Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
SoftBank Allocates $225M to Autonomous Solutions for Construction Robotics Venture
SoftBank Group has invested $225 million in Autonomous Solutions Inc. (ASI) to establish a joint venture aimed at developing autonomous construction equipment for large infrastructure projects. This collaboration will leverage ASI's Mobius fleet-management platform to enhance civil construction and material handling capabilities, supporting a variety of autonomous vehicles from different manufacturers. The significance of this investment lies in ASI's extensive experience in technology development over 25 years, which will facilitate the expansion of autonomous construction systems. ASI CEO Mel Torrie emphasized that the joint venture positions the company at the forefront of innovation in autonomous construction, enabling the deployment of mixed fleets of heavy equipment for complex tasks. Looking ahead, the joint venture is expected to focus on large-scale infrastructure projects, including roads, airports, and waste management. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI AI Funding & Investment Robotics autonomous construction Autonomous Solutions Inc. industrial automation
Utah Division of Water Resources Explores Drone-Based Cloud Seeding Technology
The Utah Division of Water Resources is investigating the use of drones for cloud seeding, aiming to replace traditional crewed aircraft tested from 2022 to 2025. This initiative represents a significant shift in how unmanned aircraft can operate within the atmosphere, merging aviation, meteorology, and water management. The potential of drone technology in cloud seeding could enhance the precision and scalability of weather modification efforts. By utilizing unmanned aircraft, the Utah Division of Water Resources hopes to improve the effectiveness of cloud seeding operations, which have been in practice since the 1950s, by allowing direct access to clouds under favorable conditions. As the drone industry evolves, the implications of drones transitioning from observational roles to active atmospheric operations will be crucial. The success of drone-based cloud seeding will depend on advancements in meteorology, measurement techniques, and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Drone News Drone News Feeds News Weather Aerospace Airspace Integration
Kratos Valkyrie Drone Crashes During Test Flight at Dugway Proving Ground
A Kratos Valkyrie drone crashed at the U.S. Army's Dugway Proving Ground in Utah on August 4, 2026, following a test flight. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff, but no injuries or damage were reported. Kratos has paused flight operations for the Valkyrie to investigate the cause of the mishap, emphasizing safety as a priority. The crash is significant as it highlights ongoing developments in military drone technology, particularly for the Valkyrie series, which has been in operation since 2019. The U.S. Air Force is the first known operator, and the drone is being adapted for various configurations, including the Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL) variant intended for the U.S. Marine Corps. Looking ahead, the investigation into the crash may impact future test flights and developments of the Valkyrie family. Kratos has expressed growing global interest in the Valkyrie drones, including partnerships for international military applications. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
News & Features Air Drones Loyal Wingman Unmanned XQ-58
University of Utah Develops Fast Holographic 3D Printing for Seamless Microstructures
Researchers at the University of Utah have introduced a novel 3D printing technique that creates solid microstructures in approximately 20 seconds using a single laser exposure. This method eliminates the weak seams typical of traditional layer-by-layer printing, enhancing the strength and reliability of microscale devices. The innovative process employs a nanoscale mask to reshape laser light into a holographic pattern, allowing for the simultaneous hardening of the printing material, which significantly reduces manufacturing time compared to existing laser-based techniques. The significance of this development lies in its potential applications in microfluidic devices and advanced manufacturing. By curing entire structures in one exposure, the new method addresses the common issue of microscopic seams that can compromise the integrity of printed parts. The researchers demonstrated the ability to produce multiple parts continuously, akin to a conveyor-belt process, which could revolutionize the production of complex microscale components. Looking ahead, the research team aims to extend this technology to achieve true three-dimensional printing while maintaining the speed and accuracy of the current method. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication, but the implications for industries requiring precise microscale channels are substantial, suggesting a promising future for this innovative approach.
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