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Website: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk
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Email: [email protected]
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Phone: +44 121 414 3344
Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TT
U of Birmingham Intelligent Robotics Lab
The University of Birmingham's Intelligent Robotics Lab researches autonomous manipulation, robot learning, and human-robot collaboration. Active projects include dexterous grasping, robot vision, and the application of machine learning to adaptive robotic behavior.
RobotToday Initiative
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
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.
Guo Lie Discusses Product Development in the AI Era After Success with FaceU and CapCut
Guo Lie, founder of Flova.ai, has emerged as a key figure in AI-driven video creation tools after previously leading successful products like FaceU and CapCut. His latest venture, Flova.ai, launched globally in October 2025, aims to simplify video production through an innovative Agent system that enhances user creativity while maintaining structured workflows. The significance of Guo's work lies in his ability to blend user experience with AI capabilities, addressing the evolving demands of content creators. With a funding total of $80 million from investors including Sequoia China and IDG, Guo emphasizes the importance of product quality and growth over sheer financial metrics, reflecting a strategic approach in a competitive landscape. Looking ahead, Guo's focus on creating a versatile video Agent that caters to various user needs positions Flova.ai as a potential leader in the AI content creation market. As AI technology continues to evolve, the interplay between human creativity and Agent functionality will be crucial for future developments in this space. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Samsung Display and LG Display Introduce OLED Panels for Humanoid Robot Faces
Samsung Display and LG Display launched OLED panels for humanoid robot faces at K-Display 2026 in Seoul. Samsung showcased a 6.9-inch curved OLED capable of displaying expressions and tracking gaze, alongside a 1.3-inch circular OLED integrated into AI toys. LG Display presented a plastic OLED (P-OLED) with a resolution of 1,080-by-520, designed for extreme temperatures, enhancing its suitability for industrial environments. This development is significant as it opens new applications for OLED technology, traditionally used in smartphones and vehicles. The humanoid panels could enhance user interaction in various settings, particularly in guidance, care, and education, where visual communication is crucial. Samsung Display's existing collaboration with Tesla for the Optimus robot highlights the potential market for these innovations. Looking ahead, neither company has disclosed specific customers, pricing, or production timelines for the humanoid panels. However, the technology's adaptability and the established platforms of both companies suggest a promising future in the robotics sector. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
All News
Tesla Transitions Fremont Factory from Model S/X Production to Optimus Robot Development
On July 22, 2026, Tesla announced in its Q2 shareholder update that the Model S/X production line at the Fremont factory has been decommissioned to make way for the installation of the first-generation Optimus production line, which is expected to begin operations soon. The first batch of robots will enter the Optimus Academy for data collection training, while construction at the Texas Gigafactory is progressing. This shift signifies Tesla's strategic pivot towards robotics, despite initial perceptions that it indicates a withdrawal from high-end vehicle production. The Model S/X line had a low output, with only 8,822 units produced in Q2, representing less than 3% of total deliveries. The transformation is seen as a cost-effective way to utilize existing facilities, as the Fremont site has the necessary infrastructure for rapid conversion. Looking ahead, the Fremont line's focus will be on validating assembly processes rather than achieving mass production. The Texas facility is still under construction, with production expected to ramp up by summer 2027. As Tesla invests heavily in its robotics initiative, the financial implications are significant, with a reported operating profit decline and increased capital expenditures aimed at expanding capabilities across various projects, including Optimus.
