Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
EnPower and Echion Collaborate to Manufacture Ultra-High-Power Battery Cells for Robotics
EnPower, Inc. and Echion Technologies Ltd have announced a partnership to develop ultra-high-power battery cells in the U.S. for the North American industrial robotics market. This collaboration aims to combine Echion's XNO® niobium-based anode technology with EnPower's manufacturing expertise to create advanced battery solutions for automated guided vehicles and industrial robots. This partnership is significant as it aligns with Washington's efforts to secure the robotics supply chain and enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities. By producing these battery cells in the U.S., the companies aim to support critical infrastructure and autonomous systems, which are increasingly vital in various sectors, including AI datacenter power. Looking ahead, the agreement establishes EnPower as a key manufacturing partner for XNO® cells in North America. The companies plan to deepen their collaboration as their joint programs progress, indicating a strong commitment to advancing battery technology for industrial applications. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Highline Commerce Integrates Ultra Robotics' OP1 to Automate 30% of Fulfillment in Brooklyn
Highline Commerce has successfully integrated humanoid robots from Ultra Robotics into its Brooklyn fulfillment center, automating up to 30% of daily order processing. This deployment marks a significant milestone, as Highline becomes one of the first fulfillment companies to utilize humanoid robots in live retail operations, managing tasks for over 200 brands. The implementation of Ultra Robotics' OP1 system, a stationary dual-arm AI robot, allows for efficient handling of repetitive tasks such as packing and sorting without the need for extensive infrastructure changes. The OP1's design enables continuous operation and adaptability to various warehouse workflows, addressing common challenges faced by mobile robots. Looking ahead, the collaboration between Highline Commerce and Ultra Robotics highlights the importance of localized testing in real-world environments. As both companies are situated in Industry City, this partnership allows for rapid iteration and validation of robotic capabilities, setting a precedent for future advancements in warehouse automation. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
US Ultra Robotics
UltraSense Proposes Ultrasound as a Solution for Tactile Intelligence in Robotics
UltraSense has introduced ultrasound technology as a solution to enhance tactile sensing in robotics, addressing the wear and tear associated with traditional electronic skin. As robots evolve to interact more effectively with their environments, reliable touch sensing becomes crucial for various applications, including humanoid hands and industrial systems. The challenge lies in developing a scalable tactile architecture that can withstand harsh mechanical conditions while maintaining signal integrity over time. The significance of this development is underscored by the limitations of current tactile sensing technologies, which often struggle with durability and accuracy due to environmental factors. Traditional methods, such as capacitive and piezoelectric sensors, face challenges like wear, hysteresis, and recalibration burdens, particularly in high-duty-cycle applications. UltraSense's approach aims to provide a more robust solution that can sustain performance across millions of contact cycles, making it a potential game-changer in the field of physical AI. Looking ahead, the industry will need to monitor advancements in ultrasound technology and its integration into robotic systems. As physical AI continues to gain traction, the ability to maintain accurate and reliable tactile sensing will be critical for the success of various robotic applications. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Artificial Intelligence / Cognition Grippers Human Robot Interaction / Haptics Humanoids Microprocessors / SoCs News
Highline Commerce Expands Operations in Industry City with Ultra Robotics Support
Highline Commerce, a third-party logistics provider, has expanded its operations to 60,000 square feet in Industry City, Brooklyn, as of July 23, 2026. This expansion is part of a growing trend where logistics firms and robotics startups are establishing a presence in the area to meet the demands of the booming e-commerce sector. The e-commerce market in New York City is rapidly growing, with 2.5 million packages delivered daily. Highline Commerce is now utilizing humanoid robots from Ultra Robotics to fulfill up to 30% of its clients' orders, highlighting the increasing integration of robotics in logistics to enhance efficiency and meet consumer demands. As the competition in the retail tech space intensifies, the collaboration between Highline Commerce and Ultra Robotics may set a precedent for future logistics operations. Observers should watch for further developments in automation technologies and their impact on the logistics landscape in New York City.
