Robert Bosch GmbH 博世
"Invented for life"
Bosch APAS cobot line: fenceless human-robot collaboration with 120-sensor capacitive skin, DGUV-certified for smart factory manufacturing.
Robert Bosch GmbH operates a dedicated factory automation and collaborative robotics division through its APAS (Automated Process Automation System) product line, developed by Bosch's manufacturing technology unit. Bosch was founded in Stuttgart in 1886 and is headquartered at Robert-Bosch-Platz 1, 70839 Gerlingen-Schillerhöhe, Germany. The APAS collaborative robot systems are developed and commercialised in partnership with Bosch Rexroth AG, headquartered in Lohr am Main, Germany.
The APAS product family comprises three main systems. The APAS assistant inline is a stationary collaborative robot designed for direct human-robot collaboration without a safety fence. It is equipped with a capacitive sensor skin covering the entire robot arm — incorporating more than 120 sensors — that detects the approach of human operators at a switching distance of typically 50 mm and stops the robot at a safe speed of 0.5 m/s before contact occurs. The APAS assistant inline was the first robotic system certified by the German employers' liability insurance association (DGUV) for direct, contact-free human-robot cooperation, eliminating the need for expensive safety enclosures and enabling side-by-side human-robot work in constrained factory spaces.
The APAS assistant mobile extends the collaborative robot concept to a mobile platform, enabling flexible repositioning across the smart factory floor without fixed installation. This supports Industry 4.0 flexible production concepts where tasks and stations may change frequently.
The APAS inspector is a visual inspection and quality control system offered as either a complete turnkey solution or as modular hardware and software components for integration into existing production lines. It is used for automated defect detection and quality assurance in manufacturing.
Bosch's APAS systems are designed for deployment in automotive manufacturing, electronics assembly, and general industrial production environments, particularly in applications involving monotonous, ergonomically challenging, or repetitive tasks where direct human-robot cooperation can increase throughput and reduce worker strain. The APAS platform aligns with Bosch's broader Industry 4.0 connected manufacturing strategy and has been demonstrated in Bosch's own production facilities globally.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
APAS Assistant Inline
- Model: APAS assistant inline
- Launch Year: 2014
Fenceless collaborative robot with 120+ sensor capacitive skin; DGUV-certified for direct human-robot collaboration at 0.5 m/s safe stop speed.
APAS Assistant Mobile
Mobile collaborative robot for flexible smart factory deployment; location-independent and adaptable to changing production tasks.
APAS Inspector
Modular visual inspection and quality control system deployable as complete turnkey solution or integrated into existing production lines.
Contact Robert Bosch GmbH
WEBSITE
https://www.bosch-apas.com/en/home/PHONE
+49 711 400 40990HEADQUARTERS
Germany
Company Facts
Founded
1886
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
Europe
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
Certifications & Memberships
Hyundai Mobis Unveils 40 Advanced Smart Manufacturing Technologies at M-Sphere 2026
Hyundai Mobis showcased approximately 40 smart manufacturing technologies at the M-Sphere 2026 exhibition, highlighting the integration of artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital twins in automotive parts production. The event, held at the Quantum Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, attracted around 1,000 industry officials, including partners, under the theme 'Beyond Challenge, Into Reality.' The significance of this exhibition lies in Hyundai Mobis's commitment to enhancing manufacturing efficiency and safety through innovative technologies. Among the featured technologies was an autonomous transport robot currently being tested at the Ulsan chassis module plant, capable of independently locating and transporting components weighing up to 20 kilograms. This advancement aims to improve parts delivery accuracy while minimizing safety risks for workers. Looking ahead, Hyundai Mobis plans to further implement AI and digital twin technologies in production environments to bolster its manufacturing competitiveness. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
All News
LG Innotek Expands Partnership with Zoox to Supply High-Resolution Camera Modules
LG Innotek is enhancing its collaboration with Zoox, Amazon's autonomous driving subsidiary, by providing high-resolution automotive camera modules for its robotaxis. This partnership has been in place since the early development stages of the robotaxi, and the latest agreement will see LG Innotek supply these advanced cameras over the coming years. The high-resolution cameras are integral to Zoox's sensor suite, offering 360-degree coverage through overlapping fields of view. LG Innotek's modules leverage precision optical design technology honed from years of experience in mobile device camera production. Designed to endure harsh weather conditions, these waterproof modules ensure stable performance in various environments. As Zoox ramps up its manufacturing capabilities with the opening of its first robotaxi production facility in California, LG Innotek's camera modules are being integrated into the vehicles. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in their ongoing partnership, positioning LG Innotek as a crucial supplier in the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle sector. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
All News
Hai Robotics Achieves 10,000 HaiClimber Robots Deployed Globally
