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What robotics developers need to know about workforce transition and reskilling

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As robotics and AI technologies become increasingly embedded in industrial systems, they are transforming how work is done.

While these innovations unlock new levels of efficiency and productivity, they also bring profound implications for employment, particularly in sectors where repetitive, manual tasks are common.

For robotics developers, understanding workforce transition is not just a social consideration – it’s a commercial and strategic one. [Read more…] about What robotics developers need to know about workforce transition and reskilling

Hitachi and Daikin test AI chatbot for diagnosing factory equipment failures

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Hitachi and Daikin have launched a trial of a new AI-powered chatbot designed to help diagnose equipment failures on factory floors.

The digital agent, developed through a co-creation partnership, acts as a conversational interface between factory operators and complex machinery data.

The system draws on Hitachi’s Lumada data analytics platform and Daikin’s manufacturing expertise to assist workers in identifying failure causes and suggesting remedies. [Read more…] about Hitachi and Daikin test AI chatbot for diagnosing factory equipment failures

Kuka sinks into the red with €43.5 million loss, triggering leadership change and strategic shift

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Automation giant struggles with economic turbulence and intensifying competition, as new leadership prepares to chart a course beyond the era of ‘easy’ automation

Kuka, one of the world’s oldest robotics and automation companies, established in Germany in 1898, has reported a sharp decline in both revenue and earnings for 2024, marking a turbulent year of transition. 

The Augsburg-based firm closed the year with a €43.5 million net loss (listed in the annual report as “earnings after taxes and after loss from discontinued operations”), which is down from a €85.6 million profit in 2023, even as it reported record-high free cash flow and a growing backlog of orders.

The company also confirmed a leadership change, with CEO Peter Mohnen stepping down, to be replaced by Christoph Schell. Mohnen’s departure caps a year in which Kuka launched a new digital division, faced tough economic conditions, and found itself under intensifying competitive pressure in core markets like intralogistics and automotive automation. [Read more…] about Kuka sinks into the red with €43.5 million loss, triggering leadership change and strategic shift

Fanuc to showcase ‘cutting-edge’ robotics and automation solutions at Automate 2025

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Fanuc America, a global industrial automation company, will showcase its latest industrial and collaborative robotic innovations at Automate 2025.

The event, held in Detroit from May 12-15, will feature several all-new applications designed to enhance efficiency and unlock increased productivity.

Mike Cicco, president and CEO of Fanuc America, says: “Today, more than ever, automation is the key to reaching production targets, boosting efficiency, and ensuring employee satisfaction.

“From start-ups to large-scale manufacturers, Fanuc provides industry-leading, dependable, and cost-effective automation solutions that help companies overcome their greatest challenges.” [Read more…] about Fanuc to showcase ‘cutting-edge’ robotics and automation solutions at Automate 2025

Techman Robotics, CSBC and AMET to jointly develop welding solutions for shipbuilding

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Taiwan’s leading collaborative robot manufacturer Techman Robot, Taiwan’s largest shipbuilding company Taiwan International Shipbuilding (CSBC), and the US leader in smart welding technology AMET, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). 

The three parties will work together to develop robots that are more suitable for shipbuilding environments, promote the intelligent transformation of the shipbuilding industry, and improve welding efficiency and quality. [Read more…] about Techman Robotics, CSBC and AMET to jointly develop welding solutions for shipbuilding

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

Is Kawasaki’s crazy horse robot idea actually a stroke of genius?

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When Kawasaki first unveiled its concept of a robotic horse, many people may have thought of it as not much more than an interesting – or even fascinating and alluring – curiosity. But curiosity nonetheless.

However, when we look at the idea more closely and remind ourselves how globally successful Kawasaki is in the motorcycles market – and indeed the industrial robotics market, we start to take the idea of a hydrogen-powered robotic horse more seriously as a market proposition.

Kawasaki is a globally recognized leader in the motorcycle industry, known for its high-performance bikes and engineering innovation. As a division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, its Powersports & Engine segment encompasses motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, and engines, contributing significantly to the company’s bottom line. [Read more…] about Is Kawasaki’s crazy horse robot idea actually a stroke of genius?

Flexiv expands to Europe through partnership with Italy’s Time Robotics

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Flexiv Robotics, a provider of “general-purpose” robotics solutions, says it has reached a “major milestone” in its international expansion strategy with the signing of its first European partnership agreement.

The collaboration with Italy-based Time Robotics marks Flexiv’s strategic entry into the European market.

In response to growing international demand, this partnership ensures that Flexiv’s advanced adaptive robots are now available not only in Italy but across Europe. [Read more…] about Flexiv expands to Europe through partnership with Italy’s Time Robotics

Research report: China’s ADAS market surges as full-stack solutions dominate

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By Shihao Fu, technology analyst at IDTechEx

While Level 3 autonomy continues to face regulatory and liability challenges in 2025, SAE Level 2+ ADAS is reshaping China’s automotive landscape, driven by vertically integrated supply chain solutions and declining hardware costs.

According to IDTechEx’s Passenger Car ADAS Market 2025-2045: Technology, Market Analysis, and Forecasts report, although the overall L2+ penetration rate across the entire Chinese market remains modest, a noteworthy trend is emerging among China’s new energy vehicle startups.

In 2024, 52 percent of their total vehicle sales supported L2+ functionality. Domestic suppliers such as Huawei and Horizon Robotics are leading this transformation. [Read more…] about Research report: China’s ADAS market surges as full-stack solutions dominate