Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

Exclusive interview: Bot Auto CEO on why autonomous trucking must prove its economics before it scales

by

Following our recent coverage of the challenges facing autonomous trucking, Robotics and Automation News now interviews Xiaodi Hou, co-founder and CEO of Bot Auto, to explore a different approach – one focused less on flashy demos and more on cost-per-mile performance.

Hou, a veteran in autonomous driving and AI, is taking aim at the industry’s reputation for over-promising and under-delivering.

With a PhD in Computation and Neural Systems from Caltech and a background in machine learning and computer vision, he brings both technical depth and commercial realism to the table. [Read more…] about Exclusive interview: Bot Auto CEO on why autonomous trucking must prove its economics before it scales

Siemens completes acquisition of ebm-papst’s industrial drive technology business

by

Europe’s largest engineering company Siemens has closed its acquisition of ebm-papst‘s industrial drive technology business. In the future, it will be marketed using the name “Mechatronic Systems” at Siemens.

The business has about 650 employees and its portfolio includes intelligent, integrated mechatronic systems in the extra-low voltage protection range, innovative driving systems used in free-moving, driverless transport systems, and other applications.

This acquisition complements the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, strengthening Siemens’ position as a leading provider of flexible manufacturing automation solutions. [Read more…] about Siemens completes acquisition of ebm-papst’s industrial drive technology business

LogicFlo raises $2.7 million to give every life sciences expert their own ‘AI agent workforce’

by

Across life sciences, the brightest minds are buried in busywork. Regulatory strategists, medical writers, quality and safety experts – people trained to bring therapies to market – are still spending most of their time formatting documents, managing version control, and stitching together fragmented tools.

LogicFlo AI, the company building the AI agent workforce for life sciences, is changing that.

The Boston-based startup has just completed $2.7 million seed funding round to scale its intelligent agent platform across the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medtech industries. The round was led by Lightspeed with participation from leading healthcare and enterprise AI investors. [Read more…] about LogicFlo raises $2.7 million to give every life sciences expert their own ‘AI agent workforce’

Record-breaking attendance at this year’s automatica event

by

automatica, one of the world’s leading industrial automation exhibitions, held from June 24 to 27, 2025, was an impressive demonstration of approaches to solving future challenges using smart automation and robotics.

Around 47,500 visitors from more than 90 nations, along with approx. 800 exhibitors from 40 countries, and an extensive supporting program underlined automatica’s domain leadership.

The four-day trade fair had a strong focus on AI-powered robotics, SME automation, health tech solutions, mobile robotics, and networked production. A successful range of topics according to Dr Reinhard Pfeiffer, co-CEO of Messe München. [Read more…] about Record-breaking attendance at this year’s automatica event

MIT develops vision-based system that gives machines ‘bodily self-awareness’

by

In an office at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), a soft robotic hand carefully curls its fingers to grasp a small object.

The intriguing part isn’t the mechanical design or embedded sensors – in fact, the hand contains none. Instead, the entire system relies on a single camera that watches the robot’s movements and uses that visual data to control it.

This capability comes from a new system CSAIL scientists developed, offering a different perspective on robotic control. Rather than using hand-designed models or complex sensor arrays, it allows robots to learn how their bodies respond to control commands, solely through vision. [Read more…] about MIT develops vision-based system that gives machines ‘bodily self-awareness’

How the Wrong 4×4 Bumper Can Throw Off Your Vehicle’s Balance

by

Fitting out a 4×4 with all the gear is half the fun of owning one. There is something satisfying about customising it to suit your adventures, your style, and the terrain you love to tackle.

Among the most popular upgrades, 4×4 bumpers usually earn a spot high on the list, not just for looks, but for the protection and utility they bring to the table. However, the wrong bumper can do more harm than good. [Read more…] about How the Wrong 4×4 Bumper Can Throw Off Your Vehicle’s Balance

ABB and Applied Digital accelerate construction of AI data centers

by

Applied Digital, a builder and operator of next-generation data centers, has launched an infrastructure partnership with ABB at the company’s greenfield 400 MW campus in North Dakota, United States.

The collaboration will innovate fast, reliable, energy-efficient solutions to meet the needs of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

As part of this long-term partnership, the first orders were booked in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. Further financial details of the partnership were not disclosed. [Read more…] about ABB and Applied Digital accelerate construction of AI data centers

Comau launches new range of autonomous mobile robots

by

Comau, an industrial automation specialist, has launched its MyMR family of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at Automatica, the leading international trade fair for automation and robotics.

Engineered to meet the increasing demands of intralogistics across manufacturing, warehousing, logistics and highly automated environments, the MyMR platform addresses key challenges such as labor shortages, material handling inefficiencies, and safety concerns with a modular, scalable and fully autonomous solution.

Unlike traditional automation systems or manual handling processes, MyMR offers advanced features such as intelligent fleet management, real-time obstacle avoidance and seamless line integration. [Read more…] about Comau launches new range of autonomous mobile robots

Yaskawa to build $180 million campus in Wisconsin, relocating US headquarters and expanding robot manufacturing

by

Yaskawa Electric, one of the world’s largest industrial makers, says it plans to invest $180 million in a new multi-purpose campus in Franklin, Wisconsin.

The facility will serve as the new US headquarters for Yaskawa America, consolidating existing operations in Illinois and Wisconsin. The move marks a significant expansion of Yaskawa’s footprint in North America and is scheduled to take place over the next 8 to 10 years.

The new 74,000-square-meter site will house corporate offices, training centers, and advanced manufacturing facilities for industrial robots, including general-purpose manipulators and equipment for the semiconductor sector. [Read more…] about Yaskawa to build $180 million campus in Wisconsin, relocating US headquarters and expanding robot manufacturing

Fanuc unveils ‘enhanced, next-generation’ robot simulation software

by

Fanuc America has unveiled RoboGuide Version 10, a significantly upgraded release of its flagship offline robot programming and simulation software.

Designed to help manufacturers streamline automation workflows, RoboGuide V10 introduces a suite of enhancements focused on performance, visualization, and user experience.

RoboGuide enables users to design, program, and simulate robotic workcells in 3D – eliminating the need for physical prototypes and reducing both development time and cost. [Read more…] about Fanuc unveils ‘enhanced, next-generation’ robot simulation software