A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Galbot has introduced PASSAGE, a research framework designed to enhance humanoid robots' navigation in cluttered environments. This innovative system allows robots to adapt their movements to obstacles, enabling them to step over objects, duck under barriers, and maneuver through tight spaces. By in...
UBTECH has commenced large-scale production of humanoid robots, targeting industrial, commercial, and home consumer markets. The company's Vice President, Jiao Jichao, highlighted their commitment to collaborative software-hardware R&D, which enhances the robots' capabilities in various real-world a...
Aishida has expanded its operations into robotics, showcasing its self-developed humanoid robot at the 2026 Aishida Ecosystem Partner Conference. The ASD-S2 humanoid robot features 31 degrees of freedom and a 5 kg payload, aimed at research and algorithm validation. The company plans to leverage its...
On October 13, Shenzhen-based Astribot announced a new funding round of 1 billion yuan, raising its valuation to 15 billion yuan. This marks a significant increase from its previous valuation of 10 billion yuan just three months prior, highlighting the rapid growth and interest in its innovative hum...
XPENG has set a target for the second half of 2027 to launch its IRON humanoid robot in Europe, following its previously announced international delivery plans for next year. The schedule was revealed by Founder and CEO He Xiaopeng during the Paris Night event on October 11, outlining three key mile...
XPeng has officially commenced operations of its automated production line for humanoid robots, with the first IRON robot successfully completing its final assembly and autonomously walking off the line. This milestone signifies XPeng's transition from research and development to mass production of...
XPENG has unveiled its first production-intent humanoid robot, IRON, which recently completed its automated assembly line debut. CEO He Xiaopeng shared insights in a candid video, addressing the engineering challenges and public skepticism faced during the six-year development process. He emphasized...
XPeng has commenced production of its humanoid robot, Iron, with initial units set to be deployed in the company's stores before a broader market launch in 2027. The production lines are highly automated, with over 80% of core processes automated, and Iron boasts 76 degrees of freedom and three Turi...
Chinese automaker XPENG has raised over $900 million for its humanoid robotics division, achieving a valuation exceeding $6.3 billion. This funding round, led by IDG Capital and Gaorong Ventures with support from Alibaba and Tencent, is the largest in China's embodied AI sector. The capital will be...
Xiaopeng Motors has announced that its humanoid robot, Iron, will be launched globally in 2027. The robot, standing 1.73 meters tall and equipped with AI similar to that used in autonomous driving, will first be deployed in approximately 1,000 locations across China, including stores, offices, and f...
Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng is ramping up production of its Iron humanoid robot, targeting over 1,000 units monthly by the end of 2026. This increase is in preparation for a global rollout planned for 2027, with initial deployment as sales assistants in China showrooms. The significance of...
Xiaopeng Motors has announced plans to launch its IRON humanoid robot globally by 2027, aiming to ramp up production to over 1,000 units per month by the end of this year. The robot will initially serve as a sales assistant in domestic stores, with expansion to international locations later in the y...
XPENG has announced plans to commence mass production of its IRON humanoid robot by the end of 2026. Deliveries are expected to begin in the first half of 2027, with a European rollout slated for the latter half of the year. This timeline was shared by chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng during an event in...
Minerva Humanoids has emerged from stealth mode, announcing approximately $10 million in pre-seed funding aimed at developing semi-autonomous humanoid robots for hazardous work environments. The funding round was led by General Catalyst, with Long Journey Ventures and Credo Ventures as co-leads, and...
Humanoid robots, designed with human-like body structures, have the potential to assist in various environments such as homes, offices, and healthcare facilities. However, for effective deployment, these robots must demonstrate the ability to navigate safely through cluttered and dynamic spaces. Thi...
Agility Robotics has introduced Digit 5, a next-generation humanoid robot designed for cooperative work in environments where safety is paramount. Built on over 65,000 hours of operation and commercial deployments, Digit 5 can handle full facility workflows and operate alongside humans without the n...
In September 2026, Xpeng Motors officially launched the automated production line for its humanoid robot IRON in Guangzhou, aiming for mass production by the end of the year. This initiative signifies the transfer of quality management systems from automotive manufacturing to the robotics sector, as...
