Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Sam Francis

Awkward question: What will be the ‘killer app’ for humanoid robots?

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Tesla’s latest humanoid demonstration – a kung fu routine performed by its Optimus robot for actor Jared Leto – was clearly designed to impress.

But, as dramatic and as thought-provoking as it was, the spectacle raised an awkward question: what will be the “killer app” for humanoid robots?

“Killer app” is a phrase to mean the defining use case that makes a technology indispensable. In every major technology shift, there’s been a defining use case – a killer app – that turned novelty into necessity. For early personal computers, it was spreadsheets – programs like VisiCalc and later Excel that justified owning a machine running DOS. [Read more…] about Awkward question: What will be the ‘killer app’ for humanoid robots?

Automaker Chery unveils humanoid robot for showroom presentation work

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Chinese automaker Chery has unveiled a new humanoid robot named Mornine, developed by its robotics arm AiMOGA Robotics, to act as an intelligent customer assistant in showrooms and promotional events.

The robot made its debut at the 2025 Chery International User Summit in Wuhu, China, where it performed live demonstrations that included greeting guests, giving product introductions, and explaining vehicle functions.

Chery says the robot integrates AI large-model technology with gesture recognition and multimodal interaction, enabling lifelike conversations in multiple languages. [Read more…] about Automaker Chery unveils humanoid robot for showroom presentation work

Unitree unveils new ‘Destiny Awakening’ humanoid robot

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Chinese robotics company Unitree has introduced its latest humanoid robot, the H2, described as a “graceful rebirth” of industrial design and motion control.

Standing 182 cm tall and weighing around 70 kg, the H2 features a streamlined metallic frame built from aircraft-grade aluminum, titanium alloy and high-strength plastics.

It is powered by low-inertia, high-speed permanent magnet synchronous motors that deliver up to 360 N·m of joint torque in the legs and 120 N·m in the arms, giving the robot impressive mobility and balance. [Read more…] about Unitree unveils new ‘Destiny Awakening’ humanoid robot

UVA engineering team develops new way to build soft robots that can walk on water

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Imagine a tiny robot, no bigger than a leaf, gliding across a pond’s surface like a water strider. One day, devices like this could track pollutants, collect water samples or scout flooded areas too risky for people.

Baoxing Xu, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, is pioneering a way to build them.

In a new study published in Science Advances, Xu’s research introduces HydroSpread, a first-of-its-kind fabrication method that has great potential to impact the growing field of soft robotics. [Read more…] about UVA engineering team develops new way to build soft robots that can walk on water

Beijing startup Noetix Robotics launches ‘consumer-grade humanoid robot’ at $1,400

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Beijing-based robot-maker Noetix Robotics has announced the upcoming pre-sale of its latest humanoid robot, named “Bumi”, at a breakthrough price of ¥9,998 (approximately $1,400), making it the first high-performance humanoid robot in China to dip below the ¥10,000 mark.

Standing at approximately 94 cm tall and weighing roughly 12 kg, Bumi features a 48 V battery with over 3.5 Ah capacity (yielding 1 to 2 hours of run time) and is capable of walking, running and dancing motions.

The company says the robot supports drag-and-drop graphical programming for children, and voice interaction for companion and educational scenarios. [Read more…] about Beijing startup Noetix Robotics launches ‘consumer-grade humanoid robot’ at $1,400

Chinese humanoid robot maker Leju Robot secures $207 million in pre-IPO funding

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Leju Robot, a Chinese company developing humanoid robots, has completed a major pre-IPO funding round of 1.5 billion yuan (approximately $207 million) to fuel its mass production plans and prepare for a public listing.

According to a report from the financial news agency Cailianshe, the substantial round was led by Beijing-based Greenwoods Asset Management.

The investment was secured directly by the Leju Robot entity rather than its parent company Suzhou Lean Technology, indicating a corporate restructuring ahead of its anticipated market debut. [Read more…] about Chinese humanoid robot maker Leju Robot secures $207 million in pre-IPO funding

OpenAI launches new web browser with AI built in

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OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Atlas, a new web browser that integrates the ChatGPT conversational AI directly into the browsing experience.

The company says Atlas represents “a rare moment to rethink what it means to use the web”, following last year’s introduction of search capabilities inside ChatGPT. Those features, according to OpenAI, quickly became some of the most widely used on the platform.

“With Atlas, ChatGPT can come with you anywhere across the web – helping you in the window right where you are, understanding what you’re trying to do, and completing tasks for you, all without copying and pasting or leaving the page,” the company says in a blog post announcing the launch. [Read more…] about OpenAI launches new web browser with AI built in

Lianhe Sowell signs $105 million funding deal to build AI robot manufacturing and R&D base in UAE

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Lianhe Sowell International Group – also known as Sowell Robot – has signed a non-binding term sheet for $105 million in financing with Excellent Capital Investments (ECI), a European infrastructure investment fund, to establish its first artificial intelligence-powered robot manufacturing and research and development base in the United Arab Emirates.

According to the company, the planned investment marks “a significant step” in Lianhe Sowell’s global intelligent manufacturing strategy.

Total investment in the UAE project is estimated at about $132.5 million, with Lianhe Sowell contributing 20 percent as cornerstone investment and ECI providing the remaining 80 percent, or $105 million, in the form of structured senior secured credit support. The term sheet remains subject to due diligence, documentation, and final approval. [Read more…] about Lianhe Sowell signs $105 million funding deal to build AI robot manufacturing and R&D base in UAE

Benefits of Buying a New Toyota Tundra in San Diego

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If you’re in the market for a powerful and dependable truck that can handle both work and adventure, the New Toyota Tundra San Diego is a top choice.

Known for its strength, reliability, and advanced features, the Tundra stands out as one of the best full-size pickups available today.

For San Diego drivers, this truck offers a perfect blend of power, comfort, and versatility – whether you’re hauling gear, heading out on a weekend trip, or navigating city streets. [Read more…] about Benefits of Buying a New Toyota Tundra in San Diego

Amazon reportedly about to replace half a million human workers with robots

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Online retail giant Amazon – said to be America’s second-largest employer – is reportedly planning a major expansion of its warehouse automation that could reduce the number of US hires by more than 600,000 over the next eight years.

According to internal documents obtained by The New York Times, the company’s robotics division aims to automate roughly 75 percent of operations by around 2033, and expects to avoid about 160,000 new roles by 2027.

The leaked materials also highlight cost-savings of around $12.6 billion from 2025-2027, or about 30 cents saved per item shipped. [Read more…] about Amazon reportedly about to replace half a million human workers with robots