Carbon
US additive manufacturing company founded in 2013, producing industrial 3D printers and parts via its proprietary Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) process.
Carbon (formerly Carbon3D), founded in 2013 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, USA, is a digital manufacturing company specializing in additive manufacturing using its proprietary Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) technology. DLS integrates hardware, software, and programmable liquid resins to produce durable end-use parts with consistent mechanical properties. Carbon's printer portfolio includes the M1, M2, and M3 series for prototyping and production, and the high-volume L1 printer for large-format manufacturing.
The company serves industries including automotive, industrial, dental, and medical device sectors. Carbon operates a SaaS model, providing customers with software and materials access alongside hardware. The company employs 201–500 people and is venture-backed.
Its Crunchbase profile lists the organization as carbon3d.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Carbon M3 3D Printer
Industrial DLS 3D printer for prototyping and production of end-use polymer parts with consistent mechanical properties.
Contact Carbon
WEBSITE
https://www.carbon3d.comHEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
2013
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
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Assessing Robot Sustainability: The Robotics Eco-Label Initiative and Its Impact
The Robotics Eco-Label project, led by Bram Vanderborght at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, aims to quantify the sustainability of robots through a web-based Toolkit. This initiative evaluates robots based on metrics such as resource conservation and carbon footprint, providing a 0–100 Eco-Score. The project seeks to make environmental trade-offs visible early in the design process, promoting sustainable choices in robotics. This initiative is crucial as it addresses the environmental impact of robotics throughout its lifecycle, from material extraction to end-of-life. By offering a structured assessment, the Robotics Eco-Label Toolkit enables developers to make informed decisions that enhance sustainability, potentially giving companies a competitive edge in the market. Looking ahead, the Robotics Eco-Label project, along with other IEEE RAS Sustainability Grant-funded initiatives, will continue to shape the future of sustainable robotics. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
New Material Technology Reduces Jet Turbulence and Aerodynamic Drag at 640 mph
A recent study from the University of Colorado Boulder introduces a novel material-based approach aimed at reducing aerodynamic drag and turbulence in air vehicles. This innovation could lead to significant fuel savings for commercial airlines and high-speed aircraft, especially as severe turbulence has increased by 55% since 1979 due to climate change. The research focuses on modifying subsurface materials beneath an aircraft's skin to neutralize turbulence at its source, rather than solely relying on aerodynamic shape changes. By utilizing synthetic materials that generate microscopic vibrations, the technology aims to dampen chaotic friction, potentially cutting carbon emissions and saving airlines billions in fuel costs for flights consuming over 10,000 gallons per trip. Looking ahead, the study's findings could revolutionize aircraft design and performance. The introduction of phononic subsurfaces (PSubs) allows for dynamic interaction with airflow, enhancing vehicle performance. Future developments may further refine these materials to address the complexities of real-world turbulence, as researchers continue to explore super-resonance and scatterless interference techniques.
Science
Amazon to Expand Prime Air Drone Delivery to Nearly 500 U.S. Cities by 2026
Amazon.com Inc. announced plans to expand its Prime Air drone delivery service to nearly 500 cities and towns across the U.S. by the end of 2026, marking a sixfold increase from its current service area. This expansion aims to provide tens of millions of customers with access to drone delivery for groceries, electronics, cosmetics, medications, and household products. The significance of this expansion lies in Amazon's commitment to enhancing customer convenience with ultrafast delivery options. David Carbon, vice president of Amazon Prime Air, stated that deliveries can be made in as fast as 30 minutes, with hundreds of thousands of packages already delivered by drone this year. The service is currently operational in seven states and is set to launch in additional metro areas, including Chicago and Atlanta, later this year. Looking ahead, Amazon's Prime Air service is not only expanding in the U.S. but has also launched in Darlington, U.K., marking its first international deployment. As the company continues to innovate in drone technology and delivery logistics, it will be important to monitor how this service evolves and its impact on the broader logistics and retail landscape. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Drones News Retail / Wholesale Robots / Platforms Unmanned Aerial Systems / Drones Amazon
Mafix Secures $5.4 Million to Enhance Silicate Rock Weathering for Sustainable Fertilizer
Mafix has successfully raised $5.4 million in pre-seed funding to advance its innovative approach to enhanced rock weathering, which accelerates the weathering of silicate minerals. This technology not only aids in carbon removal but also enhances crop yields and reduces fertilizer costs. The funding round was led by Azolla Ventures, with contributions from several other investors. The significance of this funding lies in its potential to revolutionize agricultural practices by utilizing crushed silicate rocks, such as basalt and olivine, to bind atmospheric carbon dioxide and improve soil quality. By producing 1,000 tons of product for trials across the U.S., Mafix aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of its technology, which could simplify measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) processes in carbon removal. Looking ahead, the company plans to conduct larger-scale trials to validate its claims regarding improved crop yields and nutrient release from its silicates. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Agtech Climate & sustainability Startups & funding US & Canada
A Scholar's 25-Year Journey in Robotics and Focus on Companion Technology
In 1998, Zhang Fumin attended an international robotics conference in the U.S. with fewer than 400 attendees. Recently, he participated in the same conference in Vienna, which attracted 10,000 participants. Over 25 years, he has witnessed the evolution of the robotics industry but claims to have 'perfectly missed all opportunities for wealth.' Initially focused on model-based control during his PhD, he shifted to entrepreneurship when the industry moved towards data-driven approaches, choosing to develop companion technology rather than humanoid robots. Zhang emphasizes the principle of 'bounded companionship,' advocating for products that do not encourage addiction among minors or serve as substitutes for human interaction. Instead, his aim is to foster connections between people. He illustrates this with a story from Jin Yong's novel, where a character becomes so absorbed in a statue that he neglects real relationships. Zhang believes that while no product can eliminate loneliness, it can help alleviate it, promoting a balance between carbon-based and silicon-based intelligences. In 2023, Zhang returned to China as the director of the Robotics Institute at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, fully committing to the entrepreneurial path in companion technology. His students have successfully secured funding in underwater embodied intelligence, and he has also achieved funding in the companion technology sector. 'This year is a magic year,' he states, reflecting on the journey ahead.
