Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

The space robotics market: Who is building the machines and who is backing them?

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The global space economy continues to expand at pace, surpassing $600 billion in 2024 according to the Space Foundation, with further growth forecast over the next decade.

Behind the headline numbers, a quieter but equally significant transformation is under way: the rise of robotics as essential infrastructure for working and building beyond Earth.

For decades, astronauts and satellites dominated the narrative. Now, robotic systems – arms, rovers, crawlers, and autonomous builders – are moving from experiment to deployment. [Read more…] about The space robotics market: Who is building the machines and who is backing them?

NASA partners with Arkisys to advance Astrobee robots on the ISS

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NASA is continuing the Astrobee mission through a collaboration with Arkisys, of Los Alamitos, California, which was awarded a reimbursable Space Act Agreement to sustain and maintain the robotic platform aboard the International Space Station.

As the agency returns astronauts to the Moon, robotic helpers like Astrobee could one day take over routine maintenance tasks and support future spacecraft at the Moon and Mars without relying on humans for continuous operation.

In March, the agency issued a call for partnership proposals to support its ongoing space research initiatives. Arkisys was selected to maintain the platform and continue enabling partners to use the Astrobee system as a means to experiment with new technologies in the microgravity environment of the space station. [Read more…] about NASA partners with Arkisys to advance Astrobee robots on the ISS

Scientists to study how nanoplastics transmit from mothers to babies

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You can’t see nanoplastics with the naked eye, but they’re everywhere – including your body.

Tinier than the better-known microplastics, these plastic particles range from one nanometer to one micrometer in size; a human hair, by comparison, is about 100 micrometers thick.

“Nanoplastics are present in drinking water, food and the air, and have been detected in both tap water and bottled water,” explained Binghamton University assistant professor of chemistry Huiyuan Guo. “They are widely detected in the environment.” [Read more…] about Scientists to study how nanoplastics transmit from mothers to babies

Mitsubishi Electric to roll out digital maintenance platform for elevators and escalators

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Mitsubishi Electric Building Solutions (MEBS) will introduce KEGMIL, a cloud-based field service management platform, to streamline elevator and escalator maintenance, starting in Singapore from October 2025.

The company plans to expand the system across Southeast Asia and eventually other global markets.

KEGMIL, developed by Singapore-based FTV LABS, digitizes much of the manual work still common in field services. Through a mobile app, it enables everything from issuing work instructions and checklists to real-time progress tracking, emergency dispatching using GPS, and electronic reporting with digital signatures. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric to roll out digital maintenance platform for elevators and escalators

Honda launches hands-free mobility device in Japan

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Honda has started sales of its UNI-ONE personal mobility device in Japan, targeting corporate customers in sectors such as offices, workplaces, and large facilities.

The UNI-ONE is designed as a “mobility device to be used at destinations” after people arrive by car or other transport. Honda says potential use cases include moving people around large venues or workplaces and supporting seniors or individuals who may find extended walking difficult.

The device is steered by shifting body weight while seated, allowing hands-free movement in all directions at walking speed. Honda developed the UNI-ONE using robotics expertise gained from projects such as its ASIMO humanoid robot. [Read more…] about Honda launches hands-free mobility device in Japan

Nissan demonstrates next-generation AI driver assistance system in Tokyo

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Nissan has begun testing its next-generation ProPILOT driver assistance system in Japan, showcasing the technology with a fleet of all-electric Ariya prototypes on the streets of central Tokyo.

The system, scheduled to debut on select mass-production models in Japan from fiscal year 2027, combines advanced AI software with new sensor hardware to tackle complex urban driving.

The technology integrates Wayve’s “AI Driver” software with Nissan’s “Ground Truth Perception” system, which uses a roof-mounted next-generation LiDAR sensor alongside 11 cameras and five radar units. [Read more…] about Nissan demonstrates next-generation AI driver assistance system in Tokyo

Hyundai and Kia partner with South Korea’s RDA to bring wearable robots to agriculture

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Hyundai and Kia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s Rural Development Administration (RDA) to expand the use of wearable robotics in farming.

The partnership will see the companies introduce their X-ble Shoulder robot, developed by Hyundai and Kia’s Robotics LAB, to agricultural sites across the country.

The X-ble Shoulder is designed to reduce strain on workers performing heavy shoulder tasks. Field tests carried out earlier this year with the RDA showed the device reduced deltoid muscle activation by about 22 percent, according to electromyography (EMG) sensor measurements. [Read more…] about Hyundai and Kia partner with South Korea’s RDA to bring wearable robots to agriculture

Toyota launches next-generation autonomous e-Palette mobility vehicle

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Toyota has started sales of its next-generation e-Palette battery electric vehicle, designed for a wide range of mobility services including transportation, retail, and mobile entertainment. Sales began on September 15, with prices starting from 29 million yen (almost $200,000).

The e-Palette features a spacious cabin, large windows, and a low floor for accessibility, including an electric ramp that allows wheelchair users to board independently.

With a capacity of up to 17 passengers, it can be configured for different uses throughout the day – for example, as a shuttle bus in the morning and a mobile store in the afternoon. Optional equipment enables applications such as immersive sightseeing or live sports viewing. [Read more…] about Toyota launches next-generation autonomous e-Palette mobility vehicle

How Logs and Sensor Data Are Revolutionizing Workplace Injury Claims

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Modern automation and robotics have revolutionized workplace safety and complicated accident investigation. Where injury claims relied on conflicting eyewitness accounts, robotic systems now leave unbiased records.

Sensor data, logs, and operating metrics are changing injury investigation from the subjective pool of memories to objective, data-driven analysis. Here’s how robotic data and sensor logs are revolutionizing workplace injury cases. [Read more…] about How Logs and Sensor Data Are Revolutionizing Workplace Injury Claims

Top 5 Generative AI Courses for Newcomers in AI Technology

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We are living in a time where artificial intelligence is affecting everything, whether it is how we live our lives, work or create. Generative AI, or technology that can generate text, images and even code, is a key component of this revolution.

There are plenty of resources available for someone who is new to this field of work. A good course is much needed to learn the theory as well as the skills.

These best generative AI courses will help you get an understanding of artificial intelligence, which is quickly becoming an essential technology for businesses and companies alike. Generative AI creates new content, including images, text and music, so it has a wide range of applications. [Read more…] about Top 5 Generative AI Courses for Newcomers in AI Technology