DEKA Research & Development
US private R&D firm founded 1982 by Dean Kamen in Manchester, NH; developer of the FDA-approved LUKE robotic prosthetic arm and co-founder of FIRST Robotics.
DEKA Research & Development Corporation was founded in 1982 by inventor Dean Kamen and is headquartered at 340 Commercial Street, Manchester, New Hampshire. The company conducts proprietary internal research alongside contract R&D for major corporate and government clients, with expertise spanning medical devices, advanced robotics, power systems, and fluid management. DEKA is best known for the DEKA Arm System (LUKE Arm), developed under DARPA's Revolutionizing Prosthetics program and receiving FDA approval in 2014 as the first multi-grip powered prosthetic arm cleared by the agency.
The company also developed the iBOT mobility device and the Slingshot water purification system. Dean Kamen additionally founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a global youth robotics competition organization. DEKA employs hundreds of engineers and scientists focused on breakthrough technology with commercial and defense relevance.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
DEKA Arm System (LUKE Arm)
FDA-cleared multi-articulating powered prosthetic arm developed under DARPA's Revolutionizing Prosthetics program for upper-limb amputees.
Contact DEKA Research & Development
WEBSITE
https://www.dekaresearch.comPHONE
+1 603-669-5139HEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
1982
Primary Role
Research Institute
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
Certifications & Memberships
WRC 2026 Opening Ceremony Features Innovative Human-Robotic Handshake
On August 19, the World Robot Conference 2026 commenced at the Beiren Yichuang International Exhibition Center, showcasing a unique opening ceremony. Unlike previous years, the event featured a handshake between 11 bionic dexterous hands and guests, marking a significant technological advancement in human-robot interaction. This handshake utilized the X-Hand M1, developed by Yuequan Bionics, which incorporates 472 tactile sensors for precise grip feedback and control. The event highlighted the importance of developing robotic hands that can transition from mere demonstrations to practical applications, addressing a critical challenge in embodied intelligence. Attendees also witnessed the debut of the Y-Hand M2, which showcased high flexibility through a shadow performance in collaboration with Tsinghua University. The conference emphasized the integration of advanced technologies, including artificial muscles and innovative robotic designs, indicating a shift towards more functional and versatile robotic systems. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Bionic Robotics Robotic Hands AI Technology Human-Robot Interaction
Impossible Metals' Eureka II Autonomous Robot Successfully Recovers from Ocean Without Human Help
Impossible Metals has demonstrated its Eureka II autonomous underwater vehicle's ability to autonomously locate and recover itself from the ocean. This significant achievement occurred during an offshore test in Halifax, Nova Scotia, showcasing the robot's advanced capabilities without human intervention. The importance of this technology lies in its potential to simplify underwater operations for commercial use. According to Jason Gilham, Impossible Metals' chief technology officer, reliable autonomous recovery is crucial for scaling subsea platforms in real ocean conditions, as traditional recovery methods can be challenging and labor-intensive. Looking ahead, the Eureka II's successful demonstration highlights the growing interest in autonomous underwater vehicles amid rising demand for critical minerals and ocean data. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI and Robotics
NVIDIA Launches Jetson Orin Nano 2, Enhancing Edge AI for Robotics with Improved Performance
NVIDIA Corp has unveiled the Jetson Orin Nano 2, an entry-level computer designed for edge AI applications. This new system offers doubled inference performance compared to its predecessor while consuming 40% less power in 15-watt mode. With 78 trillion operations per second of AI compute and 8GB of memory, it is tailored for real-time reasoning in smart drones, robots, and vision AI systems. The introduction of the Jetson Orin Nano 2 is significant as it allows developers to leverage advanced AI models that were previously limited to larger systems. According to Deepu Talla, NVIDIA's vice president of robotics and edge AI, the new model brings frontier-level accuracy to entry-level products, enhancing the capabilities of physical AI applications. This development is expected to accelerate the integration of AI into various autonomous devices. Looking ahead, NVIDIA's Jetson Orin Nano 2 is positioned as a key component in the company's comprehensive robotics strategy, which includes simulation and training solutions. The existing software stack is compatible with the new model, enabling developers to utilize large language models and vision language models optimized for edge inference. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence / Cognition Development Tools / SDKs / Libraries Microprocessors / SoC Microprocessors / SoCs News
Researchers Develop BeanBot: A Motorless Robot Inspired by Jumping Beans
Researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology have created BeanBot, a unique robot that mimics the unpredictable movements of Mexican jumping beans. This innovative device operates without motors, batteries, or electronics, relying solely on its interaction with various surfaces to hop, roll, flip, and slide in unexpected ways. The significance of BeanBot lies in its demonstration of a new movement paradigm driven by simple physical interactions. This approach offers valuable insights into how robots can navigate complex environments without traditional control systems, potentially revolutionizing the design of future robotic devices. Looking ahead, the researchers aim to enhance BeanBot's capabilities by improving the materials used, which currently require high temperatures for activation. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI and Robotics
AIST and Forcesteed Robotics Collaborate on Safety of Indoor Delivery Robots with Physical AI
The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and Forcesteed Robotics have conducted joint research on the safety of indoor delivery robots equipped with Physical AI, focusing on risk assessment and mitigation strategies. The findings will be presented in a paper titled "Risk Extraction and Mitigation Strategies for Indoor Delivery Robots with Physical AI Using Generative AI" at the Robotics Society of Japan on September 3, 2026. This research is significant as it addresses the increasing reliance on Physical AI in environments where humans and robots coexist, such as restaurants and commercial facilities. The study emphasizes the importance of accurately recognizing surroundings and making timely decisions to ensure safety, particularly in dynamic settings where human movement and object placement are constantly changing. Looking ahead, AIST and Forcesteed Robotics plan to further investigate recovery times during anomalies, human behavior prediction, and the reliability of recognition results based on insights gained from this research. The focus on ensuring the safe operation of robots equipped with Generative AI in real service environments will be a key area of interest in future presentations.
