Robokind Foundation
German non-profit founded in 2018 by Prof. Sami Haddadin to democratize robotics and AI access, running KIRIA AI training programs for SMEs in Lower Saxony.
Robokind Foundation (Robokind Stiftung) is a German non-profit charitable foundation headquartered in Hannover, Germany. It was established in 2018 by Professor Sami Haddadin, Director of the Munich School of Robotics and Machine Intelligence at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). The foundation's stated mission is to enable access to robotics and artificial intelligence for all people, expressed in its slogan 'Robotics for Mankind.'
The foundation operates at the intersection of robotics education, applied research, and workforce development, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Lower Saxony region. Its activities are conducted under the umbrella brand Robotics City, supported by the Lower Saxony state government and the Hannover Region authority.
The current flagship initiative is KIRIA (KI und Robotik im Arbeitsumfeld — AI and Robotics in the Work Environment), a funded project running from February 2025 to January 2027. KIRIA delivers digital competency training and practical AI skills to employees in the manufacturing sector across SMEs in Lower Saxony that have limited access to in-house robotics expertise.
Previous and concurrent foundation programs include TROIA, targeting SME automation adoption; TROIA 1, focused on medicine and care applications; and the Robonatives Initiative, which introduces younger professionals to robotics. The foundation has also supported the establishment of Roboterfabriken — robotics encounter and demonstration spaces — and administered a quality seal for robotics-engaged schools under the auspices of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Education.
The foundation has received recognition including the Lower Saxony Innovation Prize and the Digital Landmark Lower Saxony award. Cooperation partners include Leibniz University Hannover (LUH), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Hannover Medical School (MHH), IHK Hannover, Franka Robotics, and the Regional Authority of Hannover. Projects are co-funded through EU, state, and regional funding programs.
The foundation does not manufacture or sell robots. Its role is educational, research-facilitative, and community-building within the robotics and AI ecosystem in Germany and, prospectively, with European partners.
Office address: Haltenhoffstr. 41, 30167 Hannover, Germany. Phone: +49 511 49537073.
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Founded
2018
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Research Institute
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North America
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Scalabot Unveils HERON-World Model with Enhanced Multiplayer Mode for Robotics
Scalabot has introduced the HERON-World Model, a new action-conditioned world model aimed at enhancing robotic understanding and future prediction capabilities. This model utilizes a three-tier data pyramid, incorporating real robot teleoperation data, simulation data, and first-person human operation videos to improve the robot's interaction with the environment. The significance of this development lies in its ability to extend the boundaries of world models from physical to social reasoning. By employing a diverse range of data sources, HERON-World Model aims to create a robust learning loop that allows robots to adapt and respond to dynamic environments, thereby advancing embodied intelligence from single-task capabilities to more general, transferable skills. Looking ahead, Scalabot's focus on integrating real-world data with simulation and human interaction videos will be crucial for the ongoing evolution of robotics. The HERON-World Model's current evaluation score stands at 75.80, indicating its potential impact on the industry. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
World Models Robotics AI Machine Learning Data Strategy
HOVERAir VERSA Launches in Japan with Unique Flying Camera Features
On September 7, ZERO ZERO ROBOTICS unveiled the HOVERAir VERSA in Tokyo, a handheld camera that transforms into an autonomous flying camera with 67g wings. The product will be available for pre-sale in Japan from September 29 to November 13 on Makuake. The HOVERAir VERSA combines a 3-axis gimbal with a compact design, allowing users to capture 4K video and photos from both handheld and aerial perspectives. The device features a 1/1.3-inch sensor and offers 14 minutes of flight time, making it suitable for personal and family use without leaving anyone behind in the frame. Looking ahead, the company plans to introduce additional features like AI framing and 3D Worlds for enhanced shooting capabilities. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Bechtel and Cyberhawk Strengthen Partnership for AI-Driven Drone Monitoring in Construction
Bechtel Corporation and Cyberhawk have formalized an expanded collaboration focused on drone-based construction monitoring. This partnership aims to enhance the iHawk platform's capabilities for capturing, processing, and utilizing construction data across complex engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects. The significance of this collaboration lies in its potential to provide near real-time site intelligence, which is crucial for scaling AI, robotics, and autonomous systems in construction environments. Since their initial partnership in 2018, the companies have worked together to integrate aerial data with the iHawk platform, facilitating data-driven project execution. Looking ahead, both companies are actively deploying and testing innovative approaches on live projects, emphasizing autonomous data capture and AI-assisted site analysis. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Construction Drone News Drone News Feeds News AI construction artificial intelligence
Powerus Secures $22.3 Million Counter-UAS Contract with Private Middle East Oil Company
Powerus, a U.S.-based autonomous systems firm, has signed a $22.3 million contract to provide counter-UAS technology to a private oil company in the Middle East. This deal marks a significant shift in the defense sector, as it is one of the first instances where a private entity has opted to procure military-grade counter-drone systems for its own infrastructure protection. The contract involves the delivery of networked systems designed for detection, tracking, classification, and early-warning capabilities to safeguard critical oil and gas infrastructure. Powerus CEO Brett Velicovich emphasized that this transaction could redefine how UAS defense contractors approach the market, as private companies increasingly seek to protect themselves from aerial threats without relying solely on government intervention. Looking ahead, the initial deployment will focus on threat detection and identification, with plans for future integration of Powerus' Guardian interceptor technology. Velicovich noted that the rise in drone usage in conflicts worldwide has prompted private infrastructure owners to consider developing their own counter-drone capabilities, as traditional security measures may no longer suffice against aerial threats.
