GP Graders
Electronic air-jet graders (e.g., AirJet® for cherries/tomatoes); high-speed sorting (up to 30 units/sec or 600 kg/lane/hr), vision-based external color/defect detection, precise sizing/separation, gentle handling, multi-lane configurations for fresh produce.
RobotToday Initiative
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Bosch Initiates 200 mm Silicon Carbide Chip Production at California Semiconductor Plant
Bosch has commenced sample production of silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor chips at its facility in Roseville, California. This marks a significant advancement in the effort to revitalize power chip manufacturing within the United States. The company has also secured up to $225 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Program Office to support its investment of up to $2 billion at the site. The Roseville plant is set to begin commercial production in 2026, making it Bosch's first semiconductor manufacturing site in the U.S. The facility will produce third-generation SiC chips on 200-millimeter wafers, aligning with the U.S. government's initiative to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Silicon carbide chips are increasingly vital for applications in electric vehicles, industrial equipment, and energy systems. Looking ahead, Bosch plans to invest up to $7.5 billion across its U.S. operations by 2031, enhancing manufacturing capacity and expanding its North American business. The Roseville site currently employs over 300 individuals and is committed to workforce development through local education partnerships, with plans to contribute more than $100,000 annually to community STEM programs starting in 2026.
Innovation
Zipline Expands Drone Delivery Operations with New Executives from Tesla, Uber, and Waymo
Zipline is enhancing its drone delivery services in the U.S. by hiring former executives from Tesla, Uber, and Waymo to support its expansion. The company has achieved over 2.5 million commercial deliveries and is currently making one delivery every 20 seconds. With a factory capable of producing 24,000 drones annually, Zipline anticipates a 15-fold growth in its U.S. operations this year. This strategic hiring is significant as it positions Zipline to scale its services in both domestic and international markets, moving beyond its initial focus on medical deliveries in Africa. The addition of experienced leaders from major tech companies is expected to streamline operations and enhance Zipline's competitive edge against rivals like Alphabet's Wing. Looking ahead, Zipline plans to launch operations in Austin, Houston, and Cleveland, with expectations of entering many more U.S. metros and new international markets by 2027. The company's innovative approach aims to revolutionize delivery logistics, making it as seamless as possible for customers.
AMX Launches HuRoC to Advance Social Implementation of Humanoid Robots in Ota City
AMX Corporation has established the HuRoC (Human-Robot Commons) co-creation platform aimed at exploring and creating a future where humans and robots coexist. Based in Ota City, Tokyo, HuRoC will focus on the social implementation of humanoid robots and the validation of use cases. An expo titled 'HuRoC EXPO 2026' is scheduled for July 17 at the Ota City Industrial Plaza PiO. The initiative is significant as it addresses the pressing question of how humanoid robots can be utilized in society, a topic that remains under-discussed globally. HuRoC aims to create a concrete vision for the future of humanoid robots, emphasizing their social integration rather than just the technology itself. The platform will facilitate collaboration among robot manufacturers, AI researchers, and testing environments to generate valuable AI training data through practical demonstrations. Looking ahead, HuRoC plans to incorporate additive manufacturing techniques to produce humanoid robots, thereby enhancing the manufacturing capabilities in Ota City. The expo will feature discussions on the future of humanoid robots, agricultural automation, and collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including startups and universities. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
LG Electronics Expands Humanoid Robot Actuator Supply Chain Ahead of 2027 Goals
LG Electronics is enhancing its robot-actuator division by hiring for six mid-career positions, aiming to supply motorized joints for humanoid robots by 2027. Actuators, which can account for up to 60% of a humanoid's cost, are critical components in the robotics industry. This strategic move is significant as LG seeks to establish itself as a key player in the actuator supply market, which is expected to generate substantial revenue in the near term. The roles span R&D, quality management, and global sales, indicating a comprehensive approach to bringing these components to market. Looking ahead, LG plans to leverage its manufacturing capabilities, producing approximately 45 million motors annually. The company aims to first utilize its actuators in its home robot CLOiD before expanding to global partners by 2027 and entering industrial applications by 2030. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
All News
SkyDrive Conducts Successful SD-05 Flights in Yamaguchi for 2028 Tourism Initiative
SkyDrive Inc. successfully conducted two demonstration flights of its SD-05 eVTOL aircraft in Yamaguchi Prefecture on July 13, 2026. These flights were part of a test aimed at showcasing the aircraft's potential for tourism, with a commercial launch planned for 2028. The flights simulated a scenic tour over the Seto Inland Sea, highlighting the seamless transition from ground transport to air travel. The significance of these flights lies in their demonstration of SkyDrive's commitment to urban air mobility and tourism integration. Witnessed by notable figures including Yamaguchi Prefecture's governor and the president of Suzuki Motor Corporation, the flights operated autonomously, emphasizing safety and efficiency. The successful execution of these flights marks a critical step toward the company's goal of launching commercial eVTOL services by 2028. Looking ahead, SkyDrive aims to enhance its eVTOL infrastructure further, with plans to collaborate with rail partners for integrated travel solutions. While tourism is a primary focus, the company envisions broader applications of eVTOL technology, including disaster relief and emergency medical services. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Advanced Air Mobility Drone News Drone News Feeds Japan Drone Industry Japan Drone News News
