Robotics & Automation News

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What are AI agents and what do they do?

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Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic fantasy; it’s a present-day reality, increasingly being woven into the fabric of our lives. 

But beyond the general understanding of AI as systems that can learn and make decisions, a more dynamic and autonomous form is rapidly emerging: AI agents.

These aren’t just passive algorithms; they are active participants, designed to perceive their environment, make decisions, and take actions to achieve specific goals, often acting with a significant degree of autonomy on behalf of a user, an organization, or another system. [Read more…] about What are AI agents and what do they do?

MassVentures to award $4.5 million in grant funding to 26 ‘deep tech’ startups

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‘START Grants’ help Massachusetts-based Companies Convert Federally Funded Research into new Businesses and Jobs.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development and MassVentures has announced that 26 companies will receive $4.5 million in grant funding through MassVentures’ SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Grant Program.

Launched in 2012, the program helps startups convert research developed under SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) contracts into viable businesses and jobs in Massachusetts.

This year, MassVentures expanded the program by increasing the number of grants awarded from 17 to 25 and awarding an additional $1.5 million. [Read more…] about MassVentures to award $4.5 million in grant funding to 26 ‘deep tech’ startups

Features list

This page provides an overview of Robotics & Automation News feature coverage over a 12-month period, alongside related Trend Analysis reports where applicable.

Features are in-depth, editorial articles exploring key themes, technologies, and market developments across robotics, automation, and intelligent systems. Where a topic warrants deeper, decision-oriented examination, a corresponding Trend Analysis report extends that coverage with structured comparison, deployment reality, and commercial context.

For PR teams and advertisers, this list offers visibility into editorial focus areas and thematic continuity, helping inform campaign planning, announcements, and sponsorship alignment. For readers, it serves as a navigational index linking exploratory features with deeper analytical follow-ups.

To discuss advertising or sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at our usual address (sales@).

June 2025: The future of logistics and supply chain automation

Theme: Examining cutting-edge robotic solutions revolutionizing how goods are moved, stored, and delivered.

June 6, 2025

The rise of autonomous mobile robots in warehousing: A deep dive into how AMRs are transforming warehouse efficiency, flexibility, and safety compared to traditional AGVs.

June 13, 2025

Drones in logistics: Assessing the current state of drone delivery, regulatory hurdles, pilot programs, and future scalability for last-mile solutions.

June 20, 2025

Robotic piece picking and packing: Achieving human-level dexterity? Exploring advancements in robotic grippers, vision systems, and AI that are enabling robots to handle a wider variety of items.

June 27, 2025

Automated storage and retrieval systems reimagined: Beyond the basics – looking at innovative AS/RS designs, integration with WMS and WES, and their role in micro-fulfilment.

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July 2025: Collaborative robots and the human-robot workforce

Theme: Exploring the growing integration of cobots across various industries and their impact on human workers and productivity.

  • Week 5 (July 4, 2025): Cobots in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Lowering Barriers to Automation: How cobots are making automation accessible and affordable for smaller businesses previously left behind. Read
  • Week 6 (July 11, 2025): Safety Standards and Innovations in Human-Robot Collaboration: A look at the latest safety sensors, programming methods, and risk assessment strategies for safe cobot deployment. Read
  • Week 7 (July 18, 2025): The Evolving Role of the Human Worker Alongside Cobots: Upskilling and New Job Creation: Discussing how cobots augment human capabilities rather than simply replacing jobs, and the training required. Read
  • Week 8 (July 25, 2025): Beyond Manufacturing: Cobots in Healthcare, Labs, and Food Service: Showcasing diverse applications of cobots outside traditional factory settings. Read

August 2025: AI and machine learning in robotics

Theme: Delving into how artificial intelligence and machine learning are endowing robots with greater autonomy, perception, and decision-making capabilities.

  • Week 9 (August 1, 2025): AI-Powered Vision Systems: Giving Robots the Power of Sight and Understanding: Exploring advancements in 2D/3D vision, object recognition, and scene interpretation for robotic guidance and inspection. Read
  • Week 10 (August 8, 2025): Reinforcement Learning in Robotics: Robots That Learn from Experience: How robots are being trained through trial and error to perform complex tasks in dynamic environments. Read
  • Week 11 (August 15, 2025): Predictive Maintenance with AI: Keeping Robotic Systems Running Smoothly: Using AI to analyze sensor data from robots to predict failures before they happen, minimizing downtime. Read
  • Week 12 (August 22, 2025): Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Voice Control for Robots: The Conversational Robot: Examining how robots are becoming easier to interact with and program using natural language. Read
  • Week 13 (August 29, 2025): Ethical Considerations of AI in Autonomous Robots: Discussing bias, accountability, and the societal impact as robots become more intelligent. Read

September 2025: Mobile and outdoor robotics

Theme: Showcasing robots designed to operate in unstructured and outdoor environments for diverse applications.

