SunCubes Srl

SunCubes Srl

"Wireless Power, Wherever You Need It"

Milan deep-tech startup developing laser-based optical wireless power transmission systems for drones, UAVs, and underwater autonomous vehicles.

Visit Website

Company Overview

SunCubes Srl is a Milan-based deep-tech startup founded in 2023 and incubated at ESA BIC Milan through Politecnico di Milano's PoliHub innovation hub. The company was established by five engineers with expertise in aerospace engineering, photonics, laser technology, and advanced optics drawn from Politecnico di Milano, Universita di Pisa, and Universita di Bologna.

SunCubes is developing optical wireless power transmission (OWPT) technology that uses collimated laser beams to deliver electrical energy wirelessly over long distances, eliminating the need for cables, physical landing pads, or human intervention. The core application is continuous in-flight recharging of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), extending drone mission durations far beyond battery-limited flight times.

The flagship product platform, SunCubes Lucy, is designed to deliver 200 W of usable power to a drone receiver over ranges up to 3 km using 500 W of optical laser output. The system incorporates automatic beam pointing and tracking, a patented safety shutoff that interrupts the laser if any obstruction enters the beam path, and an interface mechanically and electrically compatible with standard UAS form factors. In October 2024, SunCubes successfully demonstrated 600-meter power delivery at Leonardo's Venegono facility. The company raised a 1.1 million euro seed round to advance the technology.

In June 2026, SunCubes announced the DEEP LIGHT program — a blue-laser underwater wireless power platform for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) — backed by the Italian Navy through the Polo Nazionale della Dimensione Subacquea (PNS). DEEP LIGHT leverages the blue-green optical window optimized for marine light propagation to enable contactless underwater energy transfer over tens of meters, supporting naval surveillance and offshore operations. SunCubes partnered with NUBURU and Lyocon for blue-laser subsystem development. SunCubes represents Italy's emerging capability in laser-based power beaming for both aerial and submarine robotics applications.

Capabilities & Activities

Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:

Applications & Industries

Product Categories

Products & Solutions

DEEP LIGHT Underwater Power Platform

Blue-laser underwater wireless power transmission platform for contactless recharging of autonomous underwater vehicles.

SunCubes Light

SunCubes Lucy

Laser-based optical wireless power transmission system for in-flight recharging of drones up to 3 km range.

Optical Control Core

Partnership & Notable clients

Associating Events

Contact SunCubes Srl

WEBSITE

https://www.suncubes.space/

EMAIL

[email protected]

HEADQUARTERS

Via Giovanni Durando 39
Milan , Lombardy  20158

Italy

Company Facts

Founded

2023

Primary Role

Manufacturer

Company Size

-

Primary Region

Europe

Annual Sales

-

Funding Stage

-

Funding Total

-

Listed in RobotToday Supplier Discovery. Verified Profile

Related Coverage

Hyundai's Louisiana Steel Mill to Supply Materials for Robots and SpaceX Rockets

Hyundai's Louisiana Steel Mill to Supply Materials for Robots and SpaceX Rockets

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun announced that steel from the upcoming Hyundai Steel mill in Louisiana could be utilized beyond automotive applications, potentially in Atlas humanoid robots and SpaceX rockets. This vision was shared during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hyundai-Posco Louisiana Steel plant, which will initially focus on automotive steel production. The $5.8 billion electric arc furnace facility is set to be Hyundai Steel's first production base in the U.S., with an annual capacity of 2.7 million metric tons, including 1.8 million tons dedicated to automotive steel and 900,000 tons for other uses. Chung's comments reflect a long-term strategy to diversify the mill's output, aligning with Hyundai's plans to deploy Atlas robots in U.S. manufacturing operations by 2028. Looking ahead, Hyundai is cautious about deploying Atlas within the steel mill, emphasizing the need for extensive testing. Chung also highlighted the company's efforts to enhance Atlas' development by reorganizing its structure to accelerate technology adoption and improve capabilities in critical components like actuators and grippers. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

