Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

Robots for agriculture: Technical advances outpacing market adoption

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A new strawberry-picking robot developed in Japan is drawing global attention for its ability to autonomously harvest strawberries with minimal human intervention.

Designed by researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University, the robot combines 3D cameras, AI, and an autonomous mobility system to navigate greenhouse beds and identify ripe strawberries for harvest.

The developers claim the system can work continuously and be remotely managed via mobile devices, potentially reducing labor dependency in one of Japan’s most labor-intensive crops. [Read more…] about Robots for agriculture: Technical advances outpacing market adoption

Scientists develop autonomous robot to harvest strawberries

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​Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed an autonomous robot capable of navigating and harvesting strawberries in high-bed cultivation environments using lidar technology.

This innovation addresses Japan’s agricultural labor shortages, particularly the challenges of manual strawberry harvesting.

Assistant Professor Takuya Fujinaga, from the Graduate School of Engineering, led the development of an algorithm enabling the robot to operate in two modes: navigating to predetermined locations and moving alongside raised cultivation beds. [Read more…] about Scientists develop autonomous robot to harvest strawberries

Predictive maintenance revolution: Why digital twins and skilled technicians are a winning combination

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Digital twins – virtual copies of real-life machinery – have become an integral part of many industries: from precision manufacturing to logistics.

Research by McKinsey shows that investments in digital twin technologies will rise to more than $48 billion by 2026 around the world.

More and more airlines and aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) companies are introducing digital twins into their processes. [Read more…] about Predictive maintenance revolution: Why digital twins and skilled technicians are a winning combination

Autonomous trucking company Kodiak Robotics to go public: What it means and why it matters

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Kodiak Robotics, a startup developing autonomous truck technology, is planning to go public via a merger with Ares Acquisition Corporation II, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).

The deal values Kodiak at approximately $1.1 billion in net proceeds and $2.5 billion in total equity value, according to statements from the company.

While the transaction is still subject to approval by shareholders and regulators, it is expected to close in the second half of 2025. Once completed, Kodiak will be listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol “KDK”. [Read more…] about Autonomous trucking company Kodiak Robotics to go public: What it means and why it matters

Humans race against humanoid robots in bizarre half-marathon

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In a groundbreaking fusion of technology and athletics, 21 humanoid robots participated alongside thousands of human runners in the Yizhuang Half-Marathon in Beijing. (See video below.)

This event marked the first time humanoid robots have competed in a 21-kilometer race with humans, highlighting China’s ambitions in artificial intelligence and robotics.​

The standout performer among the robots was Tiangong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Innovation Center of Human Robotics. Tiangong Ultra completed the race in 2 hours and 40 minutes, significantly behind the men’s human winner, who finished in 1 hour and 2 minutes. [Read more…] about Humans race against humanoid robots in bizarre half-marathon

Peak Technologies opens global headquarters in Littleton, Massachusetts

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Peak Technologies, a provider of smart technologies, automated supply chain and mobile workforce solutions, hosted a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony for the company’s global headquarters and Executive Briefing Center (EBC) in Littleton, Massachusetts.

Attendees at the grand opening and ribbon-cutting attended a luncheon and were able to tour the expanded 60,000 square foot headquarters, which includes innovative technology stations demonstrating advanced automation for the warehouse.

The facility currently employs 80 people with plans to expand to over 100 and is estimated to bring significant financial benefit to the local economy. [Read more…] about Peak Technologies opens global headquarters in Littleton, Massachusetts

Theisen’s introduces inventory robot to local stores

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Home, farm and auto products retail store chain Theisen’s has introduced Simbe’s shelf-scanning robot Tally to three of its stores: Theisen’s of Dubuque, IA; Theisen’s of Dyersville, IA; and Theisen’s of Jefferson, Wisconsin.

This marks the retailer’s first phase in adopting cutting-edge technology to deliver an even better experience to customers and associates alike.

Using advanced AI and computer vision technology, Tally identifies out-of-stock items, pricing errors, and misplaced products, collecting comprehensive product data and providing quick actions for Theisen’s associates. [Read more…] about Theisen’s introduces inventory robot to local stores

Cosmic Robotics secures $4 million to speed up solar infrastructure installations

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Cosmic Robotics has raised $4 million to build AI-powered robots to accelerate the buildout of critical infrastructure, starting with utility-scale solar.

The round was led by Giant Ventures, with participation from MaC Venture Capital, HCVC, and prominent angel investors including Azeem Azhar, Aarthi Ramamurthy, and Nate Williams.

Cosmic Robotics tackles the hardest, slowest parts of building critical infrastructure – using robotics to bridge labor gaps and accelerate the buildout of US energy infrastructure, starting with solar. [Read more…] about Cosmic Robotics secures $4 million to speed up solar infrastructure installations

Opinion: Why doesn’t anyone want to work anymore? And what’s it costing the rest of us?

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In factories across the United States and Europe, machines are humming, assembly lines are ready, and wages are rising. There’s just one problem: no one wants to work.

It’s not just a Gen Z problem, though they’re the latest group being blamed. It’s a generational, cultural, and economic shift that’s hollowing out entire sectors – especially manufacturing – and threatening the social fabric of nations built on the dignity of labor.

We are drifting into a dangerous new reality: a society where millions are either unwilling or uninterested in working, while a small elite class hoards wealth, controls technology, and reshapes the economy in their image. [Read more…] about Opinion: Why doesn’t anyone want to work anymore? And what’s it costing the rest of us?

‘Billions’ of megalomaniacal humanoids could, one day, ambush the entire world

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“Billions” of megalomaniacal humanoids could ambush the entire world and go for a global takeover, according to people who worry about these things too much.

With so many companies turning their attention to building these infernal machines that look more and more like their human counterparts, it might be only a matter of time before pioneering roboticists unwittingly unleash the end of the world as we know it.

The inevitability of such an outcome, as laughable as it may seem to some people, is actually being seriously contemplated by political and business leaders alike. [Read more…] about ‘Billions’ of megalomaniacal humanoids could, one day, ambush the entire world