Les Companions
"Robots for Painters!"
French startup developing PACO, a collaborative painting robot that assists construction painters with repetitive spraying tasks, founded 2018.
Les Companions is a French robotics startup founded in spring 2018 by Antoine Rennuit, headquartered in Marcq-en-Baroeul (Hauts-de-France). The company designs and manufactures PACO, a collaborative robot assistant specifically engineered for professional building painters. PACO integrates a 3D scanning step where the painter maps the environment, then programs the robot to handle spray painting of walls and ceilings autonomously, including an automated airless spraying system with an integrated roller for precision near edges.
The robot is transportable up stairs and across construction site obstacles such as cables and uneven floors. PACO targets new construction and major renovation projects, reducing the risk of falls and work-related musculoskeletal conditions. PACO is designed and assembled in France.
The company is backed by patented proprietary algorithms at the intersection of robotics and construction technology.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
PACO
Collaborative painting robot that autonomously sprays walls and ceilings on construction sites while the painter focuses on skilled finishing tasks.
Contact Les Companions
WEBSITE
https://lescompanions.com/PHONE
+33 3 74 47 22 99HEADQUARTERS
France
Company Facts
Founded
2018
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
Europe
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
Teradyne Robotics Initiates Patent Infringement Case Against JAKA Robotics Over Universal Robots Patents
Teradyne Robotics A/S has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against JAKA Robotics GmbH, alleging violations of three Universal Robots patents. The case, filed on August 24, 2026, in the Unified Patent Court's Copenhagen Local Division, involves both hardware and software related to JAKA's collaborative robots sold in Europe. This lawsuit is significant as it highlights the ongoing competition in the collaborative robotics market, where Teradyne Robotics is a leading developer with over 100,000 robots sold since its inception in 2005. The patents in question cover essential aspects of robotic technology, including programmable systems and joint safety mechanisms, which are critical for the functionality of collaborative robots. Moving forward, it will be important to monitor how JAKA Robotics responds to the allegations, as they have stated they have not received official notification of the lawsuit. The outcome of this case could impact the competitive landscape in the collaborative robotics sector, particularly in Europe, where both companies operate extensively. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
China Collaborative Robots News JAKA Robotics Teradyne Robotics Universal Robots
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Cobot Arms Collaborative Robots Logistics Markets / Industries News Robots / Platforms
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Insights from the 2026 World Robot Conference: Specialized Robots Gain Traction Over General-Purpose Models
At the 2026 World Robot Conference, a clear trend emerged indicating that the embodied intelligence industry is shifting focus from creating general-purpose robots to developing specialized solutions that deliver real value in specific scenarios. Innovations in areas such as garment sewing, biomedical applications, and airport luggage handling highlight this transition. The significance of this shift lies in the ability of specialized robots to address industry-specific challenges, such as labor shortages and rising costs in garment production. For instance, Aitu's humanoid robot is designed solely for garment sewing, showcasing its capability to autonomously identify fabrics and perform precise stitching without the need for constant reprogramming. Looking ahead, the conference revealed advancements in collaborative robotics, with companies exploring multi-robot systems for enhanced efficiency. Notably, Xingyuan Intelligence demonstrated a novel multi-robot collaboration in a jumping rope task, indicating a trend towards more complex interactions among robots. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Specialized Robots Industrial Automation Biomedical Robotics Robotic Collaboration
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Why Pittsburgh Compressed 12 Events Into One Week | StartUP PGH 2026
Pittsburgh companies raised $2.29 billion last year, but the region's own investors have just $23.2 million left to deploy, less than one average deal. StartUP PGH 2026, opening September 14 with 250-plus robotics exhibitors and 65-plus pitching startups, is built to bring outside investors to town.
