Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

humanoid robots

OpenMind releases new hardware-plus-software system to give robots and humanoids ‘real-world intelligence’

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OpenMind has released BrainPack, which it describes as “a new hardware and software system that gives robots and humanoids real-world intelligence” – that is, perception, control, memory, and autonomy – all in a single backpack-sized platform.

BrainPack integrates advanced mapping, object labeling, privacy-protected vision, remote operation, and self-charging into one modular system. Built on the back of one of three of Nvidia’s most powerful processing units, OpenMind is setting the new bar for embodied AI.

It’s the same brain that has powered OpenMind’s now-viral demonstrations of self-charging quadrupeds, and it’s now available to developers, research labs, and early adopters worldwide. [Read more…] about OpenMind releases new hardware-plus-software system to give robots and humanoids ‘real-world intelligence’

Winners of AgiBot World Challenge at IROS 2025

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The AgiBot World Challenge at IROS 2025 concluded with 431 robotics teams from 23 countries competing across two major categories – the World Model Track and the Manipulation Track – showcasing advances in embodied AI and real-world robotic skills.

In the World Model Track, first place went to VIPL-GENUN from the Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. HD-Robo from HiDream.ai Inc. took second place, followed by SHIELD-LMD, a joint team representing Alibaba Cloud, SHIELD, and Shanghai TAM, in third.

In the Manipulation Track, AIR-DREAM, a joint entry by Tsinghua University and Shanghai AI Lab, won first place. Notonlysim from South China University of Technology and Firebot from the University of Hong Kong ranked second and third respectively. [Read more…] about Winners of AgiBot World Challenge at IROS 2025

F-Prime’s ‘State of Robotics 2025’ report shows record $21 billion investment. But is it another bubble?

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Investment in robotics is projected to reach an all-time high of $21 billion this year, according to F-Prime Capital’s latest State of Robotics 2025 report – a jump fuelled by generative AI, defense spending, and merger-and-acquisition activity.

The report, which tracks venture funding, valuations, and exits across the global robotics sector, highlights a 150 percent increase in funding for so-called “general purpose robotics” – a category covering humanoids and AI-driven machines – rising from $2 billion in 2024 to $5 billion this year.

Defense robotics now accounts for 63 percent of total investment, helped by multi-billion-dollar deals such as Blue Halo’s $4.1 billion acquisition. [Read more…] about F-Prime’s ‘State of Robotics 2025’ report shows record $21 billion investment. But is it another bubble?

Robot chef’s stir-fry disaster goes viral. But what does it really tell us?

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Do we really need to see another robot making a mess in the kitchen? Probably not – but the internet clearly disagrees.

A recent video of a humanoid robot attempting to cook a stir-fry has gone viral after the machine lost its grip on the pan, sending food flying across the kitchen.

The clip – widely shared by Interesting Engineering, Futurism, and the Daily Mail among many others – shows Unitree’s G1 humanoid robot struggling through what appears to be a cooking demonstration gone wrong. [Read more…] about Robot chef’s stir-fry disaster goes viral. But what does it really tell us?

Deloitte report says ‘physical AI’ era has begun as intelligent robots reshape industry

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Deloitte has published a new report arguing that the world is entering the era of “physical AI” – intelligent robots capable of perceiving, reasoning, and acting in the physical world – and says the technology is set to reshape manufacturing, construction, logistics, and other industrial sectors.

The report, How robotics and physical AI are reshaping industries and society, describes a “pivotal moment” driven by three converging forces: rapid advances in AI models, falling hardware costs, and deepening labour shortages.

Deloitte says physical AI systems represent the next step beyond traditional automation, enabling machines to “autonomously interact with, interpret, and make decisions within physical environments, often in real time and with real-world feedback loops”. [Read more…] about Deloitte report says ‘physical AI’ era has begun as intelligent robots reshape industry

Construction sector looks to humanoid robots as labour shortages intensify, says McKinsey

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The global construction industry is accelerating efforts to adopt humanoid robots as it grapples with a persistent productivity slump and ongoing labour shortages, according to a new report from McKinsey & Company.

In a note emailed to Robotics & Automation News, a spokesperson for McKinsey highlighted the pressure facing the sector.

“Stuck in a cycle of meager productivity growth rates – which stood at only 0.4 percent from 2000-2022 – and with talent pools continuing to thin, it isn’t surprising to see that the construction industry is struggling to keep up with demand and is leaving no stone unturned in hopes of innovation – including humanoid robots.” [Read more…] about Construction sector looks to humanoid robots as labour shortages intensify, says McKinsey

Social and companion robots: More than just machines?

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For decades, robots were built to weld, lift, inspect, and assemble. Their world was the industrial floor – structured tasks, predictable environments, and a focus on efficiency.

That paradigm is shifting. A new category of machines is emerging, designed not to move pallets or operate tools but to interact, comfort, teach, and keep people company.

Social and companion robots occupy a different space in the automation landscape. Instead of replacing physical labour, they augment human relationships, taking on roles traditionally associated with caregivers, teachers, receptionists, and even friends. [Read more…] about Social and companion robots: More than just machines?

Video: Figure 03 shows what humanoid robots can really do

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Figure AI has released a new video (see below) showcasing its third-generation humanoid robot, the Figure 03, performing a range of everyday tasks that demonstrate just how far the company has come in bridging the gap between research and reality.

In the six-minute video, the robot folds clothes, loads and operates a washing machine, clears dishes from a coffee table, and rinses them before loading a dishwasher.

It’s also shown operating a reception desk, carrying boxes, and even tossing a ball for a dog to chase – a subtle but striking moment that captures how naturally the machine moves within familiar environments. [Read more…] about Video: Figure 03 shows what humanoid robots can really do

AgiBot World Challenge brings embodied intelligence to life at IROS 2025

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As humanoid robots dominate the headlines at this year’s International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2025), the AgiBot World Challenge directed the spotlight at embodied intelligence – testing how well robots can bridge the gap between digital simulation and real-world performance.

The official competition of IROS 2025 has attracted 431 robotics teams from 23 countries, all pushing the limits of autonomy, dexterity, and real-time perception. After three months of global online trials, the top 12 teams are now heading to Hangzhou for the offline finals.

During the finals, robots will be challenged to perform a series of complex real-world tasks – including folding a T-shirt, picking items from a moving conveyor belt, and preparing food using a microwave – all fully autonomously. [Read more…] about AgiBot World Challenge brings embodied intelligence to life at IROS 2025

Top robotics stories today: Nike unveils robot shoe, AutoStore expands, and more

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Robotics and Automation News brings you a quick look at the latest developments from across the world of intelligent machines and automation.

This edition includes Nike’s new motor-powered “robot shoe”, AutoStore’s latest warehouse innovations, and Nauto’s AI-driven fleet safety system.

Also featured are new breakthroughs in space robotics, industrial safety, and autonomous science. Here are the top stories now on RoboticsAndAutomationNews.com.  [Read more…] about Top robotics stories today: Nike unveils robot shoe, AutoStore expands, and more