Companion Robots Robotics Research Human-Robot Interaction AI Technology
Amazon Prime Air to Expand Drone Delivery Service to Nearly 500 U.S. Locations by 2026
Amazon is set to significantly expand its Prime Air drone delivery service, aiming to reach nearly 500 cities and towns across the United States by the end of 2026. This expansion will increase the service's operational footprint approximately sixfold, enhancing its current operations from 11 sites in 10 metro areas. The importance of this expansion lies in Amazon's commitment to providing faster delivery options. With drone deliveries capable of arriving in as little as 30 minutes, the company aims to enhance customer satisfaction and convenience. David Carbon, vice president of Amazon Prime Air, highlighted that the service has already delivered hundreds of thousands of packages this year, with plans to serve a broader customer base by 2026. Looking ahead, Amazon plans to launch drone delivery services in additional metro areas, including Chicago, Syracuse, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Boise, later this year. The expansion reflects Amazon's ongoing investment in its drone delivery capabilities, which began commercial operations in 2020 under FAA regulations, allowing for beyond visual line of sight operations, crucial for scaling its delivery network.
Applications Delivery Drone News Drone News Feeds News amazon drone delivery
Amazon Expands Prime Air Drone Delivery to Nearly 500 US Cities and Towns
Amazon's Prime Air service is set to expand its drone delivery capabilities to nearly 500 cities and towns across the United States by the end of this year. This expansion marks a significant increase in coverage, growing sixfold from its current footprint. New metro areas for drone deliveries include Chicago, Syracuse, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Boise, joining 11 existing locations. The importance of this expansion lies in Amazon's ability to deliver packages weighing up to 5 pounds within approximately 60 minutes after checkout. According to David Carbon, vice president of Prime Air, the service has already successfully delivered hundreds of thousands of packages this year. This rapid delivery service aims to enhance customer satisfaction and streamline logistics in urban areas. Looking ahead, Amazon plans to continue expanding its drone delivery service, with more communities expected to be added later this year. The company has emphasized its commitment to safety, highlighting the industry-leading Detect-and-Avoid system to address concerns from communities regarding drone operations, especially following previous incidents involving crashes.
Amazon Drones News Tech
NASA Supports Development of SPARK Aerobots for Exploring Titan's Caves
NASA is funding the development of spherical 'Aerobots' known as SPARK, designed for exploring the caves of Titan, Saturn's moon. These small flying vehicles aim to navigate Titan's unique hydrocarbon terrain, which is challenging for traditional rovers. Project lead Daniel Drew from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa indicated that SPARK is currently in a nine-month Phase 1 grant, with further development needed before potential deployment. The significance of SPARK lies in its innovative use of ion propulsion technology, which could enhance exploration capabilities in Titan's icy conditions. Drew's design promises improved maneuverability and persistence, potentially allowing for extensive cave exploration similar to the Ingenuity helicopter's success on Mars. The timeline for SPARK's readiness remains uncertain, especially in relation to NASA's Dragonfly mission, targeted for a 2028 launch. Looking ahead, the development of SPARK could revolutionize our understanding of Titan's geology and atmosphere. As the project progresses through its phases, the potential for late-mission additions to Dragonfly may arise, depending on any delays. Drew's ongoing research into electrohydrodynamic propulsion could pave the way for future advancements in aerial exploration technologies on other celestial bodies.
