Xometry is a US on-demand custom manufacturing marketplace using AI-powered instant quoting for CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication, and laser cutting. Serves startups to global enterprises through a distributed partner manufacturing network.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
The US Naval Postgraduate School’s Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education is set to showcase mobile 3D printing capabilities during the Rim of the Pacific 2026 exercise. This initiative will involve deploying advanced manufacturing systems on ships and locations throughout Hawaii to produce and distribute spare parts on demand, significantly reducing wait times for critical components. This mobile, distributed factory network aims to enhance operational efficiency by allowing ships to submit digital requests for spare parts while deployed. By leveraging specialized software, the nearest suitable machine or operator can be identified to either locate or 3D print the required part, which may then be delivered via unmanned drone. This capability is particularly crucial in combat scenarios where traditional supply chains may be disrupted. The RIMPAC 2026 exercise will involve 35 nations, 40 warships, 5 submarines, and over 25,000 personnel, providing a comprehensive platform to test this innovative supply chain solution. The focus will be on evaluating the entire network and delivery process rather than just individual 3D printing capabilities, marking a significant step in military logistics and operational readiness.
Innovation MilitaryThe KISS Institute for Practical Robotics (KIPR) has introduced BotBall, a robotics program designed to foster creativity and critical thinking among students. This initiative emphasizes student-led engineering, allowing participants from elementary to high school to engage in hands-on learning using a standardized kit. The program ensures a level playing field by providing all teams with the same materials, promoting accountability and project management skills without adult intervention during competitions. BotBall challenges traditional educational models by integrating real programming languages like C and Python into its curriculum, demonstrating that students can handle complex coding at an early age. The Junior Botball Challenge (JBC) further innovates by allowing up to five students to collaborate on a single robot, shifting the focus from competition to inquiry-driven problem solving. This approach encourages teamwork and a deeper understanding of both mechanics and software among participants. As the school year approaches, KIPR is expected to release more details about the upcoming competition schedule. The BotBall program represents a significant shift in STEM education, moving away from conventional roles and fostering a new generation of students who are well-versed in both engineering and programming disciplines. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Educational News competition education workforceLingbo, a robotics subsidiary of Ant Group, has announced the development of a novel robot intelligence platform that utilizes data from Ant's extensive payment ecosystem. This initiative aims to enhance embodied AI capabilities and was unveiled recently, marking a significant step in the integration of financial data into robotics technology. The significance of this development lies in its unconventional approach to AI, which leverages real-time transaction data to inform and improve robot decision-making processes. By tapping into Ant Group's vast data resources, Lingbo aims to create more adaptive and intelligent robotic systems that can better understand and respond to human interactions in various environments. Looking ahead, Lingbo's next steps in this project remain unclear, as no further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication. Industry observers will be keen to see how this integration of financial data into robotics will influence the market and the potential applications that may arise from this innovative approach.
TechnologyPHANES AI, established by 28-year-old Yang Shuo from HIT, has introduced TouchWorld, a tactile foundation model designed to enhance robotic manipulation capabilities. This model enables robots to perform precise physical tasks by incorporating a sense of touch, marking a significant advancement in robotic dexterity and interaction with their environment. The introduction of TouchWorld is significant as it allows robots to predict and react to tactile stimuli, which is crucial for applications requiring fine motor skills. This development could lead to improved performance in various sectors, including manufacturing and healthcare, where dexterous manipulation is essential for tasks such as assembly or surgical procedures. Looking ahead, the impact of TouchWorld on the robotics industry will be closely monitored, particularly regarding its adoption in real-world applications. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication, but the potential for this technology to transform robotic capabilities is substantial.
TechnologyIn June 2026, the landscape of embodied AI saw the introduction of 13 new models, including significant contributions from BAAI and Alibaba's Qwen-Robot. This rapid development indicates a shift from traditional hardware benchmarks to a focus on software intelligence, highlighting the competitive nature of the field. The emergence of these models underscores the growing importance of software capabilities in embodied AI, as companies strive to enhance their offerings and differentiate themselves in a crowded market. This trend reflects a broader industry movement towards prioritizing intelligent software solutions over hardware specifications. Looking ahead, industry observers should monitor the ongoing advancements in embodied AI models, as the pace of innovation suggests that new releases may continue to emerge frequently. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
TechnologyChina's Long March 10B rocket successfully completed its first flight recovery, marking a significant milestone in the country's commercial space sector. This achievement is expected to accelerate competition among companies like LandSpace and JianYuan, which are also aiming for reflight milestones by the end of 2023. The successful recovery of the Long March 10B is crucial as it demonstrates China's growing capabilities in reusable rocket technology, which is essential for reducing launch costs and increasing launch frequency. This development positions China as a formidable player in the global commercial space race, potentially attracting more investments and partnerships in the sector. Looking ahead, both LandSpace's Zhuque-3 and JianYuan's YX-1 are targeting their own reflight milestones within the same timeframe. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication, but the ongoing advancements suggest a rapidly evolving landscape in China's commercial space endeavors.
