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Festo introduces AI-based gripper for mixed-product robotic handling

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When robotic cells must handle a range of variable products within the same machine, mixed-product environments often require repeated programming, application-specific integration, and expensive 3D camera setups. These demands can slow deployment, increase integration cost, and make it difficult to scale automation across operations.

To address these challenges, Festo introduces GripperAI, a universal AI-based software that enables robots to handle a range of items without custom programming. The software operates locally at the cell on a standard industrial PC with a connected 3D camera and automatically adjusts for mixed products without programming or template loading between SKUs.

Deploying GripperAI involves standard integration steps: mounting and aligning the camera, verifying usable lighting, calibrating the robot base to the camera’s frame, and configuring the software’s pick parameters. [Read more…] about Festo introduces AI-based gripper for mixed-product robotic handling

Infineon launches humanoid robotics-focused startup challenge for 2026

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Infineon’s Startup Challenge brings together promising founder teams and young high-tech companies from across the globe to work jointly on a highly relevant topic: humanoid robotics.

The Challenge is a structured innovation program designed to develop technological concepts into market-ready applications. It is part of Infineon’s global Co‑Innovation Program, in which Infineon drives innovation together with startups as a technology and development partner.

Sören Jehmlich, vice president ventures, startups and ecosystems at Infineon, says: “Semiconductors are the foundation of humanoid robotics and a key growth driver. [Read more…] about Infineon launches humanoid robotics-focused startup challenge for 2026

Hello Robot unveils Stretch 4: A simply useful robot that puts people first

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Hello Robot, the team behind the Stretch mobile manipulation platform, have announced the release of Stretch 4.

Available now for $29,950, Stretch 4 is an open-source robotics platform designed for researchers, developers, and application engineers building the next wave of Physical AI applications for general purpose robotics.

“In the last few years, Physical AI has brought us videos of robots doing amazing stunts. But these videos are missing something critical – the people the robots are meant to benefit,” says Aaron Edsinger, co-founder and CEO of Hello Robot. [Read more…] about Hello Robot unveils Stretch 4: A simply useful robot that puts people first

Richtech Robotics named ‘Rookie of the Year’ by Vegas Golden Knights

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Richtech Robotics, a Nevada-based provider of AI-driven robotic solutions, has been named “Rookie of the Year” by the Vegas Golden Knights for the 2025-2026 season, marking a standout first year in the team’s partner ecosystem.

The recognition comes as the Golden Knights reach the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. As one of the organization’s newest partners, Richtech Robotics engaged fans through its innovative activations and unique integration of service robotics into the live sports experience.

Wayne Huang, Richtech Robotics’ CEO, says: “As a Las Vegas-based company, our engagement with the Vegas Golden Knights community has been an especially meaningful experience to us. [Read more…] about Richtech Robotics named ‘Rookie of the Year’ by Vegas Golden Knights

Comau and Aptiv partner on AI-powered robotics and autonomous industrial automation systems

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Industrial automation specialist Comau is collaborating with technology company Aptiv to explore the co-development of next-generation intelligent automation solutions designed to help industrial customers operate more safely, efficiently, and autonomously.

The agreement establishes a framework for the two companies to evaluate joint development in key areas of focus including advanced robotics, autonomous systems, and automated warehouse and logistics systems.

Jay Bellissimo, senior vice president and president, intelligent systems, software and services, Aptiv, says: “Robotics and industrial automation are evolving quickly, with systems that sense, think, and act in real time at the edge. [Read more…] about Comau and Aptiv partner on AI-powered robotics and autonomous industrial automation systems

QCraft Expands its Autonomous Driving Stack into the Physical AI Frontier

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The autonomous driving company is moving beyond self-driving cars and into the broader world of Physical AI

QCraft, one of the major providers of autonomous driving technology to OEMs, used this year’s Beijing Auto Show to unveil what it calls the QCraft Physical AI Model. This was a signal that the company sees its future not just in autonomous vehicles, but in a wider category of AI systems that interact with the physical world.

CEO Dr. James Yu framed the pivot in sweeping terms, arguing that the industry is entering a new phase. Where the last decade focused on teaching AI to drive, the next will be defined by Physical AI: systems that can perceive, reason about, and act in real-world environments.