Anti-drone technology C-UAS defense DL Exclusive Drone News Drone News Feeds
GMO AIR Launches New Service 'GMO LOOP for Physical AI' to Enhance Humanoid Robotics
GMO AI & Robotics Co., part of the GMO Internet Group, has launched a new service called 'GMO LOOP for Physical AI' on September 8, 2026. This service utilizes operational data from humanoid robots to continuously improve their motion accuracy, addressing challenges such as the lack of real-world data and the Sim2Real gap. The importance of this service lies in its ability to adapt humanoid robots to various operational environments, which differ significantly from one another. By leveraging data collected from actual operations, GMO LOOP aims to enhance the precision of humanoid movements, thereby facilitating better integration of these robots into real-world applications. Looking ahead, the focus will be on how effectively GMO LOOP can gather and utilize operational data to improve humanoid performance. As competition intensifies among companies developing humanoids, the ability to convert real-world data into enhanced accuracy will be crucial for success. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
The Rise of Household Robots: Transforming Mobility and Daily Life by 2026
By 2026, the tech industry anticipates a significant shift where robotaxis will replace personal vehicles, and humanoid robots will become essential household members. This narrative suggests that cars will transition from personal ownership to mobility services, while robots will evolve similarly, becoming integral to family life. The implications of this shift are profound, as automotive companies leverage their expertise in intelligent driving technologies for robotics. Tesla's Optimus and FSD share architecture and AI chips, with mass production delayed until summer 2027. Meanwhile, BYD's humanoid robot, Xiaodi, is already in experience centers, highlighting the automotive sector's readiness to adapt. However, the transition from industrial to home environments remains challenging. Despite a surge in humanoid robot shipments, household penetration is low, with most units directed towards entertainment and education. As the industry moves towards a service-oriented model, the focus will shift from hardware ownership to the value of the underlying intelligent systems, data, and services that drive competition in this evolving landscape.
Humanoid Robots Robotaxi Service Robotics AI Mobility Solutions
North Carolina State University Develops Soft Robot for Continuous Jumping Without Electronics
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a soft robot capable of continuous jumping without electronic control. This innovation utilizes geometric structures and light-responsive materials to enable the robot to autonomously jump under constant infrared light, overcoming previous limitations that required manual resets or external stimuli for each jump. This advancement is significant as it opens new pathways for the movement of micro soft robots, allowing them to navigate diverse environments without the need for complex electronic systems. The robot, named the annular jumper, can adapt to various terrains, achieving vertical jumps up to 80 times its size and horizontal jumps exceeding three times its length, showcasing its potential for real-world applications. Looking ahead, the research highlights the importance of physical intelligence in robotics, where movement logic is embedded in material properties and geometric configurations. While the current prototype is still in the concept validation stage and faces challenges such as reliance on infrared light and material fatigue, it lays the groundwork for future developments in low-cost micro soft robots that could be deployed in swarm formations for environmental exploration and disaster response.
Soft Robotics Autonomous Systems Light-Responsive Materials Geometric Structures
International Team Develops Robots Learning to Navigate Terrain from Stick Insects
An international team from Tohoku University and VISTEC is studying stick insects to enhance robot navigation in challenging terrains. The research focuses on the insect's six legs, which allow for agile movement across various surfaces, surpassing current multi-legged robots in coordination. By employing adversarial inverse reinforcement learning, the team enabled a six-legged robot to autonomously learn to navigate diverse terrains within an hour by observing stick insect locomotion. This research is significant as it proposes a shift from traditional biomimetic approaches that require specific programming for each robot and terrain. Instead, the team aims to extract fundamental movement control principles, allowing robots to adapt to changing environments without extensive reprogramming. This adaptability is crucial for disaster scenarios where uneven surfaces and obstacles are prevalent, particularly in earthquake-prone Japan, where the demand for effective rescue robots is high. Looking ahead, the team plans to validate the learning system's robustness in realistic rubble environments and explore the potential for robots to compensate for lost limbs through continuous learning. The implications of this research could redefine how robots navigate complex terrains, making them more effective in emergency situations.