Hai Robotics has announced that over 10,000 HaiClimber robots have been contracted for customer projects worldwide, marking a significant milestone in the solution's commercial growth. Since its global launch in 2025, HaiPick Climb has been implemented in 12 countries across various continents, including Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Australia. This achievement highlights the growing adoption of HaiPick Climb among notable customers such as ANTA, Panasonic, and METTLER TOLEDO, spanning diverse industries like apparel, e-commerce, and healthcare. The company's commitment to reliability in warehouse automation has been evident since its inception, and the development of HaiPick Climb reflects years of engineering validation and refinement, ensuring long-term stability and performance. Looking ahead, Hai Robotics aims to leverage real-world project experiences to enhance the reliability and delivery standards of HaiPick Climb. As the solution continues to adapt to evolving workflows and operational requirements, it is expected to support stable fulfillment performance and facilitate future system expansions for customers worldwide. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Warehouse Automation Robotics Logistics E-commerce Supply Chain Management
Real Estate Decline Drives *ST Jiuding to Invest in Humanoid Robotics
In the first half of 2026, China's real estate development investment fell by 18.0%, with new housing sales and revenue also declining significantly. Traditional real estate companies are facing a crisis as the land market benefits diminish, prompting a shift towards humanoid robotics as a potential lifeline. *ST Jiuding, experiencing a drastic 79.19% drop in real estate revenue, is pivoting to humanoid robotics, focusing on core components and strategic investments to secure its future. This transition is crucial as *ST Jiuding's traditional business is retreating, with plans to exit real estate and private equity sectors. The only growth area is construction, which saw a 346.15% increase in revenue, but it is insufficient to cover losses. The company is now betting on humanoid robotics, having restructured its operations to separate traditional and new business lines, with the latter focusing on robotics. Key steps include acquiring a majority stake in Nanjing Shenyuan to enter the six-dimensional force sensor market, establishing a joint venture for robotic joint modules, and strategically investing in promising companies within the AI and humanoid robotics sectors. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Real Estate Robotics AI Technology Innovation
Challenges of Integrating Robots into Factories Despite Technological Progress
The KUAVO-VLA1.0 model can perceive images, follow instructions, and understand environments, but it must adapt to specific factory conditions such as arm length and joint movement before being deployed. This adaptation process involves retraining for new tasks, which increases costs and learning time for factories. The complexity arises from the need for robots to relearn basic operations when faced with new tasks, despite the fundamental actions remaining unchanged. The KUAVO-VLA1.0 has utilized over 600 hours of high-quality data to cover 100 industrial tasks, allowing it to continuously learn and refine its operational capabilities. Looking ahead, the integration of domain-specific models alongside general models represents a shift in the development of embodied intelligence. The focus is on reusing learned capabilities to minimize retraining, which is crucial for enhancing efficiency in industrial applications. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Industrial Robots Embodied Intelligence Automation Technology Robotics Development
Japan's GMO Internet Group Competes with China's Yushin G1 Robot at World Robot Games
The second World Robot Games in Beijing saw Japan's GMO Internet Group participate with its robot 'Hitomin', which utilizes the Yushin G1 hardware. The robot's control and gait algorithms were developed by GMO. In the semifinals, it fell during the 400-meter race and completed the 1500 meters in 7 minutes and 43.89 seconds, finishing third in its group and seventh overall. Engineers noted that long-distance thermal management remains unresolved. This participation is significant as it highlights Japan's reliance on Chinese hardware for its only competing robot, raising mixed reactions domestically. While Japan was once a leader in humanoid robotics with ASIMO, the current scenario reflects a shift in competition dynamics, focusing on the capabilities of the hardware and the effectiveness of control algorithms. Looking ahead, the competition emphasizes the importance of producing adaptable and modifiable robot platforms. The success of the Yushin G1 as a base for various software applications from different countries indicates a new phase in humanoid robotics, where the focus is on mass-producible hardware and the ongoing battle for software and ecosystem development. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Humanoid Robots Robotics Competition Robot Hardware AI Software Development
Embodied Intelligence Unicorn Xinhai Map Expands Operations in Hangzhou with $20 Billion Valuation
On August 24, Xinhai Map established a new entity in Hangzhou, marking a significant regional expansion. Founded in September 2023, this Tsinghua University-affiliated embodied intelligence company achieved a valuation exceeding 20 billion yuan after completing a B+ round of financing in April 2026, with total funding nearing 5 billion yuan, making it one of the fastest-growing unicorns in the sector. The high valuation of nearly 20 billion yuan is not primarily based on large-scale commercial revenue but rather reflects the capital market's confidence in its model-first approach. Xinhai Map's move to Hangzhou signifies a shift in focus from laboratory demonstrations and research clients to real-world testing in urban environments. Unlike many domestic humanoid robotics startups that concentrate on hardware aesthetics and visual effects, Xinhai Map emphasizes foundational algorithms, prioritizing its VLA visual-language-action model and high-speed world model over hardware iterations. Looking ahead, Xinhai Map's strategy involves collecting operational data in open environments using its R1 and R1-Pro wheeled dual-arm robots while also providing the open-source GOD dataset, which has seen over 600,000 downloads. As the industry landscape evolves, with a shift from centralized hubs to multi-location development, the ability to adapt to real-world scenarios and continuously iterate models will be crucial for long-term success.
