U of Warwick
The University of Warwick's Intelligent Vehicles and Autonomous Systems group conducts research in autonomous vehicles, manufacturing automation, and smart sensing. Research links with automotive and aerospace industries on intelligent inspection and process automation.
RobotToday Initiative
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Microsoft and Mistral Expand Strategic Partnership to Accelerate AI Infrastructure in Europe
On July 21, 2026, Microsoft and Mistral announced an expansion of their strategic partnership aimed at enhancing AI infrastructure in Europe. This collaboration allows enterprises and regulatory sectors to implement cutting-edge AI while maintaining control over their data and operations, deploying Mistral's models across Microsoft platforms such as Microsoft Foundry, Copilot Studio, and Azure. The partnership includes a multi-billion dollar contract focused on expanding AI infrastructure in Europe, with Mistral enhancing its GPU capabilities by integrating thousands of NVIDIA's latest Vera Rubin GPUs. This infrastructure will support training, inference, and large-scale deployments, aligning with Microsoft's European Digital Commitments announced in 2025. Mistral's latest models, Mistral Medium 3.5 and OCR 4, are now available on Microsoft Foundry and Copilot Studio, respectively. The deployment options through Azure and Azure Local will enable users to manage their data and operations in various environments, including fully offline setups. The companies plan to collaborate on market development and support customer adoption through funding for proof of concepts and workshops. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
The Rise of Autonomous Mobile Robots in Industrial Automation
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are rapidly transforming industrial automation, moving beyond traditional fixed conveyors and AGVs. Their flexibility meets the evolving demands of logistics driven by e-commerce growth, product customization, and labor shortages. AMRs utilize advanced technologies like sensors, cameras, LiDAR, and AI to navigate dynamically without fixed infrastructure. This adaptability is crucial as industries face fluctuating volumes and changing processes, making AMRs a vital component of modern supply chains. According to the International Federation of Robotics, AMRs are among the fastest-growing segments in professional robotics. As deployments increase in logistics centers, fleet management software is becoming as critical as the robots themselves, indicating a shift towards integrated automated solutions.
À la une IA Industrie Robotique AMR automatisation des entrepôts
BAE Systems Introduces Brontanax, a UK-Designed Collaborative Combat Aircraft Drone
BAE Systems has unveiled the Brontanax, a new collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) drone designed for the UK, during the Farnborough Airshow. The drone, comparable in size to a BAE Hawk trainer jet, aims to enhance electronic warfare and precision strike capabilities against various targets. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the significance of Brontanax, calling it a groundbreaking moment for British defense and innovation. The introduction of Brontanax aligns with the UK’s recent announcement of the Storm Fighter CCA program, which aims to develop advanced combat aircraft. Streeting stated that Brontanax will serve as the operational concept demonstrator, with plans to have it airborne by 2027. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to position the Royal Air Force as Europe’s first sixth-generation air force, integrating uncrewed systems with crewed platforms to enhance operational effectiveness. Looking ahead, BAE Systems has indicated that Brontanax may participate in NATO’s Steadfast Defender exercise later this year. The drone's internal weapons bay is compatible with existing RAF armaments, and BAE has self-funded its development with several hundred million pounds to ensure readiness for future operational needs. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Air Warfare Air Force BAE Systems Brontanax CCA collaborative combat aircraft
INTRA-LOG Expo 2026 Expands with New Features in São Paulo
The INTRA-LOG Expo South America 2026 will be held from September 15-17 at Expo Center Norte in São Paulo, featuring expanded exhibition space and a broader program. This year's event has doubled its footprint, with 95% of the space sold, and is expected to attract over 400 brands and 8,000 visitors, reflecting the growing demand for intralogistics solutions. The significance of this expo lies in its focus on robotics, automation, and AI technologies that are becoming integral to logistics operations in Latin America. With at least 20% of exhibitors coming from outside Brazil, the event serves as a gateway for global technology providers to enter the regional market. The Robotics & Automation Summit will address the evolving role of these technologies in enhancing productivity and safety in logistics. Looking ahead, the expo will also introduce the INTRA-LOG Smart Solutions Honors to recognize innovative leaders in the field. Additionally, the concurrent Label & Pack Expo will showcase advancements in packaging and traceability technologies, further enriching the event's offerings. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AMR and AGV Automated Packaging Automation Systems and Shuttles Components and Parts Conveying and Sortation Forklifts and Warehouse Vehicles
Rimnot and Yuantu Launch 10K-Unit Robot Deployment for Server Manufacturing
Rimnot, a newly established physical AI startup, has announced a partnership with Yuantu to deploy 10,000 industrial robots in server manufacturing. This initiative was unveiled during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), where the companies showcased their robots' capability to adapt to environments in just 30 minutes. This deployment is significant as it represents a major step forward in integrating physical AI into industrial applications, particularly in the server manufacturing sector. The collaboration between Rimnot and Yuantu highlights the growing trend of leveraging advanced robotics to enhance production efficiency and adaptability in manufacturing processes. Looking ahead, industry observers will be keen to monitor the progress of this deployment and its impact on server manufacturing. The ability of these robots to quickly adapt to different environments could set a new standard for operational flexibility in the industry. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Technology
Humanoid Secures $152 Million in Series A Funding, Achieves $1.35 Billion Valuation
On July 21, Humanoid, based in London, announced the completion of $152 million in Series A funding, achieving a post-money valuation of $1.35 billion. This funding round, led by strategic investors including Schaeffler and Bosch, marks the largest Series A funding for a humanoid robotics company in Europe, bringing the total funding to $270 million. The significance of this funding lies in its strategic partnerships. Schaeffler and Bosch are not only financial backers but also strategic collaborators, with Bosch establishing a manufacturing partnership with Humanoid. This collaboration aims to leverage their industrial expertise and technological capabilities to advance humanoid robotics from vision to industrial reality. Looking ahead, Humanoid plans to utilize the funding to focus on developing the next generation of humanoid platforms and scaling production of wheeled humanoid robots, with a Beta version expected to launch in Q4 2026. The investment from major European industrial players signals a growing momentum in the humanoid robotics sector in Europe.
