Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mark Allinson

How Nvidia conquered the digital world and plans to dominate the robotics industry

by

There was a time when it was difficult to see beyond Intel. It was indisputably the world’s largest chipmaker for a long time and eclipsed whoever else was around at the time. For some people, no other semiconductor manufacturer even existed.

Intel’s partnership with manufacturers of computers that ran the Windows operating system was largely responsible for the global success of the company whose unofficial motto was “Only the paranoid survive”.

But perhaps the total and utter domination of the market, and the falling away of would-be competitors into niche markets, led Intel to be less paranoid and get more relaxed – perhaps even complacent. [Read more…] about How Nvidia conquered the digital world and plans to dominate the robotics industry

RoboForce raises $10 million to build robots for solar and space industries

by

RoboForce, the world’s most advanced “Robo-Labor” provider, today announced it has raised $10 million early stage funding with support from investors such as Nobel Laureate Myron Scholes, co-founder of Softbank VC (SBVC) Gary Rieschel, and Carnegie Mellon University.

With this funding, RoboForce is emerging from stealth as it prepares to deploy its Robo-Labor this year for early customers, for whom robots can fulfill labor shortages in harsh outdoor conditions, complete the most hazardous tasks in dangerous work environments, and maximize project efficiency and cost savings.

With 1mm accuracy in performing fine motor skills like picking, placing, pressing, twisting and connecting, the Robo-Labor has all-terrain mobility, precise manipulation, learning, communication, and safety compliance capabilities. RoboForce’s robots are unparalleled in the emerging field of AI robotics. [Read more…] about RoboForce raises $10 million to build robots for solar and space industries

Spiro Robotics successfully completes first trial of tracheal intubation device

by

Spiro Robotics, a medical device innovator based in the Bay Area, has announced the successful completion of its first-in-human trial for the Spiro-Vista, a groundbreaking image-guided tracheal intubation device designed to “revolutionize difficult airway management”. 

Out of an estimated 30 million tracheal intubations performed annually in the United States, 6 million are difficult. This represents a large unmet medical need and a large market opportunity for Spiro Robotics.

In a trial involving 30 patients with highly complex and challenging airways, all participants were successfully intubated on the first attempt without adverse events or complications. [Read more…] about Spiro Robotics successfully completes first trial of tracheal intubation device

Apple’s humanoid robot project: What do we know?

by

Apple, the 3.7 trillion-dollar iPhone, iPad and Macintosh gigantico, is reportedly working with numerous companies and organisations in an effort to develop a humanoid robot – codenamed “Armor”.

According to Digitimes, Apple’s “entry into the humanoid robotics market is gaining momentum”. Meanwhile, PatentlyApple.com reports that Apple is working with Carnegie Mellon University and that Apple’s “new robot known as ‘ARMOR’, has been reveal” (sic).

Bloomberg, one of the world’s most authoritative financial news sources, says Apple is “in the early stages of figuring out the best way to use robotics”, and is already pushing ahead with a “tabletop robot”, the development of which is being overseen by the same person or people who were in charge of the much-heralded but never-realised Apple car. [Read more…] about Apple’s humanoid robot project: What do we know?

Nexcom showcases ‘next-gen’ autonomous mobile robot at CES

by

NexAIoT, a developer of AI-driven industrial automation technologies and a subsidiary of Nexcom International, is showcasing its second-generation autonomous mobile robot (AMR), the NexMOV-2.

The company says its new AMR represents “cutting-edge advancements in intelligent mobility and modular design”.

The global mobile robot platform market is projected to grow from an estimated $2.42 billion in 2023 to approximately $8.02 billion by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 12.7 percent over this period. [Read more…] about Nexcom showcases ‘next-gen’ autonomous mobile robot at CES

Serve Robotics secures $86 million in new financing

by

Serve Robotics, an autonomous delivery company, has raised gross proceeds of $86 million during December 2024, bringing total gross proceeds raised in 2024 to $167 million.

Since its spinout from Uber in 2021, the Company has secured approximately $220 million in total funding. The additional December 2024 funding includes proceeds raised through Serve’s previously filed ATM facility and the exercise of warrants. As of December 31, 2024, Serve had a total of approximately 51.5 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

This infusion of capital significantly strengthens Serve’s financial position, extending its expected operational runway approximately through the end of 2026. Serve is now able to self-fund equipment investments, eliminating the near-term need for equipment financing and its associated servicing costs. [Read more…] about Serve Robotics secures $86 million in new financing

SwitchBot releases ‘multitasking’ household robot at CES

by

SwitchBot has revealed the SwitchBot Multitasking Household Robot K20+ Pro, which it describes as “the world’s first multitasking household robot”, at CES.

Combining all-around vacuuming, home security, air purification, and smart delivery in one innovative platform, while offering even further possibilities for DIY, the K20+ Pro sets a new standard for household robotics and also boasts a great examination into the future of robotics application in everyday homes.

At the core of the K20+ Pro is SwitchBot’s groundbreaking FusionPlatform, a mobile platform equipped with ClawLock to physically connect with the mini robot vacuum. [Read more…] about SwitchBot releases ‘multitasking’ household robot at CES

Roborock unveils robotic vacuum cleaner with arm at CES

by

Roborock, a provider of home robotics, used the ongoing CES event to launch the Saros Z70, which it describes as “the world’s first mass-produced robot vacuum cleaner equipped with an OmniGrip intelligent and foldable robotic arm”.

And at first glance, I thought, “Why didn’t I think of that? It’s a brilliant idea.”

The innovation is similar to what is called an industrial mobile robot, where an autonomous mobile robot is fitted with a collaborative robotic arm. [Read more…] about Roborock unveils robotic vacuum cleaner with arm at CES

Top 10 best robotic vacuum cleaners: Smarts, features, and prices

by

Robotic vacuum cleaners are becoming increasingly popular by providing home cleaning, combining intelligent navigation with automated efficiency.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast looking for the smartest options or a homeowner seeking convenience within a budget, there’s a robotic vacuum for you.

Here’s an overview of 10 leading models, their standout features, and their prices to help you make an informed decision. The order of the list is based on a blend of perceived market prominence, feature richness, technological advancement, and price positioning. [Read more…] about Top 10 best robotic vacuum cleaners: Smarts, features, and prices

Autonomous snow-clearing vehicles: Solutions for winter’s challenges

by

Regardless of whether you believe in “global warming” or the various outlandish claims some environmentalists make, me personally, I’ve noticed that, over the course of my lifetime, the weather has become more and more crazy. 

I don’t think the mainstream news media covers the subject enough, preferring to cover the never-ending wars that repeatedly flare up here and there with the same kind of regularity that they did in biblical times.

Living in the UK, I’ve noticed that the north of England is often inundated with water because of unexpected and unprecedented flooding, or trashed by gale force winds that tear down fences and gates in the middle of the night, or snow that blankets entire towns and airports.

And yet, the news media – which is mostly based in the south, specifically London – appears to be oblivious to it all, preferring to keep their cameras on the dances of death by the current generation of warlords around the world. [Read more…] about Autonomous snow-clearing vehicles: Solutions for winter’s challenges