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What makes robots feel alive? Human-robot interaction expert Sarah Sebo explains

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As robots become more expressive and socially capable, the line between machines and living characters is starting to blur. From Disney’s lifelike Olaf robot (main image) to interactive droids inspired by Star Wars, recent developments highlight how far robotics has come in replicating human-like behavior and emotion.

But what actually makes a robot feel “alive” – and why do some machines feel natural while others fall into the so-called “uncanny valley”?

To explore these questions, Robotics & Automation News spoke with Sarah Sebo, assistant professor of computer science at the University of Chicago, whose research focuses on human-robot interaction and the social, cultural and technological impact of robots in everyday environments. [Read more…] about What makes robots feel alive? Human-robot interaction expert Sarah Sebo explains

Exol launches US robotic fulfillment network with ‘fulfillment-as-a-service’ model

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Exol (formerly GreenBox Logistics) has launched its first US “physical AI” fulfillment facilities, introducing what the company describes as a new logistics model designed to expand access to large-scale warehouse automation.

The company says it plans to build a nationwide network of six automated sites totaling around six million square feet, aimed at supporting retail, wholesale and consumer goods companies. The first facility in Atlanta is now operational, while additional locations are planned in California, Texas, New Jersey and Illinois over the next year.

The concept behind Exol’s offering – described as “robotic fulfillment-as-a-service” – is to provide companies with access to automated warehouse infrastructure without requiring them to invest in their own systems. [Read more…] about Exol launches US robotic fulfillment network with ‘fulfillment-as-a-service’ model

DoorDash and Wing expand drone delivery partnership to Metro Atlanta

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DoorDash, a local commerce platform specializing in home food delivery, and Wing, a residential drone delivery company, have announced the expansion of their partnership to metro Atlanta.

The launch introduces a new way for metro Atlanta consumers to order from their favorite local merchants, expanding delivery options across the platform.

Eligible DoorDash consumers near Tanger Outlets Locust Grove can order from a selection of local and national restaurants and choose to have their items delivered by drone in as little as 20 minutes. [Read more…] about DoorDash and Wing expand drone delivery partnership to Metro Atlanta

From hype to reality: ASI CEO Mel Torrie on why autonomous vehicles are outpacing humanoid robots

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Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI) is not a company that regularly dominates headlines, but it has spent more than two decades quietly building and deploying autonomous vehicle systems across industries where automation is already delivering measurable results.

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Utah, ASI has focused on real-world autonomy – retrofitting and orchestrating fleets of heavy equipment in sectors such as agriculture, construction, mining and logistics.

Its Mobius command-and-control platform (image below) enables operators to manage multiple autonomous vehicles remotely, positioning the company as a long-standing player in what is now being reframed as “physical AI”. [Read more…] about From hype to reality: ASI CEO Mel Torrie on why autonomous vehicles are outpacing humanoid robots

Revtech becomes exclusive Canadian integrator of Motofil robotic welding solutions

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Revtech Systems, a provider of robotic integration and automation solutions in Québec, has agreed a strategic partnership with Motofil as its exclusive partner in Canada.

This collaboration marks a “significant milestone” in Revtech’s mission to transform manufacturing operations and deliver world-class automation solutions to Canadian industry.

Through this partnership, Revtech will integrate and deploy turnkey robotic welding solutions from Motofil, including a full range of pre-engineered robotic welding systems designed to accelerate automation adoption across Canadian manufacturing. [Read more…] about Revtech becomes exclusive Canadian integrator of Motofil robotic welding solutions

Niantic Spatial launches two new world models to support real-world AI deployment

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Niantic Spatial has launched two new products aimed at enabling artificial intelligence systems to operate more effectively in physical environments, as companies continue to explore so-called “world models” – AI systems designed to understand and interact with real-world spaces.

The company says its new offerings – Scaniverse for businesses and an updated Visual Positioning System (VPS 2.0) – are intended to address what it describes as a key limitation in current AI development: the lack of accurate, machine-readable maps of the physical world.

While AI systems have advanced rapidly in digital domains, Niantic Spatial argues that much of the global economy – including sectors such as construction, energy, logistics, and manufacturing – remains difficult for AI to access due to the absence of detailed spatial data. [Read more…] about Niantic Spatial launches two new world models to support real-world AI deployment

How Manufacturers Are Training Their Workforce for AI-Powered Operations

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For the longest time, a large number of manufacturers have struggled to understand how AI can impact their business.

Now, as these businesses have begun to understand where AI can be implemented in their operations, the biggest concern has shifted: [Read more…] about How Manufacturers Are Training Their Workforce for AI-Powered Operations

AI-Driven Brute Force: Why Traditional Rate Limiting is Dead in 2026

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AI-driven brute force is a problem that’s only getting worse. According to a recent study, cyberattacks using AI and ML have risen by 89% year-over-year as of early 2026, with around 11,000 attacks taking place per second.

What’s more, the technology behind these attacks is only improving, and so, while the volume rises, so too does the effectiveness with which these attacks bypass security measures and exploit vulnerabilities. [Read more…] about AI-Driven Brute Force: Why Traditional Rate Limiting is Dead in 2026

Jurassic bag: From dinosaur DNA to designer goods – how biofabrication and automation could reshape materials

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A luxury handbag made from Tyrannosaurus rex protein sounds like a publicity stunt. In some ways, it is.

But behind the spectacle lies something more significant: a glimpse of how materials themselves may soon be designed, grown, and manufactured through a combination of synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and automated systems.

The handbag – developed by a collaboration between VML, The Organoid Company, and Lab-Grown Leather – was unveiled at the Art Zoo Museum in Amsterdam, where it is currently on display before auction. [Read more…] about Jurassic bag: From dinosaur DNA to designer goods – how biofabrication and automation could reshape materials

Tekpak Automation to showcase pick-and-place robotic cell at interpack 2026

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Tekpak Automation will demonstrate the benefits of robotics for manufacturers across the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries at interpack 2026, with a live working demonstration of a pick-and-place cell on Stand A15/Hall 16.

Tekpak is known for solving complex packaging line challenges with proven, modular automation. Built on over 25 years’ experience supporting pharmaceutical and food manufacturers, its systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing lines, fit constrained spaces and enable tool-less changeovers.

Tekpak’s team of experts will be on hand at interpack to showcase the firm’s portfolio of automated packaging solutions. The centerpiece will be the TD3/R Series – a dynamic 3-axis robotic pick-and-place cell suitable for loading or stacking products into trays, cases, cartons, a thermoformer or a flow-wrapper infeed. [Read more…] about Tekpak Automation to showcase pick-and-place robotic cell at interpack 2026