Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mai Tao

ABB to invest more than C$130 million in Canadian R&D and manufacturing

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ABB says it will invest more than C$130 million (around US$100 million) to expand the R&D and production capacity of its advanced power protection and grid resilience technologies in Canada.

The investment in Montreal, Quebec will combine ABB’s existing Iberville and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu facilities at a new greenfield location.

This will enable ABB to meet increasing demand in key growth industries, including utilities, renewables, transportation, and residential and infrastructure projects across Canada. [Read more…] about ABB to invest more than C$130 million in Canadian R&D and manufacturing

4 Emerging Technologies Enhancing Warehouse Automation Solutions

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Warehousing has evolved into a critical link in the global supply chain, where operational speed, precision, and adaptability can make or break a business.

Driven by rising consumer expectations, rapid e-commerce growth, and the push for cost efficiency, companies are rethinking how their facilities operate.

Automation is no longer limited to a few conveyor belts or barcode scanners; it now encompasses intelligent systems capable of decision-making, real-time adjustments, and seamless coordination across multiple processes.

These advancements are transforming warehouses from static storage areas into agile, data-driven environments that respond instantly to demand shifts and production needs. [Read more…] about 4 Emerging Technologies Enhancing Warehouse Automation Solutions

When robots play real musical instruments: Could they bring analog authenticity back to modern music?

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A couple of days ago, we published a story about a humanoid robot learning to play the drums – not by being pre-programmed note for note, but by being trained to develop rhythmic skill over time.

More recently, in another video making the rounds online, humanoid robots were seen playing guitars (main picture).

These performances are technically impressive, but they also hint at something more profound: the possibility of robots being used not to generate digital music, but to physically play real instruments. [Read more…] about When robots play real musical instruments: Could they bring analog authenticity back to modern music?

Saga Robotics raises $11.2 million to commercialize its agricultural robot

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Saga Robotics, the company behind Thorvald, the robotic platform for growing and harvesting grapevine and strawberries, has raised $11.2 million in equity capital to scale its commercial operations in the UK and US.

The raise marks a pivotal moment as the company transitions from initial market traction to large-scale commercial adoption.

The round was backed by a strong mix of new and existing investors, including Praesidium Agri-FoodTech, a Luxembourg-based VC fund focused on scalable agtech solutions. [Read more…] about Saga Robotics raises $11.2 million to commercialize its agricultural robot

Historic debut of the World Humanoid Robot Games kicks off in Beijing

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The inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games (WHRG) roared into life yesterday evening at the iconic National Speed Skating Oval – the “Ice Ribbon” from the 2022 Winter Olympics. (See video below.)

A dazzling opening ceremony saw humanoid robots break into hip-hop dance routines, martial arts displays, and live musical performances on keyboards, guitars, and drums.

One robot even scored a soccer goal; another fell but got back up unaided, while a model bot tumbled off the stage and had to be carried by staff – underscoring both the spectacle and the still-evolving nature of the technology. [Read more…] about Historic debut of the World Humanoid Robot Games kicks off in Beijing

Top 10 predictive maintenance companies: Using AI to keep robotic systems running smoothly

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Unplanned downtime is the enemy of efficiency in modern manufacturing and logistics. When a robotic system fails unexpectedly, it can halt entire production lines, delay deliveries, and rack up costly repairs.

As factories and warehouses become more reliant on robots, ensuring their continuous operation is critical – and that’s where predictive maintenance comes in.

Predictive maintenance, powered by artificial intelligence, uses real-time sensor data to forecast failures before they happen. It’s a powerful evolution from traditional maintenance strategies, and it’s helping businesses across industries keep their robotic systems running smoothly. [Read more…] about Top 10 predictive maintenance companies: Using AI to keep robotic systems running smoothly

Apple ‘tabletop robot’ rumored for 2027: Is this a turning point – or yet more hype?

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A spate of new rumors and leaks suggest that iPhone and Mac behemoth Apple is preparing for a new chapter in its history, shifting from decades of producing stationary devices paired with proprietary software to developing machines that move, sense, and possibly run on more open platforms.

According to Bloomberg, the first step in this shift could be a “tabletop robot” expected to launch in 2027 – a device resembling an iPad-like display on a movable arm, designed to track users, interact more naturally, and showcase Apple’s next-generation AI assistant.

It’s designed to act like “a person in a room”, complete with a more conversational Siri variant and visual personality (for example, animated Finder logo) to enhance interaction. [Read more…] about Apple ‘tabletop robot’ rumored for 2027: Is this a turning point – or yet more hype?

GreyOrange teams up with Google Cloud on ‘breakthrough warehouse AI’

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GreyOrange, a provider of warehouse orchestration software and hardware, has agreed a collaboration with Google Cloud to develop GreyMatter DeepNav, an AI-powered solution for dynamically managing and optimizing autonomous robotic operations at scale.

GreyMatter DeepNav will bring unprecedented levels of automation, efficiency, and accuracy to warehouse management for retail, logistics, and supply chain companies worldwide.

Large warehouses use Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) to streamline and accelerate operations across the work floor, from receiving to storage, picking, packing, and shipping. But despite the clear benefits of AMRs, many companies struggle with the lengthy ramp-up time of new deployments. [Read more…] about GreyOrange teams up with Google Cloud on ‘breakthrough warehouse AI’

China opens world’s first humanoid robot store. Will the Western world follow?

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China has opened what is being described as the world’s first dedicated humanoid robot store, called “Robot Mall”, offering customers the chance to browse and buy from more than 40 different brands of androids.

Located in Beijing, the shop is part showroom, part dealership, and part interactive exhibition. Visitors can see robots performing a variety of tasks – from greeting customers and demonstrating language skills, to lifting and carrying objects.

The store’s operators say it marks a milestone in bringing humanoid robotics into everyday life, offering models suited for entertainment, education, customer service, and light industrial work. [Read more…] about China opens world’s first humanoid robot store. Will the Western world follow?

Robot orders in North America up by 4.3 percent compared with last year

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The North American robotics industry continued to build momentum in the first half of 2025.

New data from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) shows robot orders increased by 4.3 percent and revenue rose 7.5 percent compared to the first half of 2024, a promising sign for continued automation investment amid a complex economic landscape. [Read more…] about Robot orders in North America up by 4.3 percent compared with last year