Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Humanoids

Apple reportedly exploring new human-robot training method using Vision Pro

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Apple is investigating a more effective way to train humanoid robots by incorporating human instructors alongside robot demonstrators, a novel combined strategy the company has dubbed “PH2D”, according to a report on Apple Insider.

This development was detailed in a research paper published on Wednesday, just a week after the tech giant unveiled its Matrix3D and StreamBridge AI models, signaling a continued push into artificial intelligence and robotics.

The research paper, titled “Humanoid Policy ~ Human Policy”, addresses the shortcomings of conventional robot-training techniques and puts forward a new, scalable, and cost-effective solution. [Read more…] about Apple reportedly exploring new human-robot training method using Vision Pro

Renowned futurist Ray Kurzweil reportedly raising $100 million to build humanoid robots

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Beyond Imagination, a humanoid robot startup co-founded by acclaimed inventor and futurist Dr Ray Kurzweil, is reportedly in discussions to secure a significant $100 million investment, according to a report on the Reuters website.

The news agency, citing sources familiar with the matter, indicated that these talks are for a Series B funding round.

While the specific investors have not been publicly disclosed in the initial Reuters report, such a substantial investment would mark a significant step forward for the company operating in the burgeoning field of advanced robotics. [Read more…] about Renowned futurist Ray Kurzweil reportedly raising $100 million to build humanoid robots

Huawei to work with UBTech to develop humanoid robots for factories and homes

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Telecommunications giant Huawei and robotics company UBTech are partnering to promote humanoid robots in factories and even households. Both parties signed a co-operation agreement in Shenzhen and aim to boost the robotic technology and its application in China.

UBTech is one of the leading Chinese producers of humanoid and smart service robots in Shenzhen, Guangdong. It specializes in developing smart logistics, smart wellness, elderly care, AI education, and business service solutions.

Both Huawei and UBTech signed the agreement to increase the transition of humanoid robots from lab innovations to large-scale adoption in homes and other scenarios. [Read more…] about Huawei to work with UBTech to develop humanoid robots for factories and homes

1.6 million humanoid robots will be working in the automotive manufacturing industry within 10 years, says report

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Approximately 1.6 million humanoid robots will be working in the automotive manufacturing industry within the next 10 years, according to a report by IDTEchEx. Article by Yulin Wang, senior technology analyst at IDTechEx

Historically, the automotive and logistics sectors have led the charge in adopting automation and robotics, ranging from mobile robots and industrial arms to collaborative robots.

Now, in a similar trend, automotive OEMs and warehouse operators are once again taking the lead, this time with humanoid robots. Several industry giants, including BYD and Tesla, have announced plans to increase humanoid robot deployment tenfold over the next year.

IDTechEx believes that this is a serious commitment and very likely to happen. This aggressive scale-up is expected to drive down costs significantly, accelerating adoption across factory floors. [Read more…] about 1.6 million humanoid robots will be working in the automotive manufacturing industry within 10 years, says report

AI robot attacks worker: Viral video shows Unitree humanoid going berserk

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A concerning video circulating online appears to show a humanoid robot experiencing a severe malfunction, coming dangerously close to a human worker. (See video below.)

The brief clip, which has quickly gained traction across social media platforms, depicts the advanced automaton making erratic and forceful movements within what seems to be a factory or research environment.

In the shaky footage, the robot, a Unitree H1 humanoid, is seen suspended from a construction crane when it lost control and wildly flailed its arms and legs. [Read more…] about AI robot attacks worker: Viral video shows Unitree humanoid going berserk

Chinese auto giant Chery integrates 220 self-made humanoid robots into its operations

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Chery, a leading Chinese automobile manufacturer, is making headlines with its recent delivery of 220 AiMOGA humanoid robots.

Developed in collaboration with the team at AiMOGA – which is believed to be a business unit within Chery – these robots integrate Chery’s advanced technologies, including assisted driving, intelligent cockpit systems, the CheryGPT large language model, and smart sensors.

The robots are designed to assist in car sales and provide support services at Chery dealerships. [Read more…] about Chinese auto giant Chery integrates 220 self-made humanoid robots into its operations

ASTM tests exoskeletons for proposed ‘firefighter readiness’ standard

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The exoskeletons and exosuits committee (F48) of industry standards association ASTM has proposed a new test method for evaluating exoskeleton device performance on first responder tasks.

According to ASTM member Ben Beiter, there are currently 16 different test methods to evaluate the performance of exoskeletons for industrial applications.

The specific applications of the technology for first responders, though, are unique. This new test method aims specifically at testing exoskeletons for their ability to help with firefighting tasks. [Read more…] about ASTM tests exoskeletons for proposed ‘firefighter readiness’ standard

Spotlight on humanoids: A deep dive into Figure AI

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Founded in 2022, Figure AI, a US-based company, has quickly become a notable player in AI-powered humanoid robots.

In this article, we explore Figure AI’s technology, potential impact, and future within the robotics market. We will examine the company’s background, technology, applications, and prospects, considering the competitive landscape and challenges in installing humanoid robots at scale.

The intense early interest in Figure AI suggests a groundbreaking approach in the robotics sector, potentially addressing critical market needs with unique technological advantages. [Read more…] about Spotlight on humanoids: A deep dive into Figure AI

Boston Dynamics interview: ‘Ghastly’ grace, the uncanny valley, and the dawn of humanoid utility

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The first time I saw a Boston Dynamics robot move, I genuinely thought there was a person inside the machine. Not literally, of course, but something about the fluidity of motion – the precision, the uncanny timing – seemed less robotic and more… alive, more human or at least more animalistic.

For years, I’d watched robots lumber around trade shows or on TV, carefully placing one foot in front of the other before promptly tipping over.

So, when Boston Dynamics released videos of Atlas backflipping and dancing with unsettling realism, I wasn’t the only one who found it both mesmerizing and a little eerie. One observer even called it “ghastly” – and not as an insult, but as a mark of awe. [Read more…] about Boston Dynamics interview: ‘Ghastly’ grace, the uncanny valley, and the dawn of humanoid utility

Humanoid robots could unlock $3 trillion US market, says Morgan Stanley

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A new, timely and detailed report outlines the rise of ‘embodied AI’ and maps the companies best positioned to lead the humanoid robotics revolution.

Humanoid robots could drive a $3 trillion total addressable market (TAM) in the United States alone, according to a new report by Morgan Stanley.

The global financial services company describes the emerging field as “embodied AI” – a combination of generative artificial intelligence and robotics hardware that may soon transform how labor is delivered across industries. [Read more…] about Humanoid robots could unlock $3 trillion US market, says Morgan Stanley