Robotics AI Manufacturing Electric Vehicles
Google Fined $1 Billion Under EU Digital Markets Act for Preferential Treatment
The European Commission has imposed a fine of 890 million euros ($1 billion) on Google, marking the company's first penalty under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Commission found that Google favored its own services, such as shopping and hotels, in search results, disadvantaging third-party offerings. This ruling is significant as it underscores the EU's commitment to regulating Big Tech and ensuring fair competition in the digital marketplace. The DMA aims to prevent anti-competitive practices and promote a level playing field for all service providers, which is crucial for consumer choice and innovation. Looking ahead, Google has 60 days to comply with the Commission's directives or face additional fines of up to 5% of its global revenue. The company is currently reviewing the decision and considering an appeal, while also testing changes to its search presentation to align with the DMA requirements. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Anthropic Leads Growth Rate in AI Tools, Microsoft 365 Tops Account Numbers According to Okta Survey
Okta, a U.S.-based identity management service provider, released findings based on anonymized access data from over 20,000 companies regarding the usage of AI tools in enterprises. The survey revealed that Anthropic achieved the highest growth rate among AI tools from June 2022 to June 2026, with a growth score of 100, while OpenAI and Google Workspace followed with scores of 66.9 and 59.8, respectively. The significance of this growth is underscored by the fact that over half (approximately 57%) of companies are utilizing two or more AI platforms simultaneously, indicating a trend towards a tailored approach in selecting optimal AI tools for various applications. This shift highlights the increasing reliance on AI technologies in enterprise settings. Looking ahead, it is noted that from January 2026, Anthropic's enterprise account numbers are expected to grow rapidly, while the growth rates for OpenAI and Cursor may stabilize. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Microsoft Tests Moonshot AI's Kimi K3 for Potential Copilot Integration
Microsoft is currently evaluating Moonshot AI's Kimi K3 for potential integration into its Copilot system, as reported by The Information. The company is assessing whether Kimi K3 could handle some inference requests currently managed by OpenAI and Anthropic models, although no final decision has been made regarding any model replacements. This evaluation is significant as it aligns with Microsoft's strategy to diversify its AI model usage and reduce reliance on a single supplier. The company estimates that transitioning part of Copilot's workload to Kimi K3 could lead to annual cloud infrastructure savings of up to $600 million, highlighting the financial implications of this potential shift. Looking ahead, Microsoft will need to address various challenges related to technical integration, data sovereignty, security, and export control before any deployment can occur. Initial implementations may focus on less sensitive workloads, and no further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
News Feed
iQIYI Unveils China's First Licensed AIGC Online Story Film Qitan: Paper Blade Across the Wasteland
Chinese streaming service iQIYI has launched 'Qitan: Paper Blade Across the Wasteland,' marking it as the first AIGC online story film in China to receive a Network Drama/Film Distribution License. This film, exceeding 60 minutes in length, was produced in collaboration with DaMeng Innovation and showcases the integration of AI throughout its creative and production phases. The significance of this launch lies in its pioneering use of AI in various production aspects, including concept development, visual asset generation, and postproduction processes. With a dedicated team of over 20 individuals, the film features more than 200 characters and visual assets, setting a new benchmark for AIGC in long-form content creation, as iQIYI explores the potential of AI-generated content beyond short videos. As the first installment of the planned Qitan trilogy, which draws inspiration from Chinese supernatural folklore, this project will be closely monitored for its impact on the industry. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
News Feed
Ant Group's Chief Scientist Discusses Building Robots' Vision from the Ground Up
Ant Group's subsidiary, Ant Lingbo, has made a bold decision to abandon existing digital pre-trained models and build a native visual foundation for robots from scratch. Chief Scientist Shen Yujun emphasizes that while traditional visual models focus on image quality and scene recognition, robots require an understanding of how to interact with objects in real-time, necessitating a complete overhaul of training methods. This approach is significant as it addresses the limitations of existing models that cannot process real-world scenarios effectively. The second-generation model has seen a substantial increase in pre-training data from 20,000 hours to 60,000 hours, expanding robot configurations and improving efficiency in training. The new model is built on three technological pillars, including a mixture of experts architecture and a causal unidirectional attention mechanism, which have been developed to meet the demands of the physical world. Looking ahead, Ant Lingbo aims to gather millions of hours of native pre-training data to enhance its models. Shen believes that China will surpass the U.S. in data scale due to its robust hardware supply chain and increased production of robots. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics Computer Vision AI Machine Learning
16-Year-Old Evan Booz Develops AI Turtle for Microplastic Detection, Wins $50,000 Scholarship
Evan Booz, a 16-year-old from Canada, has created an AI-powered robotic turtle capable of swimming autonomously to detect microplastics. His innovation earned him the Gordon E. Moore Award at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May, along with a $50,000 scholarship. The robotic turtle, inspired by a camping trip where Booz observed a snapping turtle, took about five months to develop. It features an underwater 3D holographic camera and an AI model trained to identify microplastics, achieving a 94% accuracy rate. This technology allows for real-time analysis in water, eliminating the need for time-consuming and costly laboratory sample testing. Booz plans to use the scholarship for his college education in science or engineering and aims to open-source his research to advance microplastic monitoring technology. As the AI turtle quietly navigates lakes, it represents both the curiosity of a young inventor and a critical tool in addressing the urgent issue of microplastic pollution.