MIT's JARVIS Challenge Explores AI's Role in Jet Engine Engineering
The JARVIS Challenge, held at MIT, investigated the potential of AI in designing and building jet engines. Over four weeks, undergraduate teams utilized AI tools to create a small gas turbine engine, aiming for a thrust of 50-100 pounds. Professor Zolti Spakovszky emphasized that while AI can enhance hardware engineering, human engineering judgment remains crucial. This initiative is significant as it highlights the evolving relationship between AI and engineering, particularly in safety-critical domains. With support from MIT Lincoln Laboratory and corporate sponsors like Safran and Voyager Technologies, students had unprecedented access to AI resources, fostering an environment of innovation and exploration. Looking ahead, the challenge showcased the importance of integrating AI into engineering workflows. As students learned to navigate AI's capabilities and limitations, it raises questions about the future of engineering education and the skills required in a rapidly changing technological landscape. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Classes and programs Contests and academic competitions Students Undergraduate STEM education Artificial intelligence
Motorola Solutions Leads $125 Million Funding for BRINC's Emergency Drone Expansion
BRINC, a Seattle-based public safety drone company, has raised $125 million in a funding round led by Motorola Solutions, bringing its total funding to over $250 million. This investment will enable BRINC to expand its manufacturing capabilities and product offerings, with the goal of deploying a 911 response drone at every police and fire station in the U.S. The significance of this funding lies in BRINC's ambition to enhance emergency response times across the nation. With approximately 80,000 police and fire stations in the U.S., the deployment of drones can provide crucial situational awareness before first responders arrive, potentially saving lives and improving operational efficiency. Looking ahead, BRINC plans to move into a new manufacturing facility by the end of the year, which is three times larger than its current site. The company has already seen a surge in demand for its drones, tripling its revenue in 2025 and signing significantly more contracts for 911 response drones compared to the previous year. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
News
Boston Dynamics Tests Spot Robot for Last-Mile Delivery Solutions
Boston Dynamics is exploring the use of its Spot robot for package deliveries, equipped with a new conveyor belt accessory. This innovation aims to autonomously transport packages from vehicles to customers' doorsteps, potentially easing the workload of delivery drivers. The initiative is significant as it addresses the challenges of last-mile delivery, where human navigational skills are often required to overcome obstacles like stairs and cluttered pathways. Boston Dynamics is currently in discussions with major logistics companies to transition from demonstrations to a full pilot project. Looking ahead, the company believes Spot's ability to navigate uneven terrain will enhance its effectiveness in suburban environments. This could not only alleviate physical strain on delivery drivers but also increase their efficiency, allowing them to handle more packages. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Gadgets News Robot Tech
Tesla's Optimus Gen 3 Approved: Musk Aims for 100,000 Units Production Target
Elon Musk has officially approved the latest version of the Optimus Gen 3 robot, marking a significant milestone after over three years of development. With the production line nearing completion, Tesla has issued clear procurement guidelines to suppliers, aiming to ramp up production to 1,000 units per week by September and 2,000 to 2,500 units per week by year-end. This ambitious target of producing 100,000 units annually underscores Tesla's commitment to revolutionizing the labor landscape with robotics. The Optimus Gen 3 features a more compact design with 38 degrees of freedom and a refined dexterous hand, which has been a challenging aspect of its development. The production line is set to begin operations in late July to August, with a long-term plan for a second factory in Texas. As Tesla strives to catch up with competitors in the robotics sector, the success of the Optimus Gen 3 will depend on meeting production goals and effectively integrating the robot into various applications. The target of 100,000 units represents a critical turning point in this four-year journey, with the potential to reshape economic dynamics if realized.
Humanoid Robots AI Robotics Manufacturing Automation
Post-00s PhD Team Secures Funding for Biomimetic Flapping Robot Development
A team of PhD students born after 2000 has developed a biomimetic flapping robot capable of fluid navigation, announced by Eagle Eye Intelligent Wings. The company recently completed a Series A funding round, raising tens of millions of yuan, led by Yuanhe Puhua with participation from Futen Capital and Houxue Capital. This marks the third funding round for the company within three months since its establishment 15 months ago. The funding will primarily support the mass production of their first consumer product, the 'Eagle X,' and the development of the next-generation flapping robot and fluid simulation engine. Founded in March 2025 in Shenzhen, Eagle Eye Intelligent Wings is among the early companies focusing on embodied intelligent flapping robots. The core team consists of over ten members from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, all born after 2000, with notable achievements in research. The 'Eagle X' has completed over 3,000 hours of flight testing and is set to launch on Kickstarter in Q3 of this year. The next-generation product will feature approximately 15 degrees of freedom, allowing for independent wing adjustments. The Vortrix fluid simulation engine is expected to be opened for external use, enhancing training for flying robots and optimizing aerodynamics for fixed-wing aircraft and wind turbine blades. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Biomimetic Robots AI Fluid Dynamics Robotics Drone Technology
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