Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

BD and Henry Ford Health launch pharmacy automation partnership in Michigan

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BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a medical technology company, has agreed a pharmacy automation partnership with Henry Ford Health to develop the health system pharmacy of the future, with an initial focus on a robotic solution that will enable patients to pick up select prescriptions at their convenience – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Through this first-of-its-kind collaboration in the US, BD and Henry Ford Health will develop multiple applications of the BD Rowa Vmax, a sophisticated pharmacy automation robot.

The first deployment will enhance the prescription retrieval processes at Henry Ford Health’s hospital-based community pharmacies in Southeast and Central Michigan as part of their ongoing commitment to innovation and patient-centered care. [Read more…] about BD and Henry Ford Health launch pharmacy automation partnership in Michigan

Tennant expands autonomous cleaning robot production in Europe

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Tennant Company, a manufacturer professional robotic cleaning technology, says it is expanding its autonomous mobile robot (AMR) manufacturing at its Uden factory in the Netherlands, to meet growing demand across the EMEA region.

The move includes the start of European production for Tennant’s latest innovation, the X4 ROVR – a compact, AI-powered robotic floor scrubber designed for high-traffic commercial environments such as airports, shopping centres, and hospitals.

This follows the successful roll out of T16AMR production in Uden since January 2025 and reflects Tennant’s strategy to localise manufacturing, reduce environmental impact, and accelerate delivery times for European customers. [Read more…] about Tennant expands autonomous cleaning robot production in Europe

Bain report: Humanoid robots still in pilot stage as industry prepares for waves of adoption

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Humanoid robots may be generating headlines and billions in investment, but most deployments remain in the pilot phase, according to Bain & Company’s newly released Global Technology Report 2025.

The consulting firm said humanoids attracted about $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024, driven in part by demographic pressures in advanced economies. Yet despite growing expectations, the reality is that today’s humanoids are “heavily dependent on human input for navigation, dexterity, or task switching”.

Bain’s report, in a chapter titled Humanoid Robots: From Demos to Deployment, highlights both rapid progress and persistent obstacles. Intelligence and perception are nearing human parity, thanks to advances in generative AI and vision systems, but battery performance and fine motor handling remain far behind. [Read more…] about Bain report: Humanoid robots still in pilot stage as industry prepares for waves of adoption

ABB Robotics launches OmniCore EyeMotion for vision-powered autonomy

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ABB Robotics has launched OmniCore EyeMotion, which enables any OmniCore-powered robot to recognize its surroundings using any third-party camera or sensor and adapt in real time, even in complex applications.

Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics, says: “Over the past decade, we have evolved AI vision to give robots “eyes” that can see the world in 3D, but previously this required advanced camera hardware.

“In one step, OmniCore EyeMotion grants any robot the ability to both see and understand the world around it, for a wide range of 2D and 3D vision-based applications, advancing autonomy and versatility.” [Read more…] about ABB Robotics launches OmniCore EyeMotion for vision-powered autonomy

Pudu Robotics launches self-cleaning docking station for its robots

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Pudu Robotics, a provider of service robotics, has launched the Self-Cleaning Docking Station, the latest addition to the Pudu CC1 Series ecosystem.

The new docking station enables the Pudu CC1 series to perform automated, dock-assisted cleaning cycles that keep critical cleaning components in peak condition while substantially reducing routine upkeep.

The Self-Cleaning Docking Station expands Pudu’s portfolio of cleaning solutions which includes the standard Docking Station for automated refilling, drainage, and charging, and the Mobile Water Station for flexible deployment in facilities without direct plumbing access.

Together, these innovations give facility operators a complete set of tools for achieving consistent, unattended cleaning. [Read more…] about Pudu Robotics launches self-cleaning docking station for its robots

MassRobotics, AWS, and Nvidia launch first-of-its-kind physical AI fellowship

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The program aims at accelerating research and development of startups building at the intersection of physical AI and robotics

MassRobotics has announced the Physical AI Fellowship, a virtual program powered by Amazon Web Services Startups and Nvidia Inception to help high-potential robotics startups build, refine, and scale physical AI solutions.

The inaugural Fall 2025 cohort includes some of the most promising startups working within physical AI and serving a multitude of industries. Throughout the program, fellows will work one-on-one with scientists and engineers from the AWS Generative AI Innovation Center to refine their physical AI solutions.

Physical AI is increasingly critical to the development of complex hardware, especially robotics. Delivering advanced tools and support to startups will help the AI-powered robotics industry grow exponentially. [Read more…] about MassRobotics, AWS, and Nvidia launch first-of-its-kind physical AI fellowship

Building Responsible AI-Driven Platforms with User Protection in Mind

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Within the fast-changing digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is spearheading innovation in industries. From customized retail companions to healthcare predictive analysis, AI has become a linchpin of technological advancements.

Within the iGaming and betting industries, AI is exerting particularly revolutionary influence. But as such industries expand, there is one key obligation that emerges: guaranteeing user safety and designing platforms centered on ethical and responsible approaches. [Read more…] about Building Responsible AI-Driven Platforms with User Protection in Mind

Symbotic integrates Nyobolt’s new ‘performance-improving’ power technology into its autonomous mobile robots

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Symbotic, a provider of AI-enabled robotics technology for the supply chain, says it will roll out new battery technology from Nyobolt – a pioneer of high-power, ultra-fast charging power solutions – for its SymBot autonomous mobile robots.

The technology will enable improved performance and durability for Symbotic’s “industry-leading warehouse automation system”.

The new solution has six times more energy capacity and is 40 percent lighter, compared to the ultracapacitors used in SymBot mobile robots today. [Read more…] about Symbotic integrates Nyobolt’s new ‘performance-improving’ power technology into its autonomous mobile robots

Vonaer to purchase 20 hybrid eVTOL aircraft from Plana

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Advanced air mobility company Plana has signed a letter of intent to sell 20 hybrid eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft to Vonaer, a Korea-based air mobility service provider.

Under the agreement, Plana will supply Vonaer with five certified aircraft by 2033 and an additional 15 by 2040.

Throughout this contract, Plana has secured pre-orders for a total of 127 aircraft, amounting to a supply agreement of $664 million. [Read more…] about Vonaer to purchase 20 hybrid eVTOL aircraft from Plana

Perspective from Thales: The power of diversity in STEM

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By Sam McBriar, director of research, technology and solution innovation, and Charlotte Grinyer, principal AI researcher, at one of the world’s leading aerospace and defence companies, Thales UK

The face of the technology sector has changed over recent decades. Historically shaped by a narrow demographic, the industry is waking up to the reality that diverse perspectives aren’t just welcome – they are essential.

This isn’t about box-ticking or cultural sentiment – it’s about building better solutions. Diversity – of gender, ethnicity, neurodiversity, working background and lived experience – strengthens innovation by unlocking creative problem-solving, challenging assumptions, and producing outcomes that more accurately reflect the world we live in.

As the UK pursues its ambition to become a global leader in AI, as set out in the Prime Minister’s 2025 AI Opportunities Action Plan, it’s clear that people will be just as critical as technology. If we want smarter systems, we need broader perspectives. [Read more…] about Perspective from Thales: The power of diversity in STEM