Motional
"Changing How the World Moves"
Hyundai-Aptiv joint venture developing SAE Level 4 driverless vehicles and operating IONIQ 5 robotaxi service in Las Vegas.
Motional is a U.S.-based autonomous driving company formed in 2020 as a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group, a global vehicle manufacturer, and Aptiv, an automotive technology supplier. The company develops and deploys SAE Level 4 driverless vehicles intended for autonomous ride-hailing and delivery services. Its flagship platform is the Motional IONIQ 5 robotaxi, an all-electric, zero-tailpipe-emissions vehicle based on Hyundai's IONIQ 5 and engineered to operate without a human driver. Motional integrates a full autonomy stack of sensors, compute and software, and has restructured its technology approach around AI, moving from a collection of individual machine-learning models and rule-based software toward a unified AI foundation model for driving.
The company operates a robotaxi service in Las Vegas available through ride-hailing platforms including Uber, Uber Eats, Lyft and Via, and is working to commercialize a fully driverless Level 4 service. Motional is also known for its open-source contributions to autonomous-driving research, notably the nuScenes dataset and related releases such as nuReasoning, which are widely used by the AV research community. The company maintains offices in Boston, Pittsburgh and Las Vegas in the United States and in Singapore in Asia. Motional positions its combined heritage in vehicle manufacturing and automotive software as the foundation for building driverless technology that is safe, reliable and accessible, and integrating it into existing mobility networks for ride-hail and delivery.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Company Facts
Founded
2020
Primary Role
Software/Algorithm
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
Keywords
- Motional
- robotaxi
- Level 4 autonomy
- driverless technology
- IONIQ 5 robotaxi
- nuScenes
- ride-hail
- self-driving
- Software/Algorithm
- Autonomous Vehicle/UGV
- Logistics & Supply Chain
- Manufacturing
DJI Launches $10,000 Contest for Best Avata 360 Drone Videos
DJI has introduced the #AllForPassion Challenge, inviting Avata 360 users to showcase their sports and adventure videos for a chance to win up to $10,000. The contest features a grand prize of $10,000, two runner-up prizes of $5,000 each, and five third-place awards of $1,000. This initiative aims to highlight the growing trend of immersive 360-degree action footage. The competition runs until September 30, with winners announced on October 28. Participants must film action content using the DJI Avata 360, include specific hashtags, and submit their entries via email. The contest encourages multiple submissions and aims to attract creative videos that capture the excitement of various sports, from hiking to surfing. DJI's Avata 360 drone offers unique features like full 360-degree recording and advanced stabilization, making it ideal for fast-paced sports. Entries will be judged on video quality, creativity, and influence, allowing original content to shine regardless of the creator's audience size. Participants retain copyright but grant DJI a license to use their videos for promotional purposes.
News
UBTECH's U1 Series Bionic Robots Captivate Attendees at World Robot Conference
At the 2026 World Robot Conference, UBTECH's U1 series bionic humanoid robots drew significant attention, with crowds eager to interact with the lifelike machines. The robots, featuring bionic silicone skin and capable of over a hundred micro-expressions, showcased advanced technology that includes a unique 'double-joint + four-bar linkage' neck structure and a sophisticated facial muscle network. The U1 series is designed for commercial applications, with prices ranging from 119,800 yuan for the Lite version to 990,000 yuan for the top-tier Ultra model. These robots are equipped with the Resonance LM emotional model, enabling them to recognize user emotions and retain memory of past interactions, making them suitable for companionship, psychological support, and exhibition roles. The event highlighted a dual focus in the humanoid robotics industry, with UBTECH also presenting industrial robots like the Cruzr Y1 and commercial robots such as the Walker C1. As 2026 is seen as a pivotal year for market applications in humanoid robotics, the contrasting interests in human-like machines and practical robotic tools were evident at the conference.