Robotics Disaster Response Machine Learning Bio-inspired Robotics
iKairos: An AI Companion and Jewelry Redefining Human-AI Interaction
The iKairos, showcased at the 2026 IFA, aims to redefine human-AI interaction by actively understanding users' lives rather than passively waiting for commands. Developed by Singapore-based startup Lingverse, this circular device, known as the 'Neural Core', can be worn as a pendant or embedded in a desktop robot, addressing common issues faced by AI companions. The modular design of iKairos allows for seamless transitions between different forms, enhancing user experience. Its core functionality, termed 'memory perception', utilizes cameras and microphones to record conversations and preferences, building a comprehensive user profile over time. This enables the device to proactively suggest activities or reminders based on accumulated context, potentially acting as an agent to perform tasks on behalf of the user. Lingverse, co-founded by former Jibo board member and investor Joe Jiawei, aims to continue the legacy of the discontinued social robot Jibo. The company secured $29 million in Pre-A funding in July 2026. While iKairos is still in development with no set pricing or launch date, it represents a shift towards AI that not only responds but also understands and integrates into daily life.
AI Companions Wearable Technology Robotics Privacy-focused Design
Batten & Kamp Unveils 'Beauty Seeker': An AI Robot as a Mobile Flower Vase
At the 2026 IFA in Berlin, Batten & Kamp introduced 'Beauty Seeker,' a unique creation combining an AI six-legged robot with an orchid, transforming it into a mobile vase. This design intentionally diverges from mainstream technology narratives by stripping the robot of its built-in camera and multiple functionalities, focusing instead on a fundamental question: what does it mean for a high-tech robot to coexist with us as a simple container in a home environment? The robot retains a single core function: using LiDAR to track nearby people and slowly adjust its position to draw attention to the orchid it carries. This design creates a sense of absurdity, as the advanced robot serves not to perform tasks but to act as a moving base for a flower. Interestingly, this limitation reduces the typical threat perception associated with such robots, as it merely holds a flower, creating a peculiar tension between its potential power and its chosen role as a vase. This is not Batten & Kamp's first exploration of such contradictions; their 2023 project 'Comfort Seeker' featured an iconic Eames chair on a four-legged robot, examining the intersection of furniture and autonomous systems. 'Beauty Seeker' continues their inquiry into the relationship between technology and nature, as the orchid, evolved to attract pollinators, now competes for human attention through an AI-driven robot. The designers aim to shift the focus from what robots can do to what they should do, suggesting that the rarest behavior may be simply to hold a flower and quietly revolve around us.
AI Robots Design Innovation Human-Robot Interaction Domestic Technology
China’s Dexterous Hand Industry, 2026 Part 3 — The Players
Five vendor archetypes, MIR’s composite top ten, eight company profiles and six field deployments — every firm linked to the RobotToday supplier directory.
China’s Dexterous Hand Industry, 2026 Part 2 — The Technology
Linkage, tendon, direct drive or hybrid — and why hardware is converging while the DL1–DL5 manipulation scale decides who wins. Part 2 of 3.
China’s Dexterous Hand Industry, 2026 Part 1 — The Demand Picture
MIR Databank puts China dexterous hand shipments above 30,000 units in 2026, yet only 3.5% of 2025 demand came from factory production. Part 1 of 3.
Software, Compute and Interaction at WRC 2026
47 WRC 2026 exhibitors supply robot software, compute or interaction — but only 19 call themselves software companies. Five open artefacts, licence-checked.
Springer Handbook of Robotics B. Siciliano & O. Khatib (eds.) — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 10
Eighty-plus chapters, 2,300 pages, nobody reads it cover to cover. It ranks for one reason: when a fault crosses domains, this is the reference of record.
The Most Important AI at WAIC Wasn't a Robot
At WAIC 2026, AI-native platforms quietly replaced interpreter hardware — what invisible AI infrastructure means for robotics and embodied AI.
Physical AI Landscape: From Digital Intelligence to the Embodied Physical World
A comprehensive industry analysis of Physical AI — covering Embodied AI, Field AI, Factory AI, VLM, World Model, VLA, and the VLA vs WAM architecture debate. Includes 20+ companies, 28 references, and the RobotToday Physical AI Landscape diagram. July 2026.
Integrated Joint Actuators 2026: Technology, Global Suppliers & China's Leap Forward
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.
CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS | EXOSKELETONS & HUMAN AUGMENTATION
Construction musculoskeletal injuries cost US employers over $2 billion annually. Exoskeletons are moving from pilots to standard practice. Ottobock, German Bionic, Hyundai, and Innophys launched major products in 2024–2025. Korea and Japan lead adoption. AI is turning passive suits into connected safety platforms.
HUMANOID ROBOTICS | Amazon Acquires Fauna Robotics to Advance “Approachable” Consumer Humanoids
Amazon acquires Fauna Robotics, signaling a shift toward approachable humanoid robots like Sprout, focused on safety, design, and human-centric interaction.