It’s a thesis shared by a growing number of companies in robotics and autonomy, but QCraft is betting that its technical foundation gives it a head start. [Read more…] about QCraft Expands its Autonomous Driving Stack into the Physical AI Frontier

How Robotics Technology Has Improved Pallet Trucks

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Modern pallet trucks have evolved far beyond the manually operated tools they once were. Robotics technology has transformed these machines into autonomous, intelligent material handling vehicles – commonly known as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) or Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs).

Robotic technology is reshaping warehouse operations, integrating sophisticated sensors, navigation systems and AI – enabling these machines to manoeuvre, detect and pick pallets without any human intervention.

These modern machines use software and sensors to navigate warehouses independently, significantly improving both the efficiency and safety of warehouse operations. As adoption continues to grow across the logistics sector, understanding what drives this shift is increasingly relevant for businesses looking to stay competitive.

How Advanced Navigation and Mapping Are Streamlining Operations

Modern automated pallet trucks use Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) technology – incorporating Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and 3D cameras – to build real-time maps of their environment. This means they can navigate complex warehouse layouts without relying on floor-embedded wire or magnetic tape for guidance.

Unlike older AGVs, robotics-enhanced pallet trucks do not stop when faced with an obstacle. Dynamic rerouting software enables them to detect obstructions in advance and calculate an alternative path without interrupting their workflow.

This capability alone represents a significant leap forward compared to earlier generations of automated handling equipment, which required costly infrastructure changes whenever a warehouse layout was modified.

The increased flexibility offered by modern AGVs means they can be easily reprogrammed to adapt to changes in warehouse automation layouts, making them far more adaptable than traditional conveyor-based systems.

How Modern Pallet Trucks Improve Operational Efficiency and Productivity

The advanced software incorporated into these pallet trucks enables them to carry out operations with greater precision and speed than manual alternatives. Autonomous pallet jacks consistently outperform manual operators in throughput, not only by moving faster, but by eliminating downtime caused by breaks, shift changes and fatigue.

Introducing automated pallet trucks into warehouse operations drives measurable gains in throughput. Robotic pallet trucks can also work continuously without breaks, fatigue or shift limitations – delivering a more consistent output around the clock.

Using built-in AI-based 3D vision, AGVs can detect both the position and orientation of a pallet to align and lift with precision, even when pallets have not been placed perfectly. The robotic arms integrated into these trucks can detect, pick and stack pallets with millimetre accuracy, reducing the risk of product damage.

When battery levels run low, these trucks autonomously return to the charging station, ensuring they are fully charged ahead of the next shift.

Features of AGVs That Increase Safety and Accident Prevention

Fatigue is one of the most common causes of warehouse accidents, particularly during long night shifts. Since AGVs are battery-powered and equipped with autonomous recharging capabilities, they eliminate the risks associated with human fatigue over extended working periods.

Improved Ergonomics

By handling heavy and repetitive lifting tasks, these pallet trucks also remove the risk of associated injuries. Pallet lifting has been linked to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), which result from the repetitive strain caused by manually moving heavy loads.

These can include conditions such as:

  • Herniated discs
  • Lumbar strain
  • Sciatica
  • Tendinitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

Such injuries can cause severe pain and extended absences from work. The implementation of automated pallet trucks mitigates these risks and supports long-term occupational health for workers in the industry.

Collision Avoidance

Robotic pallet trucks are equipped with 360-degree sensors and cameras that provide full situational awareness. They are also designed to stop immediately upon detecting any obstacle, greatly reducing the likelihood of collisions.

The robotic system calculates weight load and speed to determine the exact stopping distance required for a safe halt. In environments where human workers and automated vehicles share the same floor space, this level of precision is essential for maintaining a safe working environment.

Incorporating robotic pallet trucks into warehouse operations significantly reduces the risk of workplace injuries and collisions – protecting goods, reducing downtime and supporting the long-term health of the workforce.

Automated Technology is Redefining Productivity

Robotic technology has delivered clear benefits to those working in manufacturing and logistics. Warehouses have long been hazardous environments, but the inclusion of AGVs offers a meaningful improvement in both safety and accident prevention.

The ability to operate continuously without breaks makes these machines a practical solution for boosting operational efficiency. Automated pallet trucks can help address labour shortages, reduce operational costs and increase flexibility in fast-paced, high-volume warehouse environments.

