Carmichael, CA custom robot maker with 30+ years history; hand-builds BabyBots, Bike-Bots, and STAR robots for education, safety, and public engagement.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Microsoft has announced a delay in the release of the Cumulative Update 1 (CU1) for Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE), now scheduled for the second half of 2026. This postponement, initially set for the first half of 2026, is attributed to the company's focus on security issues and vulnerability detection using AI. The delay is significant as it reflects Microsoft's commitment to prioritizing security over release timelines. The Exchange Server team has been actively addressing reported security vulnerabilities, delivering monthly security updates from May to August 2026. This approach aims to ensure that the CU1 update is stable and does not require immediate subsequent patches, which could complicate IT management. Looking ahead, Microsoft plans to continue developing CU1 while maintaining a steady pace of security updates. IT administrators are encouraged to transition to Exchange Server SE and keep their systems updated with the latest security measures until the CU1 release. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Peggy Johnson, CEO of Agility Robotics, revealed plans for the company's public debut, emphasizing its unique position as the only pure-play US public company dedicated to humanoid robots with established commercial applications. The company is currently valued at a pre-money valuation of $2.5 billion and anticipates going public in the fall. This move is significant as it highlights Agility Robotics' commitment to advancing humanoid robotics in a competitive landscape, particularly against rivals from China. Johnson's insights during her conversation with Romaine Bostick and Sally Bakewell on 'The Close' underscore the strategic importance of this public offering for the company's growth and market presence. Looking ahead, stakeholders should monitor Agility Robotics' progress toward its public listing and how it navigates competition from international players. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
At the AFCEA TechNet Augusta conference, Maj. Gen. Jacqueline Denise McPhail, chief of the Army's Network Command (NETCOM), emphasized the necessity of a digital twin for the Army's networks. This comprehensive simulation would facilitate training and testing of both AI algorithms and personnel, providing a realistic environment to prepare for cyber threats. The digital twin, which would be continuously updated with real-time data, aims to enhance the Army's ability to respond to the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks, which now average 1.2 million daily. McPhail highlighted the importance of distinguishing between benign data and significant behavioral changes, a task where AI could play a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities within the Department of Defense Information Network – Army (DoDIN-A). While acknowledging the challenges of creating such a digital model, McPhail encouraged contractors to pursue this initiative, suggesting a phased approach to development. The potential benefits of a digital twin extend beyond mere simulation, allowing for stress-testing and predictive analysis to improve network resilience and security.
Land Warfare Networks & Digital Warfare Army artificial intelligence AI cyber security Department of Defense Information Networks DoDINGoogle has launched a new 'Preferred Sources' button for publishers, allowing readers to mark their favorite sources for more visibility in Google Search, Discover, and Google News. This initiative aims to counteract the traffic losses that publishers have experienced due to AI-driven changes in search algorithms. The introduction of this feature follows Google's earlier rollout of Preferred Sources in May, which has already seen over 345,000 unique sources selected by users. By enabling readers to easily identify trusted publishers, Google hopes to drive more traffic back to these websites, as studies indicate users are twice as likely to click on preferred sources. In addition to the 'Preferred Sources' button, Google plans to enhance user experience by allowing readers to customize their Discover feed and audio briefings in the Google News app. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
TC Media & Entertainment AI Google media SearchA U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft was forced to turn back from its mission to Antarctica due to a warning about potentially hazardous Russian aerospace activity. The aircraft, operating under the call sign ICE28, departed from Christchurch, New Zealand, on August 18 but was redirected after receiving a NOTAM regarding a planned Russian missile launch. This incident underscores the risks associated with aviation in remote regions like the Southern Ocean, where emergency landing options are severely limited. The warning was issued by New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority after being informed by Russia's State Air Traffic Management Corporation about the potential hazards in international airspace. The flight was part of the U.S. Air Force's winter fly season, which is crucial for transporting researchers and equipment to Antarctica ahead of the summer research season. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
MilitaryAssistive Technology Development Inc. (ATDev) is advancing its efforts to create autonomous wheelchairs integrated with robotic arms, enhancing independence for users. Founder Owen Kent highlighted the lack of technological progress in wheelchair design compared to other devices, emphasizing the need for innovation in assistive technology. The Robotic Assistive Mobility and Manipulation Platform (RAMMP), funded by ARPA-H and led by the University of Pittsburgh, aims to empower individuals with mobility challenges through robotics and AI. The initiative focuses on developing a modern power wheelchair capable of performing tasks such as reaching, lifting, and even teleoperation features for users confined to bed. Kent noted that current wheelchair technology is outdated, and ATDev is committed to rebuilding the electronics and software architecture to foster innovation. The project aims to transform the wheelchair into a versatile support system for daily activities, including eating and drinking. As ATDev continues its work within the RAMMP consortium, the industry will be watching closely for advancements in autonomous wheelchair technology. The integration of a coordinated robotic arm and a stable mobile base represents a significant step forward in assistive mobility solutions. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence / Cognition Design / Development Food & Drug Administration Healthcare Robotics Human Robot Interaction / HapticsOn August 20, 2025, the Japan International Expo Association announced a potential data breach involving unauthorized access to a Microsoft 365 account used by a subcontractor. This breach may have exposed personal information of stakeholders and event participants related to the Osaka-Kansai Expo, although no general visitor data has been confirmed as compromised. The incident began on May 13 when an employee of the subcontractor received a phishing email disguised as communication from a foreign company, leading to unauthorized access. The subcontractor promptly blocked access on the same day. The data potentially affected includes names, affiliations, email addresses, and other personal details of employees and event participants, but credit card information has not been confirmed as compromised. As of August 20, there have been no reports of secondary damages from the unauthorized access. However, the Expo Association has warned about the possibility of phishing attempts impersonating the organization and urged stakeholders to verify any unexpected communications. The association is reviewing security measures and information management protocols with its subcontractors.
