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Robotics

Achieving Dataset Parity to Close the Robotics Training Gap

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It was in 1954 when the world witnessed its first real industrial robot, Unimate, a machine built to perform repetitive factory operations.

Fast forward to 2026: today robots like Unitree GD01 are being trained to learn adaptive mobility, AI decision-making, and terrain navigation.

In just half a century, robotics have evolved from immobile programmable arms into intelligent mobile systems capable of seeing and interacting with the physical environments around them. [Read more…] about Achieving Dataset Parity to Close the Robotics Training Gap

Ai2 releases open robotics model designed for real-world AI automation

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The Allen Institute for AI (Ai2) has released MolmoAct 2, an open-source robotics foundation model designed to improve how robots perform real-world physical tasks, as researchers continue pushing beyond highly controlled laboratory demonstrations toward more adaptable automation systems.

The new model, announced this week by the Seattle-based AI research organization, is positioned as a major upgrade to its earlier MolmoAct system and reflects a broader industry effort to develop more general-purpose robotics AI capable of adapting to changing environments without extensive task-specific programming.

Ai2 describes MolmoAct 2 as an “open foundation for robots that work in the real world”, arguing that many current robotics systems remain too brittle and heavily tuned for narrow applications. [Read more…] about Ai2 releases open robotics model designed for real-world AI automation

GMEX Robotics receives first order for Bon Vivant 3.0 automated cooking machines worth almost $3 million

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GMEX Robotics, a developer of AI-powered robotic technologies, has announced it has received its first deployment order under its previously disclosed A$4.2 million (approximately $2.7 million) agreement with a leading Australian hospitality food and beverage group.

The initial purchase order includes multiple Bon Vivant 3.0 automated cooking systems, representing approximately A$504,000 in value. Delivery of the systems is expected to be completed prior to June 30, 2026.

The order represents the first phase of execution under the purchase agreement announced on March 23, 2026, which provides for the planned deployment of at least 50 intelligent kitchen robotics systems, including Bon Vivant 3.0 and Max models, across the customer’s network of hospitality venues throughout Australia. [Read more…] about GMEX Robotics receives first order for Bon Vivant 3.0 automated cooking machines worth almost $3 million

PAL Robotics unveils new robotic arm platform for advanced AI-driven manipulation

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PAL Robotics has announced a new robotic arm platform aimed at researchers, developers, and robotics engineers working on advanced manipulation applications.

The Barcelona-based robotics company, known for platforms including TIAGo Pro and Kangaroo, said the new system has been designed to make robotic manipulation more accessible, flexible, and easier to deploy across both research and real-world operational environments.

The company plans to officially unveil the platform at ICRA 2026 in Vienna, where it will reveal the robot’s name, full specifications, and live demonstrations. [Read more…] about PAL Robotics unveils new robotic arm platform for advanced AI-driven manipulation

igus showcases humanoid robots and AGVs through RBTX marketplace

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RBTX, the robotics marketplace operated by igus, used this year’s Hannover Messe 2026 to highlight what it described as the world’s widest range of humanoid robots available through a single robotics platform, alongside a growing portfolio of autonomous mobile robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

Presented during igus’ annual corporate press conference at the event, the company positioned RBTX as a platform designed to simplify access to industrial automation by allowing manufacturers to explore, compare, test, and deploy robotics systems tailored to their operational requirements.

The marketplace combines humanoid robots, collaborative systems, and mobile automation technologies within a unified platform aimed at reducing the complexity traditionally associated with robotics integration. [Read more…] about igus showcases humanoid robots and AGVs through RBTX marketplace

How Can AI Make Predictive Maintenance Work for Automotive Robots?

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The International Federation of Robotics projects 575,000 industrial robot installations globally were achieved in 2025, which would mark the highest annual total on record.

The automotive sector runs the densest robot fleet of any manufacturing industry – more robots per 10,000 employees than any other sector in Germany, Japan, the United States and South Korea.

With robots concentrations that high, automotive plants have more to gain from getting condition monitoring right – small improvements in uptime translate directly into outsized gains in productivity and cost efficiency. [Read more…] about How Can AI Make Predictive Maintenance Work for Automotive Robots?

How Robotics Technology Has Improved Pallet Trucks

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Modern pallet trucks have evolved far beyond the manually operated tools they once were. Robotics technology has transformed these machines into autonomous, intelligent material handling vehicles – commonly known as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) or Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs).

Robotic technology is reshaping warehouse operations, integrating sophisticated sensors, navigation systems and AI – enabling these machines to manoeuvre, detect and pick pallets without any human intervention.

These modern machines use software and sensors to navigate warehouses independently, significantly improving both the efficiency and safety of warehouse operations. As adoption continues to grow across the logistics sector, understanding what drives this shift is increasingly relevant for businesses looking to stay competitive.

How Advanced Navigation and Mapping Are Streamlining Operations

Modern automated pallet trucks use Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) technology – incorporating Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and 3D cameras – to build real-time maps of their environment. This means they can navigate complex warehouse layouts without relying on floor-embedded wire or magnetic tape for guidance.

