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Honda launches hands-free mobility device in Japan

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Honda has started sales of its UNI-ONE personal mobility device in Japan, targeting corporate customers in sectors such as offices, workplaces, and large facilities.

The UNI-ONE is designed as a “mobility device to be used at destinations” after people arrive by car or other transport. Honda says potential use cases include moving people around large venues or workplaces and supporting seniors or individuals who may find extended walking difficult.

The device is steered by shifting body weight while seated, allowing hands-free movement in all directions at walking speed. Honda developed the UNI-ONE using robotics expertise gained from projects such as its ASIMO humanoid robot. [Read more…] about Honda launches hands-free mobility device in Japan

Hyundai and Kia partner with South Korea’s RDA to bring wearable robots to agriculture

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Hyundai and Kia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s Rural Development Administration (RDA) to expand the use of wearable robotics in farming.

The partnership will see the companies introduce their X-ble Shoulder robot, developed by Hyundai and Kia’s Robotics LAB, to agricultural sites across the country.

The X-ble Shoulder is designed to reduce strain on workers performing heavy shoulder tasks. Field tests carried out earlier this year with the RDA showed the device reduced deltoid muscle activation by about 22 percent, according to electromyography (EMG) sensor measurements. [Read more…] about Hyundai and Kia partner with South Korea’s RDA to bring wearable robots to agriculture

Toyota launches next-generation autonomous e-Palette mobility vehicle

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Toyota has started sales of its next-generation e-Palette battery electric vehicle, designed for a wide range of mobility services including transportation, retail, and mobile entertainment. Sales began on September 15, with prices starting from 29 million yen (almost $200,000).

The e-Palette features a spacious cabin, large windows, and a low floor for accessibility, including an electric ramp that allows wheelchair users to board independently.

With a capacity of up to 17 passengers, it can be configured for different uses throughout the day – for example, as a shuttle bus in the morning and a mobile store in the afternoon. Optional equipment enables applications such as immersive sightseeing or live sports viewing. [Read more…] about Toyota launches next-generation autonomous e-Palette mobility vehicle

How Logs and Sensor Data Are Revolutionizing Workplace Injury Claims

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Modern automation and robotics have revolutionized workplace safety and complicated accident investigation. Where injury claims relied on conflicting eyewitness accounts, robotic systems now leave unbiased records.

Sensor data, logs, and operating metrics are changing injury investigation from the subjective pool of memories to objective, data-driven analysis. Here’s how robotic data and sensor logs are revolutionizing workplace injury cases. [Read more…] about How Logs and Sensor Data Are Revolutionizing Workplace Injury Claims

Autonomous truck technology company Kodiak to go public tomorrow

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Kodiak AI, a provider of AI-powered autonomous vehicle technology, today announced that Kodiak Robotics, Inc. successfully completed its business combination with Ares Acquisition Corporation II (NYSE: AACT) (“AACT”), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company.

The business combination was approved by AACT shareholders on September 23, 2025. In connection with the closing, AACT was renamed Kodiak AI, Inc.

Kodiak AI, Inc.’s common stock and public warrants are expected to begin trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the “Nasdaq”) on September 25, 2025 under the ticker symbols “KDK” and “KDKRW”, respectively. [Read more…] about Autonomous truck technology company Kodiak to go public tomorrow

1X unveils humanoid robot for the home as it seeks to raise $1 billion in new funding

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1X, a pioneer in humanoid robotics, has unveiled its NEO Beta, a prototype of its bipedal humanoid designed for home use. The release came just before news emerged that the company is looking to raise $1 billion in new funding, according to The Information.

NEO Beta represents a significant advancement in robotics, moving beyond traditional, stiff robots to humanoids with bio-inspired designs that can safely work among people.

The NEO Beta launch marks a major milestone for 1X as the company transitions from conceptual development to bringing humanoid robots into consumer households. [Read more…] about 1X unveils humanoid robot for the home as it seeks to raise $1 billion in new funding

Theory of robotic mind: How China is building ‘brains and nerves’ for its own robots

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Geopolitics and supply chain shocks are accelerating China’s push for homegrown robotics controllers and software, challenging the dominance of Western and Japanese giants.

The recent news that Japanese automation giant Omron is considering a spin-off of its Device & Module Solutions business sent ripples through the industry.

This division, responsible for the crucial “nervous system” of factories – sensors, relays, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) – is a cornerstone of global industrial automation. (Read our article: How do robots work? Sensors, controllers, actuators and software explained.)

Its potential separation is more than a corporate reshuffle; it’s a symptom of a deeper tectonic shift. And at the epicenter of this shift is China. [Read more…] about Theory of robotic mind: How China is building ‘brains and nerves’ for its own robots

BD and Henry Ford Health launch pharmacy automation partnership in Michigan

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BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a medical technology company, has agreed a pharmacy automation partnership with Henry Ford Health to develop the health system pharmacy of the future, with an initial focus on a robotic solution that will enable patients to pick up select prescriptions at their convenience – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Through this first-of-its-kind collaboration in the US, BD and Henry Ford Health will develop multiple applications of the BD Rowa Vmax, a sophisticated pharmacy automation robot.

The first deployment will enhance the prescription retrieval processes at Henry Ford Health’s hospital-based community pharmacies in Southeast and Central Michigan as part of their ongoing commitment to innovation and patient-centered care. [Read more…] about BD and Henry Ford Health launch pharmacy automation partnership in Michigan

Symbotic integrates Nyobolt’s new ‘performance-improving’ power technology into its autonomous mobile robots

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Symbotic, a provider of AI-enabled robotics technology for the supply chain, says it will roll out new battery technology from Nyobolt – a pioneer of high-power, ultra-fast charging power solutions – for its SymBot autonomous mobile robots.

The technology will enable improved performance and durability for Symbotic’s “industry-leading warehouse automation system”.

The new solution has six times more energy capacity and is 40 percent lighter, compared to the ultracapacitors used in SymBot mobile robots today. [Read more…] about Symbotic integrates Nyobolt’s new ‘performance-improving’ power technology into its autonomous mobile robots

Universal Robots launches UR8 Long collaborative robot

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Universal Robots has unveiled the UR8 Long, a long-reach collaborative robot designed for industrial automation tasks including welding, bin picking, and inspection.

The launch took place September 8 at FABTECH in Chicago, with orders now open and shipping set to begin in October.

The UR8 Long offers the same 1,750 mm reach as the UR20 but with a slimmer profile, 30 percent lighter mass, and an 8 kg payload capacity. Its compact design makes it suitable for space-constrained cells, overhead systems, and gantries. [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches UR8 Long collaborative robot