Meere Company (prev Eterne) (KR)
South Korean company operating in display/semiconductor industrial equipment (edge grinders) and surgical robotics, along with sensor development. Positions itself as a global innovation company contributing to human welfare through advanced technology.
RobotToday Initiative
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Humanoid Secures $152 Million in Series A Funding, Achieves $1.35 Billion Valuation
On 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 Automation
SpaceX Launches Dual-Arm Robot to Extend Lifespan of Aging Satellites
On July 21, SpaceX launched a dual-arm space robot named MRV from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Its mission is to extend the lifespan of aging satellites by attaching jetpacks to them in geostationary orbit, preventing them from becoming space debris. The first clients for this service are Luxembourg's SES and Australia's Optus, with each satellite's replacement costing up to hundreds of millions of dollars. This initiative is significant as it marks a shift in how satellites are viewed—not as disposable assets but as reusable ones that can be repaired and refueled. Northrop Grumman, the manufacturer of MRV, has experience in satellite servicing, having previously extended the lives of malfunctioning satellites. The MRV's capabilities may evolve to include repairing and repositioning active satellites and even removing defunct ones from busy orbits. Looking ahead, the success of MRV could pave the way for more advanced satellite servicing technologies. Just two weeks prior, another robotic spacecraft, LINK, was launched to rescue NASA's Swift Observatory, which is at risk of re-entering the atmosphere. As robotics play an increasingly vital role in space operations, the economic landscape of space could be fundamentally transformed.
Space Robotics Satellite Services Orbital Maintenance Space Economy
Texas Tech Surgeons Initiate Training with Advanced da Vinci Surgical System
In July, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) welcomed its first cohort of general surgery residents, who began their training with the da Vinci Surgical System. This innovative approach aims to equip new surgeons with skills comparable to those at leading institutions like Mayo Clinic and hospitals in Dallas and Houston. The training program, led by Dr. Izzy Obokare, emphasizes a systematic learning process over five years, allowing residents to master robotic surgery techniques. The da Vinci Surgical System, approved by the FDA in 2024, features a tactile feedback system that enhances the surgical experience by reducing tissue trauma and promoting quicker recovery. TTUHSC's initiative aims to provide high-quality surgical care in the Texas Panhandle, minimizing the need for residents to travel to larger cities for advanced procedures. The program also includes an open experience event for healthcare providers to witness the capabilities of robotic surgery firsthand, showcasing the arrival of cutting-edge surgical technology in rural Texas.
Robotic Surgery Medical Technology Surgical Training Healthcare Innovation
Katalyst Space Technologies Launches LINK to Save Aging NASA Space Telescope
On July 3, Katalyst Space Technologies launched its robotic spacecraft LINK from an aircraft at approximately 40,000 feet over the Pacific Ocean, targeting NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. The $500 million satellite is descending towards Earth at an accelerated rate and is expected to re-enter the atmosphere as early as October if no intervention occurs. The Swift Observatory, operational since 2004, has been NASA's 'first responder' to cosmic events, capable of rapidly observing gamma-ray bursts. However, solar activity has caused the Earth's atmosphere to expand, leading to a rapid decay in the satellite's orbit from about 600 kilometers to approximately 360 kilometers. In September 2025, NASA awarded Katalyst a $30 million contract to complete the design and launch process within ten months. If successful, this mission will demonstrate that commercial spacecraft can capture a government satellite without a designated docking interface. This capability is crucial for the Hubble Space Telescope, which is also experiencing orbital decay. The Swift Observatory has paused scientific observations to conserve its orbit, and if all goes well, it may resume scanning the universe in September. The LINK mission highlights the growing issue of space debris and the need for satellite maintenance rather than treating them as disposable assets.
Space Robotics Satellite Recovery Commercial Spaceflight Space Debris Management
SK On's Solid-State Batteries Could Enable 8-Hour Robot Operation Despite Cost Increase
SK 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 Efficiency
Medtronic Unveils Real-Time AI Platform for Hugo Surgical Robots to Rival Da Vinci
On July 21, Medtronic announced the development of a real-time AI computing platform, the Touch Surgery assistance platform, for its Hugo surgical robot. This platform integrates NVIDIA's computing infrastructure and runs Medtronic's FDA-approved AI application, Instrument Exit Point (IEP), which alerts surgeons when instruments are at risk of going out of view during procedures. This advancement is significant as it redefines safety boundaries in surgical procedures, allowing for enhanced real-time monitoring and decision-making. Medtronic's Chief Technology Officer, Jim Pecher, emphasized that real-time AI represents a fundamental evolution in surgical support, shifting from merely assisting surgeons to enabling smarter, faster actions that have a greater impact. Looking ahead, Medtronic plans to showcase the Touch Surgery platform at the upcoming robotic surgery conference in Florida. While IEP currently offers basic functionality, the company aims to expand its capabilities into laparoscopic surgery and integrate additional AI applications, marking a pivotal step towards cognitive assistance in surgical robotics.
Surgical Robots AI in Healthcare Robotic Surgery Medical Technology
CMU's Snake Robots Aid in Earthquake Rescue Operations in Venezuela
On June 24, two major earthquakes struck northern Venezuela, resulting in over 5,000 deaths and significant injuries and displacements. In response, a specialized rescue team from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) deployed snake-like robots to assist in search efforts. From June 30 to July 3, the CMU robotics team collaborated with the Red Cross and international volunteers in La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit cities, to search through collapsed buildings. The snake robots, designed to navigate tight spaces, provided crucial visual information to rescuers, although no survivors were found. The technology helped confirm that several locations were free of trapped individuals, offering vital reassurance to families and aiding in the elimination of false leads during the critical golden hour of rescue operations. This initiative was inspired by Beatriz Gonzalez, a Venezuelan tech worker, who reached out to CMU after learning about the robots' previous success in the 2017 Mexico City earthquake. The CMU team faced numerous challenges, including equipment failures and communication barriers, but adapted by leveraging their diverse skills. Professor Howie Choset emphasized the unique capability of academic institutions to mobilize resources effectively. Following this deployment, the team plans to address the technical and operational shortcomings revealed during the mission, aiming to enhance the robots for future disaster scenarios.