Humanoid Robots Bionic Technology AI Industrial Automation
China Launches First Robot Groomsmen Team at West Lake for Unique Proposal Event
On August 19, 2023, Qingtian Rental partnered with Feikuo Technology and other brands to introduce China's first 'Robot Groomsmen Team' at West Lake for a romantic proposal event. The event featured various robots that engaged with visitors throughout the day, collecting blessings and enhancing the proposal experience at night. This innovative event showcased the integration of advanced technology into traditional romantic practices, attracting significant attention from tourists. The robots, including the ZQ T800 and Lingxi X2, provided unique interactions, such as guiding photo opportunities and collecting heartfelt messages from passersby, creating a memorable atmosphere for the proposal. Looking ahead, Qingtian Rental plans to expand its Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) offerings to more cities and events, promoting technology's role in enhancing emotional connections and commercial activities. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics Event Technology AI Public Engagement Romantic Proposals
UBTECH Unveils New Humanoid Robots for Industrial, Commercial, and Home Use at WRC 2026
From August 19 to 23, 2026, the World Robot Conference (WRC 2026) took place in Beijing, where UBTECH showcased a range of humanoid robots designed for industrial, commercial, and home applications. Highlighted products included the industrial humanoid robot Cruzr Y1, the commercial service robot Walker C1, and the ultra-bionic humanoid robot U1, marking a significant step towards the market application of humanoid robots. This event is pivotal as 2026 is recognized as the inaugural year for the market application of humanoid robots, transitioning from conceptual exploration to practical, scalable development. UBTECH's strategy encompasses a comprehensive approach to industrial strength, commercial service, and emotional engagement in home consumption, leveraging technology and data to enhance the productivity value of humanoid robots. Looking ahead, UBTECH's commitment to advancing embodied intelligence technology is crucial for the successful deployment of humanoid robots across various sectors. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Humanoid Robots Industrial Automation Commercial Robotics Home Robotics
Smart Toilet Robot Transforms Nighttime Care for Elderly Couple
Eighty-six-year-old Mr. Yang and Mrs. Yang recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. As they age, nighttime bathroom trips have become a significant burden for them, especially with Mrs. Yang's mobility issues following surgery. Mr. Yang has been assisting her multiple times a night, disrupting their sleep and leading to discomfort due to accidents. The introduction of the 'Leap Buddy' smart toilet robot has alleviated these challenges. This robot autonomously moves, avoids obstacles, and manages waste, allowing Mrs. Yang to call it with a button press. It features a self-cleaning system and odor control, significantly improving their home environment and sleep quality. With the robot's assistance, Mr. Yang no longer needs to help his wife up multiple times a night, leading to more restful nights for both. The device not only enhances physical comfort but also reduces the emotional stress associated with nighttime care, allowing for a dignified and comfortable living experience for elderly individuals.
Elderly Care Smart Home Technology Robotics Healthcare Innovation
Companion Robots Transitioning from Concept to Daily Life in China
In a Shenzhen nursing home, companion robots are actively engaging with elderly residents through activities like chess, poetry reading, and Tai Chi. This shift comes as China's aging population is projected to exceed 320 million by the end of 2025, highlighting the urgent need for elder care solutions. The companion robot market in China is expected to reach approximately 79.6 billion yuan in 2024 and rise to around 90 billion yuan in 2025. By the end of 2026, the market could expand to between 110 billion and 140 billion yuan, driven by advancements in edge AI. The elder care robot segment alone is anticipated to surpass 10 billion yuan by 2026. As the industry evolves, challenges such as data privacy, ethical human-robot interaction, and addiction risks are emerging. The development of emotional AI models capable of recognizing nuanced emotions is crucial for enhancing the companionship experience, marking the beginning of a significant market opportunity.
