Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

Spike Dynamics open-sources micro linear piezo actuators that enable ‘muscle-like movement’

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Spike Dynamics, an innovator in advanced actuation technology, announces the open release of its linear piezo actuators, which the company describes as “a breakthrough designed to mimic natural muscle movement in an ultra-compact form”.

By open-sourcing the design, the company aims to accelerate innovation in robotics and wearable devices, where traditional motors are often too bulky, noisy, or fragile.

Unlike traditional product launches, Spike Dynamics is taking a collaborative approach. The company has open-sourced its NASA reviewed actuator design, making it available to researchers, engineers, and startups who want to explore, test, and adapt the technology. [Read more…] about Spike Dynamics open-sources micro linear piezo actuators that enable ‘muscle-like movement’

Mendaera undertakes first surgical procedures with Focalist handheld robotic system

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Mendaera, a healthcare technology company developing next-generation robotics technology to simplify ultrasound-guided needle procedures, today announced the world’s first procedures performed with the Focalist handheld robotic system.

Urologist Karen Stern, MD, (Mayo Clinic Arizona) successfully used Focalist to achieve precise kidney access during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), the gold standard treatment for large kidney stones.

Dr Stern presented the milestone procedures at the World Conference on Endourology and Uro-Technology (WCET), a prestigious global meeting for surgeons advancing minimally invasive kidney stone treatment. [Read more…] about Mendaera undertakes first surgical procedures with Focalist handheld robotic system

Gessmann presents new cobot welding cell at Blechexpo 2025

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Gessmann will be presenting its newly developed cobot welding cell with the TM12S from its partner Techman at Blechexpo 2025 in Hall 9, Booth 9227.

The flexible and ready-to-use complete solution was specially designed for the production of small and medium series with frequently changing components.

In view of the shortage of skilled workers and increasing demands for variety, Gessmann offers a future-proof answer to the challenges of modern production processes with the TM12S cobot welding cell. [Read more…] about Gessmann presents new cobot welding cell at Blechexpo 2025

ETH Zurich researchers develop biohybrid system that mimics bone-muscle interface

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Researchers at the Soft Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich have developed a biohybrid system that mimics the biological interface between bones and muscles, enabling improved force transmission. This technology could be applied not only in robotics but also in the development of medical implants.

Muscles are powerful, yet flexible and soft. They also possess a high degree of fine motor control, can grasp even delicate objects, and are capable of self-repair in the case of minor injuries. A key factor in the precise and effective transmission of force is the role of tendons, which connect muscles to bones.

To transfer these properties to robotics, scientists are researching biohybrid solutions. They combine synthetic and biological materials to replicate the structure and function of biological tissue and the movement of living organisms. [Read more…] about ETH Zurich researchers develop biohybrid system that mimics bone-muscle interface

Novarc Technologies launches fully autonomous high-precision tungsten inert gas welding system

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Novarc Technologies, a full-stack AI robotics company pioneering automated welding solutions, has launched its “SWR+TIPTIG Autonomy” system, enabling the performance of high-precision TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, with no operator and fully autonomous welding.

Designed for fabricators who demand X-ray-quality TIG root welds with the speed and throughput of MIG, the SWR™+TIGMIG Autonomy sets a new standard for productivity and versatility in the pipe fabrication industry.

SWR+TIPTIG Autonomy will be unveiled at Schweissen & Schneiden 2025 in Essen, September 15-19 at Novarc’s booth #3C24. [Read more…] about Novarc Technologies launches fully autonomous high-precision tungsten inert gas welding system

A3 releases new American national standard for industrial robot safety

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The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has announced the publication of ANSI/A3 R15.06-2025 American National Standard for Industrial Robots and Robot Systems – Safety Requirements.

This newly revised standard is now available for immediate purchase through A3 and marks the most significant advancement in industrial robot safety requirements in over a decade. [Read more…] about A3 releases new American national standard for industrial robot safety

Honeywell introduces all-in-one battery energy storage automation platform

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Honeywell has introduced Honeywell Ionic Modular All-in-One, a compact, end-to-end battery energy storage system (BESS) designed for the commercial and industrial segments.

By combining flexible battery storage with Honeywell’s advanced control system, Honeywell Ionic helps to optimize energy costs, absorb fluctuations in energy demand to ensure grid stability, and provide back-up power when needed.

Honeywell’s Ionic Control and Energy Management system is fully integrated into the all-in-one modular BESS, providing the latest analytic tools to deliver advanced control and customization onsite. [Read more…] about Honeywell introduces all-in-one battery energy storage automation platform

Qatar Airways and Cainiao expand strategic partnership to power global e-commerce

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Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading international air cargo carrier, and Cainiao, one of China’s largest e-commerce logistics companies, have officially launched an expanded strategic partnership to accelerate cross-border e-commerce delivery.

This long-term collaboration significantly strengthens the existing partnership, enhancing global connectivity and addressing the growing demand for fast, reliable international logistics.

The agreement was formalised by Mr. Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo and Wan Lin, CEO at Cainiao, during an official ceremony at the Cainiao Global Smart Logistics Summit in Hangzhou on 10 September. Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO at Invest Qatar was also present. [Read more…] about Qatar Airways and Cainiao expand strategic partnership to power global e-commerce

Formula 1 racing organizer selects Siemens as official digital twin sponsor

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Siemens Digital Industries Software has been selected by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) as “Official Digital Twin Sponsor”, as the global governing body for motor sport and federation for mobility organizations worldwide expands its use of Siemens software.

The FIA, which has welcomed Siemens into its new Global Partnership Programme, will extend its use of software from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio to create and refine the aerodynamic concepts that shape the regulations for single-seater race cars, from Formula 1 through to Formula 4.

Using Siemens’ Designcenter NX software, the FIA can design complex vehicle models, visualise them in lifelike detail, and iterate digitally before running computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations on the model. [Read more…] about Formula 1 racing organizer selects Siemens as official digital twin sponsor

Logic unveils ‘Octopus’ overhead robot for warehouse operations

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Logic, a pioneer in autonomous, data-driven logistics solutions, has launched the Octopus robot, which the company describes as “a breakthrough in warehouse automation engineered to revolutionize picking and inspection operations”.

The Octopus is a fully customizable, overhead industrial robot designed with a transformative goal to maximize efficiency, flexibility, and intelligence for warehouses and logistics hubs everywhere.

At the core of Octopus’s innovation is its ability to deploy virtually unlimited, fully active tooling attachments at once, including suction, clamp, grip, and more, each mounted on independent arms operating in perfect sync. [Read more…] about Logic unveils ‘Octopus’ overhead robot for warehouse operations