Highline Commerce Expands in Industry City, Utilizing Ultra Robotics for E-commerce Fulfillment
Highline Commerce, a third-party logistics provider, has expanded its operations to 60,000 square feet in Industry City, Brooklyn. This growth allows the company to fulfill up to 30 percent of its clients' orders using humanoid robots from Ultra Robotics, another tenant in the area. With e-commerce booming in New York City, Highline Commerce supports over 200 brands by providing essential distribution services. The significance of this expansion lies in the strategic positioning of Industry City as a hub for logistics and retail technology. New York has become a critical location for moving retail goods, with Amazon operating over 40 facilities in the region. Highline Commerce's growth reflects a shift in the narrative of New York as a manufacturing and fulfillment center, moving beyond its historical role as merely a sales market. Looking ahead, Highline Commerce's innovative use of humanoid robots in its fulfillment process marks a notable trend in the logistics sector. As the company continues to scale, it will be important to monitor how this integration of robotics influences efficiency and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Business Industry 3pl automation Brooklyn e-commerce
AGILINK Unveils OmniHand 3 Ultra-M to Address Contact Challenges in Robotics
AGILINK showcased its new OmniHand 3 Ultra-M at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) in Vienna, highlighting its capabilities in contact-rich manipulation. The demonstrations focused on various challenges such as tactile perception and slip regulation, emphasizing the complexities of unstructured environments. The significance of the OmniHand 3 Ultra-M lies in its potential to enhance robotic interaction stability, a critical factor for deploying robots in human-centric environments. AGILINK's approach reflects a shift in focus from mere motion generation to ensuring reliable interactions under varying contact conditions, which is essential for practical applications. Looking ahead, AGILINK's dual-flagship strategy, featuring both the Ultra-M and its tendon-driven counterpart, the Ultra-T, positions the company at the forefront of dexterous robotics. The OmniHand 3 Ultra-M, with its 20 active degrees of freedom and lightweight design, represents a pivotal advancement in the field. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AGILINK Omnihand hand hands China
Blueye Robotics launches the Blueye X7, X3 Ultra, and Blueye Cloud
Blueye Robotics has announced the launch of its next-generation underwater drone lineup, marking a significant advancement in underwater operations. The new flagship remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the Blueye X7, is set to enhance exploration capabilities, while the upgraded Blueye X3 Ultra features improved 4K HDR imaging and onboard artificial intelligence for more efficient data collection. Additionally, the company introduced Blueye Cloud, a new platform designed to streamline the connection between fleets, data, and teams, facilitating better collaboration and operational efficiency. This launch comes nearly a decade after Blueye began supporting underwater operations globally, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation and technological advancement in the field. The new products aim to meet the growing demand for sophisticated underwater exploration tools and improve the overall effectiveness of marine operations.
blueye robotics blueye x7 blueye x3 blueye ultra blueye cloud
Breakthrough in Robotics: Milliwatt-Level Ultrasound Enables Miniature Drones to Navigate Through Fog, Darkness, and Complex Obstacles
A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute has unveiled a groundbreaking perception system named 'Saranga,' designed to enhance the navigation capabilities of palm-sized drones. This innovative system employs milliwatt-level ultrasound sensors, enabling these drones to autonomously maneuver through challenging environments, such as fog and darkness, where traditional cameras and LiDAR systems often struggle. The development of Saranga addresses significant limitations in current navigation technologies, paving the way for more reliable drone operations in adverse conditions.
Ultrasound Technology Autonomous Drones Robotics Obstacle Detection AI
The API-fication of Robotics: Physical Intelligence Unveils Real-World Performance Data with Weave and Ultra
Physical Intelligence (Pi) has announced the launch of its foundation models, which are designed to serve as a universal 'intelligence layer' for various industries. This initiative comes alongside the release of new data demonstrating substantial improvements in the reliability of robots used for laundry folding and industrial packaging. The advancements in these technologies are expected to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness in sectors that rely heavily on automation. The announcement marks a significant step forward for Pi, as it aims to establish itself as a leader in the development of intelligent robotic solutions.
US Ultra Market Weave Robotics Physical Intelligence Partnership
These are the winners of the Medical Robotics Challenge 2.0: Team ULTRATOPIA wins the KUKA Innovation Award 2025
A team of researchers from Belgium and Switzerland has achieved recognition in the field of medical robotics by winning the KUKA Innovation Award 2025. Their groundbreaking project focuses on utilizing ultrasound technology to examine the spine during surgical procedures. This innovative approach aims to enhance the precision and safety of spinal surgeries, addressing a critical need in the medical community. The award was presented following a competitive evaluation by a jury impressed by the potential impact of this technology on surgical practices. The team's success highlights the growing intersection of robotics and healthcare, showcasing how advanced technologies can improve patient outcomes and surgical efficiency.
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