  • Week 14 (September 5, 2025): Agricultural Robots: Precision Farming and Autonomous Harvesting: The latest in robotic solutions for planting, monitoring, spraying, and harvesting crops to improve yields and sustainability. Read
  • Week 15 (September 12, 2025): Construction and Demolition Robots: Building the Future, Safely: Robots for bricklaying, site inspection, material handling, and hazardous demolition tasks. Read
  • Week 16 (September 19, 2025): Inspection and Maintenance Robots: Reaching the Unreachable and Dangerous: Drones, crawlers, and submersible robots used for inspecting infrastructure like bridges, pipelines, and wind turbines. Read
  • Week 17 (September 26, 2025): Last-Mile Delivery Robots: Navigating Sidewalks and Urban Landscapes: An update on the progress and challenges of autonomous ground-based delivery robots. Read

October 2025: The rise of service robots

Theme: Focusing on robots designed to assist humans in various service industries, from hospitality to healthcare.

  • Week 18 (October 3, 2025): Robots in Hospitality: Enhancing the Guest Experience?: From robot bartenders and concierges to cleaning and room service robots in hotels and restaurants. Read
  • Week 19 (October 10, 2025): Healthcare Support Robots: Assisting Patients and Medical Staff: Robots for tasks like patient lifting, medication delivery, disinfection, and telepresence in hospitals and care homes. Read
  • Week 20 (October 17, 2025): Retail Automation: Robots on the Shop Floor and Behind the Scenes: Inventory scanning robots, customer service bots, and automated systems in retail environments. Read
  • Week 21 (October 24, 2025): Cleaning and Sanitation Robots: The New Standard in Hygiene: Examining the surge in robots for autonomous cleaning and disinfection in public spaces, offices, and transportation. Read
  • Week 22 (October 31, 2025): Social and Companion Robots: More Than Just Machines?: Exploring the development and impact of robots designed for social interaction, education, and companionship. Read

November 2025: Industrial robotic arms – power and precision

Theme: A deep dive into the workhorses of manufacturing – traditional industrial robots – and their latest advancements.

  • Week 23 (November 7, 2025): Heavy-Duty Industrial Robots: Tackling the Toughest Manufacturing Tasks: Focus on high-payload robots used in automotive, metal fabrication, and other demanding industries. Read
  • Week 24 (November 14, 2025): Precision Robotics: Applications in Electronics Assembly and Medical Device Manufacturing: Exploring robots capable of extremely high accuracy and repeatability for intricate tasks. Read
  • Week 25 (November 21, 2025): Advancements in Robotic Welding, Painting and Dispensing: How automation is improving quality, speed, and safety in these critical manufacturing processes. Read
  • Week 26 (November 28, 2025): The Future of Industrial Robot Programming: Easier, Faster, More Intuitive: Looking at offline programming, simulation tools, and no-code/low-code interfaces for industrial arms. Read

December 2025: Robotics startups and investment trends

Theme: Highlighting innovative startups in the robotics space and analyzing current investment patterns and market directions.

  • Week 27 (December 5, 2025): Spotlight on Emerging Robotics Hubs Around the World: Beyond Silicon Valley – identifying other cities and regions fostering significant robotics innovation. Read
  • Week 28 (December 12, 2025): Venture Capital and Private Equity in Robotics: Where is the Smart Money Going?: Analyzing investment trends, hot sectors, and notable funding rounds in the robotics industry. Read
  • Week 29 (December 19, 2025): Incubators, Accelerators and University Spin-Offs Fueling Robotics Innovation: Profiling programs and institutions that are critical to the robotics startup ecosystem. Read
  • Week 30 (December 26, 2025): Robotics for Good: Startups Tackling Social and Environmental Challenges: Featuring companies developing robotic solutions for issues like accessibility, conservation, and disaster relief. (Note: Lighter content for the holiday week). Read

January 2026: Autonomous vehicles – beyond passenger cars

Theme: Expanding the view of autonomous vehicles to include commercial transport, logistics, and specialized industrial applications.

