Plus One Robotics develops vision-guided robotic systems for parcel handling and fulfillment. Its platform integrates 3D perception, AI-based grasp planning, and human-in-the-loop supervision to automate depalletizing, sorting, and item-level picking in logistics operations.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
MoSense, a company specializing in multimodal tactile solutions for robotics, has successfully completed an angel funding round worth several million yuan. Investors include Sequoia China, Hillhouse Capital, and Zhiyuan Robotics. The funds will primarily accelerate research and development, team expansion, computational power investment, and production testing system establishment. Founded in May 2026 and headquartered in Shanghai, with a research center in Shenzhen, MoSense focuses on developing a comprehensive multimodal tactile perception system for robots. The company aims to enhance robots' environmental perception capabilities, which are crucial for their deployment in complex real-world scenarios such as industrial manufacturing and logistics. Looking ahead, MoSense plans to commercialize its multimodal tactile solutions across various industries beyond humanoid robotics. The company is developing a tactile feedback system that integrates multiple sensory modalities, which is essential for improving robots' interaction with their environments. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Thomas Genestar, managing director of western Europe at Exotec, emphasizes the necessity of automation and AI in logistics due to the e-commerce boom. He identifies resilience, reliability, and operational continuity as critical pillars influencing supply chain strategies for 2026 and beyond. Genestar highlights the growing adoption of Goods-to-Person (G2P) solutions, which enhance warehouse efficiency by delivering items directly to operators. This innovation reduces unnecessary movement, increases task consistency, and minimizes physical strain on workers, addressing the significant costs associated with non-automated warehouses. Additionally, he notes the shift from traditional forecasting to AI/ML models that allow for dynamic demand sensing, enabling organizations to better align production with demand. This evolution supports more sustainable and resilient supply chain practices, including improved reverse logistics inspired by e-commerce return models. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Features Logistics ai automation circular logistics demand sensingHighline Commerce, a third-party logistics provider, has expanded its operations to 60,000 square feet in Industry City, Brooklyn. This growth allows the company to fulfill up to 30 percent of its clients' orders using humanoid robots from Ultra Robotics, another tenant in the area. With e-commerce booming in New York City, Highline Commerce supports over 200 brands by providing essential distribution services. The significance of this expansion lies in the strategic positioning of Industry City as a hub for logistics and retail technology. New York has become a critical location for moving retail goods, with Amazon operating over 40 facilities in the region. Highline Commerce's growth reflects a shift in the narrative of New York as a manufacturing and fulfillment center, moving beyond its historical role as merely a sales market. Looking ahead, Highline Commerce's innovative use of humanoid robots in its fulfillment process marks a notable trend in the logistics sector. As the company continues to scale, it will be important to monitor how this integration of robotics influences efficiency and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Business Industry 3pl automation Brooklyn e-commerceMercedes-Benz's core dealer, Bosh Group, has announced a partnership with UBTECH to become the first official 4S store for humanoid robots in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. This strategic move targets high-net-worth consumers who are more receptive to new technologies, leveraging the dealership's established trust and experience. The significance of this partnership lies in the unique advantages of 4S dealerships, including access to affluent customers, interactive display spaces, and existing trust relationships. The humanoid robot, priced at 990,000 yuan, is aimed at ultra-high-net-worth families, making the dealership an ideal retail channel for such products. The introduction of robots into 4S stores marks a fundamental shift in how robots are perceived and sold, moving from technology showcases to commercial products. This trend is expected to become standard in luxury brand dealerships within three to five years, as competitors are likely to follow once the model proves successful.
Humanoid Robots Luxury Retail Robotics Commercialization High-Net-Worth ConsumersThe humanoid robot industry is shifting focus towards service applications by 2026, as evidenced by Robot.com's R-noid robot, which can be deployed in just 8 to 12 weeks. This rapid deployment is particularly suited for commercial kitchens, warehousing logistics, and chain hotels, rather than traditional manufacturing environments. This shift is crucial due to the high turnover rates in the service industry, with the restaurant sector experiencing over 300% annual turnover and hotel housekeeping positions facing similar challenges. Traditional industrial robots cannot address these issues, as they require extensive planning and facility modifications, which are not feasible for service businesses. The R-noid robot's ability to integrate into existing workflows without requiring renovations makes it an attractive solution for service operators. As deployment times decrease, the return on investment for businesses facing high turnover becomes more appealing, making humanoid robots a viable option for addressing the pressing needs of the service industry.
Humanoid Robots Service Automation Restaurant Technology Warehouse LogisticsThe development of embodied intelligence is shifting from creating individual robots to establishing collaborative ecosystems. At this year's WAIC, the industry is exploring whether new models and skills can be rapidly integrated into robots for practical applications. A partnership between Leju and Ant Group's Lingbo has led to the release of logistics sorting results, emphasizing the importance of industry collaboration in scaling humanoid robotics. Leju believes that the growth of the humanoid robot industry relies on collective efforts rather than individual companies. The collaboration features Lingbo's general embodied base model, LingBot-VLA, while Leju focuses on post-training and motion control. This partnership has created a comprehensive technological chain that connects models, data, and computational power, marking a significant step in the industry. As embodied intelligence enters a critical phase, the ability to effectively translate models into real-world applications becomes paramount. Leju's advancements in post-training capabilities and the OpenLET community's support for developers are crucial for accelerating the deployment of new skills in various industries. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Embodied Intelligence Robotics Logistics Automation AI DevelopmentThe logistics industry is showcasing a robust investment trend, with companies announcing new warehouse developments and technology projects across Europe. This reflects a strong confidence in future demand and the importance of efficient supply chains for business success. Investment in automation is crucial, but companies are prioritizing solutions that integrate with existing operations and provide clear returns on investment. This pragmatic approach highlights the maturity of the logistics market, as businesses also focus on resilience alongside efficiency to handle disruptions. As the year progresses, the industry is expected to continue its steady evolution, with new facilities, partnerships, and improved transport networks. These developments may not always make headlines but are essential for strengthening supply chains and enhancing overall capabilities in logistics.
