Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

physical ai

BMW to test humanoid robots in production in Germany for the first time

by

The BMW Group is preparing to test humanoid robots in its car production in Europe for the first time, as the company accelerates its push to integrate artificial intelligence directly into factory operations.

The pilot project will take place at the company’s Leipzig plant in Germany, where engineers will test how humanoid robots can work alongside existing manufacturing systems in series vehicle production. The robots will also be evaluated for use in battery assembly and component manufacturing.

The project is part of BMW’s broader effort to introduce what it describes as “Physical AI” – the combination of digital artificial intelligence with physical machines such as robots operating in real industrial environments. [Read more…] about BMW to test humanoid robots in production in Germany for the first time

Ambi Robotics expands physical AI platform

by

Ambi Robotics, a provider of AI-powered robotics for commercial operations, has introduced AI Skill Suite powered by AmbiOS.

The company is expanding its operating system for Physical AI by offering a growing library of reliable, production-proven 3D AI robot applications for licensing by trusted partners.

This initiative allows Ambi’s operationally-validated AI to be deployed across a wide range of industries and third-party hardware use-cases. [Read more…] about Ambi Robotics expands physical AI platform

Corvus Robotics launches new drones for autonomous inventory in sub-zero warehouses

by

Corvus Robotics, a provider of physical AI robotic systems including drones for logistics and warehousing operations, has launched the Corvus One for Cold Chain, an autonomous inventory management system engineered to operate continuously in freezer environments ranging from minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit to ambient temperatures.

Designed to withstand extreme cold, airflow, frost, and condensation, the system delivers frequent, accurate inventory cycle counts without human intervention, enabling operators to maintain real-time visibility while keeping labor and equipment out of harsh freezer conditions. [Read more…] about Corvus Robotics launches new drones for autonomous inventory in sub-zero warehouses

Gather AI raises $40 million to scale its physical AI platform for global logistics

by

Gather AI, a startup developing physical AI for logistics, has raised $40 million in Series B funding led by Smith Point Capital Management.

The investment includes participation from Bain Capital Ventures, Tribeca Venture Partners, Bling Capital, Dundee Venture Capital, XRC Ventures, and new investor The Hillman Company. To date, the company has raised $74 million.

The investment follows a year of significant momentum, with Gather AI doubling its operational footprint and growing bookings 250 percent. [Read more…] about Gather AI raises $40 million to scale its physical AI platform for global logistics

Interview with Reframe Systems CEO: ‘We’re developing a robotics and vision platform to unlock automation’

by

As the construction sector grapples with stubborn labor shortages, rising costs, and mounting pressure to deliver housing at scale, a new class of automation companies is emerging that promises to reshape how homes are built.

One of the most intriguing among them is Reframe Systems, a technology company that blends industrial robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing to automate large chunks of the construction process that have long resisted mechanization.

Founded on the conviction that real-world productivity gains require more than isolated bricklaying robots or simple material movers, Reframe describes its approach as “physical AI” for construction – applying robotics and automation within controlled factory environments to deliver repeatable, high-quality building components at scale. [Read more…] about Interview with Reframe Systems CEO: ‘We’re developing a robotics and vision platform to unlock automation’

Physical AI robotics draws millions in funding as digital markets face correction

by

While digital asset charts cool off, factory floors are receiving a massive influx of capital. Venture firms are swapping volatile tokens for robots that demonstrate tangible utility. The following analysis details the financial pivot toward physical automation in healthcare and manufacturing.

2025 proved that utility is the ultimate value driver. While speculative assets experienced natural market cycles, a quiet, substantial shift occurred in venture capital boardrooms. Fund managers moved focus from viral tokens to hardware that solves real-world problems.

The experts aren’t just talking about prototypes anymore. Capital is flooding into systems that can hold a scalpel or assemble a gearbox. Funding is backing machines that build, rather than just code that counts. [Read more…] about Physical AI robotics draws millions in funding as digital markets face correction

Nvidia launches robotics hackathon with $5,000 top prize to spur physical AI development

by

Nvidia has launched a global virtual hackathon aimed at accelerating development in robotics and physical AI, offering a top cash prize of $5,000 along with high-performance computing hardware.

The event, called the Cosmos Cookoff, invites developers, researchers, and system builders to create applications using Nvidia’s Cosmos family of world foundation models – AI systems designed to help machines perceive, reason about, and act within physical environments.

Registration opened on January 29 and closes February 19, with final project submissions due February 26. Winners are expected to be announced during the week of March 16. [Read more…] about Nvidia launches robotics hackathon with $5,000 top prize to spur physical AI development

Neura Robotics and Drees & Sommer launch strategic partnership for robotics-ready buildings

by

Neura Robotics, a developer of cognitive robotics and physical AI, has agreed a partnership with Drees & Sommer, an international consulting firm for construction and infrastructure.

Together, the two companies aim not only to plan and operate buildings, but also to design them as learning, interactive systems and as environments that work together with humans and robots in real time.

Initially, the companies will focus on solutions for sanitary facilities, an area in which the need for automation, hygiene and availability is particularly acute. [Read more…] about Neura Robotics and Drees & Sommer launch strategic partnership for robotics-ready buildings

Apera AI accelerates ‘4D vision’ installations with launch of new software

by

Apera AI, a specialist in “4D vision” for industrial robotic automation, has announced the release of Apera Vue 9.52 and major performance upgrades to Apera Forge.

This January 2026 update provides manufacturers with unprecedented control over robotic motion, deeper diagnostic insights into robot performance, and a significant acceleration in the simulation-to-deployment pipeline.

4D vision is a machine perception technology that combines 3D spatial data (position, shape) with temporal data (time) to analyze motion in real-time

Sina Afrooze, CEO and founder at Apera AI, says: “In 2026, 4D Vision-guided robotics has become the fastest path to higher uptime and global competitiveness for major manufacturers. [Read more…] about Apera AI accelerates ‘4D vision’ installations with launch of new software

FedEx to deploy robotic trailer unloading following multi-year collaboration with Berkshire Grey

by

Logistics giant FedEx has announced the implementation of a new autonomous robotic system from Berkshire Grey, a provider of AI-enabled robotic solutions that automate supply chain processes and a subsidiary of SoftBank Group.

A multi-year collaboration between FedEx and Berkshire Grey created physical AI for safer, smarter logistics, and resulted in the Scoop robotic package unloader. The Scoop system has been engineered specifically for automated trailer unloading and will help optimize FedEx operations to be safer and more efficient.

FedEx continues to prioritize innovation focused on creating solutions that improve team members’ day-to-day workflow and their work safety. [Read more…] about FedEx to deploy robotic trailer unloading following multi-year collaboration with Berkshire Grey