Humanoid Robots Robotics Funding AI Technology Industrial Automation
SpaceX Launches Dual-Arm Robot to Extend Lifespan of Aging Satellites
On July 21, SpaceX launched a dual-arm space robot named MRV from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Its mission is to extend the lifespan of aging satellites by attaching jetpacks to them in geostationary orbit, preventing them from becoming space debris. The first clients for this service are Luxembourg's SES and Australia's Optus, with each satellite's replacement costing up to hundreds of millions of dollars. This initiative is significant as it marks a shift in how satellites are viewed—not as disposable assets but as reusable ones that can be repaired and refueled. Northrop Grumman, the manufacturer of MRV, has experience in satellite servicing, having previously extended the lives of malfunctioning satellites. The MRV's capabilities may evolve to include repairing and repositioning active satellites and even removing defunct ones from busy orbits. Looking ahead, the success of MRV could pave the way for more advanced satellite servicing technologies. Just two weeks prior, another robotic spacecraft, LINK, was launched to rescue NASA's Swift Observatory, which is at risk of re-entering the atmosphere. As robotics play an increasingly vital role in space operations, the economic landscape of space could be fundamentally transformed.
Space Robotics Satellite Services Orbital Maintenance Space Economy
Carnegie Mellon University Teaches Humanoid Robots to Think and Compete in Sports
Carnegie Mellon University's Professor Liu Changliu is leading efforts to teach humanoid robots to understand game dynamics and make decisions on the field. Unlike traditional robotic arms that follow fixed programs, these robots can adjust their movements in real-time, a crucial skill for sports. The goal is ambitious: to develop a humanoid robot team capable of defeating the current World Cup champions by 2050. This involves teaching robots to locate the ball, communicate strategies with teammates, and make real-time decisions, which tests their multi-agent collaboration and motion control abilities. While progress has been made in various sports, including boxing and marathons, significant challenges remain. Liu emphasizes the need for further programming to ensure safety and effective shutdown methods for humanoid robots. The vision of robots competing in sports is becoming increasingly plausible, with the 2050 goal of defeating human champions appearing more attainable than ever.
Humanoid Robots Sports Robotics AI Autonomous Decision Making
Texas Tech Surgeons Initiate Training with Advanced da Vinci Surgical System
In July, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) welcomed its first cohort of general surgery residents, who began their training with the da Vinci Surgical System. This innovative approach aims to equip new surgeons with skills comparable to those at leading institutions like Mayo Clinic and hospitals in Dallas and Houston. The training program, led by Dr. Izzy Obokare, emphasizes a systematic learning process over five years, allowing residents to master robotic surgery techniques. The da Vinci Surgical System, approved by the FDA in 2024, features a tactile feedback system that enhances the surgical experience by reducing tissue trauma and promoting quicker recovery. TTUHSC's initiative aims to provide high-quality surgical care in the Texas Panhandle, minimizing the need for residents to travel to larger cities for advanced procedures. The program also includes an open experience event for healthcare providers to witness the capabilities of robotic surgery firsthand, showcasing the arrival of cutting-edge surgical technology in rural Texas.
Robotic Surgery Medical Technology Surgical Training Healthcare Innovation
Katalyst Space Technologies Launches LINK to Save Aging NASA Space Telescope
On July 3, Katalyst Space Technologies launched its robotic spacecraft LINK from an aircraft at approximately 40,000 feet over the Pacific Ocean, targeting NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. The $500 million satellite is descending towards Earth at an accelerated rate and is expected to re-enter the atmosphere as early as October if no intervention occurs. The Swift Observatory, operational since 2004, has been NASA's 'first responder' to cosmic events, capable of rapidly observing gamma-ray bursts. However, solar activity has caused the Earth's atmosphere to expand, leading to a rapid decay in the satellite's orbit from about 600 kilometers to approximately 360 kilometers. In September 2025, NASA awarded Katalyst a $30 million contract to complete the design and launch process within ten months. If successful, this mission will demonstrate that commercial spacecraft can capture a government satellite without a designated docking interface. This capability is crucial for the Hubble Space Telescope, which is also experiencing orbital decay. The Swift Observatory has paused scientific observations to conserve its orbit, and if all goes well, it may resume scanning the universe in September. The LINK mission highlights the growing issue of space debris and the need for satellite maintenance rather than treating them as disposable assets.
Space Robotics Satellite Recovery Commercial Spaceflight Space Debris Management
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.
ROBOTTODAY Weekly, June 15 – 19, 2026
This week in robotics: Japan commits $65B to physical AI, UBTECH’s U1 humanoid companion robot nears 5,000 pre-orders, XDOF raises $70M for robot foundation model infrastructure, and Waymo recalls ~3,900 robotaxis after construction-zone failures. June 15–19, 2026.
Boston Dynamics: How a Put Option Ended Five Years of Shared Ownership
Hyundai Motor Group acquires SoftBank's remaining 9.65% stake in Boston Dynamics for $325 million, triggered by a 2021 put option. Analysis of ownership history, Atlas commercialization challenges, and what full control means for the humanoid robot industry.
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