DLR - German Aerospace Center 德国航空航天中心
"Research for a better tomorrow"
Germany national research center for aeronautics, space, transportation, energy, and security, with a world-leading robotics and mechatronics institute.
The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt, DLR) is Germany national research institution for aeronautics, space, transportation, and energy, headquartered in Cologne. Founded in its modern form in 1997, DLR operates 51 institutes and facilities across 30 German locations and employs over 11,000 staff. Its Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics in Oberpfaffenhofen pioneers lightweight robot arms, compliant robotic systems, and surgical robots.
Key innovations include the DLR LWR lightweight robot licensed to KUKA as the LBR iiwa and the MIRO minimally invasive surgical robot. DLR also develops autonomous space manipulators for in-orbit servicing and lunar exploration, contributing to ESA and NASA missions. As Germany space agency, DLR manages Germany participation in the International Space Station and planetary exploration programs.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
DLR LWR - Lightweight Robot Arm
Torque-controlled lightweight robot arm developed at DLR, licensed to KUKA as the basis for the LBR iiwa collaborative robot.
MIRO - Minimally Invasive Robot
DLR lightweight surgical robot arm for minimally invasive procedures, enabling robotic-assisted surgery at the operating table.
Contact DLR - German Aerospace Center
WEBSITE
https://www.dlr.dePHONE
+49 2203 601-1852HEADQUARTERS
Germany
Company Facts
Founded
1997
Primary Role
Research Institute
Company Size
-
Primary Region
Europe
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
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LG Innotek Expands Partnership with Zoox to Supply High-Resolution Camera Modules
LG Innotek is enhancing its collaboration with Zoox, Amazon's autonomous driving subsidiary, by providing high-resolution automotive camera modules for its robotaxis. This partnership has been in place since the early development stages of the robotaxi, and the latest agreement will see LG Innotek supply these advanced cameras over the coming years. The high-resolution cameras are integral to Zoox's sensor suite, offering 360-degree coverage through overlapping fields of view. LG Innotek's modules leverage precision optical design technology honed from years of experience in mobile device camera production. Designed to endure harsh weather conditions, these waterproof modules ensure stable performance in various environments. As Zoox ramps up its manufacturing capabilities with the opening of its first robotaxi production facility in California, LG Innotek's camera modules are being integrated into the vehicles. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in their ongoing partnership, positioning LG Innotek as a crucial supplier in the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle sector. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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Is the Major Challenge in Embodied Intelligence Beyond Just the Brain?
The surge in embodied intelligence has led to a focus on large models, seen as the 'brain' of robots, expected to understand and plan tasks. However, many projects shortcut by combining purchased chassis with self-developed models, resulting in impressive demos that struggle in real-world scenarios. This highlights a critical gap: the disconnect between cognitive understanding and physical execution, as robots often fail to translate commands into actions. The industry has developed a tendency to prioritize the cognitive aspects of robotics while underestimating the importance of the physical components. This 'heavy brain, light body' approach allows for rapid demo completion but creates significant limitations. Real-world environments present challenges that simulations do not, and even minor obstacles can render advanced cognitive systems ineffective. The disparity between the cognitive and physical capabilities of robots raises questions about the future of embodied intelligence. While large models enhance cognitive limits, motion control and hardware define the operational baseline. The essence of embodied intelligence lies in the integration of cognition, motion control, and physical embodiment, emphasizing that neglecting physical capabilities can lead to a disconnect between thought and action.
Embodied Intelligence Robotics AI Models Motion Control Modular Robotics
Hai Robotics Achieves 10,000 HaiPick Climb Robots Deployed Globally
Hai Robotics has announced that over 10,000 HaiPick Climb robots have been contracted for customer projects worldwide, marking a significant milestone in the solution's commercial growth. Since its global launch in 2025, HaiPick Climb has been adopted in 12 countries across various continents, including Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Australia. The importance of this achievement lies in the growing customer base, which includes notable companies such as ANTA, Panasonic, and METTLER TOLEDO, spanning multiple industries like apparel, e-commerce, and healthcare. The reliability of HaiPick Climb has been a key focus for Hai Robotics, ensuring that the robots undergo rigorous testing and validation to support long-term stability and operational performance. Looking ahead, Hai Robotics plans to leverage insights gained from live customer projects to enhance the reliability and delivery standards of HaiPick Climb. As the solution continues to adapt to evolving warehouse environments and operational needs, it is positioned to support customers in achieving flexible and efficient automation solutions.