Airbound Secures $37 Million Series A to Launch 10,000 Daily Drone Deliveries in Andhra Pradesh
Bengaluru-based aerospace startup Airbound successfully closed a $37 million Series A funding round on August 25, 2026, led by Greenoaks with participation from DoorDash and others. The company aims to revolutionize drone delivery with a payload-to-aircraft ratio three times better than industry standards, and has signed a commercial agreement with Andhra Pradesh to establish a drone delivery network. The significance of Airbound's achievement lies in its innovative approach to drone design and delivery logistics. The startup's blended-wing-body tailsitter aircraft, which can carry 1 kilogram of payload, has already completed over 13,000 autonomous missions without failures. The first commercial corridor in Bengaluru has been operational since January 2026, demonstrating the potential for rapid and efficient healthcare deliveries. Looking ahead, Airbound plans to expand its aerial network across three districts in Andhra Pradesh, targeting 10,000 flights per day to serve retail, e-commerce, and healthcare sectors. The company has already increased production capacity significantly and aims to further scale operations, indicating a strong commitment to transforming logistics in India and beyond. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Drone News Drone News Feeds Feature 1 Featured India Drone Industry India Drone News
Quantum-Systems Inc. Launches Engineering Office in Huntsville, Alabama
Quantum-Systems Inc. has inaugurated a 3,200-square-foot engineering and R&D office in Huntsville, Alabama, on August 24, 2026. This strategic location in Upland Park, adjacent to Cummings Research Park, aims to enhance collaboration with U.S. defense customers and partners, positioning the company closer to key stakeholders in the defense sector. The establishment of this office is significant as it aligns with Quantum-Systems' mission to develop unmanned systems for tactical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition. Huntsville, known as 'Rocket City' for its aerospace heritage, is home to various Army program offices and defense technology firms, making it an ideal hub for innovation in defense and aerospace. Looking ahead, the Huntsville office will support engineering growth and customer collaboration while advancing the development of next-generation unmanned intelligence capabilities. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Business and Finance Drone News Drone News Feeds News Aerospace Innovation Alabama drone company
Intel Report Highlights Robotics Readiness Gap Amid Evolving Industry Expectations
Intel's report reveals a significant gap in robotics readiness among organizations, as highlighted by John Healy, Intel's VP of industrial and robotics. While companies are moving towards integrating robotics into daily operations, many are still relying on outdated systems and lack the necessary training to manage intelligent robots effectively. The transition from fixed tasks to intelligent interaction is reshaping the robotics landscape, but it also uncovers a stark reality: 26% of manufacturing leaders are unprepared to manage robots by 2030. This gap is more pronounced in sectors like smart cities and defense, which face a 48% preparedness gap. As robotics deployment accelerates, organizations must address challenges related to workforce training, safety, and operational scaling. Companies that successfully navigate these issues will be better positioned to implement robotics effectively, moving beyond pilot programs to full integration into their operations. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Humanoid Robot Sector Anticipates Breakthrough Similar to ChatGPT
Recent events in China highlighted advancements in the humanoid robot industry, yet significant challenges remain. The robotics sector is on the cusp of a transformative moment, akin to the impact of ChatGPT in AI. Industry leaders are closely monitoring developments to gauge the potential for rapid growth and innovation. The progress observed in China is crucial as it underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance humanoid robotics capabilities. However, the industry still faces hurdles that could impede widespread adoption and integration into various sectors. The need for improved technology and investment remains a priority for stakeholders. Looking ahead, industry experts will be watching for key innovations and breakthroughs that could signal a turning point for humanoid robots. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
NEC's Corporate Venture Fund Invests in US Robotics Startup Dexmate
NEC Corporation's venture capital fund has made an investment in US-based robotics startup Dexmate, known for its VEGA humanoid robot and integrated physical AI development platform. This investment, facilitated through the NEC Orchestrating Future Fund, aims to explore the deployment of physical AI technologies across various industries. The significance of this investment lies in the growing interest of technology companies in physical AI systems that can interact with real-world environments. Dexmate's approach addresses challenges in deploying physical AI by integrating sensors, control systems, and training data, thereby simplifying the development and operation of AI-powered robots. Looking ahead, NEC plans to leverage Dexmate's technology alongside its own AI capabilities to explore potential applications across multiple sectors. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Financials & Investments Humanoids News artificial intelligence dexmate humanoid robotics
