Japanese holding company of the Kawada Group, encompassing steel bridge fabrication, PC machinery, construction systems, and software development. Parent entity of Kawada Robotics, with diversified engineering operations across infrastructure sectors.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Pudu Robotics showcased its entire product lineup at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2026) held in Shanghai from July 17 to 20, including the world premiere of the next-generation semi-humanoid robot 'PUDU D7'. Attendees had the opportunity to take commemorative photos with 'PUDU D7' and receive unique snapshots from the robot's perspective. The event also featured a multi-robot cooperative demonstration with the quadruped robot 'PUDU D5', which autonomously navigated while avoiding pedestrians. The robots demonstrated their autonomous navigation capabilities on an obstacle course simulating gravel, steps, and slopes, achieving a maximum speed of 5 m/s during drift driving. Use cases for autonomous inspection in complex environments such as power substations and industrial parks were also presented. In addition to 'PUDU D7', Pudu Robotics exhibited various robots including the serving robot 'BellaBot', industrial transport robot 'PUDU T300', and commercial cleaning robots 'PUDU MT1 Max' and 'PUDU CC1 Pro', highlighting their applications across diverse industries such as food service, retail, manufacturing, and logistics. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing its most extensive restrictions on foreign drone sales to date, which includes a potential ban on the commercial import and sale of specific foreign-made drones. This initiative aims to strengthen the US drone supply chain by extending exemptions for drones that have passed government security reviews. This move is significant as it builds on the FCC's previous actions to address national security risks associated with foreign-produced drones. The agency has already blocked new equipment authorizations for certain drones deemed a threat, while also providing exceptions for trusted manufacturers, which could lead to increased domestic investment in drone manufacturing. Looking ahead, the FCC is seeking public input on whether to prohibit the import and sale of certain military-grade foreign drones, which could have a substantial impact on the drone industry. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
NewsRimnot, a newly established physical AI startup, has announced a partnership with Yuantu to deploy 10,000 industrial robots in server manufacturing. This initiative was unveiled during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), where the companies showcased their robots' capability to adapt to environments in just 30 minutes. This deployment is significant as it represents a major step forward in integrating physical AI into industrial applications, particularly in the server manufacturing sector. The collaboration between Rimnot and Yuantu highlights the growing trend of leveraging advanced robotics to enhance production efficiency and adaptability in manufacturing processes. Looking ahead, industry observers will be keen to monitor the progress of this deployment and its impact on server manufacturing. The ability of these robots to quickly adapt to different environments could set a new standard for operational flexibility in the industry. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
TechnologyOn July 21, Humanoid, based in London, announced the completion of $152 million in Series A funding, achieving a post-money valuation of $1.35 billion. This funding round, led by strategic investors including Schaeffler and Bosch, marks the largest Series A funding for a humanoid robotics company in Europe, bringing the total funding to $270 million. The significance of this funding lies in its strategic partnerships. Schaeffler and Bosch are not only financial backers but also strategic collaborators, with Bosch establishing a manufacturing partnership with Humanoid. This collaboration aims to leverage their industrial expertise and technological capabilities to advance humanoid robotics from vision to industrial reality. Looking ahead, Humanoid plans to utilize the funding to focus on developing the next generation of humanoid platforms and scaling production of wheeled humanoid robots, with a Beta version expected to launch in Q4 2026. The investment from major European industrial players signals a growing momentum in the humanoid robotics sector in Europe.
Humanoid Robots Robotics Funding AI Technology Industrial AutomationSK On has announced that solid-state batteries can allow industrial robots to operate for up to 8 hours, addressing a significant limitation of current lithium-ion batteries, which typically provide only 1 to 2 hours of runtime. This advancement could reduce downtime in 24-hour production lines, where frequent battery changes are necessary. However, the cost implications are substantial. Currently, lithium-ion batteries account for less than 2% of the total cost of industrial robots, but switching to solid-state batteries could increase this to approximately 8%, resulting in a fourfold rise in overall costs. For instance, Tesla's Optimus robot has a battery cost of about $300, which is only 0.5% of its total hardware cost. SK On has developed a total cost of ownership (TCO) model that factors in the costs of spare batteries, charging downtime, and additional backup machines, suggesting that solid-state batteries may be more economical in the long run for continuous operation scenarios. The company has completed a solid-state battery pilot plant in Daejeon, South Korea, and plans to commercialize two battery technologies by 2028 and 2029, respectively. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Solid-State Batteries Industrial Robots Battery Technology Cost EfficiencyRun Robotics introduced the world's first hybrid 'Centaur' robot at the WAIC 2026 in Shanghai, redefining humanoid robotics. This innovative design features a four-wheeled all-terrain chassis combined with a humanoid upper body equipped with robotic arms, enabling it to navigate complex terrains and perform tasks in hazardous environments. The significance of this development lies in its potential applications in areas deemed unsafe for humans and inaccessible to traditional robots, such as steel mills, oil fields, and disaster sites. With over 95% of its core components sourced domestically, the Centaur robot showcases China's growing capabilities in advanced robotics manufacturing. Looking ahead, Run Robotics plans to complete an automated assembly line by Q4 2026 and has already secured commercial orders for the Centaur robot. This innovation not only highlights the strength of China's robotics industry but also emphasizes a shift in design philosophy—robots need not resemble humans but must be effective in their tasks.
