Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Search Results for: autonomous

Fort Robotics raises $18.9 million in new funding to bring total to $60.5 million

by

Fort Robotics, a specialist provider of safety and security solutions for intelligent machines, has raised an additional $18.9 million in its Series B funding round. This capital raises the company’s total funding to $60.5 million to date.

The round was led by Tiger Global, with strong participation from both new and returning investors, underscoring confidence in Fort’s crucial role in the rapidly evolving robotics and physical AI landscape.

Fort’s growth is fueled by the robotics industry hitting a critical inflection point. As autonomous systems see large-scale deployments in sectors like autonomous vehicles, agriculture, construction, defense, factory automation, and humanoid robotics, they are increasingly relying on Fort’s solutions. [Read more…] about Fort Robotics raises $18.9 million in new funding to bring total to $60.5 million

Reinforcement learning in robotics: Robots that learn from experience

by

Reinforcement learning (RL) is transforming the way robots interact with the world.

Unlike traditional programming or supervised learning, which depend on pre-defined rules or labeled datasets, RL enables robots to learn through trial and error – much like how humans and animals acquire new skills.

This approach is increasingly vital as robots are deployed in complex, unstructured environments where adaptability is key. [Read more…] about Reinforcement learning in robotics: Robots that learn from experience

Beyond AI Appreciation Day: The year-round value of AI and robotics

by

By Freddy Kuo, chairman of Luminys, chairman of Sync Robotic and special office executive assistant at Foxlink

Since 2021, technologists have marked July 16 as AI Appreciation Day. The holiday provides an opportunity to recognize how AI is transforming both our personal and professional lives.

One of the areas where AI has been particularly influential is in robotics. With AI at its core, robots can think, adapt, and act autonomously throughout different environments.

While this year’s celebration has passed, it’s worth recognizing the innovation driving AI and robotics year-round. These technologies are not only reshaping industries but also redefining how we solve global challenges. [Read more…] about Beyond AI Appreciation Day: The year-round value of AI and robotics

Unitree unveils new A2 quadruped robot with 100 kg load capacity and 20 km range

by

Unitree Robotics has launched its most advanced quadruped robot to date – the Unitree A2 – positioning it as a rugged and versatile platform for industrial deployment across inspection, logistics, and research applications. (See video below.)

Weighing 37 kg (81.6 lbs) unloaded, the A2 boasts a maximum standing load of 100 kg (220 lbs) and can walk while carrying up to 25 kg (55 lbs).

On a single charge, the robot can walk continuously for up to 20 km (12.4 miles) unloaded, or 12.5 km (7.8 miles) when fully loaded. Runtime can be extended via hot-swappable dual batteries designed for uninterrupted missions. [Read more…] about Unitree unveils new A2 quadruped robot with 100 kg load capacity and 20 km range

Starship launches robot food delivery service at Old Dominion University

by

With the fall semester approaching, Grubhub and Starship Technologies rolled out their food delivery service today on Old Dominion University’s campus. This makes ODU one of only three universities in Virginia to feature this amenity.

Starship’s fleet of 11 autonomous, on-demand robots will deliver from seven campus eateries: Chick-fil-A (Webb Center and University Village), Starbucks (Webb Center and University Village), Panera Bread, Qdoba and Steak ‘N Shake.

Students, faculty, staff and the ODU community can now use the Grubhub app (iOS and Android) to order food and drinks from local retailers to be delivered anywhere on campus, within minutes. [Read more…] about Starship launches robot food delivery service at Old Dominion University

Premier selects Otsaw as preferred supplier of robotics and automation solutions

by

Otsaw, a developer of autonomous robotics and operations-technology healthcare solutions, says its autonomous mobile service robots have received “technology breakthrough designation” under a national group purchasing agreement with Premier, a Delaware company specializing in healthcare. 

The designation recognizes Otsaw’s robotics and automation solutions as qualifying for “preferred purchasing terms” through the agreement with Premier.

The agreement provides Premier’s participating members – any entity listed on Premier’s membership roster with purchasing rights under the Agreement – access to preferred pricing and terms for Otsaw’s Transcar and Camello+ autonomous robotic solutions. [Read more…] about Premier selects Otsaw as preferred supplier of robotics and automation solutions

AI‑powered humanoid robots prepare for first World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing

by

China has showcased a preview of the World Humanoid Robot Games, set to take place from August 15 to 17, 2025, as part of the World Robot Conference. (See video below.) 

The games will be the first global sporting event exclusively devoted to humanoid robots. [Read more…] about AI‑powered humanoid robots prepare for first World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing

OpenMind raises $20 million to ‘connect all thinking machines’ through its robot operating system

by

OpenMind, a company that describes itself as “unlocking machine agency at scale”, has closed a $20 million funding round led by Pantera Capital.

By building open systems, shared intelligence, and decentralized coordination, their goal is to “connect all thinking machines”. In other words, the company wants to provide an operating system for robots, particularly humanoid robots.

The company also received strong backing from industry leaders Ribbit, Coinbase Ventures, HSG, DCG, Pebblebed, Topology, Primitive Ventures, Lightspeed Faction, Anagram and notable angels. [Read more…] about OpenMind raises $20 million to ‘connect all thinking machines’ through its robot operating system

Most frequently asked questions in robotics: What is robotics vs. automation vs. robots?

by

This is the third article in a series of FAQs about robotics. The first one and the second one can be found on this website. This article deals with the question: What is robotics vs. automation vs. robots?

In simple terms, “robotics” is the broader science; “robots” are physical units; and “automation” is the enabling technology. Moreover, “automation” is the umbrella term within which “robotics” is a sub-sector.

Though often used interchangeably, the terms robotics, robots, and automation refer to distinct – but overlapping – concepts.

Understanding the differences is essential for anyone navigating today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, from engineers and investors to factory workers and everyday consumers. [Read more…] about Most frequently asked questions in robotics: What is robotics vs. automation vs. robots?

Shanghai Electric debuts its first ‘industrial humanoid robots’

by

Shanghai Electric has unveiled its first self-developed industrial humanoid robot, “Suyuan”, during its global debut at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference on July 26 in Shanghai.

With 38 degrees of freedom (DoF) and 275 TOPS of on-device computation power, Suyuan delivers precise operations and dynamic movements, making it adaptable to a wide range of industrial application scenarios.

This launch represents a significant milestone in Shanghai Electric’s humanoid robotics journey, further strengthening its comprehensive value chain for industrial humanoid solutions. [Read more…] about Shanghai Electric debuts its first ‘industrial humanoid robots’