Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mai Tao

Pushing the boundaries of music: A humanoid robot learns to play the drums

by

An innovative project is transforming the relationship between AI, robotics, and creativity. At its core is a system that teaches a humanoid robot to play the drums – not through direct programming, but through a simulated learning process inspired by how musicians practice and improve. (Video on LinkedIn.)

Picture a live concert where, alongside human musicians, a humanoid robot takes its place behind the drum kit. Science fiction? Maybe for now — but it could soon become reality.

At the forefront of this breakthrough is Asad Ali Shahid, researcher at SUPSI (IDSIA USI-SUPSI) and lead researcher on the project Robot Drummer: Learning Rhythmic Skills for Humanoid Drumming, developed in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano. [Read more…] about Pushing the boundaries of music: A humanoid robot learns to play the drums

DHL’s 1,000-robot push signals a new phase in warehouse automation

by

DHL, the world’s largest logistics company, is making one of its biggest single bets yet on robotics, announcing plans to deploy more than 1,000 additional robots across its UK operations as part of a £550 million (€637 million) investment.

The move underscores a broader shift in global logistics toward flexible, AI-powered automation designed to work alongside people rather than replace them.

In a post on LinkedIn, Tobias Meyer, CEO of DHL Group, framed the initiative as part of a wider transformation in how the company operates. [Read more…] about DHL’s 1,000-robot push signals a new phase in warehouse automation

DHL to invest $744 million and install more than 1,000 extra robots to meet growing demand

by

DHL Supply Chain says it plans to invest €637 million ($744 million) to expand its infrastructure and accelerate the rollout of automation across its customer operations in UK and Ireland, to support growing demand in the e-commerce and life sciences health care sectors. 

The new investment builds on the €1 billion already spent on automation by DHL Supply Chain over the last three years, with more than 3,200 digitalisation projects deployed across the UK and Ireland and EMEA.

Until 2030, DHL’s contract logistics business plans to significantly increase its scale in UK&I as well as globally, with automation, robotics and digitalisation being a key enabler of this growth. [Read more…] about DHL to invest $744 million and install more than 1,000 extra robots to meet growing demand

Why Safety Relays Are the Unsung Heroes of Modern Industrial Automation

by

In a modern factory, where robots work alongside humans and massive conveyor systems operate at high speeds, safety is paramount.

But have you ever stopped to consider how all these machines know when to stop? More often than not, the unsung hero behind this seamless operation is a humble device known as a safety relay.

Imagine this: a worker inadvertently opens a safety gate while a machine is running. In that split second, a safety relay detects the breach and cuts the power, preventing potential harm. [Read more…] about Why Safety Relays Are the Unsung Heroes of Modern Industrial Automation

Why a Vehicle History Report is Essential Before Buying a Used Car

by

Buying a used car can be a smart financial decision, but it also carries certain risks. One of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself is to obtain a vehicle history report before making any commitment.

This document offers valuable insights into a car’s past, helping you avoid costly mistakes and ensuring you get the best possible deal. [Read more…] about Why a Vehicle History Report is Essential Before Buying a Used Car

As Moravec predicted, AI is taking your office jobs but will let you live if you do the dishes and laundry… for now

by

The conversation about AI replacing human jobs is no longer entirely hypothetical. We are well past the era of speculative think pieces about whether machines might someday take over our work.

That future is already here – and it’s showing up in surprising places.

What makes this moment different from past automation waves is that AI is now targeting roles once considered safe: creative, analytical, and highly paid white-collar jobs.

The “robots” in question are not assembly line arms, but digital minds like ChatGPT, Claude, and GitHub Copilot – systems capable of generating text, code, images, and even making strategic decisions. [Read more…] about As Moravec predicted, AI is taking your office jobs but will let you live if you do the dishes and laundry… for now

Nidec opens new facility in Germany

by

Nidec SYS GmbH, part of Nidec Press & Automation group, has established new facility in the Reismühle industrial park in Grafenau, Germany. The company describes it as “a major milestone in the company’s development and a clear commitment to its location in the Bavarian Forest”.

With a recent festive ceremony, and a subsequent “Open House”, Nidec SYS GmbH celebrated the opening of its new office and production facilities.

The new building marks the next step in the ambitious expansion of Nidec SYS GmbH. With around 130 employees, the company is one of the leading European players in the field of high-speed stamping and forming technology. [Read more…] about Nidec opens new facility in Germany

Fort Robotics raises $18.9 million in new funding to bring total to $60.5 million

by

Fort Robotics, a specialist provider of safety and security solutions for intelligent machines, has raised an additional $18.9 million in its Series B funding round. This capital raises the company’s total funding to $60.5 million to date.

The round was led by Tiger Global, with strong participation from both new and returning investors, underscoring confidence in Fort’s crucial role in the rapidly evolving robotics and physical AI landscape.

Fort’s growth is fueled by the robotics industry hitting a critical inflection point. As autonomous systems see large-scale deployments in sectors like autonomous vehicles, agriculture, construction, defense, factory automation, and humanoid robotics, they are increasingly relying on Fort’s solutions. [Read more…] about Fort Robotics raises $18.9 million in new funding to bring total to $60.5 million

Rugged electric actuators provide reliable steering for extensible, self-driving platform 

by

It’s all about autonomy. When a large global berry producer approached OxDrive co-founder and managing director Chris Horton with a request to provide an extensible, self-driving cart to transport soft fruit, he and co-founder Terence Goad saw a great opportunity for their advanced smart hub technology in the burgeoning electrification of agribusiness.

The client would handle all the robotics, route planning and AI guidance. OxDrive, a UK-based electric drive unit manufacturer, would design and build GoFAR, a self-driving platform outfitted for multiple transport purposes, integrating optical sensors, motors, transmissions and controls.

They just needed to find the right actuator to enable the steering. [Read more…] about Rugged electric actuators provide reliable steering for extensible, self-driving platform 

Swiss Steel’s wire solution enables ‘greater precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in additive manufacturing’

by

Swiss Steel Group and its subsidiary Ugitech, France say they are send a “strong message” with their latest innovation in the field of additive manufacturing: the UGIWAM wire, a cutting-edge solution for additive manufacturing by wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM).


This advanced technology not only offers solutions for the precise manufacturing of components, but also provides custom alloys tailored to the specific requirements of various industries.

By combining its expertise in welding, wire drawing, and machining, Ugitech, a European leader in welding filler metals for stainless steel and alloys, offers a unique approach to additive manufacturing. [Read more…] about Swiss Steel’s wire solution enables ‘greater precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in additive manufacturing’