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Website: https://circus-group.com
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Email: [email protected]
St.-Martin-Straße 112 (HQ and main office)
Munich, Bavaria 81669
Circus Group
Circus Group develops autonomous AI-robotics systems for food production. CA-1 is a patented kitchen robot integrating induction heating, robotic arms for dispensing/cooking/plating, computer vision for quality monitoring, advanced sensors, and machine learning. It operates via proprietary Circus OS for real-time control and task automation including cooking, cleaning, cooling, and packaging with minimal human intervention.
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University of Plymouth Launches £1.2 Million Multi-Robot Demonstration at Smart Sound Connect
The University of Plymouth has successfully completed a significant underwater trials demonstration at the Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS) project, showcasing multi-marine robotic platforms. This event featured collaboration among ACUA Ocean, ecoSUB Robotics, Seaber, and Sonardyne, highlighting the capabilities of the £1.2 million initiative aimed at enhancing marine autonomy and ocean sensing in the UK. The demonstration attracted stakeholders from various sectors, emphasizing the project's role in advancing technology in marine environments. The SSCS project enhances the existing Smart Sound Plymouth testbed by integrating a seabed node array for precise positioning and communication, alongside intelligent sensors. This infrastructure supports advanced testing capabilities for autonomous vehicles, reinforcing Plymouth's status as a leading hub for marine autonomy. The successful demonstration underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in developing ocean observing technologies that can provide actionable intelligence for climate resilience and preparedness. Looking ahead, the SSCS project aims to further develop ocean observing technologies that can transform prototypes into reliable data streams. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication, but the ongoing collaboration is expected to drive innovation and strengthen industry partnerships in marine autonomy and sensing technologies.
Marine Research ACUA Ocean automation autonomous underwater vehicles auv
AVI-SPL and Volvo Autonomous Solutions Launch Freight Operations Between Dallas and Houston
AVI-SPL, in partnership with Volvo Autonomous Solutions, has initiated commercial autonomous freight operations between Dallas and Houston using the Volvo VNL Autonomous vehicle powered by the Aurora Driver. This operation will facilitate the transport of audio-visual electronics, including new products and end-of-life equipment for recycling, enhancing AVI-SPL's Electronic Recycling Program. This collaboration is significant as it addresses the increasing freight demand in the U.S. amid a shortage of qualified drivers and delivery capacity constraints. By leveraging autonomous transport technologies, AVI-SPL aims to improve logistics operations, enhance service delivery, and meet the needs of time-sensitive freight, thereby reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry. Looking ahead, this partnership represents a pivotal advancement in the application of autonomous trucking in logistics. As freight capacity demand escalates, the focus will be on how these technologies can enhance supply chain efficiency, improve asset utilization, and ensure cargo security. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Autonomous Vehicles News Technology aurora driver autonomous freight autonomous trucking
MIT and EPFL Develop Aerial-Aquatic Robot for Enhanced Environmental Studies
In a groundbreaking demonstration, two full teams of humanoid robots engaged in an 11-vs-11 soccer match at RoboCup 2026 in Incheon, South Korea, marking a significant milestone in robotic sports. This event showcased the advancements in humanoid robotics, with Tech United competing against IRIS, bringing the vision of robot soccer closer to reality. The significance of this event lies in its potential to drive interest and investment in humanoid robotics and AI technologies. As robots like Boston Dynamics' Atlas perform in front of large audiences, the market for humanoid robots in entertainment and practical applications is expected to grow. Additionally, the introduction of advanced robotic hands by 1X, featuring 25 degrees of freedom, highlights the ongoing evolution in dexterity and manipulation capabilities. Looking ahead, the next major robotics events include the Summer School on Multi-Robot Systems in Prague from July 29 to August 4, 2026, and IROS 2026 in Pittsburgh from September 27 to October 1, 2026. These gatherings will likely showcase further advancements in robotics and provide a platform for collaboration and innovation in the field. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Video-friday Humanoids Robotics World-cup
Commercial UAV Expo Launches DRONERESPONDERS Course with FIFA Airspace Security Insights
The Commercial UAV Expo has introduced a two-day DRONERESPONDERS Program Management Course, coinciding with the 2026 DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Summit. Scheduled for September 1-3, 2026, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, the course aims to provide insights from the FIFA World Cup airspace security operations, where over 600 drones were seized across 11 U.S. host cities since the tournament began on June 11. This initiative is significant as it highlights the challenges and lessons learned from managing airspace security during high-profile events like the World Cup. Federal agencies reported detecting more than 1,000 drones near venues, emphasizing the need for effective public safety airspace management. The insights gained will also inform preparations for the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, supported by a $250 million FEMA grant for counter-UAS measures. Looking ahead, the program will feature panels on various topics relevant to public safety agencies, including UAS operations and interagency collaboration. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication regarding additional sessions or future developments in the program's curriculum.
