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Sekikaiji to introduce new trencher purchased from subsea technology specialist SMD

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Japan-based submarine cable installation specialist, Sekikaiji Industry, has expanded its capabilities with the purchase of new trenching equipment from subsea technology and services provider, SMD.

Set to be delivered in spring 2026, the contract includes SMD’s high-power jet trencher with a dedicated high sea state launch and recovery system (LARS) and SMD Artemis, a pioneering cable and pipeline tracker.

Speaking on the new contract, Matthew Woodward, business development manager at SMD, explains: “Sekikaiji has again put their trust in SMD equipment to expand its cable trenching capability, ready for offshore wind. [Read more…] about Sekikaiji to introduce new trencher purchased from subsea technology specialist SMD

Xsens launches next-generation humanoid robotics motion capture system

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Xsens, a Movella brand and specialist in inertial motion capture technology, has announced the release of its next-generation Xsens Link system alongside Xsens Humanoid, a purpose-built software suite to support the hyper-scaling of humanoid robot training and control.

Together, the new hardware and software turn high-fidelity human motion into clean, robot-ready kinematics for dataset creation, live teleoperation, and simulation workflows. [Read more…] about Xsens launches next-generation humanoid robotics motion capture system

Aptiv and Robust.AI to co-develop AI-powered collaborative robots

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Aptiv, a technology company focused on enabling a safer, greener, and more connected future, and Robust.AI, a provider of AI-driven industrial automation, have announced a strategic cooperation to co-develop AI-powered collaborative robots (cobots).

This partnership combines Aptiv’s industry-leading portfolio, including Wind River platforms and tools – with Robust.AI’s robotics expertise and human-centered design to accelerate innovation in warehouse and industrial automation.

Javed Khan, EVP and president of software, advanced safety and user experience, Aptiv, says: “Aptiv, together with our strategic partners, is enabling the future of the intelligent edge through technologies that sense, think, act, and optimize in real time. [Read more…] about Aptiv and Robust.AI to co-develop AI-powered collaborative robots

Japanese air taxi company SoratobuTaxi completes investment in Plana US

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Japanese air mobility company Soratobu Taxi (also known as SkyTaxi) has completed an investment in Plana US, a California-based developer of hybrid-electric eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft.

The investment amount was not disclosed, but both companies said the partnership will enable closer technical collaboration and faster information sharing, supporting Soratobu Taxi’s plan to launch eVTOL operations across Japan.

Founded in Osaka and led by CEO Takuto Hojo, Soratobu Taxi aims to make air travel “as easy to use as ground taxis”, reflecting its broader vision of bringing air travel to everyday life. [Read more…] about Japanese air taxi company SoratobuTaxi completes investment in Plana US

Cornerstone Robotics closes oversubscribed new financing round of approximately $200 million

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Cornerstone Robotics, an innovator in surgical robotics, is pleased to announce the closing of an oversubscribed new financing round of approximately $200 million.

This financing round attracts investment from a global strategic investor, some global institutional or sovereign wealth funds, and existing shareholders.

The proceeds from this round will primarily be used to accelerate commercialisation and drive continued technological innovation by Cornerstone Robotics. [Read more…] about Cornerstone Robotics closes oversubscribed new financing round of approximately $200 million

Mercedes-Benz starts production of GLC electric drive units in Romania

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Mercedes-Benz has started production of electric drive units for the all-new, fully electric GLC SUV at its Star Assembly plant in Sebeș, Romania.

The facility, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, now forms part of the company’s global electric powertrain network, supplying components to vehicle plants in Bremen, Germany and Kecskemét, Hungary.

Jörg Burzer, Mercedes-Benz board member responsible for production, quality and supply chain management, says: “Producing the electric drive units for the new all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC is an important milestone in the transformation of our plant and underlines the role of Sebeș in the global Mercedes-Benz production network. [Read more…] about Mercedes-Benz starts production of GLC electric drive units in Romania

General Motors announces plans for eyes-off driving and conversational AI

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General Motors says it will introduce “eyes-off” driving capability and new conversational AI systems as part of its next generation of intelligent vehicles. The company described the technologies as key steps toward what it calls “personal autonomy”.

In a statement, GM said that in 2028 it plans to launch eyes-off driving on the Cadillac Escalade IQ (main image), starting with highway use. Turquoise lighting on the dashboard and exterior mirrors will signal when the system is active. “A turquoise light indicates hand-off operation,” the company said.

GM added that the system is built on “redundancy with lidar, radar, and cameras integrated into the vehicle’s design”. According to the company, this combination of sensor fusion, real-world driving data, and simulation “provides a safe, reliable, and highly capable eyes-off autonomous system”. [Read more…] about General Motors announces plans for eyes-off driving and conversational AI

BMW begins production of all-electric iX3 at its new Hungarian plant with more than 1,000 robots

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BMW Group has begun series production of its all-electric BMW iX3 at its new plant in Debrecen, Hungary – the company’s first facility designed to operate entirely without fossil fuels.

Speaking before the opening, Milan Nedeljković, BMW board member responsible for production, said: “The start of series production for the BMW iX3 signals a new era of automotive manufacturing. Digital from the very beginning, the plant will offer a new dimension in efficient production without fossil fuels.”

The €2 billion Debrecen facility embodies BMW’s iFACTORY strategy, focused on digitalisation, efficiency, and sustainability. It will run exclusively on electricity from renewable sources, including a 50-hectare on-site solar farm that provides about a quarter of its annual power needs. [Read more…] about BMW begins production of all-electric iX3 at its new Hungarian plant with more than 1,000 robots

Continental celebrates grand opening of new hydraulic plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico

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Continental’s group sector ContiTech has celebrated the grand opening of its new hydraulics production facility in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

The new plant underscores ContiTech’s commitment to strengthening local supply chains, expanding its manufacturing footprint in the Americas, and advancing its “in the region, for the region” strategy.

The grand opening event was attended by officials from the state of Aguascalientes, led by Governor Maria Teresa Jiménez Esquivel, alongside Head of ContiTech group sector Philip Nelles, CFO Matthias Reinsberg, ContiTech USA CEO and Head of Business Area Industrial Solutions Americas Andreas Gerstenberger, and employees. [Read more…] about Continental celebrates grand opening of new hydraulic plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico

Kuka introduces heavy-duty KR Quantec HC for medical imaging and radiotherapy systems

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Kuka has unveiled a new addition to its medical robotics lineup – the KR Quantec HC, a heavy-duty robot designed to move large medical devices such as X-ray C-arms and linear accelerators used in radiation therapy.

Capable of handling payloads of up to 300 kilograms, the robot is engineered for precision and stability in clinical environments where accurate positioning is essential.

Kuka says the technology enables “highly precise examinations and treatments of patients”, extending its automation expertise beyond industrial manufacturing and into advanced medical applications. [Read more…] about Kuka introduces heavy-duty KR Quantec HC for medical imaging and radiotherapy systems