All News
XDOF Engages in Series B Funding Talks at $1.2 Billion Valuation

XDOF Engages in Series B Funding Talks at $1.2 Billion Valuation

XDOF, a startup specializing in real-world teleoperation data for training robots, is in advanced discussions for a Series B funding round, aiming for a valuation of approximately $1.2 billion. The funding is reportedly led by 8VC, following the company's rapid growth and annualized revenue nearing $50 million. The significance of this funding round lies in XDOF's role in addressing a critical bottleneck in robotics: the lack of large-scale real-world datasets. Co-founded by UC Berkeley researchers Philipp Wu and Fred Shentu, XDOF aims to provide outsourced data solutions for the robotics industry, similar to what Scale AI offers for AI applications. Looking ahead, XDOF is set to release what it claims is the largest collection of high-quality robot training data, known as ABC, in collaboration with UC Berkeley's AI Research lab. The startup is also planning to expand its workforce of data collectors globally, which will enhance its capabilities in generating essential training data for robots. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

AI Robotics Startups 8VC
Monumental's CEO Discusses Robotics Potential in Construction Industry

Monumental's CEO Discusses Robotics Potential in Construction Industry

In a recent episode of Lexicon, Salar al Khafaji, founder and CEO of Monumental, highlighted the overlooked potential of robotics in the construction industry. He emphasized the challenges of deploying autonomous robots on unpredictable building sites and the need for specialized machines to address rising construction costs and housing shortages. Al Khafaji pointed out that construction has not received the technological attention it deserves, despite its significant economic and social impact. He believes that the industry is vast and underappreciated by tech founders, which is why he pivoted from data visualization to focus on tangible impacts in construction. Monumental has developed autonomous robots capable of transporting materials and constructing brick walls on commercial sites. However, al Khafaji noted that real-world deployment presents unique challenges, such as varying environmental conditions that affect sensors and computer vision systems. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

AI and Robotics Innovation
Exploring the Role of FPGAs in Enhancing Physical AI Security

Exploring the Role of FPGAs in Enhancing Physical AI Security

In Episode 260 of The Robot Report Podcast, Eric Sivertson, vice president of security at Lattice Semiconductor, discusses the significance of FPGAs in physical AI security. He highlights how these field-programmable gate arrays are crucial for building safe and secure robots, emphasizing their role in enhancing trust in embedded systems. The conversation underscores the growing importance of security in robotics, particularly as the industry shifts towards more advanced AI applications. Sivertson's extensive experience in developing technologies for security and connectivity positions him to provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within this sector. Listeners should pay attention to the evolving landscape of physical AI security and the potential for FPGAs to serve as foundational elements in safeguarding robotic systems. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Artificial Intelligence Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Humanoids Manufacturing Markets / Industries Microprocessors / SoC
Pentagon Reports 11 Percent Cost Increase for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Variants

Pentagon Reports 11 Percent Cost Increase for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Variants

The Pentagon has announced that the costs for all three variants of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter are rising by approximately 11 percent. The average flyaway cost for the F-35A has increased to $92 million for production lots 18 and 19, up from $82.5 million, while the F-35B and F-35C have also seen price hikes to $121.4 million and $110.8 million, respectively. This increase in costs is significant as it reflects ongoing challenges faced by the F-35 program, including inflation, rising raw material prices, and supply chain issues. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer, has indicated that these factors have contributed to the rising costs, which are projected to exceed $50 billion over the program's lifespan due to upgrades and increased spare parts. Looking ahead, the Pentagon plans to acquire 148 aircraft each in lots 18 and 19, totaling 296 aircraft. The F-35 program continues to evolve with modernization efforts, including enhancements to the engine and a new power management system, although some upgrades are behind schedule. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Air Warfare Pentagon Air Force Europe F-35 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
Tesla Reveals New Details About Cybercab, Including Age Restrictions for Passengers