Companion Robots Elder Care AI Technology Emotional Recognition Robotics Market
Zhongke Xinzhi Completes Angel Round Funding for Emotion Perception AI Development
Zhongke Xinzhi, a company specializing in embodied intelligent emotional cognition models, has announced the completion of its angel round funding. The investment, led by Shanghai Xinzhi Enterprise Management Partnership, will primarily support the technological iteration of cross-modal emotion perception models, the mass production of smart hardware, and the development of standardized perception modules. This funding is significant as it enables Zhongke Xinzhi to advance its core technology, which integrates visual, auditory, behavioral, and physiological signals to produce a clinical-level 'empathy index' and multidimensional mental state perception. This breakthrough allows for a more nuanced understanding of emotions, moving beyond simple binary labels like 'happy' or 'sad' to recognize complex emotional states, enhancing the emotional intelligence of robots. Looking ahead, Zhongke Xinzhi aims to commercialize its technology through self-developed hardware such as smart rings and companion robots, initially targeting emotional companionship for consumers. The ultimate goal is to establish an 'emotion-level' ecological infrastructure that transforms not only human-robot interaction but also the very essence of companionship itself. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Emotion AI Robotics Human-Robot Interaction Machine Learning
China's Ambitious Plan for Lunar Research Station with Robotic Assistance by 2035
Researchers from the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) have proposed a lunar exploration blueprint that integrates robotic dogs with astronauts. This plan aims to enhance efficiency in the harsh lunar environment, where relying solely on humans or robots is deemed ineffective. The envisioned team consists of three astronauts and two quadrupedal robots, working collaboratively to conduct reconnaissance and assess hazardous terrain. The significance of this proposal lies in its potential to address the challenges of lunar exploration. The astronauts will command the robotic dogs to scout the lunar surface and provide emotional support, helping to alleviate the psychological stress of isolation. According to the authors, this 'human-robot collaboration model' leverages the complementary strengths of both humans and robots, supporting the long-term efficient operation of a lunar base. However, implementing this ambitious vision poses significant challenges, including the lack of GPS and inadequate communication infrastructure on the Moon. Additionally, AI training data from Earth may not be fully applicable, necessitating higher levels of autonomous decision-making for the robotic dogs. While this remains a research proposal rather than a confirmed deployment plan, it clearly reflects China's strategic ambition to integrate robotics, autonomous decision-making, and lunar infrastructure development. By 2035, when Chinese astronauts land on the Moon, these tireless quadrupedal robots may be their first companions.
Lunar Exploration Robotics Space Technology AI Human-Robot Collaboration
China Plans to Use Robot Dogs for Research at 2035 Moon Station
China is preparing to send robot dogs to the Moon as part of its International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative, aiming for completion by 2035. These quadruped robots are envisioned to assist astronauts in research and emotional support, enhancing the human experience in space. The integration of new communication and navigation systems is crucial for this ambitious project, as reported by South China Morning Post. The robot dogs will not only patrol the lunar research station but also aid astronauts in scientific tasks, showcasing a unique partnership between humans and machines in extraterrestrial environments. Looking ahead, the deployment of robot dogs could revolutionize lunar exploration, with their capabilities extending to autonomous operations. As China progresses towards its 2035 goal, the role of these robotic companions in space will be pivotal in ensuring safety and efficiency in lunar research activities. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI and Robotics
Expper Technologies' Robin Robot Transforms Hospital Experience for Children as Emotional Support
The Robin robot, developed by Expper Technologies, is enhancing the hospital experience for children by serving as an emotional support companion. Deployed in approximately 30 hospitals, dental clinics, and nursing homes across the U.S., Robin engages with children through conversation and games, helping to alleviate anxiety during medical treatments. Robin's unique design resembles a curious 7-year-old girl from outer space, allowing it to connect emotionally with young patients. Its AI system analyzes children's emotional states and provides comforting interactions, which have proven effective in reducing anxiety in medical settings. For instance, a child who refused to eat was encouraged by Robin to do so after a brief interaction. As Expper Technologies plans to enhance Robin's capabilities and expand its deployment, the robot's role is not to replace human interaction but to support it. The ongoing use of Robin in hospitals is redefining the concept of companionship in healthcare, highlighting the importance of emotional support in medical environments.
Healthcare Robotics Emotional Support Pediatric Care AI Technology
