LAAS-CNRS
French CNRS public research lab in Toulouse conducting multidisciplinary research in robotics, AI, automatic control, and micro-nano systems since 1968.
LAAS-CNRS (Laboratoire d'Analyse et d'Architecture des Systèmes) is a flagship French public research laboratory of the CNRS (UPR 8001), established in 1968 and affiliated with the University of Toulouse. With approximately 750 researchers, engineers, and PhD students, it is one of Europe's largest systems-research institutions. The laboratory conducts multidisciplinary research spanning robotics, artificial intelligence, automatic control, micro-nano-bio systems, electronics, photonics, cybersecurity, and decision optimization.
Its Gepetto team (founded 2006) is internationally renowned for humanoid robot motion planning and control, operating platforms including HRP-2, Romeo, and Pyrène. LAAS-CNRS regularly hosts flagship robotics events and collaborates extensively with academic and industrial partners worldwide.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Gepetto Humanoid Motion Planning Platform
Research platform for humanoid robot motion planning and control developed by LAAS-CNRS Gepetto team.
Contact LAAS-CNRS
WEBSITE
https://www.laas.frPHONE
+33 (0)5 61 33 62 00HEADQUARTERS
France
Company Facts
Founded
1968
Primary Role
Research Institute
Company Size
-
Primary Region
Europe
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
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Hyundai's Atlas Robot Deployment Sparks Labor Concerns in Korea, Not in the US
Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy Atlas humanoid robots at its Georgia plant in 2028, highlighting a significant labor debate between Korea and the US. In Korea, union workers are advocating for job protections amid rising automation concerns, while no organized resistance has emerged in Hyundai's nonunion US factories. The Korean union has raised issues regarding the impact of physical artificial intelligence and robotics during labor negotiations, seeking transparency and safeguards against job losses. Although the union has not outright rejected the technology, a tentative agreement acknowledges the necessity of AI and robotics for Hyundai's competitiveness, emphasizing shared information and joint management of the transition. In contrast, the US lacks a comparable collective response, attributed to the weak presence of organized labor in the South and Hyundai's expanding workforce. Experts question whether the current calm will persist as humanoid robots transition from demonstrations to actual factory operations. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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Goodfire Launches Silico Platform to Enhance AI Interpretability and Research Access
Goodfire, an AI lab based in San Francisco, has made its Silico platform publicly available, aiming to improve AI interpretability. This initiative includes a $1 million grant program for academic and nonprofit researchers to utilize Silico's tools, which focus on mechanistic interpretability to understand AI models better. The significance of this development lies in its potential to democratize access to advanced interpretability techniques, previously limited to elite labs. By enabling researchers and startups to explore AI model behaviors, Goodfire seeks to foster safer and more powerful AI systems, addressing the urgent need for transparency in AI decision-making processes. Looking ahead, the widespread adoption of Silico could transform how AI models are developed and understood. As researchers like Cameron Berg leverage these tools to accelerate scientific inquiry, the implications for trust in AI and its applications across various fields could be profound. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Ai-interpretability Ai Science
Microsoft Teams Users Report Inability to Join Meetings on August 26
On the morning of August 26, reports emerged on X regarding users being unable to join meetings on Microsoft Teams. Although Microsoft has not issued an official outage notice, numerous users began reporting issues around 9 AM, and as of 10:30 AM, the problems appeared to persist. Posts on X included comments like 'Is there a Teams outage?' and 'I couldn't join the meeting,' leading to 'Teams outage' trending on the platform. This incident is significant as it highlights ongoing reliability issues with Microsoft Teams, which has faced similar challenges in the past. Notably, on July 24, a similar outage affected users in the Asia-Pacific region, preventing them from joining meetings and calls. The current situation raises concerns about the platform's stability, especially for organizations that rely heavily on Teams for communication and collaboration. Looking ahead, it will be important to monitor Microsoft's response to this outage and whether they will provide updates or solutions for affected users. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Ancient Egypt's Desert Sands Once Home to Sharks Millions of Years Ago
Recent findings suggest that millions of years before the construction of the pyramids, the desert sands of Egypt were once part of a marine environment inhabited by sharks. This discovery sheds light on the ancient ecosystems that existed in the region, providing valuable insights into the geological history of Egypt. Understanding the prehistoric marine life that thrived in what is now a desert highlights the dramatic changes in climate and geography over millions of years. This knowledge is crucial for researchers studying the evolution of marine species and the impact of environmental changes on biodiversity. As research continues, scientists are expected to uncover more about the ancient marine ecosystems of Egypt. Future studies may focus on fossil records and sediment analysis to further understand the extent of marine life in the region and its implications for current biodiversity and climate change discussions.
