Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

Darveen signs distributor agreement with IP Systemes to expand market presence in France

by

Darveen, a provider of rugged industrial computing solutions, has agreed a strategic distribution partnership with IP Systemes, a French distributor known for its expertise in rugged computing and industrial automation.

Under this agreement, IP Systemes is now an authorized distributor of Darveen’s full range of industrial computing products in France.

This partnership marks a significant step in Darveen’s long-term strategy to enhance its presence in the French market. [Read more…] about Darveen signs distributor agreement with IP Systemes to expand market presence in France

Saildrone and Meta complete first unmanned, autonomous deep-water route survey in the North Atlantic

by

In a first-of-its-kind demonstration mission, Saildrone, in partnership with Meta, parent company of Facebook, have successfully completed a deep-water cable route survey in the North Atlantic using the Saildrone Surveyor, a 20-meter uncrewed surface vehicle (USV).

This innovative project represents a major milestone in the evolution of ocean survey technology, proving that autonomous platforms can deliver data quality and performance on par with traditional crewed survey vessels – while dramatically reducing risk and cost.

During the 26-day survey conducted in June and July 2024, the Saildrone Surveyor mapped more than 4,500 km of seabed, including complex topographies and challenging conditions, without a port call or outside assistance. [Read more…] about Saildrone and Meta complete first unmanned, autonomous deep-water route survey in the North Atlantic

Saudi Arabia strengthens industrial policy and aims to become an ‘advanced manufacturing and production center’

by

The global industrial sector is witnessing a huge shift with the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies.

This is prompting countries to reconsider traditional manufacturing methodologies and adopt smart manufacturing solutions, including automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, and data-driven systems, to increase production efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia say they are “not standing by while this global industrial transformation unfolds; rather, it is keeping pace with it and striving to lead”. [Read more…] about Saudi Arabia strengthens industrial policy and aims to become an ‘advanced manufacturing and production center’

NASA-backed startup Tuurny develops AI to automate printed circuit board repair

by

Tuurny, a startup specializing in advanced automation systems for electronics repair, has released details of its “groundbreaking AI assistant” designed to detect and guide repairs for faults on printed circuit boards (PCBs).

The innovation stems from a year-long collaboration with undergraduate and graduate engineering teams at Texas A&M University and has been made possible through a NASA-funded grant administered by the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP).

Tuurny’s proprietary platform combines computer vision and a custom large language model (LLM) to create a truly intelligent assistant – capable of analyzing standard photos and videos of PCBs to detect faults, assess repair viability, and deliver step-by-step guidance to technicians. [Read more…] about NASA-backed startup Tuurny develops AI to automate printed circuit board repair

Simbe Robotics and DeCicco & Sons launch strategic partnership at new flagship store

by

Simbe Robotics, a specialist in retail shelf digitization, has agreed a strategic partnership with DeCicco & Sons, one of New York’s most respected family-owned grocery chains. 

The partnership brings Simbe’s Store Intelligence platform to DeCicco’s flagship Sleepy Hollow location, and additional stores in Eastchester and Larchmont.

Simbe’s platform delivers real-time, storewide visibility into pricing accuracy, product availability, and inventory placement – supporting greater operational precision and in-store execution. [Read more…] about Simbe Robotics and DeCicco & Sons launch strategic partnership at new flagship store

Navigating the ‘messy middle’: Safety and compliance considerations for autonomous fleet transition

by

By Glen Mitchell, head of product management, Powerfleet

The transformation from traditional driver-operated trucks to fully autonomous vehicles isn’t happening overnight.

Instead, fleet operators find themselves navigating what industry experts call the “messy middle” – a complex transition period where human drivers, semi-autonomous systems, and emerging regulations intersect in unpredictable ways.

Recent milestones underscore the rapid evolution of this landscape. Aurora Innovation launched America’s first commercial driverless truck operations on Texas highways in May 2025, completing over 1,200 miles without a safety driver. [Read more…] about Navigating the ‘messy middle’: Safety and compliance considerations for autonomous fleet transition

Linxens partners with Dracula to develop ‘breakthrough’ battery-free, solar-powered devices for industrial IoT

by

Linxens, a provider of component-based solutions for authentication and traceability, and Dracula Technologies, a pioneer in ambient light energy harvesting, have agreed a strategic collaboration to develop “next-generation autonomous IoT solutions” for traceability and smart labelling applications.

This collaboration paves the way for smarter and more sustainable connected devices.

Dracula Technologies has developed a breakthrough organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology, LAYER, capable of harvesting energy even in low or intermittent indoor light. [Read more…] about Linxens partners with Dracula to develop ‘breakthrough’ battery-free, solar-powered devices for industrial IoT

Japanese space agency awards GITAI contract to develop unique robotic arm

by

GITAI, a US-headquartered space robotics company, says its Japanese subsidiary, GITAI Japan, has been awarded a contract by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to conduct a concept study for a unique robotic arm system intended for use on a pressurized crewed lunar rover. (See video below.)

This rover is part of Japan’s contribution to the Artemis program and is designed to enable long-duration human exploration of the Moon’s polar regions.

The objective of this study is to define the design and specifications for a robotic arm system capable of supporting lunar science operations primarily during uncrewed periods, while also providing support during crewed missions when needed. [Read more…] about Japanese space agency awards GITAI contract to develop unique robotic arm

Why Rockwell Automation’s share price has surged more than 30 percent since April

by

Earnings surprise, strategic loans, and smart manufacturing innovations fuel investor confidence

Since hitting a low point in early April 2025, Rockwell Automation’s share price has surged more than 30 percent, reaching new highs and catching the attention of analysts and institutional investors.

The rally comes on the back of a strong earnings report, a major financing move, and a series of product announcements that reinforce the company’s position at the forefront of industrial digital transformation. [Read more…] about Why Rockwell Automation’s share price has surged more than 30 percent since April

Why space factories may be the next industrial frontier, and who’s building them

by

The global space economy is growing fast, expected to surpass $511 billion by 2029, according to GlobalData.

While satellite launches and communication services currently dominate that figure, a more radical idea is beginning to gain serious momentum: manufacturing in space.

Once considered a speculative fantasy, orbital manufacturing is being taken seriously by a growing number of aerospace firms, venture capitalists, and national agencies. [Read more…] about Why space factories may be the next industrial frontier, and who’s building them