Whether managing a single-site distribution centre or a multi-facility network, the operational case for AGV integration is clear.

VNYX raises €1 million to scale robotics and AI for automated fashion resale

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Amsterdam-based startup VNYX has raised more than €1 million in funding to scale its robotics and AI systems designed to automate fashion resale and reduce textile waste.

The funding – which includes a mix of strategic investment and government grants – marks the company’s transition into a post-revenue phase, with early commercial deployments already under way.

VNYX is positioning itself at the intersection of robotics, AI, and circular economy logistics, targeting one of the fashion industry’s most complex operational challenges: processing returns, overstock, and secondhand garments at scale.

Automating resale operations

At the core of the company’s approach is a combination of proprietary hardware and AI-driven software designed to automate garment handling and processing.

VNYX says its system has already reduced processing times from 19 minutes to around 3 minutes per item, with a goal of reaching its “1-minute promise” – a benchmark it believes would make resale more efficient and profitable than traditional retail disposal methods.

The company’s current system, VNYX10, is deployed with partners including BOAS and Bever, processing up to 10,000 items annually and generating early revenue.

“Beyond the capital, our progress is driven by a world-class team and advisors whose dedication to stop fashion waste has turned a bold vision into reality in just 12 months” says Vincent van der Holst, co-founder and CEO of VNYX.

Hardware-software integration and scaling challenge

The company’s development has been supported by a network of technical and financial partners, reflecting the complexity of building integrated robotics systems for industrial use.

These include deeptech investors such as Baltic Business Angels and Squads Fund, as well as engineering partner Spark Design & Innovation, which is contributing to the physical development of the VNYX hardware platform.

Additional backing has come from Stichting DOEN, Earthstar, and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, which has provided non-dilutive funding to support research and development.

Toward high-throughput resale robotics

Looking ahead, VNYX is preparing to scale its technology with the rollout of higher-capacity systems.

The next-generation VNYX100 system – capable of processing up to 100,000 items per year – is scheduled for delivery to BOAS in June 2026.

Beyond that, the company is developing the VNYX1000, which it describes as a large-scale robotics and AI system designed to handle more than 1 million items annually in industrial resale environments.

“Any brand who wants to go below one minute with us can join right now. We dump and burn one garbage truck of textile every three seconds, so every second counts. The right time to act is now,” says Romy Goedhart, co-founder of VNYX.

From sustainability to industrial automation

VNYX is targeting a shift in how fashion companies manage unsold and returned inventory, particularly as regulatory pressure increases in Europe through extended producer responsibility (EPR) rules and bans on the destruction of unsold goods.

By automating resale processes, the company argues that circular fashion models can move from niche sustainability initiatives to scalable industrial operations.

“We have proven that fashion resale isn’t only the right thing to do for the planet, but it’s the right thing for your wallet too,” says Guus Balkema, CFO of VNYX.

“Our focus now shifts to scaling. We are curating a shortlist of strategic VCs and fashion brands for the deployment of our VNYX1000 technology to international fulfillment centers and global fashion brands.”

The company is now seeking additional investment and partnerships as it looks to deploy its systems in larger logistics environments and expand internationally.

PAL Robotics to debut new manipulation robot at ICRA 2026

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PAL Robotics is set to unveil a new robotic platform at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2026), where the company will also showcase its latest systems through live, interactive demonstrations.

The event will take place in Vienna, Austria, from June 1 to 5, bringing together researchers, engineers, and industry leaders from across the global robotics sector.

PAL Robotics says its focus this year is on demonstrating how robots can move from research environments into real-world applications. At booth 067, visitors will be able to interact directly with robotic systems rather than simply observe them. [Read more…] about PAL Robotics to debut new manipulation robot at ICRA 2026

Star Robotics unveils new security robot with improved autonomy and navigation

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Star Robotics has launched Watchbot 2, the latest version of its autonomous robot designed for security surveillance and inspection.

The new system was introduced during a livestreamed event on April 16, with the company positioning it as a significant upgrade aimed at improving reliability and performance in real-world environments such as data centers, power facilities, and public spaces.

Watchbot 2 builds on the previous generation with a focus on longer operating time, improved durability, and enhanced sensing and navigation capabilities. [Read more…] about Star Robotics unveils new security robot with improved autonomy and navigation