Tesla Reveals New Details About Cybercab, Including Age Restrictions for Passengers

Tesla's recent private event for the Cybercab showcased a stark departure from its typical large-scale launches, with CEO Elon Musk notably absent. The Cybercab promises to be a fully autonomous vehicle utilizing cameras and AI, but details were sparse, primarily shared through PDFs and updates to the 'Robotaxi' app. A significant point of contention is the restriction on minors under 13 from riding in the Cybercab, while those aged 8 to 17 can use the Model Y SUVs, albeit with adult supervision. The implications of these restrictions highlight Tesla's cautious approach to safety amid ongoing investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into the Cybercab's rollout. The absence of standard child seat anchors in the Cybercab raises concerns, especially as Tesla aims to ensure the safety of all passengers. The vehicle's safety features, including automatic crash responses, are designed to mitigate risks, but the decision to limit child passengers reflects the company's hesitance to fully embrace its autonomous technology in all scenarios. Looking ahead, Tesla must navigate regulatory scrutiny and public perception as it seeks to validate the safety of the Cybercab. The company's commitment to innovation in autonomous driving will be closely monitored, particularly in light of recent recalls related to electronic door latches. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Transportation autonomous vehicles avs cybercab robotaxis Tesla
ROBOTTODAY WEEKLY BRIEFING August 24 – 28, 2026

ROBOTTODAY WEEKLY BRIEFING August 24 – 28, 2026

This week in robotics: XPeng's Dogotix raises over $900 million at a $6.3 billion valuation, Unitree's post-IPO slump revives bubble talk, Beijing's World Humanoid Robot Games close with a shift to real-world tasks, and Teradyne sues JAKA at Europe's Unified Patent Court. August 24–28, 2026.

WRC 2026 Core Components: 137 Robot Parts Suppliers

WRC 2026 Core Components: 137 Robot Parts Suppliers

The third report in the WRC 2026 series. Report 1 mapped all 248 exhibitors by category and Report 2 covered the 139 that build finished robots. This one covers the 137 that build what goes inside them.

WRC 2026 Exhibitor Map: 248 Robotics Companies Mapped

WRC 2026 Exhibitor Map: 248 Robotics Companies Mapped

We classified 248 WRC 2026 exhibitors with the RobotToday taxonomy. Motion & Actuation leads at 75 companies, Humanoid at 72, and compute stays thin at 12. (Modified 2026-08-27)

Kratos Defense's Valkyrie Drone Completes Successful Flight with F-35 Fighters

Kratos Defense's Valkyrie Drone Completes Successful Flight with F-35 Fighters

The US military is advancing towards integrating uncrewed aircraft with advanced fighter jets, specifically the F-35 and F/A-18. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has showcased its XQ-58A Valkyrie drone's capabilities during a recent flight test in Southern California, where it successfully operated alongside Marine Corps fighters. This demonstration is significant as it highlights the potential for autonomous aircraft to enhance mission capabilities in contested airspaces. The Valkyrie's successful launch from a zero-length system and its ability to transition control between different systems underscore the importance of interoperability in military operations. Looking ahead, Kratos plans to scale production of the Valkyrie, aiming for over 150 unmanned aircraft systems by 2026. The ongoing collaboration with Northrop Grumman for the MUX TACAIR program will further adapt the Valkyrie for advanced missions, emphasizing the need for open-architecture systems in modern military aviation.

