Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mai Tao

Chinese company developing humanoid robot to give birth: Breakthrough or dystopian nightmare?

by

A Chinese technology company has unveiled plans to create the world’s first humanoid robot capable of carrying a pregnancy to full term and giving birth to a human child.

The firm, Kaiwa Technology, led by Dr Zhang Qifeng in Guangzhou, says it intends to launch a working prototype as soon as 2026.

The robot, essentially an artificial womb wrapped in a humanoid form, is being described as a potential lifeline for couples struggling with infertility. But it has also prompted horror and disbelief, with critics calling it “dehumanising” and “a violation of human ethics”. [Read more…] about Chinese company developing humanoid robot to give birth: Breakthrough or dystopian nightmare?

Philips to invest more than $150 million in manufacturing and R&D in the US

by

Philips, a specialist in health technology, has announced a plan for new investments of more than $150 million in US manufacturing and research and development (R&D).

As part of the announcement, Philips unveiled the expansion of its Reedsville, Pennsylvania manufacturing facility, which produces AI-enabled ultrasound systems for hospitals across the US.

These investments come on top of Philips’ annual $900 million R&D investment in the US as well as investments in nearly 17,000 colleagues across 40 facilities in the United States. [Read more…] about Philips to invest more than $150 million in manufacturing and R&D in the US

Apple to invest an additional $100 billion into its America manufacturing operations

by

Apple, the maker of Mac and iPhone devices and one of the world’s largest tech companies,  says it will invest an additional $100 billion into its manufacturing operations across the United States.

Apple has just announced the new $100 billion investment as a “commitment to America”, adding that it is a “significant acceleration” of its US investment that now totals $600 billion over the next four years.

The announcement includes the ambitious new American Manufacturing Program (AMP), dedicated to bringing even more of Apple’s supply chain and advanced manufacturing to the US. [Read more…] about Apple to invest an additional $100 billion into its America manufacturing operations

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

by

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

by

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?

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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?

by

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?