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humanoid robots

Can robots play football? Why AI still struggles with physical movement

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The world’s first AI robot football match shows how far we still have to go

At first glance, it looked like a slow-motion parody of the world’s most beloved sport. On a small indoor pitch in Beijing, teams of humanoid robots wobbled across the turf, scanning the field with glowing blue eyes, tripping over their own feet, and occasionally collapsing in awkward heaps. At one point, two machines had to be stretchered off after failing to stand up again.

Yet for the engineers behind the event, this wasn’t a failure – it was a breakthrough.

Staged in June 2025, China’s first fully autonomous robot football match marked a milestone in the development of embodied artificial intelligence. Each of the robots, including several built on the well-known Nao platform, played without any remote control or manual input. [Read more…] about Can robots play football? Why AI still struggles with physical movement

China hosts world’s first fully autonomous humanoid robot football match

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Beijing has hosted what is believed to be the world’s first fully autonomous football match between humanoid robots, marking a milestone in the development of embodied artificial intelligence.

Held on June 28 in the Yizhuang Development Zone, the match featured four teams of robots developed by Chinese universities, including Tsinghua University and China Agricultural University. In the final, the THU Robotics team beat the Mountain Sea team 5-3.

Each robot operated entirely without human control, using onboard cameras, sensors, and deep reinforcement learning algorithms to detect the ball, make tactical decisions, and navigate the field. Organizers say the event represents a breakthrough in real-time AI decision-making in dynamic physical environments. [Read more…] about China hosts world’s first fully autonomous humanoid robot football match

Nvidia and partners highlight ‘next-generation’ robotics, automation and AI technologies at Automatica

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From the heart of Germany’s automotive sector to manufacturing hubs across France and Italy, Europe is embracing industrial AI and advanced AI-powered robotics to address labor shortages, boost productivity and fuel sustainable economic growth.

Robotics companies are developing humanoid robots and collaborative systems that integrate AI into real-world manufacturing applications.

Supported by a $200 billion investment initiative and coordinated efforts from the European Commission, Europe is positioning itself at the forefront of the next wave of industrial automation, powered by AI. [Read more…] about Nvidia and partners highlight ‘next-generation’ robotics, automation and AI technologies at Automatica

The rise of embodied AI: Robots that learn by doing

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By Laura Pérez, PAL Robotics

As robotics becomes more deeply integrated into society, a new paradigm is taking shape: embodied artificial intelligence (AI).

Unlike traditional AI, which operates in abstract digital environments, embodied AI enables robots to learn by doing; connecting perception, cognition, and action through direct physical interaction with the world.

This shift toward embodied intelligence is rapidly gaining traction in both academic and industrial fields, particularly since embodied AI has become more accessible and relevant. [Read more…] about The rise of embodied AI: Robots that learn by doing

Hexagon launches humanoid robot ‘built for industry’

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Hexagon, a provider of measurement technology, launches a humanoid robot, Aeon, at its flagship Hexagon LIVE Global event.

Aeon, launched by Hexagon’s previously announced Robotics division, has been specifically designed to meet real-world customer needs and address labour shortages.

Aeon combines Hexagon’s world-class sensor suite with advanced locomotion, AI-driven mission control, and spatial intelligence to deliver exceptional agility, versatility, and awareness. [Read more…] about Hexagon launches humanoid robot ‘built for industry’

When wheels won’t do: Humanoid robots for human-centric spaces

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By Nicolas Lehment, senior principal system architect, NXP Semiconductors

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and wheeled mobile robots currently dominate factories and warehouses, following magnetic stripes or optical markers permanently embedded in warehouse flooring to navigate routes.

As requirements evolve, however, wheels are simply not enough. Demand is growing for machines capable of navigating more challenging, human-centric environments, such as hospitals, restaurants, homes, and even rugged outdoor terrain.

In such environments, perfectly flat floors, free from steps and stairs, along with conspicuous, clutter-free aisles, are luxuries. [Read more…] about When wheels won’t do: Humanoid robots for human-centric spaces

Robots are getting smarter and more sophisticated. They also need to get safer

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By Jenny Shern, general manager at NexCOBOT, part of Nexcom

Robot installations worldwide have more than doubled in the past decade – and deployments are no longer contained to the manufacturing line.

A growing wave of players are racing to develop advanced robots and humanoids with sophisticated capabilities in a variety of dynamic environments, from retail stores and hotel lobbies to eldercare facilities and bustling warehouses

For instance, Amazon’s newest collaborative robot, Vulcan, is equipped with tactile sensing that enables it to pick, sort, and stow objects with the finesse of a human hand. [Read more…] about Robots are getting smarter and more sophisticated. They also need to get safer

Humanoid robots forecast to see ‘14-fold market expansion in five years’

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The global market for humanoid robots, widely categorized as “embodied AI”, is projected to grow rapidly over the next 10 years – and is expected to see a ‘14-fold market expansion in five years’ , according to IDTechEx. 

This surge is fueled by major players like Tesla and BYD, who plan to expand humanoid deployment in their factories more than tenfold between 2025 and 2026, aiming for over 25 percent cost reduction per humanoid robot.

With 2025 seen as the industry’s take-off year, IDTechEx anticipates the market for humanoid robot sensory components, including LiDAR, encoders, torque sensors, 6-axis sensors, IMUs, MEMS sensors, and cameras, to reach approximately $10 billion within 10 years. [Read more…] about Humanoid robots forecast to see ‘14-fold market expansion in five years’

RobotLAB pledges ‘zero disruption’ to servicing Aldebaran robots despite liquidation of business

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With the recent news that French robotics pioneer Aldebaran, the original creator of the NAO and Pepper robots, has entered judicial liquidation, RobotLAB is stepping forward to provide clarity, continuity, and confidence to customers worldwide.

While headlines may suggest uncertainty, the real story signals a “powerful next chapter”, one that benefits the entire robotics education and research community, according to a statement from RobotLAB, which services and maintains thousands of Aldebaran robots worldwide.

A well-capitalized group is in the process of acquiring the intellectual property and core engineering team from Aldebaran and will be launching a new entity: NAO Robotics SA. [Read more…] about RobotLAB pledges ‘zero disruption’ to servicing Aldebaran robots despite liquidation of business

Robotic hand maker Tesollo selected for Nvidia Inception Program

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Robotics and solutions startup Tesollo has been officially selected as a member of the Nvidia Inception Program.

The Nvidia Inception Program is a global innovation support platform designed to identify and nurture promising startups in the fields of AI and high-performance computing.

The program offers a wide range of technical and business support, including GPU optimization, technical consulting, and access to a global ecosystem. [Read more…] about Robotic hand maker Tesollo selected for Nvidia Inception Program