Unlike older AGVs, robotics-enhanced pallet trucks do not stop when faced with an obstacle. Dynamic rerouting software enables them to detect obstructions in advance and calculate an alternative path without interrupting their workflow.

This capability alone represents a significant leap forward compared to earlier generations of automated handling equipment, which required costly infrastructure changes whenever a warehouse layout was modified.

The increased flexibility offered by modern AGVs means they can be easily reprogrammed to adapt to changes in warehouse automation layouts, making them far more adaptable than traditional conveyor-based systems.

How Modern Pallet Trucks Improve Operational Efficiency and Productivity

The advanced software incorporated into these pallet trucks enables them to carry out operations with greater precision and speed than manual alternatives. Autonomous pallet jacks consistently outperform manual operators in throughput, not only by moving faster, but by eliminating downtime caused by breaks, shift changes and fatigue.

Introducing automated pallet trucks into warehouse operations drives measurable gains in throughput. Robotic pallet trucks can also work continuously without breaks, fatigue or shift limitations – delivering a more consistent output around the clock.

Using built-in AI-based 3D vision, AGVs can detect both the position and orientation of a pallet to align and lift with precision, even when pallets have not been placed perfectly. The robotic arms integrated into these trucks can detect, pick and stack pallets with millimetre accuracy, reducing the risk of product damage.

When battery levels run low, these trucks autonomously return to the charging station, ensuring they are fully charged ahead of the next shift.

Features of AGVs That Increase Safety and Accident Prevention

Fatigue is one of the most common causes of warehouse accidents, particularly during long night shifts. Since AGVs are battery-powered and equipped with autonomous recharging capabilities, they eliminate the risks associated with human fatigue over extended working periods.

Improved Ergonomics

By handling heavy and repetitive lifting tasks, these pallet trucks also remove the risk of associated injuries. Pallet lifting has been linked to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), which result from the repetitive strain caused by manually moving heavy loads.

These can include conditions such as:

  • Herniated discs
  • Lumbar strain
  • Sciatica
  • Tendinitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

Such injuries can cause severe pain and extended absences from work. The implementation of automated pallet trucks mitigates these risks and supports long-term occupational health for workers in the industry.

Collision Avoidance

Robotic pallet trucks are equipped with 360-degree sensors and cameras that provide full situational awareness. They are also designed to stop immediately upon detecting any obstacle, greatly reducing the likelihood of collisions.

The robotic system calculates weight load and speed to determine the exact stopping distance required for a safe halt. In environments where human workers and automated vehicles share the same floor space, this level of precision is essential for maintaining a safe working environment.

Incorporating robotic pallet trucks into warehouse operations significantly reduces the risk of workplace injuries and collisions – protecting goods, reducing downtime and supporting the long-term health of the workforce.

Automated Technology is Redefining Productivity

Robotic technology has delivered clear benefits to those working in manufacturing and logistics. Warehouses have long been hazardous environments, but the inclusion of AGVs offers a meaningful improvement in both safety and accident prevention.

The ability to operate continuously without breaks makes these machines a practical solution for boosting operational efficiency. Automated pallet trucks can help address labour shortages, reduce operational costs and increase flexibility in fast-paced, high-volume warehouse environments.

Whether managing a single-site distribution centre or a multi-facility network, the operational case for AGV integration is clear.

Why Delivery Robots Are Becoming Essential in Modern Automation

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Modern automation is shifting from a traditional factory-centric model toward an intelligent network driven by artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital systems. In this process, delivery robots are becoming increasingly important.

Their core value lies in extending automation from “handling digital tasks” to “performing real-world delivery operations,” enabling industries such as logistics, healthcare, and retail to achieve true end-to-end automation.

Unlike traditional equipment, delivery robots can move and operate autonomously in complex real-world environments, making them a key technology for connecting AI systems with real-world operations. [Read more…] about Why Delivery Robots Are Becoming Essential in Modern Automation

UK could unlock £150 billion robotics opportunity, says techUK report

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The United Kingdom has a significant opportunity to lead the next wave of robotics innovation and deployment, according to a new report published by techUK.

The report – Seizing the Robotics Opportunity – highlights how breakthroughs in AI, sensing technologies, computing power, and advanced materials are converging to create increasingly capable, connected, and autonomous robots.

These are already beginning to reshape sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and infrastructure, improving productivity, enhancing services, and unlocking new business models. [Read more…] about UK could unlock £150 billion robotics opportunity, says techUK report

Pudu Robotics inaugurates US headquarters in Dallas

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Pudu Robotics, a provider of service robotics, has officially opened its new US headquarters in Dallas, Texas, as part of its global strategic expansion.

The new facility is set to enhance Pudu’s regional capabilities and underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the Americas, marking a new phase of scaled, structured business development.

Since entering the US market in 2018, Pudu has steadily expanded its footprint across the Americas to a point of deep, localized operations. [Read more…] about Pudu Robotics inaugurates US headquarters in Dallas