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Can India become the next big market for robotics and automation?

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When Omron opened its new Automation Center in Bengaluru last week, the announcement carried more than just local significance.

It was a statement of intent: India, with its vast (1.5 billion) population, rising manufacturing ambitions (fifth largest manufacturing nation in the world, according to the World Bank), and government support for Industry 4.0, is now firmly on the radar of global robotics and automation companies.

The question is whether India can become the next big market for robotics and automation systems – a kind of “next China” for global industry. [Read more…] about Can India become the next big market for robotics and automation?

Omron opens new automation center in Bengaluru, India

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Omron, one of the world’s largest industrial automation companies, has inaugurated its new Automation Center in Bengaluru, India, marking a milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to advance industrial automation-based transformation of India’s manufacturing sector.

The new center, part of Omron’s global network of 10 automation centers and 34 proof of concept labs, is strategically located to serve manufacturers in South India as well as across the country, including micro, small, and medium enterprises to empower them to make world-class in India.

Supporting the government’s Make in India and Industry 4.0 initiatives, the Center demonstrates practical automation solutions for manufacturing challenges, facilitates proof-of-concept development, provides technical training, and enables collaboration with manufacturers, machine builders, and system integrators to strengthen India’s manufacturing capabilities. [Read more…] about Omron opens new automation center in Bengaluru, India

Tiny industrial robot maker Mecademic introduces certified integrator program

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Mecademic, the maker of the tiniest industrial robots in the world, has launched a Certified Integrator Program.

This follows a soft introduction earlier this year at Automate 2025 in Chicago and further discussions during Automatica 2025, held June 24-27 in Munich.

This new initiative, developed for system integrators and custom machine builders, supports industry growth, accelerates automation deployment, and promotes long-term collaboration across precision-driven sectors such as medical devices, electronics, photonics, and advanced manufacturing.

Stanislav Gleizer, director, strategic partnerships integrators and OEMs, says: “The Certified Partner Program reflects our belief that automation success is rooted in collaboration. We’re excited to work with integrators who share our passion for innovation, precision, and creating meaningful impact.” [Read more…] about Tiny industrial robot maker Mecademic introduces certified integrator program

HD Hyundai Robotics launches new industrial robot controller with ‘enhanced safety and AI integration’

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HD Hyundai Robotics has launched its next-generation industrial AI robot controller, the Hi7, which the company says “significantly enhances safety, AI capabilities, and user convenience”.

The newly released controller is equipped with HD Hyundai Robotics’ proprietary AI-based safety control solution, SafeSpace 2.0, enabling advanced safety simulations and motion control features.

By analyzing situational data collected from sensors, the AI predicts potential risks during operation and autonomously halts robot movements upon detecting motion or impact, effectively preventing safety incidents. [Read more…] about HD Hyundai Robotics launches new industrial robot controller with ‘enhanced safety and AI integration’

What does SoftBank want with ABB Robotics?

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SoftBank Group’s agreement to acquire ABB’s robotics division for $5.4 billion is one of the most striking moves in industrial automation in recent years.

It not only reshapes ABB’s corporate structure, but also raises a central question for the robotics industry: What exactly does SoftBank want with ABB Robotics? [Read more…] about What does SoftBank want with ABB Robotics?

Interview with Bedrock Robotics CEO Boris Sofman: ‘The economics are compelling’

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Over the past couple of years, the level of interest in construction robotics has surged. This is not surprising given the tantalising demos by new robotics companies that show what autonomous machines could do on building sites.

At the forefront of turning that promise into reality is Bedrock Robotics, led by co-founder and CEO Boris Sofman.

After pivotal roles at Anki and Waymo, Sofman has embarked on one of the boldest pivots in the autonomy space: applying machine learning and robotics to earthmoving, excavation, and other heavy-duty construction work. [Read more…] about Interview with Bedrock Robotics CEO Boris Sofman: ‘The economics are compelling’

Qualcomm to acquire Arduino

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Qualcomm Technologies has announced an agreement to acquire Arduino, a premier open-source hardware and software company.

The transaction accelerates Qualcomm Technologies’ strategy to empower developers by facilitating access to its unmatched portfolio of edge technologies and products.

This acquisition builds on the company’s recent integrations of Edge Impulse and Foundries.io, reinforcing its commitment to delivering a full-stack edge platform that spans hardware, software, and cloud services. [Read more…] about Qualcomm to acquire Arduino

Energy Robotics secures $13.5 million Series A to scale critical infrastructure inspections with AI and robotics

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Energy Robotics, a provider of an AI software platform for autonomous inspection with robots and drones, has announced the successful close of $13.5m of Series A funding. 

Energy Robotics has completed over 1 million inspections across five continents, saving 32,000+ hours of hazardous human labor for customers across oil and gas, industrial, chemical, and utility sectors, including Shell, BP, Repsol, BASF, Merck and E.ON.

This funding cements the company’s position as a market leader of full-stack, hardware-agnostic, fleet-management AI software autonomy platform for critical infrastructure. [Read more…] about Energy Robotics secures $13.5 million Series A to scale critical infrastructure inspections with AI and robotics

ABB to sell its robotics division to SoftBank Group for $5.4 billion

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ABB has signed an agreement to divest its robotics division to SoftBank Group for an enterprise value of $5.375 billion and not pursue its earlier intention to spin off the business as a separately listed company.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and further customary closing conditions and is expected to close in mid-to-late 2026.

Peter Voser, chairman of ABB, says: “SoftBank’s offer has been carefully evaluated by the Board and Executive Committee and compared with our original intention for a spin-off. It reflects the long-term strengths of the division, and the divestment will create immediate value to ABB shareholders. [Read more…] about ABB to sell its robotics division to SoftBank Group for $5.4 billion

PAL Robotics showcases ‘the future of human-robot interaction’ at IROS 2025

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As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embodied in physical systems, the frontier of robotics is shifting towards interaction, between robots, with their environments, and above all, with humans.

At the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2025), PAL Robotics will join the global discussion on embodied AI and human-robot interaction, exploring how social robots are redefining the future.

Attendees will discover how PAL Robotics’ platforms, and their potential for research and development, advance collaboration, perception, and adaptability in real-world environments. [Read more…] about PAL Robotics showcases ‘the future of human-robot interaction’ at IROS 2025