Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

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

European retail giant Otto Group to install more than 100 Covariant robots at fulfilment centres

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Otto Group, one of the largest online retailers in Europe, is entering into a long-term strategic partnership with Covariant, an AI robotics company. 

Covariant’s AI-powered robots will be used to automate a wide range of manual fulfilment activities that require hand-eye coordination and object manipulation – supporting Otto Group to enhance services for its customers and to take another important step towards a digitalized and AI-driven future.

The Otto Group will deploy Covariant robots to increase operational efficiency, build resilience against labour market challenges, and improve the overall quality of work within their fulfilment centres. [Read more…] about European retail giant Otto Group to install more than 100 Covariant robots at fulfilment centres

Sarcos demonstrates robotic technologies for shipyard operations

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Sarcos Technology and Robotics, a developer of highly dexterous exoskeletons and robotic systems that augment humans to enhance productivity and safety, says it has executed field trials demonstrating improved worker safety and productivity for shipyard operations.

Sarcos robotic systems are designed to carry out maintenance, inspection, and repair activities, on and around ships that are underway and pier side, creating safer and more effective shipyard operations and improving the efficiency of sailors and shipyard workers.

In September, the company completed a successful field trial for the US Navy at the Repair Technology Exercise (REPTX) at the Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme, California. [Read more…] about Sarcos demonstrates robotic technologies for shipyard operations

Plymouth State University receives $1 million funding for new robotics lab

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The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is sending $1 million in federal funding to Plymouth State University (PSU) to aid in the construction of a new robotics laboratory to be located on the fourth floor of the Draper & Maynard Building at the Plymouth campus.

In fall 2021, PSU became the first New Hampshire institution to offer a Bachelor of Science in Robotics degree program.

PSU President Donald L. Birx, PhD says the university plans to use the funds to develop the next generation robotics workforce and machine-learning manufacturers with a new, state-of-the-art robotics lab. [Read more…] about Plymouth State University receives $1 million funding for new robotics lab

Auve Tech launches new generation self-driving vehicle

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Estonian company Auve Tech has launched a new generation self-driving vehicle.

MiCa is the latest self-driving shuttle from Auve Tech, which specializes in developing and producing autonomous vehicles.

The startup says MiCa takes safety, practicality and self-driving to “a new level” and allows autonomous driving in various weather and traffic conditions. [Read more…] about Auve Tech launches new generation self-driving vehicle