Chinese automaker XPeng has initiated the production of its IRON humanoid robot at a new facility in Guangzhou, marking a significant step towards commercial-scale manufacturing. An IRON robot successfully walked off the production line autonomously, showcasing XPeng's integration of robotics and AI...
XPENG has officially launched its humanoid robot production lines, successfully completing the manufacturing of the world's first advanced humanoid robot. This milestone signifies a significant transition from research and development prototyping to actual production-line manufacturing. The achieve...
XPENG has officially commenced mass production of its humanoid robot, IRON, which it claims to be the first high-level general-purpose humanoid robot manufactured on a commercial assembly line. This milestone follows a significant $900 million funding round, positioning XPENG to challenge Tesla in t...
XPeng Motors announced that its Dogotix robotics unit has successfully raised over $900 million in its initial funding round, achieving a post-transaction valuation exceeding $6.3 billion. This funding will be utilized to enhance the development of hardware and software for the IRON humanoid robot,...
On August 19, NORINCO unveiled its full-size humanoid robot, Fuxi, at the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing. This robot is designed for remote human control in hazardous areas, utilizing a system that allows operators to replicate their movements in real-time. Fuxi aims to operate in environmen...
UBTECH has announced partnerships aimed at accelerating the deployment of humanoid robots in European retail logistics environments. This initiative is part of UBTECH's broader strategy to expand its global footprint and enhance operational efficiencies in logistics through advanced robotics technol...
On October 12, 2026, the 26th China International Industrial Expo kicked off at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, running until October 16. During the event, Brainstone and its partner Smart Dynamics unveiled the EBK-HR D1 series, a wheeled dual-arm humanoid robot designed f...
China has established an early advantage in the development of advanced humanoid hardware, positioning itself strategically in the $5 trillion AI humanoid race. This lead is significant as it highlights China's commitment to becoming a global leader in high-tech fields, particularly in robotics and...
KAIST has announced a new strategy focusing on physical AI technologies applicable across various industries, moving away from standalone humanoid robots. President Bae Choong-sik showcased this approach by demonstrating an AI-powered exoskeleton that monitors physical conditions through sensors, em...
Shanghai-based Archon Robotics has unveiled its first demonstration of Whole-Body Intelligence (WBI), a system that coordinates humanoid robots' movements with task understanding. This innovative approach integrates high-level task planning with full-body motion, allowing robots to execute complex a...
Shanghai has successfully incorporated 8,000 humanoid robots into its factory operations, marking a significant advancement in automation technology. This integration aims to enhance productivity and efficiency within manufacturing processes, showcasing the city's commitment to embracing robotics in...
The ALBATROSS, developed by a research team from Singapore University of Technology and Design, is an innovative aerial sailing robot designed for environmental monitoring in remote ocean areas. Unlike traditional methods that rely on slow boats or costly airdropped buoys, ALBATROSS can descend gent...
In 2026, China's humanoid robot shipments surpassed 40,000 units, capturing a 97% global market share. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology forecasts that the total output for the year may exceed 100,000 units. However, a significant barrier remains in the form of data, as training th...
The 26th China International Industry Fair has commenced in Shanghai, focusing on next-generation intelligent manufacturing. The event highlights significant advancements in industrialization and engineering capabilities, showcasing both original breakthroughs and the scaling of technologies. This...
BYD, alongside Xpeng and Tesla, is entering the humanoid robot market, signaling a shift in the automotive industry. Reports suggested BYD would deploy 20,000 humanoid robots in its factories this year, which the company later denied. However, the key takeaway is that automakers are transitioning fr...
At the 2026 Industry Fair, Inovance introduced its humanoid robot, demonstrating its capabilities in collaborative automotive welding. This marks a significant transition for the company, which has over two decades of experience in industrial automation, as it ventures into the realm of embodied int...
In recent years, humanoid robots have gained traction with advancements in motors, dexterous hands, large models, and flexible skins. However, a significant issue has emerged: the lack of standardization across different manufacturers' robots, hardware interfaces, and development systems. This fragm...