AI Robotics Environmental Technology Microplastic Detection Sustainable Innovation
AgiBot and Others Transition to Domestic Chips Amid Rising Costs in Robotics
As Chinese robotics companies ramp up production, domestic chips are increasingly replacing Nvidia's offerings due to cost pressures. On July 22, Wang Chuang, Senior Vice President of AgiBot, revealed that the company has begun integrating domestic chips into its robots, including the 'cerebellum' for joint motion control and communication chips, collaborating with various chip manufacturers. This shift is significant as it reflects a broader trend in the industry where high costs of foreign chips, which can account for one-third of hardware procurement costs, are driving companies like AgiBot and UBTECH to seek local alternatives. UBTECH has even formed a joint venture with domestic chip maker MetaX to focus on the research and mass production of intelligent chips. Looking ahead, the transition to domestic chips is expected to reshape not only supply chains but also the entire cost structure and competitive landscape of the robotics industry. By 2025, Chinese companies are projected to dominate the global humanoid robot market, with AgiBot leading the way with approximately 5,168 units shipped.
Humanoid Robots Domestic Chips Robotics Industry AI Cost Efficiency
Big Joe's Four-Product AMR Push at Automate 2026: What It Reveals About the North American Warehouse Automation Market
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.
ROBOTTODAY Weekly July 13 – 17, 2026
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.
Inside Guident: How Harald Braun Is Building the Safety Layer Every Autonomous Vehicle Needs
Guident CEO Harald Braun on the RMCC architecture, IRLS risk identification system, and why California’s 2026 AV mandates validate six years of platform development.
ROBOTTODAY Weekly July 6 – 10, 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.
Faraday Future Completes Six-Series EAI Robot Lineup, Launches Faber Mobile Manipulator
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.
Automate 2026 | A3’s Jeff Burnstein on the New Geography of Robotics Adoption
RobotToday interviews A3 President Jeff Burnstein post-Automate 2026 on sector diversification, China’s 10x robot installation lead, a proposed U.S. national robotics strategy, and global cooperation through the IFR.
Automate 2026 | Amprius SiCore SA88 Competes for Innovation Award in Robotics Battery Category
At Automate 2026 in Chicago, Amprius Technologies exhibited its SiCore SA88 silicon-anode pouch cell — 358 Wh/kg, 750 Wh/L — as a finalist in the Components, Hardware & Enabling Technologies category. Analysis of implications for AMR, UAV, and aerial mobility platforms.
Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Automate 2026: 23 Companies Showcase Edge AI and Robotics
Taiwan Excellence Pavilion brings 23 certified companies to Automate 2026 in Chicago (June 22–25), showcasing edge AI, collaborative robots, precision motion and industrial computing solutions for U.S. smart manufacturing.
DBR77 Launches Consultify™ AI Platform at Automate 2026 | Industrial Reasoning for Manufacturing
DBR77 introduces Consultify™, powered by Vector™ Industrial Reasoning Engine, at Automate 2026. The AI platform helps manufacturers identify automation opportunities, prioritize investment, and produce ROI-backed action plans in under two minutes.
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