Technology
Rolls-Royce Successfully Tests Modern Aero Gas Turbine on 100% Hydrogen Through Flight Cycle
Rolls-Royce has successfully demonstrated a modern aero gas turbine operating on 100% hydrogen throughout a simulated flight cycle, which included take-off, cruise, and landing phases. This significant achievement, supported by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), marks a crucial step towards the potential use of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel for future aircraft. The importance of this demonstration lies in its potential to eliminate in-flight carbon dioxide emissions, addressing the aviation sector's contribution of approximately 2-3% to global CO2 emissions. The program, initiated in 2022 in collaboration with easyJet, aimed to validate the reliability of hydrogen in aircraft gas turbines across various flight conditions, showcasing the need for advanced fuel delivery and combustion systems. Looking ahead, the insights gained from this testing will inform future propulsion innovations, including the UltraFan project. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication, but the collaboration among Rolls-Royce, TCS, and other industry partners signifies a strong commitment to advancing hydrogen propulsion technologies.
Energy
WAIC Review 4/4: From Port AGVs to Hospital Night Shifts: What WAIC 2026 Reveals About Real Robot Deployments
From 530+ AGVs at a Singapore port to robots on Apple's line, WAIC 2026 speakers shared concrete data on where embodied AI robots are actually working today.
Shanghai Concludes Spring Training for Robotics Teams with Real-World Testing
Thirty-two maker teams showcased their robots in a real-world environment, tackling tasks such as CityWalk, coffee delivery, and urban inspections. Despite their capabilities, the robots faced challenges, including reliance on remote control and limitations in long-distance tasks. This testing highlighted the need for standardized data systems among teams to facilitate collaboration between carbon-based and silicon-based entities. The training culminated in a short film depicting a robotic dog navigating various tasks, revealing both its limitations and the technological advancements made by participating teams. The film emphasized the importance of human oversight and decision-making in enhancing robotic functionality, such as modifying elevator access for robots. Shanghai has introduced the 'Dual-Base Friendly Agreement' to ensure that silicon-based entities do not compromise human safety or privacy. The team is drafting guidelines for creating friendly communities that integrate these technologies. As robots transition into everyday life, it is crucial to align technological advancements with urban planning, social norms, and human psychology.
Robotics Urban Navigation Human-Robot Interaction AI Technology
When a Materials Giant Meets Robotics: Covestro at Automate 2026
At Automate 2026, Covestro brought Makrolon, Bayblend, Baysafe BEF and Vulkollan to robotics — tackling weight, heat, sensing and sustainability for humanoids and AGV/AMRs.
Automate 2026 | Amprius SiCore SA88 Competes for Innovation Award in Robotics Battery Category
At Automate 2026 in Chicago, Amprius Technologies exhibited its SiCore SA88 silicon-anode pouch cell — 358 Wh/kg, 750 Wh/L — as a finalist in the Components, Hardware & Enabling Technologies category. Analysis of implications for AMR, UAV, and aerial mobility platforms.
CIIF 2026 | China International Industry Fair | Oct 12–16, Shanghai | CIROS Robot Show
CIIF 2026 — the 26th China International Industry Fair — takes place October 12–16 at Shanghai NECC. 10,000+ exhibitors, 280,000 sqm, including the CIROS Robot Show covering industrial robots, AMR, cobots, and intelligent manufacturing.
AGRICULTURAL ROBOTICS SERIES — Company Directory 2026
Access the definitive 2026 directory of 150+ agricultural robotics companies. A comprehensive reference guide covering autonomous tractors, harvest automation, precision weeding, and AI data platforms across the global agtech ecosystem.
ROBOTTODAY WEEKLY May 4 - 8, 2026
RobotToday Weekly covers the week's top robotics developments: Meta acquires humanoid robotics startup ARI, Genesis AI unveils GENE-26.5 foundation model, Hugging Face launches Reachy Mini robot app store, and 1X begins NEO humanoid production in California. Plus SoftBank's $100B robotics spinoff plans, $200M+ funding for humanoid robots, and 20 curated product launches across foundation models, robotaxi, surgical robotics, drone policy, and more. Curated for industry executives, investors, and robotics engineers.
Agricultural Robotics | 2025–2030 Outlook: The Labor Cost Reckoning
Agricultural robotics is projecting a $28–48 billion market by 2030 outside China, driven purely by labor cost replacement. Part 10 synthesizes the series: forecasting penetration ceilings, emerging technologies, and regional winners in the most consequential farming transformation since mechanization.
CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS | EXOSKELETONS & HUMAN AUGMENTATION
Construction musculoskeletal injuries cost US employers over $2 billion annually. Exoskeletons are moving from pilots to standard practice. Ottobock, German Bionic, Hyundai, and Innophys launched major products in 2024–2025. Korea and Japan lead adoption. AI is turning passive suits into connected safety platforms.
CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS | MODULAR, PREFAB & 3D PRINTING
Modular, prefab, and 3D printing are moving construction off-site. ICON's Phoenix printer targets multi-story builds. PERI-COBOD's DREIHAUS delivered 30% faster and 10% cheaper in Germany. WinSun re-enters the US as Gaudi Tech. The paradigm shift is accelerating.
EU Industrial Accelerator Act Signals Supply Chain Shift for Robotics Industry
The EU's Industrial Accelerator Act introduces "Made in EU" procurement rules and stricter foreign investment conditions, creating indirect pressure on robotics supply chains that rely heavily on Chinese components.