  • Week 31 (January 2, 2026): Autonomous Trucking: The Race to Revolutionize Freight Transport: Progress, challenges, and key players in self-driving long-haul trucks. Read
  • Week 32 (January 9, 2026): Autonomous Systems in Mining and Agriculture Vehicles: Heavy-duty autonomous vehicles operating in controlled, off-road environments for efficiency and safety gains. Read
  • Week 33 (January 16, 2026): Automated Port and Terminal Operations: Robots Moving Global Trade: Autonomous straddle carriers, cranes, and internal terminal vehicles (ITVs). Read
  • Week 34 (January 23, 2026): The Sensor Suite for Autonomous Vehicles: LiDAR, Radar, Cameras and Sensor Fusion: An overview of the critical perception technologies and how they work together. Read
  • Week 35 (January 30, 2026): Regulation and Public Acceptance: Paving the Way for Widespread AV Deployment: Discussing the legal frameworks and societal trust needed for autonomous vehicles. Read

February 2026: Humanoid robots – the ultimate frontier?

Theme: Exploring the ambitious field of humanoid robotics, their potential applications, and the immense challenges involved.

  • Week 36 (February 6, 2026): The State of Humanoid Robotics: From Research Labs to Real-World Potential: Assessing the current capabilities of leading humanoid robot platforms. Read
  • Week 37 (February 13, 2026): Challenges in Bipedal Locomotion, Dexterous Manipulation and Power Efficiency: A look at the key technical hurdles in creating truly functional humanoid robots. Read
  • Week 38 (February 20, 2026): Potential Use Cases for Humanoid Robots: Disaster Response, Caregiving and Beyond: Where might humanoids offer unique advantages over other robotic forms? Read
  • Week 39 (February 27, 2026): The ‘Uncanny Valley’ and Human-Humanoid Interaction: Exploring the psychological aspects of designing and interacting with human-like robots. Read

March 2026: Robotics in the circular economy and sustainability

Theme: Investigating how robotics and automation can contribute to more sustainable practices, waste reduction, and resource efficiency.

  • Week 40 (March 6, 2026): Robotic Sorting and Recycling: Improving Purity and Efficiency in Waste Streams: AI-powered robots identifying and sorting recyclable materials with greater accuracy. Read
  • Week 41 (March 13, 2026): Automation in Remanufacturing and Repair: Extending Product Lifecycles: How robots can assist in disassembling, cleaning, repairing, and reassembling products for a second life. Read
  • Week 42 (March 20, 2026): Robots for Environmental Monitoring and Cleanup: Drones and autonomous systems used for detecting pollution, cleaning waterways, and managing hazardous waste. Read
  • Week 43 (March 27, 2026): Energy-Efficient Robotics: Designing Greener Automation Solutions: Focus on developments in motor technology, lightweight materials, and intelligent power management for robots. Read

April 2026: The Robot Operating System (ROS) and open source robotics

Theme: Exploring the impact of ROS and open-source software and hardware on accelerating robotics development and accessibility.

  • Week 44 (April 3, 2026): ROS 2: The Next Generation for Robust and Scalable Robotics Applications: What’s new in ROS 2 and how it’s addressing the needs of commercial and industrial robotics. Read
  • Week 45 (April 10, 2026): The Power of the Open Source Community in Robotics: Collaboration and Shared Innovation: Highlighting successful open-source robotics projects and their impact. Read
  • Week 46 (April 17, 2026): Open Source Hardware for Robotics: Democratizing Robot Building: Examining platforms and components that allow more people to build and experiment with robots. Read
  • Week 47 (April 24, 2026): Simulation Tools in the ROS Ecosystem: Testing and Validating Robots Virtually: How tools like Gazebo and Ignition are crucial for developing and deploying robotic systems. Read

May 2026: The future of work and society with advanced automation

Theme: A broader look at the societal implications, economic shifts, and future workforce adjustments driven by increasing automation.

  • Week 48 (May 1, 2026): Reskilling and Upskilling the Workforce for an Automated Future: What skills will be in demand, and how can education and training adapt?
  • Week 49 (May 8, 2026): The Economic Impacts of Widespread Robotics Adoption: Productivity, Job Quality and Inequality: Discussing the potential benefits and challenges from an economic perspective.
  • Week 50 (May 15, 2026): Universal Basic Income (UBI) and Other Policy Responses to Automation: Exploring potential societal support systems in an era of advanced automation.
  • Week 51 (May 22, 2026): The Long-Term Vision: How Will Advanced Robotics Reshape Daily Life by 2050?: Speculative and expert insights into the transformative potential of robotics.
  • Week 52 (May 29, 2026): Year in Review: The Biggest Breakthroughs and Trends in Robotics and Automation from the Past 12 Months: A look back at the key developments covered and what they signify for the future.