Search and Rescue Robotics Disaster Response Technology Robotics Innovation Earthquake Recovery
Run Robotics Unveils Hybrid 'Centaur' Robot at WAIC 2026 in Shanghai
Run 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 Automation
MIT Unveils Insect-Scale Flying Robot for Disaster Rescue Missions
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a flying robot that weighs less than a paperclip and is the size of a cassette tape, capable of navigating through tight spaces in disaster scenarios. Published on July 21 in 'Science Advances', this micro flying robot achieves insect-level speed, acceleration, and maneuverability, including continuous flips and sharp turns. The significance of this development lies in its advanced artificial intelligence control system, which enables the robot to perform complex flight maneuvers in real-time despite its lightweight design. The new control system has improved the robot's flight speed by 447% and acceleration by 255%, allowing it to execute ten consecutive backflips in just 11 seconds with minimal deviation. Looking ahead, the research team aims to integrate lightweight cameras and sensors into the robot, enabling it to autonomously navigate through real-world debris and tight spaces. This bionic flight behavior will enhance its ability to locate survivors in disaster situations, potentially transforming rescue operations from traditional probing methods to direct visual assessments.
Micro Flying Robots Disaster Rescue Technology AI Control Systems Robotics Autonomous Navigation
Wuxi's Robot Police Team Advances Towards Autonomous Patrol Capabilities
In Wuxi, a new police initiative has introduced a team of robots, including humanoid robots and robotic dogs, to assist in public safety. This pilot program, known as the 'Intelligent Armor Team,' began testing traffic management robots in April and deployed robotic dogs for inspections at major events in July. The collaboration between Wuxi Public Security and local companies aims to address the challenges of developing effective robotic solutions for law enforcement. The significance of this initiative lies in its potential to enhance public safety while reducing human exposure to dangerous situations. By providing a testing environment and clear requirements, Wuxi Public Security has facilitated the development of these robotic systems, which are seen as a promising market for embodied intelligence. However, the initial deployment has revealed challenges, such as the need for multiple operators to control the robots and limitations in their operational capabilities. Looking ahead, the traffic management robots are evolving from being remote-controlled to integrating with traffic signal systems for more autonomous operation. As these systems improve, they may significantly change how public safety is managed in urban environments. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotic Police Autonomous Systems Public Safety Technology Surveillance Robots
Automate 2026 | A3’s Jeff Burnstein on the New Geography of Robotics Adoption
RobotToday interviews A3 President Jeff Burnstein post-Automate 2026 on sector diversification, China’s 10x robot installation lead, a proposed U.S. national robotics strategy, and global cooperation through the IFR.
CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS | MODULAR, PREFAB & 3D PRINTING
Modular, prefab, and 3D printing are moving construction off-site. ICON's Phoenix printer targets multi-story builds. PERI-COBOD's DREIHAUS delivered 30% faster and 10% cheaper in Germany. WinSun re-enters the US as Gaudi Tech. The paradigm shift is accelerating.
FUTURE WARFARE | Air - Collaborative Combat Aircraft, Drone Motherships & the Autonomy Race Above the Battlefield
Anduril’s YFQ-44A Fury flew its first semi-autonomous mission on 31 October 2025 — 556 days from contract to flight. By February 2026 it was carrying live missiles and swapping autonomy software mid-flight. China’s Jiutian drone mothership flew on 11 December 2025, capable of releasing over 100 loitering munitions from its internal bay at 15,000 metres. And the U.S. Air Force is standing up its second experimental one-way attack drone unit for mid-2026. This article maps the most consequential aerial autonomous systems competition in history: the CCA programme that will determine U.S. air dominance in the 2030s, the Valkyrie’s surprising rebirth, the A-GRA open-architecture breakthrough, and the Chinese drone mothership that has no Western equivalent.
RobotToday Weekly Industry Briefing: March 16 – 20, 2026
RobotToday Weekly Briefing March 14–20, 2026: Unitree's $610M humanoid IPO filing, Boston Dynamics surges to $20B valuation, Amazon's Rivr acquisition, Uber's $1.25B Rivian robotaxi deal, space-based humanoid control, wind-powered robots, and ElliQ's Medicaid milestone.
China's 15th Five-Year Plan and the Space Robotics Imperative
China's 15th Five-Year Plan names aerospace a strategic pillar industry alongside semiconductors and sets hard mission schedules — Chang'e-7, Chang'e-8, crewed lunar landing — that make space robotics one of the most consequential engineering battlegrounds of the late 2020s.
Sunny t2000 china s first 2 ton turboprop cargo uav signals a new era for heavy unmanned logistics
The SUNNY-T2000 signals a shift in heavy cargo UAVs, showing how two-ton unmanned aircraft are reshaping regional and industrial air logistics.
World's First Embodied AI Experience Center: Agibot's Strategy to Turn Humanoids into a Trillion-Dollar Traffic Driver
Agibot opens the world’s first Embodied AI Experience Center in Wuxi, positioning humanoid robots as a trillion-dollar traffic and ecosystem platform.
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