Military
Elroy Air Receives $46 Million from US Army for Advanced Heavy-Lift Drone Development

Elroy Air Receives $46 Million from US Army for Advanced Heavy-Lift Drone Development

Elroy Air has secured a $46 million multi-year contract from the US Army to enhance its autonomous hybrid-electric VTOL cargo drone, the Chaparral. This contract aims to improve the drone's capabilities in challenging military environments, focusing on modular cargo delivery and operational efficiency alongside troops. The significance of this contract lies in its alignment with the Army's emphasis on 'contested logistics,' ensuring supply continuity amid disruptions. Elroy Air's Chaparral drone, capable of carrying over 500 pounds, is designed for operations without fixed infrastructure, making it ideal for remote or damaged locations. Looking ahead, Elroy Air plans to start manufacturing the Chaparral in the US later this year, partnering with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions. While the current focus is military, the company also aims to expand the drone's applications in commercial logistics and disaster response, indicating a broader market potential for autonomous cargo delivery.

News
World Robot Conference 2026 Opens in Beijing Aug. 19–23, Days After Unitree's $9B IPO

World Robot Conference 2026 Opens in Beijing Aug. 19–23, Days After Unitree's $9B IPO

WRC 2026 opens August 19 in Beijing with 300+ exhibitors, a first-ever SOE pavilion and a new Procurement Day, days after Unitree priced China's first mainland-listed humanoid robot IPO at a $9.04 billion valuation.

WAIC Review 3/4: What Scientists and Skeptics Really Think About Embodied AI: The Sober Voices at WAIC 2026

WAIC Review 3/4: What Scientists and Skeptics Really Think About Embodied AI: The Sober Voices at WAIC 2026

UCL and HKUST researchers, plus robotics CEOs, challenged embodied AI hype at WAIC 2026, citing generalization limits and no third-party evaluation standard.

WAIC Review 1/4: Embodied AI's Industrialization Wave: Financing Data, Unit Economics, and a Widening Split

WAIC Review 1/4: Embodied AI's Industrialization Wave: Financing Data, Unit Economics, and a Widening Split

China's embodied AI sector raised $12.5B in H1 2026, but WAIC 2026 speakers detailed ROI demands, power bottlenecks, and the mass-production-to-sales gap.

Industrial Robotics Fundamentals Ross, Fardo & Walach — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 4

Industrial Robotics Fundamentals Ross, Fardo & Walach — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 4

The one book on the RSF Top 10 written for the shop floor, not the lecture hall: robot cell safety, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting.

US Restrictions on Chinese Humanoid Robots: The Full Map

US Restrictions on Chinese Humanoid Robots: The Full Map

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.

Inside RSF Domain 1: The Five-Phase Robot Service Lifecycle

Inside RSF Domain 1: The Five-Phase Robot Service Lifecycle

RSF Whitepaper v1.0 defines the first five-phase service lifecycle for industrial robots. How Domain 1 relates to ISO 55001, ANSI/A3, Japan's law & GB standards.

WAIC 2026 Ten Flagship Exhibits

WAIC 2026 Ten Flagship Exhibits

WAIC 2026 named ten Flagship Exhibits from 3,000+ products — spanning domestic AI superclusters, humanoid robots, general-purpose agents, AI wearables, and protein design AI. Engineering breakdown by RobotToday.

Kratos announces Oklahoma plant expansion to boost jet drone production

Kratos announces Oklahoma plant expansion to boost jet drone production

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has expanded its manufacturing campus in Oklahoma City with the addition of more than 100,000ft2 of production and assembly space.

News
Kratos to upscale engine production to 3000 units for powering one way attack drones

Kratos to upscale engine production to 3000 units for powering one way attack drones

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is significantly increasing its manufacturing capacity for the Spartan family of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to meet growing demand. This strategic move comes as the company aims to enhance its production capabilities in response to heightened interest from both military and commercial sectors. The expansion is set to take place at Kratos' facilities in California, with plans to streamline operations and implement advanced technologies to boost efficiency. The decision to ramp up production is driven by the rising need for advanced drone systems, which are increasingly being utilized for surveillance, reconnaissance, and various defense applications. By enhancing its manufacturing capabilities, Kratos seeks to solidify its position as a leader in the UAV market and ensure timely delivery of its products to clients.

News