Warehouse Automation Robotics Logistics E-commerce Supply Chain Management
Hai Robotics Achieves 10,000 HaiClimber Robots Deployed Globally
Hai Robotics has announced that over 10,000 HaiClimber robots have been contracted for customer projects worldwide, marking a significant milestone in the solution's commercial growth. Since its global launch in 2025, HaiPick Climb has been implemented in 12 countries across various continents, including Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Australia. This achievement highlights the growing adoption of HaiPick Climb among notable customers such as ANTA, Panasonic, and METTLER TOLEDO, spanning diverse industries like apparel, e-commerce, and healthcare. The company's commitment to reliability in warehouse automation has been evident since its inception, and the development of HaiPick Climb reflects years of engineering validation and refinement, ensuring long-term stability and performance. Looking ahead, Hai Robotics aims to leverage real-world project experiences to enhance the reliability and delivery standards of HaiPick Climb. As the solution continues to adapt to evolving workflows and operational requirements, it is expected to support stable fulfillment performance and facilitate future system expansions for customers worldwide. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Warehouse Automation Robotics Logistics E-commerce Supply Chain Management
SiFly Aviation Secures $20 Million to Enhance Q12 Drone Production in the US
SiFly Aviation, based in California, has successfully raised $20 million in Series A funding to boost production of its Q12 electric drone and advance its DronePort infrastructure. This funding round was led by Shield Capital, with contributions from various investors including Qudit and BBK Capital. The significance of this funding lies in SiFly's claims regarding the Q12's capabilities, which reportedly include flying four to five times longer and up to 10 times farther than leading multirotor drones, while carrying payloads of up to 10 pounds. With thousands of test flights completed, including a Guinness World Record for the longest flight in its class, the Q12 is positioned to meet the needs of industries requiring longer flight times. Looking ahead, SiFly aims to leverage this funding to expand its manufacturing capabilities in the US and fulfill its order backlog. The company targets sectors such as public safety, utility inspection, and agriculture, where the Q12's extended range can significantly enhance operational efficiency. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
News
Nvidia Shares Surge 7% Following Strong Earnings and AI Demand Forecast
Nvidia's shares rose by 7.2% in premarket trading after the company reported earnings that exceeded expectations. CEO Jensen Huang stated that AI has reached an 'inflection point,' with a significant increase in the number of companies requiring large GPU clusters. Despite supply chain challenges and competition from custom semiconductors, Nvidia's revenue guidance for fiscal 2028 indicates a robust demand for AI technologies. The company's projected revenue growth of 70% for fiscal 2028, which spans from February 2027 to January 2028, has reassured investors about the sustainability of AI demand. Nvidia's AI Clouds, industrial and enterprise customers contributed $40.3 billion in sales for the quarter, marking a 138% increase year-over-year. Analysts noted that Nvidia's strong earnings could signal a positive outlook for the broader chip market, which has faced volatility in recent months. Looking ahead, Nvidia's ability to navigate supply chain constraints and competition will be crucial. Huang emphasized the expanding ecosystem of AI labs and startups, suggesting that the demand for Nvidia's products will continue to grow. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Agibot Dominates World Humanoid Robot Games with 46 Medals in Debut
Agibot made a remarkable debut at the 2nd World Humanoid Robot Games, winning a total of 46 medals, which included 18 gold, 16 silver, and 12 bronze. This achievement placed Agibot at the top of both the gold medal and overall medal tables, showcasing its capabilities across various events. The significance of Agibot's performance lies in its demonstration of advanced humanoid robotics in real-world applications. Competing in diverse categories such as athletics, martial arts, and scenario-based tasks, Agibot's robots, including OmniHand and X2, proved their effectiveness in dexterous manipulation and motion-control events, highlighting their readiness for deployment in practical settings. Looking ahead, the continued development of Agibot's technologies, particularly the AGILE framework, will be crucial for enhancing the performance of its robots in future competitions and real-world applications. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Humanoids News agibot AGIBOT A3 Agibot G2 agibot x2
Retailers Enhance Checkout Experience for International Shoppers with Automated Kiosks
Retailers in tourist-heavy areas are increasingly deploying automated kiosks to streamline the checkout process for international shoppers. These multilingual, card-accepting kiosks allow travelers to scan items, verify passports, and claim tax refunds without clerical assistance, significantly reducing transaction times and enhancing customer satisfaction. The integration of passport and ID optical character recognition (OCR) technology, along with multilingual interfaces, ensures that international customers can navigate the checkout process smoothly. By embedding automated tax-free refund processes directly into kiosks, retailers can eliminate confusion and delays, making the shopping experience more appealing to foreign visitors. As the global tourist population continues to grow, with 1.4 billion international arrivals reported in 2024, retailers must address potential technical integration issues to maintain efficient operations. Investing in automated checkout systems will be crucial for capturing this expanding market and providing a competitive edge in the retail landscape.
Business Retail Technology automated checkout checkout kiosks international shoppers
STILL UK Launches Automation Business Unit to Enhance Intralogistics Solutions
STILL UK has established its Automation Business Unit (ABU) to consolidate its expertise in intralogistics automation solutions. This initiative aims to shift perceptions that STILL solely manufactures manual trucks, showcasing its comprehensive automation portfolio, including automated storage and retrieval systems. The ABU will unify storage solutions, VNA trucks, and order pickers to provide a holistic approach to customer needs. The formation of the ABU is significant as it reflects STILL's commitment to evolving with customer demands and enhancing its consultative partnerships. By integrating various components of warehousing automation, STILL aims to offer tailored solutions that address specific customer objectives, moving beyond traditional product sales to solution-based selling. Looking ahead, STILL UK plans to emphasize its collaborative approach with clients, ensuring that all aspects of automation, including infrastructure considerations, are addressed. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AMR and AGV Forklifts and Warehouse Vehicles Magazine Features Materials Handling forklifts KION
Tiangong Ultra Sets New 100-Meter Record at World Humanoid Robot Games
At the 2nd World Humanoid Robot Games, the humanoid robot Tiangong Ultra, developed by X-Humanoid in Beijing, completed a 100-meter race in 8.64 seconds, establishing a new record for the event. This performance was nearly one second faster than Usain Bolt's human world record of 9.58 seconds, although direct comparisons between robot and human times are not applicable. The achievement is significant as it demonstrates the rapid advancements in humanoid locomotion, with Tiangong Ultra improving its own previous record of 8.86 seconds set earlier in the competition. This year's event showcased substantial progress compared to the inaugural games, where the fastest time exceeded 12 seconds, indicating a year of remarkable development in robotic sprinting capabilities. Looking ahead, Tiangong Ultra's performance raises expectations for future competitions and advancements in humanoid robotics. The robot's closest competitor, Lightning, also made headlines with its own record-breaking feats, including a half-marathon completion time of 50 minutes and 26 seconds. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI and Robotics