Embodied Intelligence Robotics AI Machine Learning Data Science
Spirit AI's CEO Predicts Rapid Evolution of Robot Intelligence for Global Expansion
Spirit AI's CEO, Han Fengtao, announced that robots are now capable of performing office tasks that were unimaginable just six months ago, including delivering paper and shredding documents. This significant advancement highlights the rapid evolution of robotic capabilities in the workplace. The CEO emphasized that the development of smarter robot brains is accelerating, forecasting a transformative 'ChatGPT moment' within the next three years. This prediction underscores the potential for robotics to revolutionize various industries through enhanced intelligence and functionality. Currently, Spirit AI has deployed several hundred robots across China, aiming for large-scale adoption and eventual global expansion. Industry watchers should keep an eye on the company's progress and the broader implications of advanced robotic intelligence in the coming years. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
CropX Acquires SCIO to Integrate Agronomy with Crop Quality Insights
CropX Technologies has acquired SCIO, a company specializing in portable near-infrared spectroscopy technology. This acquisition aims to enhance CropX's ability to connect agronomic recommendations with actual crop quality and composition data at harvest. SCIO's technology will allow for rapid, non-destructive measurements of various crops, including grains and oilseeds. The integration of SCIO's systems is expected to create a feedback loop between field management practices and harvest outcomes. By linking crop quality data with information from soil sensors, weather conditions, and satellite imagery, CropX intends to refine its agronomic recommendations. This strategic move marks CropX's eighth acquisition since 2020 and highlights its commitment to advancing digital agronomy. No financial details were disclosed regarding the acquisition. CropX has raised a total of $64 million since its inception and operates its digital agronomy platform in over 70 countries. As the company continues to expand its technology portfolio, industry stakeholders should monitor how this acquisition influences CropX's offerings and its impact on agricultural practices.
Industry updates Smart farming industry updates
Importance of Timing Over Strategy in Marketing for Robotics Companies
The WAIC 2026 event showcased a significant emergence of robotic forms, attracting numerous data-seekers despite the absence of robots at some booths. This highlights a growing interest in embodied intelligence and its market potential. The event's focus on embodied intelligence underscores the importance of timing in capitalizing on market trends. With a reported funding of 5 billion and a valuation of 20 billion in the edge intelligence sector, the market is poised for a critical evaluation phase. Looking ahead, industry observers should monitor how these developments in embodied intelligence will influence future investments and market strategies. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics Automation AI
Pittsburgh Regional Alliance Convenes Nine CMU-Rooted Robotics Firms at Automate 2026
At Automate 2026, the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance convened nine robotics firms — most spun out of Carnegie Mellon — spanning materials, perception and AMRs.
FUTURE WARFARE | Cross-Domain Integration - Integration How Land, Sea, Air and Software Are Converging Into a Single Kill Chain
Cross-domain robotics is reshaping modern warfare as drones, UGVs, AI targeting systems, and autonomous logistics converge into a single networked kill chain across land, sea, air, and software.
Train-to-Test Scaling: A Smarter Way to Budget AI Compute
New T2 scaling laws from Wisconsin-Madison and Stanford show that smaller, overtrained models outperform frontier LLMs on reasoning tasks when total compute cost is equal — with direct implications for robotics inference pipelines.
