FIRST
U.S. nonprofit founded in 1989 that runs the FIRST Robotics Competition and other youth robotics programs across more than 110 countries.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen and engineer Woodie Flowers, headquartered at 200 Bedford Street in Manchester, New Hampshire. The organization designs and operates a progression of mentor-based robotics programs for students from kindergarten through high school, using competitive robotics to build interest and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Its programs include the FIRST Robotics Competition for high-school students, the FIRST Tech Challenge, FIRST LEGO League Challenge, FIRST LEGO League Explore, and FIRST LEGO League Discover for younger participants. In the FIRST Robotics Competition, student teams work with adult mentors and professional engineers to design, build, and program industrial-size robots within a defined build season, then compete in alliance-based field games that change each year. The organization emphasizes its core values of Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition, encouraging both rigorous competition and collaboration among teams. FIRST programs are active in more than 110 countries and reach hundreds of thousands of students annually, supported by a network of corporate sponsors, universities, volunteers, and mentors.
Beyond competitions, FIRST awards scholarships and connects participants with pathways into STEM education and careers. As an educational and research-oriented institution focused on robotics, FIRST develops standardized robotics kits, game challenges, and curricula that introduce students to engineering design, programming, controls, and teamwork at scale.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Contact FIRST
WEBSITE
https://www.firstinspires.org/PHONE
+1 800 871 8326HEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
1989
Primary Role
Research Institute
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
Grant / Non-profit
Funding Total
-
Keywords
- FIRST
- robotics education
- STEM
- FIRST Robotics Competition
- youth robotics
- nonprofit
- robotics competition
- FIRST Tech Challenge
- FIRST LEGO League
- Research Institute
- Industrial Robot
- Education & Research
ROBOTTODAY WEEKLY August 17 – 21, 2026
This week in robotics: Unitree surges 629% in its Shanghai STAR Market debut at a $66 billion valuation, Nevada approves 7,000 robotaxis, Amazon Prime Air expands to nearly 500 US cities, and Beijing's World Robot Conference marks the industry's pivot from spectacle to scale. August 17–21, 2026.
Travere Therapeutics Sees Surge in Sales Following FILSPARI Approval for FSGS
On April 13, 2026, the FDA granted Travere Therapeutics full approval for FILSPARI, a treatment for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). This marked the drug's second full approval, following a previous clearance for IgA nephropathy in 2023. The approval is significant for patients aged 8 and older with specific subtypes of FSGS, as it offers a new FDA-approved option for a previously underserved condition. The approval is crucial as FSGS can lead to kidney failure, and patients have historically relied on off-label therapies. Travere's Chief Executive Eric Dube emphasized the milestone for FSGS patients, while industry leaders noted the life-changing potential of the drug. Following the approval, Travere reported substantial sales growth, with FILSPARI's U.S. net product sales reaching $105.2 million in Q1 2026, an 88% increase from the previous year, and $141.1 million in Q2 2026, a 96% year-over-year rise. Looking ahead, Travere's first-half 2026 sales totaled $246.2 million, indicating strong market demand for FILSPARI. The company also reported its first quarter of non-GAAP profitability. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Business Financials & Investments armistice capital biotech investing biotech stocks civorebrutinib
Panshi Embodied Lab Launches at WRC 2026 to Set Standards for Humanoid Robots
The Panshi Embodied Lab was officially launched at the World Robot Conference 2026, marking a significant step in the development of humanoid robots in China. The lab aims to provide a public service platform for testing and evaluating humanoid robots, addressing challenges such as weak core technologies and insufficient high-value applications. This initiative is crucial as the humanoid robot industry is projected to produce over 100,000 units by 2026, up from 20,000 in 2025. However, many products remain in the research and testing phases, highlighting the need for robust standards and evaluation processes to ensure quality and safety in the industry. Looking ahead, the lab will focus on developing testing capabilities for components and whole robots, as well as creating a collaborative testing environment. The first phase of testing has already been completed, and further developments are expected, including the establishment of specialized testing labs and ongoing standard verification work.