TechnologyOn July 2, Microsoft released version 150.0.4078.48 of Microsoft Edge for desktop, introducing support for Google account sign-ins on both Windows and macOS. This update allows users to log in using either a Microsoft or Google account, enhancing accessibility for users. IT administrators can manage this feature through a new policy called 'NonMicrosoftAccountSignInEnabled'. The significance of this update lies in its potential to streamline user experience and broaden the browser's appeal. By allowing Google account integration, Microsoft Edge aims to attract users who prefer Google's ecosystem, thereby increasing its market share. Additionally, version 150 will be the last to support macOS 13 Monterey, as future updates will require macOS 12 Ventura or later. On July 9, OpenAI officially launched its new AI model series, GPT-5.6, following a limited preview. This series includes three tiers: Sol, Terra, and Luna, each optimized for different performance and cost metrics. The rollout of GPT-5.6 is expected to enhance capabilities in various applications, including coding and cybersecurity, with pricing structured to appeal to a wide range of users. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Dexmal has introduced its DM0.5 foundation model, Apex universal robot, DexOS operating system, and MaaS platform, aiming to bridge the engineering gap between embodied AI models and practical productivity. This launch marks a significant step in the company's strategy to enhance the application of AI in real-world scenarios, with a focus on improving operational efficiency. The introduction of these products is crucial as they represent a comprehensive approach to integrating AI into various sectors. By addressing the final engineering challenges, Dexmal seeks to enable more seamless interactions between AI systems and physical environments, potentially transforming workflows across industries. The DM0.5 model is designed to optimize performance, while DexOS provides a robust operating framework for managing AI tasks. Looking ahead, Dexmal's three-stage strategy will be pivotal in determining the success of these innovations. The company has not disclosed specific timelines for the rollout of these products, but the focus on enhancing productivity through embodied AI suggests a proactive approach to market demands and technological advancements.
TechnologyJD.com has initiated the construction of its first RoboBase in the Huangpu district of Guangzhou. This project is designed to establish a closed-loop robotics ecosystem, integrating various robotic technologies and applications to streamline operations. The timeline for completion and specific investment figures have not been disclosed at this time. The significance of the RoboBase project lies in its potential to enhance JD.com's logistics and operational efficiency through advanced robotics. By creating a dedicated facility for robotics development and deployment, JD.com aims to strengthen its competitive edge in the e-commerce sector, particularly in automating supply chain processes. Looking ahead, stakeholders will be monitoring the progress of the RoboBase project closely. The next milestones for the project, including operational launch dates or further investment announcements, have not been disclosed at the time of publication.
News Robotics China guangdong jd.com roboticsWestlake Robotics completed a funding round exceeding 100 million yuan in June 2026, backed by Henan Investment Group's Huirong Fund. This marks the company's third financing round in five months, with total disclosed funding reaching several hundred million yuan. The funding is aimed at advancing their unique dual-pretraining technology, which combines a general brain and a humanoid small brain for improved robotic performance. The significance of this funding lies in Westlake Robotics' differentiated technical approach, utilizing a dual-pretraining model that integrates VLA and world model fusion. Their General Action Expert (GAE) model addresses common issues in humanoid robots, such as stiffness and imbalance, by enabling real-time interpretation of human motion intent. This capability allows a single operator to control multiple Westlake o1 robots simultaneously, reducing deployment and labor costs in applications like logistics inspection and data collection. Looking ahead, Westlake Robotics plans to use the latest funding to further develop their unified embodied large model and accelerate deployment with industrial clients. The company, founded by academic researchers from Westlake University, is positioned to leverage its strong academic background to bridge the gap between laboratory demonstrations and real-world applications. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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