AI AMR and AGV Automation Systems and Shuttles Couriers and Express IT in Logistics Materials HandlingMercedes-Benz dealerships have begun selling humanoid robots, specifically the U1 model from UBTECH, through a partnership with the Bosh Group. This initiative allows customers in the Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei regions to experience and purchase these advanced robots, which can engage with customers and enhance the car-buying experience. The collaboration aims to create a complete industrial ecosystem that includes technology research and development, channel operations, and after-sales service. The Bosh Group previously launched a robot experience store called 'Mechanical Eden,' which has reportedly increased foot traffic and customer engagement at Mercedes-Benz locations. Moving forward, the U1 humanoid robots will be gradually introduced into various Bosh Group dealerships, enhancing high-end automotive services and offering retail and rental options to affluent customers. This initiative marks a significant step towards the commercialization of humanoid robots, potentially setting a new standard in the industry.
Humanoid Robots Automotive Technology Retail Innovation AI Customer ExperienceIn a robotics lab in Shenzhen, engineer Huang Junlin is training a six-degree-of-freedom robotic hand for home use. Unlike industrial applications, home scenarios demand higher standards for weight, cost, and usability, prompting a significant reduction in humanoid robot costs. The robotic hand, a crucial and complex component, previously priced at 100,000 Yuan, now costs around 10,000 Yuan due to advancements in supply chain maturity and technology breakthroughs. The reduction in price is pivotal as it opens the door for consumer-grade humanoid robots, with the global market projected to exceed 20 billion Yuan by 2026. In 2025, the market is expected to reach 17 billion Yuan, with a shipment volume of approximately 18,000 units, marking a year-on-year growth of over 500%. China's share is anticipated to surpass 50%, with shipments expected to rise to 62,500 units by 2026, indicating a robust demand for humanoid robots. The surge in consumer humanoid robots is catalyzing the formation of a new supply chain ecosystem, including advancements in bionic skin, tactile sensors, and flexible materials. A new materials company in Jiaxing has developed third-generation electronic skin capable of multimodal perception and real-time feedback. As robotic hands become more affordable and tactile sensing technology advances, the integration of humanoid robots into homes may occur sooner than anticipated, marking the beginning of a revolution in robotics.
Humanoid Robots Robotic Hands AI Technology Consumer RoboticsOn July 16, the Japanese government announced a plan to purchase 27,500 next-generation Rubin architecture AI chips from NVIDIA, totaling approximately $2.4 billion. This initiative aims to build a national AI data center and develop domestic robotics foundational models, marking one of the largest national GPU procurements globally. The project is coordinated by Noetra Corp., a policy-driven AI company set to launch in January 2026, with participation from major Japanese firms like Sony, SoftBank, NEC, and Honda. The Rubin chips will be deployed in a large data center in Sakai City, Osaka, with operations expected to begin in June 2028. Noetra aims to release its first general AI model by March 2027, followed by specialized AI models for robotics applications. Japan's investment reflects its response to ongoing demographic challenges and labor shortages. NVIDIA's CEO emphasized the potential for automation and AI to revitalize the economy. The Japanese government has set a goal to capture over 30% of the global robotics market by 2040, with the Rubin order being part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign technology and enhance national security.
AI Chips Robotics National AI Strategy Data CentersThis week in robotics: AI² Robotics raises $735M for wheeled humanoids, Unitree G1 performs first live surgery, Dexmal launches DexOS platform, Agility Robotics announces SPAC, and Ondas acquires DZYNE for $875.8M. July 6–10, 2026.
Faraday Future unveils its full six-series EAI Robot World portfolio at Automate 2026, featuring the $89,900 All-New Futurist humanoid and the commercial release of the Faber mobile manipulator.
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ASE solved automotive service in 1972. Fifty years later, RSF does the same for robotics. Learn how the certification blueprint was adapted — and what had to be built from scratch.
Compare how Microsoft, Google, Oracle, Tesla Optimus, Figure AI and UBTECH finance their Capex. Supply chain risk, ROIC analysis and a 3-dimension investment framework included.
Construction robotics is entering its decisive decade. Autonomous jobsites, swarm coordination, humanoid integration, and a potential $60 billion market reshape every strategic decision in the industry.
This week in robotics: the Humanoids Summit debuts in Tokyo, China assigns every humanoid robot a digital ID, Figure signs a Catalyst Brands deployment deal, and Unitree heads to a June 1 IPO hearing. May 23–29, 2026.
A comprehensive guide to industrial robot programming language evolution: G-code and NC origins, FANUC KAREL/TP, ABB RAPID, KUKA KRL, Yaskawa INFORM, the ROS open-source revolution, ROS2 architecture, ROS-Industrial consortium, OPC-UA, TSN, and real-time Linux — how six decades of software history define today's factory floor.
From rotary joints hitting 530 N·m+ to linear joints with planetary roller screws, integrated actuators are replacing the three-part drivetrain. Full supplier map: Tihu, PhyArc, RobStride, Schaeffler, maxon — and China's path from 1,000-RMB modules to global standard-setter.
A technology-first analysis of the three pillars driving industrial robot capability: precision reducers, servo systems, and motion controllers. Maps the full global supplier ecosystem — Japan, Europe, and China — from component specs to product generations and integration architectures.
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