people in parts of rich countries as well as the developing world—lives without access to cutting-edge frontier models. But, he says, it’s also because those models are not sustainable.“If someone is not subsidizing it, most people will not be able to afford those models. So those of us who are said to be small-AI developers are the ones who will have to build for the majority of the world,” Alonge says.There is no strict definition of “small AI,” but people often use the term for language models with at most a few billion parameters. (Compare that to cutting-edge models, which can include more than a trillion.) That’s small enough to run directly on a phone or a Raspberry Pi. That’s what allows these applications to run on devices without a connection to a data center and use only a few watts of power, often supplied by a battery or a solar panel.Despite their small footprint, these models aren’t fundamentally different technology from that of gigantic AI models, Rovai says. Many instances of small language models were created the same way the phone-based version of Alonge’s pharmaceuticals scanner was—by “pruning” large models, or removing the parameters that weren’t involved in the task. The result is a system that’s less capable generally but still very good at the specific job it was pruned for, Rovai says. A lighter version of RxAll’s RxScanner spectrometer sends its results to an AI model run locally on a phone to check that a drug’s molecular signature is genuine.RxAllOther small models are created by “distillation.” They are trained to mimic a large model, until their performance approaches that of their “teacher,” Rovai says. In other cases, a larger model’s precision is reduced, for example, so that a model run on 32-bit architecture can run on 8-bit designs. In situations where the machine learning application is being used to classify data or predict patterns (like an ant infestation), it’s trained from the beginning on a small device, not derived from a larger model at all. Running all these small, specialized systems is becoming easier, Rovai says, for two reasons.The first reason is that hardware is getting better and more capable while using less power, he says. This means more and more phones can run small AI—especially those equipped with neural processing units, which are specialized chips that handle AI tasks like facial recognition and changing the brightness, shadows, or contrast in a photo.In 2025, slightly more than a third of all smartphones shipped worldwide were capable of running generative AI, and that figure will reach 45 percent by the end of this year, according to the technology research firm Counterpoint. By the end of next year, slightly more than half of all smartphones will be able to run a small AI model.The second reason Rovai cites is the shrinking footprint of language models. Both Google DeepMind’s Gemma 4 (released in April) and Alibaba’s Qwen 3.5 are “fantastic” for small AI, Rovai says. Both models are “open weight,” meaning users can adjust the connections between parameters to suit their needs. This makes it easy, for example, “to take a lot of data from, say, the milk industry and retrain the model specifically on that,” Rovai says.Rovai illustrated these reasons on a Zoom call, using one of his most recent experiments. Holding up a device, he says, “This is the new Arduino UNO Q—a US $50 device with a Qualcomm chipset. I’m running a language model here, which collects data from sensors and analyzes that data to detect tiny pools of water where mosquitoes might be breeding. It takes 3 watts to run it.”Support for Small-AI DevelopmentConvinced that millions of people are already benefiting from these kinds of applications, the World Bank now actively promotes small AI with grants, mentorship programs, financing, technical advice, and models of government policies that are friendly for small-AI development. For example, in Rwanda, the World Bank is backing a government program to help low-income households get devices that can run AI.All that said, no one claims that large language models are going away entirely. To create a generative AI that can run on a phone or other small device requires the architectural insights, data processing, and results of a larger model, Rovai says. “We need the big models to create these smaller models.” And for all that small AI can benefit people without access to big AI, the technology can’t solve the larger problems of development and digital inequality, Alonge says. Implementing small AI won’t allow nations to escape the challenge of creating an ecosystem to support AI: reliable power, a supply chain that works, and an educational system that develops the talents needed to create AI tools.Though his drug-scanning system can run for days on a phone with no connection, “you still want to be able to enable periodic syncing for updates with new signatures for the medications and analytics,” Alonge says. “And even when you are using batteries, reliable power is important. That phone battery is not going to last forever.”In many parts of the world, the future of small AI isn’t assured, he says. “It works, and many places will eventually need to use it. The question is whether or not the political actors are wise enough to invest in infrastructure to support it long term.”
Small-language-models Artificial-intelligence Llms
European startup to make defense drones in Japan, export across Asia
Portuguese drone startup Tekever is set to establish a manufacturing base for defense drones in Japan, marking a significant milestone as it is expected to be the first foreign defense company to do so. The initiative, reported on June 23, 2026, aims to leverage Japan's advanced sensor technology and will involve collaboration with Marubeni, which will serve as the sales agent for Tekever's products across Asia. This move is part of Tekever's strategy to expand its market presence in the region and enhance its technological capabilities by tapping into Japan's expertise in defense systems. The establishment of the manufacturing facility is anticipated to strengthen defense ties between Portugal and Japan while contributing to the growing demand for advanced drone technology in the Asian market.