Construction robotics: Building the future

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The construction industry, a cornerstone of economic development, stands on the cusp of a technological revolution. While sectors like manufacturing and logistics have long embraced automation, construction has traditionally been more reliant on manual labor.

However, the tide is turning. A new wave of innovation is bringing robotics to the forefront, promising to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity on building sites.

While artistic interpretations of robots in architecture, like those seen at the Venice Architecture Biennale, spark the imagination, there is a sense of anticipation that the practical, real-world robotic systems now emerging could completely transform the construction sector. [Read more…] about Construction robotics: Building the future

Construction robotics market set to grow from $1.15 billion to $4.10 billion

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The construction robots market is experiencing “significant growth” as automation and AI-driven technologies revolutionize construction processes, improving efficiency, safety, and productivity across various applications.

The SNS Insider report indicates that the Construction Robots Market size was valued at $1.15 billion in 2023. It is expected to grow to $4.10 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 15.18 percent over the forecast period of 2024-2032.

The Construction Robots Market is experiencing unprecedented growth due to rapid technological advancements, increasing automation adoption, and a pressing need to address labor shortages in the construction industry. [Read more…] about Construction robotics market set to grow from $1.15 billion to $4.10 billion

Opinion: Are humanoid robots coming soon to the construction industry?

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By Mateo Zimmerman, investment manager at Cemex Ventures

The construction industry is no stranger to automation. Task-specific robots – like bricklaying machines, autonomous vehicles, and plastering systems – have long improved safety and efficiency by handling repetitive tasks in structured environments.

Humanoid robots, by contrast, are designed to replicate human motion and behavior, making them better suited for general-purpose roles. With major tech players like Google and Meta investing in this next frontier, the question is how soon humanlike robots will join crews on job sites.

The potential is real, but so are the challenges. Construction sites are unpredictable, and humanoid robots must prove they can adapt to dynamic conditions at a viable cost. These machines will also need to integrate with existing workflows, justify their expense, and gain buy-in from workers, unions, and insurers. [Read more…] about Opinion: Are humanoid robots coming soon to the construction industry?

AutoStore technology powers next-generation robotic vertical farm

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Warehouse automation specialist AutoStore and vertical farming company OnePointOne have launched an innovative vertical farming system – supplying Whole Foods with fresh greens grown faster, smarter, and closer to customers.

In a warehouse outside Phoenix, thousands of herbs and vegetables are growing in robot-powered bins, moving smoothly through a towering, Rubik’s cube-like grid. This is Opollo Farm: a fully automated vertical farming system built by AutoStore and OnePointOne.

Robots move crops through a precision-controlled environment, adjusting their position to deliver the perfect balance of water and nutrients. The result? Harvest-ready greens in just 15 days – about half the time of traditional farming – and grown just miles from where they’re consumed. [Read more…] about AutoStore technology powers next-generation robotic vertical farm

‘Politically unacceptable, morally repugnant’: UN chief calls for global ban on ‘killer robots’

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UN Secretary-General António Guterres has once again called for a global ban on lethal autonomous weapon systems – machines capable of taking human lives without human oversight – describing them as “politically unacceptable” and “morally repugnant”.

“There is no place for lethal autonomous weapon systems in our world,” Guterres said on Monday, during an informal UN meeting in New York focused on the use and impact of such weapons.

“Machines that have the power and discretion to take human lives without human control should be prohibited by international law.” [Read more…] about ‘Politically unacceptable, morally repugnant’: UN chief calls for global ban on ‘killer robots’

Dubai Police unveils fully-electric Lotus Emeya-S at World Police Summit

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In a move that highlights Dubai Police’s commitment to sustainability and smart policing, the Tourist Police Department under the General Department of Criminal Investigation has officially introduced the fully electric Lotus Emeya-S into its luxury patrol fleet.

The unveiling ceremony took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre during the World Police Summit, an international platform for law enforcement innovation and cooperation. [Read more…] about Dubai Police unveils fully-electric Lotus Emeya-S at World Police Summit

DoorDash expands drone delivery partnership with Wing in Charlotte

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DoorDash, a popular platform for local commerce such as food ordering, and Wing, a developer of residential drone delivery, are introducing drone delivery to Charlotte, North Carolina for the first time.

This marks the latest milestone in their ongoing partnership focused on bringing faster, more efficient, and sustainable food delivery options to customers.

Starting today, eligible DoorDash customers within about four miles of The Arboretum Shopping Center in southern Charlotte can order from a selection of local and national restaurants and choose to have their items delivered by drone. [Read more…] about DoorDash expands drone delivery partnership with Wing in Charlotte