AiHUB, focused on advancing robotics and AI in entertainment, has announced a partnership with RobotMateHub, a platform for workforce development in the robotics industry, effective August 17, 2026. This collaboration aims to enhance the intersection of entertainment and robotics, fostering talent in physical AI and expanding public engagement through various initiatives. The partnership is significant as it seeks to bridge the gap between creators and the robotics workforce, promoting a broader understanding and application of robotics in entertainment. Both organizations recognize the necessity of developing a skilled workforce capable of creating, operating, and utilizing robots effectively, which is essential for the industry's growth. Looking ahead, the collaboration will not be limited to specific events but will encompass multiple areas, including participation in AiHUB's events like the Robot Carnival and joint efforts in skill certification and community engagement. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Federal and local officials have condemned drone overflights during recent wildfires in eastern Washington, which led to the temporary grounding of firefighting aircraft. The wildfires, which affected Spokane, resulted in the destruction of approximately 800 buildings and the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. In response, the FAA issued a temporary flight restriction from August 2 to August 15, limiting airspace up to 7,000 feet MSL. The presence of unauthorized drones in the restricted airspace raised significant concerns for firefighting operations. Phil Randolph, a supervisory special agent with the FBI’s Seattle office, highlighted the potential impact on firefighting efforts, questioning whether the grounding of aircraft delayed critical operations that could have saved neighborhoods. The FBI Counter-UAS Task Force, which includes local law enforcement agencies, was deployed to monitor the situation and mitigate risks associated with drone activity. On August 2, the Task Force detected 26 unauthorized drones, followed by an additional 13 the next day, prompting the grounding of firefighting aircraft due to safety concerns. Although no arrests were made, the Task Force collected pilot information for potential FAA investigation. The ongoing situation underscores the need for stricter enforcement of airspace regulations during emergencies.
Anti-drone technology Drone News Drone News Feeds Drones in the News emergency response Fire and PoliceMeta has officially launched its vibe-coding gaming app, Pocket, to users in the U.S. after a test rollout in Brazil. The app allows users to create interactive games using AI prompts, which can be shared on a scrollable feed. These games, referred to as 'gizmos,' respond to user interactions and can incorporate sound effects and personal media. The introduction of Pocket is part of Meta's broader strategy to mainstream AI creation tools, following previous initiatives like AI-generated images and videos. CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighted the role of AI in accelerating software development, enabling faster testing and deployment of new applications. Pocket joins a suite of recent Meta applications, including Instagram Instants and Forum, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation. As Pocket replaces the original app from Atma Sciences, Meta continues to explore new ideas and leverage its recommendation systems for scaling. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI Apps Gaming Social Meta vibe-codingYour weekly robotics briefing: Unitree's IPO is swamped by retail demand, the US puts 100% tariffs on imported drones, LG and Nvidia commit to a 2027 humanoid, and Uber and Pony.ai bring 2,000 robotaxis to Europe.
Pittsburgh Robotics Network's free Robotics & AI Discovery Day returns Sept 16, 2026 to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center — 250+ exhibitors and a new Defense Pavilion.
Your weekly robotics briefing: the US bans imports of Chinese humanoid robots, Google DeepMind unveils Gemini Robotics 2, Unitree pushes toward its Shanghai IPO, and Amazon's Zoox wins approval for paid robotaxi rides.
The FCC's Covered List robot ban and a House-passed NDAA provision land within days of each other, while Unitree launches its $620M STAR Market IPO. A supply-chain and market-access update.
Your weekly robotics briefing: AGIBOT unveils four new robots at WAIC 2026, the NDAA bars Chinese humanoids from the U.S. military, SoftBank eyes Gravis Robotics for its Roze vehicle, and Anduril reveals its Thunder autonomous attack tiltrotor at Farnborough.
Every US restriction on Chinese humanoid robots — NDAA Sec. 163, GUARD Act, the 1260H list — plus the supply-chain math and a 4-tier map of decoupling.
RobotToday analyzes Big Joe's four new autonomous vehicles launched at Automate 2026 — AP44, ASC40, ATC100, ACV40 — in the context of North America's warehouse labor shortage and AMR market growth.
This week in robotics: Hyundai takes full ownership of Boston Dynamics, Xpeng targets 1,000 Iron humanoids a month, LimX Dynamics raises $200M pre-IPO, and Agility opens a Silicon Valley physical-AI hub. July 13–17, 2026.
This 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.
A RobotToday engineering deep dive into humanoid robot wire harnesses: 3D dynamic fatigue, 10-100 Gbps EMI shielding, FPC cost reduction, and global standards.
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