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Apple’s main contract manufacturer Foxconn brings in UBTech humanoids to work in its factories

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UBTech Robotics has entered what’s described as “a comprehensive long-term partnership” with Foxconn (also known as Hon Hai), the world’s largest electronics contract manufacturer and a primary assembler for Apple.

This is according to various media reports, including on the South China Morning Post website.

This collaboration aims to integrate UBTech’s humanoid robots into Foxconn’s production lines, enhancing efficiency and precision in the assembly of complex electronics and electric vehicles. [Read more…] about Apple’s main contract manufacturer Foxconn brings in UBTech humanoids to work in its factories

What happened to Germany? Manufacturing giant crumbles before our eyes

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Germany, often hailed as Europe’s economic powerhouse, is grappling with a significant downturn in its manufacturing sector. Once the cornerstone of its robust economy, manufacturing is now facing serious challenges that threaten the stability of the wider economy.

Germany is of particular interest to this website for obvious reasons. Apart from Japan, Germany has shown itself – or at least the manufacturing sector has shown itself – to be the most highly proficient at using robotics and automation technologies. That’s our opinion anyway.

And while China may have overloaded the world with manufactured products in every category you can imagine, German products still inspire confidence in people who appreciate precision, quality and originality. [Read more…] about What happened to Germany? Manufacturing giant crumbles before our eyes

Cyngn raises $33 million in December to scale autonomous mobile robot business

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Autonomous mobile robotics developer Cyngn has secured $33 million in funding. This funding positions the company to accelerate its growth and deliver on its mission to proliferate industrial autonomous vehicles.

Lior Tal, chairman and CEO of Cyngn, says: “This capital infusion strengthens our ability to fund operations, drive commercialization, and continue investing in groundbreaking autonomous vehicle technologies.

“With increasing demand for automation solutions, especially in the automotive, heavy machinery and logistics industries, this funding allows us to build on recent momentum, including our upcoming autonomous forklift launch and other strategic advancements.” [Read more…] about Cyngn raises $33 million in December to scale autonomous mobile robot business

Predictions on 3D printing: What does 2025 hold for additive manufacturing?

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Despite the tremendous success of 3D printing – also known as additive manufacturing (AM) – across many industrial sectors, the technology is still, in some ways, in its early days.

Here, a number of senior executives at 3D Systems – whose founder Chuck Hull is credited with inventing 3D printing – share their thoughts on what 2025 holds for additive manufacturing. [Read more…] about Predictions on 3D printing: What does 2025 hold for additive manufacturing?

OpenAI reportedly preparing to build humanoid robots

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OpenAI is reportedly rekindling its interest in robotics, with a particular focus on developing humanoid robots. Recent job postings indicate the company is seeking professionals experienced in robotics hardware and software, suggesting plans to reestablish its robotics division.

This marks a significant shift from 2020, when OpenAI disbanded its robotics team due to challenges in data scarcity and the complexities of physical interactions. At that time, the company redirected its efforts toward AI models like ChatGPT, which could be trained on abundant text and image data.

In the interim, OpenAI has actively invested in robotics startups. Notably, it participated in a $675 million funding round for Figure AI, a company developing general-purpose humanoid robots designed to perform tasks in logistics and warehousing. Figure’s latest model, Figure 02, integrates OpenAI’s AI models to process voice commands, enhancing its operational capabilities. [Read more…] about OpenAI reportedly preparing to build humanoid robots

Robeauté raises $28 million to develop neurosurgical micro-robots

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Robeauté, a medical technology startup developing neurosurgical micro-robots, has raised $28 million led by Plural, Cherry Ventures and Kindred Ventures.

Other investors including LocalGlobe, Think.Health and previous investors APEX Ventures participated, along with strategic investment from Brainlab.

The new funding will be used to continue developing the technology, starting human trials in 2026 and setting up US operations ahead of FDA approval and full go-to-market. [Read more…] about Robeauté raises $28 million to develop neurosurgical micro-robots

SES AI unveils ‘entirely new AI-enhanced battery cell’ for robots and drones

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SES AI, a developer and manufacturer of AI-enhanced high-performance Li-Metal and Li-ion batteries, has unveiled “an entirely new AI-enhanced 2170 cylindrical cell” for emerging humanoid robotics applications.

SES AI’s new 2170 cylindrical cell is the first battery that uses an electrolyte discovered by SES AI’s Molecular Universe effort, which is mapping the physical and chemical properties of the entire universe of small molecules suitable for battery electrolytes (10^11 molecules).

The latest advancements in GPU and computing software have accelerated the time to map the single molecule properties of the Molecular Universe from more than 8,000 years to just two months. [Read more…] about SES AI unveils ‘entirely new AI-enhanced battery cell’ for robots and drones

SeoulTech’s ‘graphene breakthrough’ could lead to ultrathin flexible displays

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A new graphene-assisted laser lift-off method keeps ultrathin displays flawless and ready for wearable technology.

Researchers from Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech) claim they have pioneered a graphene-based laser lift-off technique that prevents damage while separating ultrathin OLED displays.

By utilizing graphene’s ability to absorb UV light and distribute heat, they have achieved pristine, flexible displays. This advancement opens doors for ultra-thin, stretchable devices that fit comfortably against human skin, revolutionizing wearable device technology.

As the demand for thinner, lighter, and more flexible electronic devices grows, the need for advanced manufacturing processes has become critical. [Read more…] about SeoulTech’s ‘graphene breakthrough’ could lead to ultrathin flexible displays

What is embodied AI and what are its implications?

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The term “embodied artificial intelligence” has become a buzzword in robotics and AI research. Basically it refers to embedding an AI system into a machine, as we’re sure you guessed or knew. 

But let’s deconstruct it a bit and get into the details of what it actually means. At its core, embodied artificial intelligence refers to the idea that intelligence in artificial systems is not solely a product of abstract computation.

Instead, it emerges from the interaction of an AI-equipped physical entity with its environment. This concept underscores the inseparability of physicality, sensory input, and environmental interaction in the manifestation of intelligent behaviour in machines. [Read more…] about What is embodied AI and what are its implications?

Digitising consciousness: Can machines ever be conscious? Or are they conscious already?

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Consciousness has been described as “the hard problem” by philosopher David Chalmers, and the term has stuck. While it seems rather an unimaginative term, it does point to a central truth – scientists and philosophers are finding it very hard to conclusively define it or quantify it in any way.

The fact that consciousness has been identified as a “thing” is probably the greatest achievement so far. Everything else is up for grabs.

Some people say everything has some level of consciousness – from humans to inanimate objects, such as chairs and tables. Others say that only humans can be said to be conscious. [Read more…] about Digitising consciousness: Can machines ever be conscious? Or are they conscious already?