Hybrid Robots Robotics Innovation AI Technology Industrial AutomationSiléane, a France-based advanced robotics specialist, has partnered with Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK) to create an innovative automated gripping solution for a global cosmetics manufacturer. This solution incorporates smart sensing directly into the end-of-arm tooling, allowing for real-time grip quality validation in fast-paced, regulated packaging environments. The significance of this development lies in its ability to address the challenges faced by traditional robotic systems in handling lightweight and flexible components, such as deformable thermoformed trays. By embedding force measurement at the point of interaction, Siléane's approach enhances reliability and precision, reducing the risk of product loss and tray deformation during high-speed operations. Looking ahead, the integration of HBK's PW22i smart load cells into the robotic gripper marks a pivotal advancement in automation technology. This setup not only captures real-time force data but also allows for immediate responses to deviations, ensuring consistent performance. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Engineering Features Manufacturing automation cosmetics manufacturing end-of-arm toolingGritt has officially launched with $32.4 million in funding to develop an intelligent system that integrates robotics and AI for infrastructure projects. The funding includes a $26 million Series A round led by Obvious Ventures, with contributions from Union Square Ventures and Active Impact Investments, among others. This initiative is significant as it addresses the labor shortages and productivity declines in the construction industry, which has seen a 46 percent drop in productivity. Gritt's technology allows robotic arms to connect with existing jobsite equipment, enabling precise material handling and decision-making in challenging outdoor environments. Looking ahead, Gritt's adaptable system is already deployed on large-scale construction sites, capturing real-time data to enhance operational efficiency. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Construction Energy Infrastructure News ai for construction artificial intelligenceHumanoid, a UK-based AI and robotics firm, has successfully raised $152 million in Series A funding, achieving a post-money valuation of $1.35 billion. This investment increases the total funds raised to $270 million and was led by Prime Movers Lab, with participation from notable investors such as Schaeffler and Bosch. This funding round marks a significant milestone for the European technology landscape, highlighting the region's potential to lead in the rapidly evolving humanoid robotics sector. Historically, advancements in Physical AI have been dominated by the US and China, but this investment signals a shift, showcasing the capability of UK and European companies to innovate and compete on a global scale. Looking ahead, Humanoid plans to utilize the new capital to enhance its technology leadership and accelerate commercial deployments. The company has already established partnerships with major corporations, including SAP and Nvidia, and recently signed a significant agreement with Schaeffler for deploying thousands of humanoid robots in manufacturing settings. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Financials & Investments Humanoids News artificial intelligence bosch humanoidYushu Technology has evolved from a hardware company into a model-driven enterprise, achieving significant milestones in robotics. On July 9, 2026, a surgeon at the University of California, San Diego, successfully performed the world's first live animal gallbladder removal using the Yushu G1 humanoid robot, showcasing its advanced capabilities. This operation, which involved a real pig and took under two hours, highlights the robot's precision and understanding of biological tissues. The transformation is underscored by Yushu's rapid registration on the Science and Technology Innovation Board, taking just 104 days, the fastest in its history. The G1 robot has previously demonstrated its ability to perform tasks like screwing, pouring, and sorting, but the surgical procedure required a higher level of precision and real-time feedback. Yushu defines its embodied intelligence model as a technology enabling robots to achieve high stability and complex motion control, akin to a robot's small brain. Investors are taking notice, with the embodied intelligence sector seeing a 4.2% increase from July 10 to 17, and Yushu-related stocks rising by an average of 7.8%. The company plans to allocate 2.022 billion for intelligent robot model research, part of a total fundraising of 42.02 billion. Future developments include the UnifoLM-WMA-0 model, which predicts actions and world states, marking a significant advancement in robotics technology.
Humanoid Robots Robotic Surgery AI Robotics Innovation
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