Humanoid Robots Robot Testing Standards Industrial Automation AI Robotics
Hesai Group Reports Q2 Growth Amid Robotics Expansion Challenges
Hesai Group (NASDAQ:HSAI) announced a second-quarter revenue of RMB860.8 million, a 21.9% increase, with total LiDAR shipments rising 78.4% to 628,275 units. Despite a 60% increase in net income to RMB70.6 million, shares fell 5.3%, highlighting concerns over the company's Strategic Growth Initiatives (SGI), which reported a loss of RMB64.0 million. The profitability of Hesai's LiDAR segment is crucial for financing its robotics ambitions without compromising overall margins. SGI generated its first revenue of RMB44.9 million, primarily from robotic actuation modules, and the company raised its 2026 revenue guidance for SGI from RMB100 million to between RMB200 million and RMB300 million. Management anticipates SGI will approach $100 million in revenue and reach breakeven by 2027. As Hesai Group continues to expand its offerings, including the Kosmo spatial-intelligence platform, it faces the challenge of maintaining profitability amid rising R&D expenses and declining gross margins. The success of its robotics platform will depend on effective commercialization in developing markets, with the potential for a second profit pool if targets are met. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Saab Reveals Advanced Supersonic Fighter Drone Concept for Future Combat Aircraft
Saab has introduced its Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) program, featuring a stealthy, supersonic fighter drone that may serve the Swedish Air Force in the 2030s. The company is developing two uncrewed technology demonstrators, A1 and A2, and showcased a full-scale mock-up of the operational drone, referred to as aircraft A3. This initiative is significant as it positions Saab's ACP as a high-end alternative to the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft, boasting superior performance and capabilities. The ACP is part of Sweden's KFS project, aimed at future combat aircraft development, highlighting Saab's commitment to advancing military technology. Looking ahead, Saab aims to achieve the first flight of aircraft A1 within the next 15 months, as mandated by the Swedish Ministry of Defense. The timeline is ambitious, with a goal to transition from concept to flight within 36 months. The development of A2 will further test advanced technologies, ensuring Saab remains competitive in the defense sector.
Air Around The Globe Drones Europe NATO News & Features
Ondas Inc. Launches UAS Training and Operations Facility at NAAMCE in Ohio
Ondas Inc. has inaugurated a new unmanned aircraft training and operations facility at the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) in Springfield, Ohio. This facility will act as the Midwest hub for Ondas Sentinel, the company’s autonomous defense division, which was established after acquiring DZYNE Technologies in July. The new site integrates ground school, simulation, mission planning, and live flight operations, enhancing operator training and mission execution for DZYNE’s ULTRA long-endurance UAS and the Stratollite platform. Matt McCue, Chief Technology Officer of Ondas Sentinel, emphasized that this integrated environment accelerates training and strengthens operational readiness, providing partners with a firsthand experience of the capabilities of low-cost, long-endurance unmanned aircraft. Strategically located near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Springfield facility supports advanced flight testing, including BVLOS operations. The connection to these military organizations is crucial for the ULTRA aircraft, which has a strong operational history and is positioned for various missions, including intelligence and surveillance. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Applications Defense defense Drone News Drone News Feeds Education
NexCore Aims to Enhance Embodied Intelligence and Task Closure in Robotics
In the first half of 2026, Chinese manufacturers are projected to account for 97% of global humanoid robot shipments, with domestic deliveries expected to reach 62,500 units, a 3.5-fold increase from the previous year. As the number of robots grows, the focus shifts from quantity to their capabilities and learning potential, marking a significant phase for embodied intelligence in the industry. The Chinese robotics sector is experiencing rapid growth, with revenues from major enterprises exceeding 90 billion yuan in the first five months of the year, reflecting a 26.9% year-on-year increase. Notably, the number of financing rounds in the embodied intelligence sector reached 288, totaling 46 billion yuan. The surge in orders, which increased over ninefold compared to 2024, indicates that clients are eager to validate robots in real-world applications, prioritizing ROI over investment timelines. As the industry evolves, key founders emphasize that the next phase will focus on the ability of robots to perform tasks effectively rather than merely demonstrating capabilities. The development of skills through data, training, and real-world validation is crucial for creating a skill closure loop, enabling robots to continuously evolve and improve their performance in practical scenarios.
Humanoid Robots Embodied Intelligence Robotics Development Skill Management Automation Solutions
Microsoft Delays Release of Exchange Server SE Cumulative Update 1 to Late 2026
Microsoft has announced a delay in the release of the Cumulative Update 1 (CU1) for Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE), now scheduled for the second half of 2026. This postponement, initially set for the first half of 2026, is attributed to the company's focus on security issues and vulnerability detection using AI. The delay is significant as it reflects Microsoft's commitment to prioritizing security over release timelines. The Exchange Server team has been actively addressing reported security vulnerabilities, delivering monthly security updates from May to August 2026. This approach aims to ensure that the CU1 update is stable and does not require immediate subsequent patches, which could complicate IT management. Looking ahead, Microsoft plans to continue developing CU1 while maintaining a steady pace of security updates. IT administrators are encouraged to transition to Exchange Server SE and keep their systems updated with the latest security measures until the CU1 release. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Yushu Technology Debuts on Stock Market, Lei Jun Gains 15.2 Billion in Humanoid Robotics
On August 19, Yushu Technology, recognized as the first publicly traded humanoid robotics company in China, officially listed on the STAR Market. The stock opened at 1,100 CNY per share, surging 629% from its issue price, with a market capitalization briefly exceeding 444.9 billion CNY before closing at 341.8 billion CNY, marking a 460% increase. This significant rise has resulted in a floating profit of over 15.2 billion CNY for Lei Jun, who invested early through Shunwei Capital. Yushu Technology has achieved a remarkable 90% self-research rate for core components within less than a decade and is projected to deliver 5,500 humanoid robots by 2025 with a gross margin of 63.2%. Unlike many competitors relying on financing, Yushu has already turned a profit through robot sales. As Yushu's stock debut revitalizes the humanoid robotics sector, it also highlights the risks involved. The company's valuation is largely supported by its status as the first publicly listed humanoid robotics firm. The next two to three years will be critical for validating performance, as a mismatch between growth and valuation could lead to inevitable corrections. Yushu's projected revenue for 2025 is 1.699 billion CNY, with a net profit of 278 million CNY, resulting in a price-to-sales ratio exceeding 200 times at closing price.