Drone News Drone News Feeds Expos and Drone Shows News 2028 LA Olympics AAM
SkyDrive Partners with Japan Biz Aviation for 2028 eVTOL Launch Framework
SkyDrive Inc., a Toyota-based eVTOL manufacturer, has partnered with Japan Biz Aviation Co., Ltd. to establish a commercial framework for its eVTOL launch by 2028. This memorandum of understanding, announced on July 9, 2026, will leverage JBZ's expertise in operating HondaJet and Bell 429 helicopters to facilitate eVTOL flights in Japan. SkyDrive currently holds orders for 427 aircraft, including 354 pre-orders and 73 purchase agreements, with a notable 20-unit order from AeroGulf Services in Dubai. The collaboration is significant as it aims to bridge the operational gap for domestic buyers, many of whom lack an air operator’s certificate. SkyDrive plans to engage experienced operators to support commercial flights, enhancing the viability of eVTOL technology in Japan. The agreement follows SkyDrive's earlier partnership with a Japanese helicopter operator and underscores the importance of operational frameworks in promoting advanced air mobility. Looking ahead, SkyDrive is actively pursuing type certification with civil aviation authorities in both Japan and the United States, with a target service entry in 2028. Production of the SKYDRIVE aircraft commenced in March 2024, and the company plans to showcase its eVTOL capabilities during demonstration flights at the 2025 Osaka Expo. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Advanced Air Mobility Air Taxi Drone News Drone News Feeds Japan Drone Industry Japan Drone News
JAIST and King's College Develop EleTac Soft Gripper with Integrated Tactile Sensing
Researchers from Japan's JAIST and King's College London have developed EleTac, a soft robotic gripper inspired by the trunk of an elephant. This innovative design integrates grasping, external tactile perception, and proprioception within a single soft structure. The gripper can manipulate various objects, including tofu and fabric, while estimating contact position and force using a vacuum system operating at 30 kPa. The significance of EleTac lies in its ability to handle delicate and irregularly shaped items, addressing the challenges of soft robotics. Traditional rigid grippers utilize clear joints for sensing, while soft grippers often struggle with limited perception due to their material properties. EleTac's design allows for continuous tactile sensing across its surface, enhancing its ability to discern between self-induced deformations and external contacts. Future developments will focus on refining the visual-based tactile sensing capabilities of EleTac, which utilizes an internal optical system to monitor material deformation. This advancement could lead to improved performance in applications requiring precise manipulation of fragile objects. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Soft Robotics Tactile Sensing Proprioception Robotic Grippers
1X Enhances NEO Humanoid Robot with Advanced 25-DOF Hands for Versatile Tasks
Norwegian robotics firm 1X has introduced new 25-degree-of-freedom (DOF) tendon-driven hands for its NEO humanoid robot, marking a significant advancement in robotic dexterity. These hands feature 22 actuated joints across the fingers and palm, along with three at the wrist, enabling NEO to perform tasks such as assembling LEGO models and catching balls with precision and strength. The redesigned hands allow for force sensing and durability, overcoming previous hardware limitations in robotic manipulation. With a unique tendon-drive system and low gear ratios, the hands can detect contact forces and provide continuous proprioception, enhancing the robot's ability to manipulate objects safely and effectively. The hands' human-like joint distribution, particularly the opposable thumb, facilitates a wide range of fine manipulation tasks, making NEO suitable for various household applications. 1X has commenced mass production of the NEO robot at its new California facility, aiming to commercialize home robots for daily assistance. The company emphasizes the hands' combination of precision, strength, and safety features, including IP68 waterproofing and self-cleaning capabilities. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI and Robotics
Booster Robotics Powers All Gold Medal Wins at RoboCup 2026 in South Korea