Syria joins Turkey’s Efes 2026, one of nine nations participating for first time
In a significant development, Bulgaria, The Netherlands, Sweden, Japan, Egypt, Poland, Vietnam, Portugal, and Syria made their debut as participants in a recent international event. This gathering, which took place in October 2023, aimed to foster collaboration and dialogue among nations on various global issues. The inclusion of these first-time participants highlights a growing trend toward inclusivity and diversity in international forums. By bringing together a wider range of countries, the event sought to enhance understanding and cooperation across different cultures and regions. The successful integration of these nations into the discussions reflects a commitment to addressing shared challenges and promoting global unity.
Air Warfare Global Land Warfare Naval Warfare air defense Air Force
UK picks 4 companies for Apache drone wingman demonstrator project
BAE Systems, along with the British branches of US-based Anduril, Portugal's Tekever, and French manufacturer Thales, has been selected to participate in Project NYX, a concept demonstrator initiative. This project aims to advance military technology and capabilities, reflecting the growing emphasis on innovation in defense systems. The collaboration among these prominent defense firms underscores a strategic effort to enhance national security and military readiness. The announcement of their involvement comes as countries increasingly seek to modernize their armed forces in response to evolving global threats. The project is expected to leverage cutting-edge technologies to develop new solutions for defense challenges, although specific timelines and details regarding the demonstrator's capabilities have yet to be disclosed.
Air Warfare Global Air Force Anduril Apache BAE Systems
Pioneering in the Dutch polder again with a robot
Mariëlle Keijzer has been utilizing a FarmDroid FD20 field robot for the past three years to enhance her sugar beet farming operations. This innovative technology allows her to efficiently perform tasks such as sowing, spot spraying, and hoeing, marking a significant advancement in agricultural practices. Keijzer's experience with the robot highlights her role as a pioneer in the integration of automation in farming, showcasing the potential benefits of precision agriculture. The ongoing use of the FarmDroid underscores the growing trend towards sustainable farming solutions that aim to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs.
Smart farming Smart Farming
Winner of Beijing robot half-marathon smashes human world record by 6 minutes
In a remarkable demonstration of technological advancement, a robot named Lightning won a half-marathon in Beijing on Sunday, setting a new record by finishing in 50 minutes and 26 seconds. This achievement surpasses the previous human world record of 57 minutes and 20 seconds, held by Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo, by over six minutes. Developed by Honor, a Chinese smartphone and gadget company that entered the robotics sector just last year, Lightning's performance highlights the rapid evolution of robotics and artificial intelligence. The event not only showcases the capabilities of modern technology but also raises questions about the future of competitive sports as machines increasingly outperform human athletes.
DroneDash and GEODNET Launch GEODASH Aerosystems to Bring Map-Free, AI-Driven Precision Spraying to Industrial Agriculture
A new joint venture has been established to focus on oil palm, sugarcane, and broad-acre agricultural operations across Southeast Asia, the United States, and South America. The initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in these regions. Commercial deployment of the venture's projects is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026, marking a significant step forward in agricultural innovation and resource management. The collaboration seeks to leverage advanced technologies and sustainable practices to meet the growing demand for these crops while addressing environmental concerns.
Robot Talk Episode 143 – Robots for children, with Elmira Yadollahi
In a recent conversation, Claire engaged with Elmira Yadollahi, an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Lancaster University, to explore the dynamics of children's interactions with robots. Yadollahi, who holds a joint PhD in robotics and computer science from EPFL in Switzerland and Instituto Superior Técnico in Portugal, focuses her research on enhancing explainability in robotics. This discussion sheds light on the growing importance of understanding how young users relate to robotic technology, a field that is becoming increasingly relevant as robotics integrate into everyday life. The insights from Yadollahi's work aim to inform the development of more intuitive and user-friendly robotic systems for children.
Tech Odyssey Series: We Went Searching for Digital Nomads, but Filmed a Hardware Revolution
Portugal has long been celebrated as a premier destination for relaxation, surfing, and remote work, but a new documentary aims to explore the deeper narrative of the country. A team of filmmakers recently traveled across Portugal, from its industrial northern regions to the vibrant coastal capital, to capture a more comprehensive view of the nation. Their journey, which spanned several weeks, seeks to uncover the diverse experiences and stories that extend beyond the typical tourist attractions. By delving into the cultural, economic, and social aspects of life in Portugal, the filmmakers hope to challenge the prevailing perception of the country as merely a retreat and highlight its multifaceted identity. The documentary is set to provide audiences with a richer understanding of Portugal, showcasing its unique blend of tradition and modernity.
