Robotics & Automation News

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UVA engineering team develops new way to build soft robots that can walk on water

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Imagine a tiny robot, no bigger than a leaf, gliding across a pond’s surface like a water strider. One day, devices like this could track pollutants, collect water samples or scout flooded areas too risky for people.

Baoxing Xu, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, is pioneering a way to build them.

In a new study published in Science Advances, Xu’s research introduces HydroSpread, a first-of-its-kind fabrication method that has great potential to impact the growing field of soft robotics. [Read more…] about UVA engineering team develops new way to build soft robots that can walk on water

Beijing startup Noetix Robotics launches ‘consumer-grade humanoid robot’ at $1,400

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Beijing-based robot-maker Noetix Robotics has announced the upcoming pre-sale of its latest humanoid robot, named “Bumi”, at a breakthrough price of ¥9,998 (approximately $1,400), making it the first high-performance humanoid robot in China to dip below the ¥10,000 mark.

Standing at approximately 94 cm tall and weighing roughly 12 kg, Bumi features a 48 V battery with over 3.5 Ah capacity (yielding 1 to 2 hours of run time) and is capable of walking, running and dancing motions.

The company says the robot supports drag-and-drop graphical programming for children, and voice interaction for companion and educational scenarios. [Read more…] about Beijing startup Noetix Robotics launches ‘consumer-grade humanoid robot’ at $1,400

Chinese humanoid robot maker Leju Robot secures $207 million in pre-IPO funding

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Leju Robot, a Chinese company developing humanoid robots, has completed a major pre-IPO funding round of 1.5 billion yuan (approximately $207 million) to fuel its mass production plans and prepare for a public listing.

According to a report from the financial news agency Cailianshe, the substantial round was led by Beijing-based Greenwoods Asset Management.

The investment was secured directly by the Leju Robot entity rather than its parent company Suzhou Lean Technology, indicating a corporate restructuring ahead of its anticipated market debut. [Read more…] about Chinese humanoid robot maker Leju Robot secures $207 million in pre-IPO funding

OpenAI launches new web browser with AI built in

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OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Atlas, a new web browser that integrates the ChatGPT conversational AI directly into the browsing experience.

The company says Atlas represents “a rare moment to rethink what it means to use the web”, following last year’s introduction of search capabilities inside ChatGPT. Those features, according to OpenAI, quickly became some of the most widely used on the platform.

“With Atlas, ChatGPT can come with you anywhere across the web – helping you in the window right where you are, understanding what you’re trying to do, and completing tasks for you, all without copying and pasting or leaving the page,” the company says in a blog post announcing the launch. [Read more…] about OpenAI launches new web browser with AI built in

Lianhe Sowell signs $105 million funding deal to build AI robot manufacturing and R&D base in UAE

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Lianhe Sowell International Group – also known as Sowell Robot – has signed a non-binding term sheet for $105 million in financing with Excellent Capital Investments (ECI), a European infrastructure investment fund, to establish its first artificial intelligence-powered robot manufacturing and research and development base in the United Arab Emirates.

According to the company, the planned investment marks “a significant step” in Lianhe Sowell’s global intelligent manufacturing strategy.

Total investment in the UAE project is estimated at about $132.5 million, with Lianhe Sowell contributing 20 percent as cornerstone investment and ECI providing the remaining 80 percent, or $105 million, in the form of structured senior secured credit support. The term sheet remains subject to due diligence, documentation, and final approval. [Read more…] about Lianhe Sowell signs $105 million funding deal to build AI robot manufacturing and R&D base in UAE

Amazon reportedly about to replace half a million human workers with robots

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Online retail giant Amazon – said to be America’s second-largest employer – is reportedly planning a major expansion of its warehouse automation that could reduce the number of US hires by more than 600,000 over the next eight years.

According to internal documents obtained by The New York Times, the company’s robotics division aims to automate roughly 75 percent of operations by around 2033, and expects to avoid about 160,000 new roles by 2027.

The leaked materials also highlight cost-savings of around $12.6 billion from 2025-2027, or about 30 cents saved per item shipped. [Read more…] about Amazon reportedly about to replace half a million human workers with robots

Robot tsunami: How to survive and thrive in the face of overwhelming competition

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A few years ago, autonomous mobile robots and collaborative robotic arms were among the hottest sectors in automation.

Universal Robots and Geek+ rode the wave of early demand, turning once-niche ideas into billion-dollar businesses.

But now, the landscape looks very different. With dozens of new competitors offering similar machines, prices are under pressure, growth has slowed, and the market is showing all the classic signs of saturation. [Read more…] about Robot tsunami: How to survive and thrive in the face of overwhelming competition

Robotize partners with Nord Modules to launch ‘game-changing’ autonomous mobile robot

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Robotize, the innovator behind the GoPal Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) series, and Nord Modules, the expert in modular transfer solutions, have formed a new strategic partnership and have launched their first joint product: the GoPal P35 AMR powered by the Nord Quick Mover 260 module.

This dynamic duo brings the best of both worlds together: Robotize’s cutting-edge AMR technology and Nord Modules’ intelligent, plug-and-play transfer modules. The result? A sleek, smart, and powerful solution that takes intralogistics automation to the next level.

The GoPal P35 with the Nord Quick Mover 260 can pick up, transport and deliver payloads up to 260 kg (570 lbs) from conveyors, lifters, and workstations, while safely navigating busy production and warehouse environments. [Read more…] about Robotize partners with Nord Modules to launch ‘game-changing’ autonomous mobile robot

Nomagic selected by Zalando to expand robotic warehouse capabilities

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Nomagic, a provider of AI-powered robotics for warehouses and the fulfilment sector, was selected by Zalando, an online multi-brand fashion and lifestyle store, to strengthen operational excellence at its fulfilment centres further and support employees with daily tasks.

The collaboration builds on a proven track record, with Nomagic’s AI-powered robotic solutions delivering significant efficiency gains and reliability across existing deployments.

The robots (named Richard) carry out item-level picking, scanning and induction to automated pocket sorters. Following a successful pilot project that achieved industry leading operational excellence – including an average of 10,000 picks per day – Zalando will roll out more Nomagic systems. [Read more…] about Nomagic selected by Zalando to expand robotic warehouse capabilities

Swisslog Healthcare shows future engineers how automation advances hospitals

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Swisslog Healthcare, a leading supplier in transport and pharmacy automation solutions, invited University of Colorado Boulder students for an exclusive Reverse Interview Day tour at the company’s Technology Center.

Students interviewed Swisslog Healthcare professionals about their career journeys while touring facilities that showcase how robots and smart technology save lives in hospitals. The event took place on October 14, highlighting exciting technology careers students might not have considered.

Katherine Pickens McConnell, scholar in residence at CU Boulder Mechanical Engineering, says: “Visiting Swisslog Healthcare is a great opportunity to see engineering in action. [Read more…] about Swisslog Healthcare shows future engineers how automation advances hospitals