Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Icarus Robotics Selects KULR Technology for JOY Space Robot's Power System
Icarus Robotics has announced KULR Technology Group as the battery supplier for its autonomous free-flying robot, JOY, which is set to launch to the International Space Station (ISS) in early 2027. KULR will provide its KULR ONE Space (K1S) battery systems, engineered to NASA safety standards, ensuring reliable operation aboard the ISS. The partnership is significant as KULR’s battery technology has already been validated during the Artemis II lunar mission, which enhances the approval process with NASA. Icarus co-founder Ethan Barajas emphasized the importance of flight heritage in the space sector, stating that proven components expedite the approval process, crucial for a startup like Icarus. Looking ahead, JOY, powered by embodied AI, aims to assist astronauts with routine tasks and infrastructure maintenance, allowing them to concentrate on more critical research objectives. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Aerospace Batteries / Power Supplies Markets / Industries News Technologies Icarus
Icarus Robotics Conducts First True Microgravity Tests for ISS-Bound Robot JOY
Icarus Robotics is conducting four parabolic flights from September 9 to 11 to test JOY, its free-flying robot designed for the International Space Station (ISS). This marks the first operation of JOY in true microgravity, allowing for critical assessments of its capabilities. The significance of this testing lies in JOY's role in alleviating the workload of astronauts, who are currently limited in number and time. With NASA valuing astronaut time at approximately $130,000 per hour, optimizing robotic assistance for cargo handling and logistics is crucial as the demand for operations in space increases. Looking ahead, JOY is scheduled to launch to the ISS in 2027 as part of the JOYRIDE-1 mission. The data collected from these parabolic flights will be instrumental in refining JOY's systems before its hardware is handed over to NASA in January. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
News Space embodied ai free-flying robot icarus robotics international space station
Icarus Robotics Successfully Tests JOY Robot in Microgravity for ISS Mission
Icarus Robotics announced the successful testing of its free-flying robot, JOY, during four parabolic flights from September 9 to 11. Over these flights, JOY completed 66 parabolas, achieving a total of 2 minutes of weightlessness. This robot is designed to operate within the International Space Station (ISS) and assist with cargo and logistics tasks. The significance of this testing lies in Icarus Robotics' goal to enhance astronaut efficiency by allowing them to focus on critical research and mission objectives. The company plans to launch JOY, named Joyride-1, to the ISS in 2027, following a mission management agreement with Voyager Technologies. The recent flights mark a crucial step before the finalization of JOY’s hardware for NASA handover in January. Looking ahead, Icarus Robotics aims to refine JOY's capabilities further, having already tested its manipulation, state estimation, and flight control systems. The positive results from these tests provide confidence for the upcoming handover to NASA, as the team prepares for the next phase of development and deployment.
Aerospace Arms / Manipulators Cobot Arms Collaborative Robots End Effectors / Grippers Markets / Industries
Elon Musk Enjoys Humanoid Robot Fights at Shenzhen Combat Event
A humanoid robot combat event organized by a Shenzhen robotics company has gained significant attention, including from Tesla CEO Elon Musk. On July 19, Musk shared a video of the event on social media, stating, 'Robot fights are fun.' The video showcased two EngineAI T800 humanoid robots engaging in combat within an MMA-style octagonal cage. The significance of this event lies in its demonstration of advanced robotics capabilities, as the competing robots, standing 1.73 meters tall and weighing 75 kilograms, performed various combat maneuvers. Notably, one robot continued to fight even after losing its head, showcasing resilience and the effectiveness of its torso-mounted control system. This event is promoted as the world's first industrial-grade humanoid robot free-fighting competition. Looking ahead, the interest generated by this event may lead to further developments in humanoid robotics and combat applications. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
News Feed
This jumping $800 robot camera dog filled me with joy
A new innovative drone designed to resemble a playful dog is capturing attention for its unique capabilities. This drone, which can run, jump, and perform tricks on command, offers a fresh alternative to traditional drones that often create noise and annoyance. Developed by a team of engineers and designers, the drone aims to enhance user experience by providing a more engaging and interactive way to capture video footage. Set to be showcased at a technology expo in early 2024, the drone not only entertains but also demonstrates resilience, as it can recover from crashes and continue functioning effectively. The creators emphasize that this design is intended to make drone technology more accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience, including families and hobbyists. By combining advanced robotics with playful aesthetics, the team hopes to redefine how people perceive and interact with drones, making them less intimidating and more fun.
Cameras Drones Gadgets Robot Tech
JD.com files trademark for ‘Joyrobotaxi,’ signaling interest in autonomous ride-hailing
JD.com, the prominent Chinese e-commerce company, has taken steps to enter the autonomous taxi market by filing for the trademark “Joyrobotaxi.” A subsidiary of JD.com submitted multiple applications to the China National Intellectual Property Administration on April 1 and April 9. These filings encompass a range of services, including advertising, scientific instruments, and vehicle maintenance, indicating the company's strategic move to diversify its business portfolio and explore new technological avenues in the rapidly evolving transportation sector. This initiative aligns with JD.com's broader ambitions to leverage its technological expertise and expand its presence in the autonomous vehicle industry.
News FeedRobotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Join the RobotToday community on LinkedIn
Daily robotics news, in-depth analysis, conference highlights, and discussions with professionals worldwide.