Culture
Galileo Unveils Next-Gen Ground Mobility Platform Galileo X at WRC 2026
Chinese embodied AI robotics company Galileo has introduced its next-generation ground mobility platform, Galileo X, at WRC 2026. This platform features the company's proprietary Embodied Ground Mobility System, positioning it as a new paradigm for future ground robots. Galileo X is designed as a versatile ground mobility platform to meet diverse operational needs. It bridges the hardware structures, kinematic models, and control algorithms of wheeled, vehicle-type, and legged platforms through an integrated hardware architecture and unified control framework, creating advanced technological advantages. The introduction of Galileo X aims to establish a unique technological foundation for all-terrain mobile robots, enhancing the company's leadership in multimodal ground mobility solutions. Galileo plans to open its core hardware-software interface to collaborate with algorithm developers, application service providers, and industry partners to build an open ecosystem centered around Galileo X.
Burns & McDonnell and Gritt Collaborate to Implement AI Robotics in Solar Construction
Burns & McDonnell has partnered with Gritt to assess and deploy AI-driven robotics technology for utility-scale solar projects. This collaboration aims to enhance safety, improve project predictability, and support construction teams amid rising demand for new energy infrastructure. The integration of Gritt's AI and robotics technology into construction processes is significant as it addresses labor challenges and boosts efficiency in solar construction. Gritt's systems can autonomously perform tasks such as assembling solar arrays and pouring concrete, which are typically labor-intensive and repetitive. Looking ahead, the partnership is set to continue evaluating robotic technologies in real-world environments. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Construction Energy Infrastructure News ai robotics autonomous construction equipment
XPeng Secures $900 Million for Robotics Business, Valued at $6.3 Billion
XPeng has successfully raised over $900 million for its robotics division, achieving a post-money valuation exceeding $6.3 billion. This funding marks the largest single-round private capital raise in China's embodied AI sector, with contributions from IDG Capital, Gaorong Ventures, Tencent, and Alibaba. The capital will support the development of robotics hardware and software, training AI models, and expanding production facilities. This financing is crucial as XPeng prepares for the mass production of its IRON humanoid robot, expected to begin by the end of 2026. The IRON robot, designed for various applications, boasts 76 degrees of freedom and is powered by three Turing AI chips, enabling autonomous operation. The initial deployments will occur at XPeng stores and campuses, with a broader commercial launch planned for 2027 in both China and international markets. Looking ahead, XPeng's IRON humanoid robot is positioned as a key player in the global humanoid robotics market. The company's strategy leverages its automotive manufacturing expertise to enhance robotics production, aiming to create a self-reinforcing cycle of data generation and model deployment. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Automotive Humanoids News Robotics alibaba china robotics
Wits University and University of Bordeaux Achieve Breakthrough in Optical Data Transmission
Researchers at Wits University in South Africa and the University of Bordeaux in France have successfully transmitted optical data through turbulent air without loss. This groundbreaking experiment demonstrates that atmospheric distortion can be ignored by encoding information into the topological properties of light, specifically using skyrmions. This advancement is significant as it addresses one of the longstanding challenges in telecommunications: the chaotic nature of Earth's atmosphere that disrupts light signals. Traditional methods often require complex systems to correct for these distortions, but the new approach allows for reliable data transmission even in adverse conditions. Looking ahead, the implications of this research could revolutionize optical communication systems, making them more efficient and less reliant on expensive technology. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Innovation
Advancements in Smart Solar Technology Enhance Off-Grid Power Efficiency
Recent developments in solar technology focus on optimizing the use of photovoltaic (PV) surfaces rather than merely increasing the number of solar panels. This is particularly vital for off-grid systems, where every watt is crucial for remote locations such as agricultural facilities and telecommunications sites. Innovations like bifacial photovoltaics (PVs) allow for greater energy capture by utilizing both the front and back surfaces of the panels, leading to increased electricity production. The significance of these advancements lies in their potential to improve energy management and efficiency in off-grid applications. Bifacial modules can enhance energy generation by 9% to 15% based on ground conditions, with optimal performance observed with reflective surfaces like white gravel. This shift in focus from traditional monofacial panels to bifacial technology represents a critical evolution in solar energy systems, particularly for users without grid access. Looking ahead, the integration of high-efficiency cell architectures, such as TOPCon and heterojunction technologies, alongside bifacial configurations, promises even greater energy capture. The International Energy Agency indicates that efficiencies exceeding 60% on the rear side of bifacial cells are achievable, highlighting the importance of design and installation in maximizing solar energy potential. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Energy Infrastructure Technology battery storage bifacial solar panels energy storage
DJI Osmo Action 6 Cameras Successfully Document Rocket Launch and Recovery
DJI showcased the resilience of its Osmo Action 6 cameras by sending 12 units aboard LandSpace's Zhuque-3 rocket during China's first successful land-based orbital booster recovery on August 19. Remarkably, one camera captured the entire mission in a single, uninterrupted video, providing a unique first-person perspective from liftoff to landing. This demonstration highlights the durability of the Osmo Action 6, which withstood extreme temperatures of 400°C to 500°C and intense vibrations during the flight. The footage serves as a valuable engineering tool for LandSpace, allowing engineers to analyze the rocket's recovery sequence and performance throughout the mission. The cameras recorded continuously, even during a communications blackout, ensuring that all critical moments were preserved. DJI's advanced stabilization technology contributed to the high-quality video, making it a significant achievement in showcasing the capabilities of consumer-grade action cameras in extreme conditions.
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