At the RoboCup 2026 held in Incheon, South Korea, Tsinghua University's Fire God team secured the championship title by defeating their opponent 6-2. Notably, all gold medals in the humanoid categories were won by robots from the same Chinese company, Booster Robotics. A total of 59 teams participated, with 38 utilizing Booster Robotics' platforms, including the Booster T1, K1, and K1 Air models. The significance of this achievement lies in the shift towards a shared robotics platform, allowing teams to focus on advanced capabilities such as visual perception and multi-agent collaboration rather than starting from scratch. This year, teams like B-Human and the University of Wuhan leveraged Booster Robotics' technology, which has evolved to enhance leg movement control, enabling high-speed running and quick recovery from falls. This collaborative approach has streamlined development and improved performance in competitive settings. Looking ahead, the emergence of the youngest participating team from Macau, which utilized Booster Studio for algorithm training, highlights the growing accessibility of robotics education. As more teams adopt Booster Robotics' platforms, the trend towards a unified infrastructure for embodied intelligence is becoming evident. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Humanoid Robots Robotics Competitions AI Robotics Development
Epson Unveils Digital Solutions at 2026 China B2B E-commerce Expo
From July 4 to 5, 2026, the China B2B E-commerce Expo took place in Hangzhou, showcasing various enterprise service providers and e-commerce platforms. Epson (China) Co., Ltd. presented multiple collaborative solutions alongside ecosystem partners, engaging directly with clients to better understand B2B user needs and foster ecosystem cooperation. The significance of Epson's participation lies in its strategic focus on addressing industry pain points, such as the competitive pricing of B2B hardware and shrinking profits for service providers. The company introduced its Nebula Plan ecosystem, which emphasizes a four-tier development logic: product solutionization, solution productization, product service integration, and business ecosystem development. This approach aims to connect supply and demand effectively through an online platform that links quality partners across the nation. Epson showcased standardized digital solutions tailored to government and enterprise client needs, including intelligent receipt robots and RFID asset coding solutions. The interactive nature of the event attracted significant client interest, indicating a strong market demand for comprehensive solutions. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
B2B E-commerce Digital Solutions Ecosystem Collaboration Business Growth
UBTECH Advances China's First Industry Standard for Collaborative Intelligent Systems by 2026
Recently, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology approved the development of the first industry standard for collaborative intelligent systems, led by UBTECH Robotics. The standard, titled 'Control Interface Specifications for Embodied Collective Intelligent Systems in Industrial Applications,' aims to address interoperability issues among multi-robot systems in industrial settings, marking a significant step in standardization. This initiative is crucial as industrial production shifts from single-robot operations to collaborative multi-robot systems. The lack of unified protocols and control interfaces has hindered the scalability of collective intelligence technologies. The new standard will provide clear guidelines for task allocation, fault reporting, and security interactions, facilitating better integration of diverse robotic systems in smart factories and logistics. Looking ahead, UBTECH is also collaborating with the China Electronics Standardization Institute to develop a reference architecture for collective intelligent systems. This comprehensive framework will define key terminologies and functional modules, further solidifying the foundation for collective intelligence standards in China. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Humanoid Robots Industrial Automation AI Standards Collective Intelligence Robotics
RobotToday Weekly Industry Briefing: January 4 - january 9, 2026
Global robotics shifts from CES 2026: humanoid commercialization accelerates, industrial AI deepens, labor tensions rise, and robotics markets recalibrate.
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