Archon Robotics has presented its inaugural demonstration of Whole-Body Intelligence (WBI), showcasing its development of AI for legged humanoids. The Shanghai-based company aims to enhance task understanding through coordinated movement of the robot's entire body, emphasizing the importance of huma...
Humanoid robots are demonstrating improved capabilities in ball sports, yet replicating a professional athlete's motion style while ensuring reliable performance remains a challenge. This article discusses an adaptive motion planning and tracking framework that learns tennis serving and rally techni...
On October 10, Wuxi Juxie Intelligent and Moxian Technology announced simultaneous funding rounds in the embodied intelligence supply chain. AgiBot is listed as an investor in both companies, which focus on integrated joint modules and flexible tactile sensors, respectively. This trend reflects a gr...
At the World Humanoid Robot Games 2026 in Beijing, robots showcased impressive skills, including sprinting and boxing, with the Tiangong Ultra completing 100 meters in 8.64 seconds, surpassing Usain Bolt's record. However, the true test of humanoid robots lies in their ability to perform everyday ta...
The rental prices for humanoid robots in China have significantly decreased, with daily rates dropping from five-figure yuan amounts in early 2025 to between ¥2,000 and ¥3,000 in early 2026. Some listings, such as those for Unitree humanoids, are now available for as low as ¥289 per day, although th...
At the end of September, market research firms Frost & Sullivan and IDC reported significant growth in the humanoid robot sector, with IDC noting nearly 25,000 units shipped globally in the first half of 2026, marking a 432.1% increase year-over-year. In contrast, Frost & Sullivan reported 36,000 un...
JAKA Robotics has introduced the Kargo50, a heavy-duty wheeled humanoid designed for factory tote handling, alongside the Zu50, a 50 kg collaborative arm. These products were launched at the China International Industry Fair in Shanghai, showcasing the company's commitment to advancing automation so...
On October 6, BYD Company Limited was granted a design patent for a humanoid robot named 'Embodied Intelligent Robot,' which features walking, balancing, and interaction capabilities for service, education, or industrial scenarios. This patent marks a significant milestone for BYD, which established...
Chinese automaker BYD has introduced the design of its first self-developed humanoid robot, signaling a significant move into embodied AI and robotics. This initiative could lead to the deployment of autonomous machines in its factories and dealerships. The patent, published by China’s National Inte...
Westlake Robotics has introduced its WR1 general brain, which enables humanoid robots to perform a series of household tasks, including a unique two-robot trouser folding operation. This innovative approach is touted as a world first, showcasing the dexterity of the robots' hands. The significance...
Kuawei Intelligence has made significant strides in deploying humanoid robots across hundreds of locations. This advancement marks a pivotal moment in the integration of robotics into various sectors, showcasing the potential for enhanced automation and efficiency. The deployment of humanoid robots...
A recent event showcased 16 humanoid robots performing K-pop dances in Times Square, an initiative backed by a South Korean entertainment technology company. This performance highlights the growing intersection of robotics and entertainment, illustrating how technology can enhance cultural experienc...
In Episode 265 of The Robot Report Podcast, Jeanine Sinanan-Singh, director of generative AI research at Appen, discusses the critical role of human involvement in training robots. She emphasizes that while humanoid robot demonstrations may appear impressive, they do not necessarily indicate that th...
Recent developments indicate a divergence in the sizes of humanoid robots following a period of full-scale crowding. This shift suggests that companies are exploring different design philosophies and applications for humanoid robots, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. This trend is sign...
BYD's humanoid robot design has been revealed through newly surfaced patent images, showcasing a bipedal machine with a distinct appearance. The images, sourced from a Chinese design patent, depict a robot featuring a dark oval face, light-colored body panels, articulated fingers, and a narrow waist...
UBTECH, a Chinese robotics firm, has partnered with FAW-Volkswagen to develop and test humanoid robots for logistics applications in vehicle manufacturing. This collaboration aims to enhance factory logistics and smart manufacturing by creating demonstration scenarios and evaluating robotic solution...
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
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