Humanoid Robots Investment Robotics Industry AI Technology
Humanoid Robot Industry Shifts from Solo Operations to Fleet Collaboration
On August 20, the 2026 World Robot Conference revealed that China's humanoid robot shipments exceeded 40,000 units in the first half of the year, capturing 97% of the global market share. The industry is transitioning from small-scale trials to regular deployment and large-scale applications. The conference showcased over 300 companies and more than 3,000 exhibits, with 300 new products launched. A significant trend noted was the shift from 'solo operations' to 'fleet collaboration.' Feiba Technology introduced a mobile logistics base capable of supporting various robotic platforms, including humanoid robots and drones, set to enter mass production by the end of this year. Additionally, the OneHub multi-robot collaboration system from Siasun aims to unify different robotic types under a single operational framework. The advancements in technology and collaboration strategies indicate a pivotal shift in the humanoid robot industry, moving towards collective efficiency rather than individual capabilities. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Humanoid Robots Robot Collaboration Robotics Technology Logistics Robotics
Over 50 Robotics Firms Seek Listing on Hong Kong Stock Exchange
As of August 11, over 50 robotics and embodied intelligence companies are in various stages of listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This surge follows the recent IPO of Jing Tai Holdings, the first company under the new Chapter 18C listing rules, which cater specifically to specialized technology firms. The growing interest in the Hong Kong market highlights the rapid capitalization of robotics and related industries, with companies like Zhi Yuan Robotics aiming for a valuation of HKD 40-50 billion. The market is witnessing a shift from technology validation to mass production, as firms seek to prove their capabilities and secure large-scale orders. Looking ahead, the implementation of Chapter 18C listing rules has attracted numerous early-stage robotics companies, with 10 of the 51 firms in the queue opting for this pathway. This trend indicates a significant move towards commercialization and the potential for increased investment in the robotics sector in the coming years.
Robotics Stock Market Embodied Intelligence Technology Companies
ROBOTTODAY Weekly August 10 – 14, 2026
Your weekly robotics briefing: Unitree's IPO is swamped by retail demand, the US puts 100% tariffs on imported drones, LG and Nvidia commit to a 2027 humanoid, and Uber and Pony.ai bring 2,000 robotaxis to Europe.
Inside Saga Robotics: UVC Light vs. Crop Disease
Saga Robotics CPO Damian Flynn on the Thorvald platform's UVC treatment system, its jump from UK strawberries to California wine grapes, and why he's “incredibly bullish” on applying automation and robotics into industries “most chaotic environment.”
How a Robot Should Die: Phase 5, Lifecycle KPIs, and One Welding Arm's Four Years
When is a robot's time up? RSF's four-dimension scoring matrix, Data Erasure Certificates, hazmat compliance, and five KPIs that measure the lifecycle.
Fix One Machine, Improve the Fleet: Phase 4 and the Closed Loop
Repairs that teach nothing repeat forever. Inside RSF Phase 4: the eight-step corrective process, five RCA triggers, and the Known Fault Library loop.
Your Three-Shift Robot Is on a One-Shift Maintenance Plan: Phase 3 and the PM System
A three-shift robot on a one-shift maintenance plan ages at triple speed. RSF Phase 3: three PM tiers, three trigger models, environmental corrections.
Skip the Gate, Own the Liability: Phase 2 and the Stage Gate Mechanism
RSF defines two hard stops around robot commissioning. Bypass SG1 and safety liability shifts to you; skip SG2 and your SLA loses its evidence base. Inside.
World Robot Conference 2026 Opens in Beijing Aug. 19–23, Days After Unitree's $9B IPO
WRC 2026 opens August 19 in Beijing with 300+ exhibitors, a first-ever SOE pavilion and a new Procurement Day, days after Unitree priced China's first mainland-listed humanoid robot IPO at a $9.04 billion valuation.
ROBOTTODAY Weekly August 3 – 7, 2026
This week in robotics: Unitree prices its Shanghai STAR Market IPO with DeepSeek taking a strategic stake, the FCC expands its foreign-robot ban as China threatens retaliation, BMW commits to Figure 03 humanoids, and Zoox goes paid in Las Vegas. August 3–7, 2026.
WAIC Review 1/4: Embodied AI's Industrialization Wave: Financing Data, Unit Economics, and a Widening Split
China's embodied AI sector raised $12.5B in H1 2026, but WAIC 2026 speakers detailed ROI demands, power bottlenecks, and the mass-production-to-sales gap.