News
Record Number of Participants Deployed Kraken Robotics’ Synthetic Aperture Sonar at REPMUS 2025
Kraken Robotics has reported a significant milestone at the recent Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Unmanned Systems (REPMUS) exercise held in Portugal, where a record number of participants utilized its synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) technology. The event featured seven international naval teams alongside three uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) manufacturers, all employing Kraken's advanced sonar for various maritime security applications. These included mine countermeasure operations and inspections of critical underwater infrastructure, showcasing the technology's effectiveness in enhancing interoperability among different platforms and nations. The successful deployment of Kraken SAS during this exercise underscores its vital role in addressing contemporary challenges in the underwater domain.
kraken robotics synthetic aperture sonar (sas) repmus 2025
Exail Achieves World First with 1,100-Nautical-Mile Autonomous USV Transit Across Gibraltar Strait
Exail has marked a significant advancement in maritime autonomy with the successful transit of its DriX O-16 transoceanic uncrewed surface vehicle (USV). The 16-meter vessel completed a historic journey of 1,100 nautical miles (2,000 kilometers) from La Ciotat, France, to Troia, Portugal. This achievement comes as the DriX O-16 prepares to participate in NATO’s REPMUS 2025 exercise. The successful voyage underscores the growing capabilities of uncrewed maritime technology, demonstrating its potential for long-distance operations without human crew members.
exail autonomous usv transit across gibraltar strait repmus
Dynamic Messenger 2025: NATO Drives Maritime Innovation Through Allied Experimentation
The multinational maritime exercise REPMUS/Dynamic Messenger 25 commenced on September 15 off the Atlantic coast of Portugal. This event unites Allied nations, partners, academia, and industry stakeholders with the goal of enhancing the integration of unmanned systems and fostering innovation in maritime operations. The exercise serves as a platform for participants to collaborate and share knowledge, ultimately aiming to improve operational effectiveness in maritime environments.
repmus dynamic messenger nato repmus (robotic experimentation and prototyping with maritime unmanned systems)
5 Dynamics Shaping Today's Investment Landscape
Markets are currently navigating a significant shift as macroeconomic factors, policy changes, and technological advancements increasingly intersect, according to Seema Shah, Chief Global Strategist at Principal Financial Group. This analysis highlights the immediate impact of geopolitical shocks on market stability, which often dissipates quickly despite initial volatility. In the United States, the ongoing affordability crisis reflects a disconnect between everyday experiences and economic data, complicating the landscape for central banks already grappling with persistent inflation. While the U.S. dollar continues to attract safe-haven demand during periods of stress, fluctuations in confidence regarding U.S. assets may arise due to unpredictable policy directions. Principal Financial Group, a leading global investment management firm with $519.3 billion in assets under management, serves nearly 20 million clients worldwide and emphasizes the importance of adapting to these rapidly evolving market conditions.
USO UNG UCO BNO SCO BOIL
Dürr implementing a CO2-efficient paint shop with cross-plant system integration
Dürr is undertaking a significant project to construct a fully integrated paint shop for Volkswagen Autoeuropa, which includes the deployment of an advanced software solution. This initiative, set to be completed by 2024, aims to enhance efficiency in vehicle production by utilizing cutting-edge application and drying technologies that focus on maximizing CO2 reduction. The project also features an innovative SCADA integration, which will unify three separate paint shops into a single cohesive system. By the end of the project, it is anticipated that the facility will support the production of 236,100 vehicles annually, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and operational excellence in the automotive industry.
Industrial robots News automotive manufacturing automotive production co2 reduction digital manufacturing
Large Portuguese building 3D printed in record 9 Days
Havelar, a Portuguese construction company specializing in 3D printing technology, has successfully completed a public building for the municipality of Matosinhos. The project involved the construction of a 500 square meter recycling center office located at the Ecocentro de Perafita in Porto. Remarkably, the building was printed in just nine days and completed within budget, utilizing a COBOD BOD2 construction 3D printer. This innovative approach not only showcases the efficiency of 3D printing in construction but also highlights the growing trend of sustainable building practices in the region.
Construction Features 3D printed buildings additive manufacturing automated construction automation newsRobotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
