Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mai Tao

Toyota Group launches AI and software push with new academy and accelerator

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As the company itself describes it, five “major Toyota Group companies” have agreed to start “significant new initiatives” aimed at “bolstering their capabilities in artificial intelligence and software development”.

The push includes the establishment of the Toyota Software Academy, and the launch of the Global AI Accelerator (GAIA) to spearhead innovation.

The companies collaborating on these efforts are: Aisin, Denso, Toyota Tsusho, Toyota Motor, and Woven by Toyota. [Read more…] about Toyota Group launches AI and software push with new academy and accelerator

ABB introduces ‘battery energy storage systems-as-a-service’

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ABB has launched its new “Battery Energy Storage Systems-as-a-Service” (BESS-as-a-Service) – a flexible, zero-CapEx solution designed to accelerate the shift to clean, resilient and affordable energy.

BESS-as-a-Service is the first in a range of next generation service models being developed to remove the barriers to clean technology adoption and accelerate industries’ transition to net zero.

With demand for energy storage expected to surge, ABB’s BESS-as-a-Service offers companies a turnkey path to energy independence and sustainability. [Read more…] about ABB introduces ‘battery energy storage systems-as-a-service’

Saudi Arabia integrates robots into pilgrimage experience

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In a significant step towards integrating modern technology with religious tradition, Saudi Arabian authorities have unveiled the “Manara (Beacon) Robot” at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, according to a report on the Siasat website.

The AI-powered robot is designed to provide pilgrims with religious guidance and answers to their Sharia-related questions in multiple languages.

The initiative, launched by Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, President of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, aims to enrich the experience of worshippers by offering instant access to religious information. [Read more…] about Saudi Arabia integrates robots into pilgrimage experience

Cornerstone Robotics raises over $70 million to commercialize its robotic surgery system

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Cornerstone Robotics, a developer of surgical robotics, has raised over $70 million in Series C financing led by EQT with participation from Qiming Venture Partners, Alpha JWC Ventures, the Innovation and Technology Venture Fund, eGarden Ventures, CTS Funds, K2VC, Long-Z Capital, and others.

This funding will accelerate the company’s efforts in advancing the commercialization process, developing new surgical robotics products, conducting clinical trials, obtaining regulatory approvals, and promoting global adoption of advanced robotic surgical solutions.

In addition to receiving funding from a group of prominent investors, the company headquartered in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, also received investment from the Innovation and Technology Venture Fund under the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. [Read more…] about Cornerstone Robotics raises over $70 million to commercialize its robotic surgery system

CMG World Robotics Tournament set for humanoid boxing showdown

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Get ready for a new era of combat sports as the CMG World Robotics Tournament prepares to unfold this Sunday, May 25th, at the Hangzhou Mech Combat Arena (also reported as the Olympic Sports Center).

The event, featuring humanoid robot boxing, is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM (GMT+8, Hong Kong time) and promises a groundbreaking display of technology and competition.

Unitree Robotics, a prominent name in the field, is the official partner for the tournament, with their G1 humanoid robots stepping into the ring. [Read more…] about CMG World Robotics Tournament set for humanoid boxing showdown

Libiao Robotics opens overseas headquarters in Singapore

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Libiao Robotics, a provider of automated warehouse storage systems and robotics, has opened a new office in Singapore. The Singapore facility will henceforth act as headquarters for its overseas (that is, non-China) business.

The new office is situated in Perennial Business City in Jurong Lake District, the largest commercial district outside of Singapore’s city centre and dubbed “Singapore’s next central business district”.

Libiao’s new office was officially unveiled on 22nd May in a ceremony hosted by Libiao Robotics CEO and founder Xia Huiling and its CTO Zhu Jianqiang. [Read more…] about Libiao Robotics opens overseas headquarters in Singapore

How Advanced Welding is Transforming Auto Repair

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How Advanced Welding Technologies Are Reshaping Automotive Repair Standards

Welding in the auto industry has come a long way from its rough-and-ready roots. Today’s tools – especially the fiber laser welder – bring a level of precision and control that was unthinkable not too long ago.

These machines create narrow, ultra-clean welds with minimal heat distortion, allowing for faster, safer repairs that preserve the integrity of even the most advanced materials.

Pair that with automation and robotic arms, and you’ve got a repair process that’s not just faster, but smarter and more consistent. [Read more…] about How Advanced Welding is Transforming Auto Repair

Top Digital Tools for Managing a Hybrid Workforce in the Automation Industry

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As the automation industry continues to evolve, so do its workforce dynamics. More companies are embracing a hybrid model – blending in-office engineers with remote technicians, contractors, and specialists around the globe.

Managing this dispersed team efficiently requires more than just good intentions – it demands robust digital tools tailored to streamline workflows, communication, and payroll operations. [Read more…] about Top Digital Tools for Managing a Hybrid Workforce in the Automation Industry

automatica Summit: Megatrends in robotics and AI

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How can robots take AI-based decisions and how do they communicate with each other as they do so? What is the role of 6G in this? What’s in the pipeline of globally leading companies such as Google DeepMind, Meta, Microsoft, or Nvidia in terms of generative AI in robotics and big data? And how will this combination of robotics and AI impact medical technology?

These questions will be answered at automatica’s munich_i Hightech Summit, a top-level AI and robotics event, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 in Hall B4.

Under the theme of “Intelligence empowering tomorrow”, 15 world-renowned research and industry experts will shed light on visionary developments and emerging technology. Below is a selection of what’s on offer. [Read more…] about automatica Summit: Megatrends in robotics and AI

Palantir and Divergent partner to ‘revolutionize’ on-demand advanced manufacturing

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Palantir Technologies and Divergent Technologies have agreed a strategic partnership to provide access to Divergent’s advanced manufacturing capabilities via Palantir’s software platform. 

The collaboration will bring digitally manufactured parts to Palantir’s Warp Speed and Foundry customers on-demand.

The partnership provides Palantir’s defense and commercial customers with seamless access to Divergent’s digital manufacturing capabilities in production environments. [Read more…] about Palantir and Divergent partner to ‘revolutionize’ on-demand advanced manufacturing