Teradyne’s IP Offensive and the Next Phase of Cobot Competition
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JAKA Robotics Responds to Teradyne's Patent Infringement Lawsuit with Legal Action
JAKA Robotics has publicly countered a lawsuit filed by Teradyne Robotics, alleging patent infringement related to collaborative robot arms. The dispute escalated as JAKA sought injunctive relief against what it describes as Teradyne's misleading public statements regarding the lawsuit. JAKA claims it was unaware of any legal proceedings until informed by Teradyne's social media announcement. The significance of this legal battle lies in the implications for both companies in the collaborative robotics market. JAKA asserts that it has developed its technology independently, holding over 300 patents globally, and that it has conducted thorough analyses to ensure compliance with patent laws. The company argues that Teradyne's claims are unfounded and potentially damaging to its reputation. Looking ahead, the outcome of this dispute could influence market dynamics and perceptions of product quality in the robotics sector. JAKA's response highlights concerns over anti-competitive practices, while Teradyne maintains that the legal process is underway. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
China Collaborative Robots News Robots / Platforms Compliance JAKA Robotics
JAKA Robotics Addresses Patent Claims, Highlights Self-Development in Robotics Technology
On September 2, JAKA Robotics issued an official statement regarding overseas patent litigation, asserting that it does not infringe on the opposing party's patents based on comprehensive technical tracing and patent comparison analysis. This confidence stems from over a decade of the company's full-stack self-developed technology system. The performance of a robot is rooted in hundreds of precision components, including reducers, servo systems, and controllers, which directly influence the machine's accuracy, load capacity, and reliability. As Chinese robotics companies accelerate their entry into the global market, the originality of technology and intellectual property rights are becoming critical competitive factors, making JAKA's self-development path significant in this context. Looking ahead, JAKA Robotics aims to enhance its general intelligent robot capabilities, evolving from collaborative robots to embodied intelligent robots. The company has successfully integrated core components and developed over 60 self-developed collaborative robots in its production base, achieving a closed-loop verification of its technological strength. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Collaborative Robots Humanoid Robots AI Robotics Technology
Tianlian Launches TCE605 Robotic Arm at a Groundbreaking Price of ¥17880
Tianlian Robotics has introduced the TCE605 robotic arm, priced at ¥17880, marking a significant advancement in embodied intelligence. This model features a lightweight design at 6.8kg, capable of handling a rated load of 5kg and a maximum load of 8kg, with a working radius of 653mm and a repeat positioning accuracy of ±0.05mm. The TCE605's innovative design combines full harmonic joints with a dual encoder system, ensuring smooth motion and high precision even under rapid movements. Its low power consumption and safety features enhance its adaptability for various applications, including exploration, disaster relief, and industrial automation. This launch signifies a shift in the collaborative robotics market, making high-performance robotic arms accessible at a lower cost. The TCE605 aims to serve as a versatile interface in the embodied intelligence ecosystem, supporting various robotic operating systems and applications, thus transforming the concept of embodied intelligence into practical solutions.
Robotic Arms Embodied Intelligence Automation Industrial Robotics
Top 10 Robotics Developments and Funding Highlights from August 2026
In August 2026, significant funding rounds and advancements in humanoid robotics captured attention across the industry. XPeng Motors' Dogotix unit raised over $900 million, achieving a post-transaction valuation exceeding $6.3 billion, marking a notable entry into humanoid robotics for the electric vehicle manufacturer. The construction sector is witnessing increased demand for automation, with SoftBank investing in Gravis Robotics' Series A round, which is touted as the largest in construction robotics history. Meanwhile, Reimagine Robotics is developing AI technology that allows robots to learn on the job, showcasing the potential for broader applications in various industries. Looking ahead, Unitree Robotics made a significant market debut, raising approximately $905 million in its IPO, while Zoox revealed its final design for a driverless robotaxi, signaling advancements in autonomous vehicle technology. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence / Cognition Automation Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Collaborative Robots Construction
ROBOTTODAY WEEKLY BRIEFING August 24 – 28, 2026
This week in robotics: XPeng's Dogotix raises over $900 million at a $6.3 billion valuation, Unitree's post-IPO slump revives bubble talk, Beijing's World Humanoid Robot Games close with a shift to real-world tasks, and Teradyne sues JAKA at Europe's Unified Patent Court. August 24–28, 2026.
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UCL and HKUST researchers, plus robotics CEOs, challenged embodied AI hype at WAIC 2026, citing generalization limits and no third-party evaluation standard.
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.
CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS | BUSINESS MODELS & INVESTMENT LANDSCAPE
Construction robotics attracted $4.4 billion in built environment tech funding through Q3 2025. SoftBank acquired ABB Robotics for $5.375 billion. RaaS is displacing capex models. AI-native platforms command 39x revenue multiples. This is where money meets machines.
AGRICULTURAL ROBOTICS | $34B Weeding Robot Market
Weeding & crop management robots target a $34–42B herbicide market. Deep-dive on Carbon Robotics, Ecorobotix, Verdant, FarmWise, and the four tech platforms reshaping chemical-free farming by 2030.
