Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

robotics news

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

7 CNC-Machined Components Every Industrial Robot Depends On

by

Industrial robots are sold as complete systems, but under the housing, they are assemblies of individually machined parts. Every joint, every actuator mount, and every end-of-arm tool starts as a block of metal on a CNC machine before it becomes part of a functioning robot.

This matters to robotics companies because the quality and lead time of these machined components directly affect how quickly a robot moves from prototype to production. A bearing housing that is 0.05mm out of spec creates play in a joint that compounds across the kinematic chain.

A gearbox casing with a poor surface finish wears faster under load. These are not theoretical problems. They are the kinds of issues that delay product launches and drive up warranty costs. [Read more…] about 7 CNC-Machined Components Every Industrial Robot Depends On

Discontinued Electronic Products: In-depth Analysis of PCB Reverse Engineering and IC Unlock Techniques

by

You might find old electronic products that are not supported anymore. If you reverse engineer circuit board parts from these, you can fix and improve them. Many people do this to repair old gadgets or make them last longer.

Some want to avoid planned obsolescence. Sometimes, you need to reverse engineer circuit board layouts if you cannot find schematics or repair guides. [Read more…] about Discontinued Electronic Products: In-depth Analysis of PCB Reverse Engineering and IC Unlock Techniques

OnRobot to host automation roadmap event in Dallas as manufacturers face labor shortages

by

With manufacturers across North Texas struggling to hire and retain production workers, OnRobot will host the “Build your Automation Roadmap” event in Dallas on February 19th, bringing practical automation solutions directly to the region’s manufacturing community.

The free, in-person event is designed for manufacturers in sectors such as metal fabrication, CNC machining, electronics, aerospace, food & beverage, and industrial equipment manufacturing – industries that form the backbone of the DFW manufacturing economy and are among the hardest hit by ongoing labor shortages. [Read more…] about OnRobot to host automation roadmap event in Dallas as manufacturers face labor shortages

ABB showcases the future of lab automation at SLAS 2026

by

ABB Robotics is demonstrating what it describes as “the next leap in automated laboratory workflows”, showcasing how AI-powered, Autonomous Versatile Robotics (AVRTM) can deliver higher throughput, improved reproducibility and seamless multi-vendor connectivity.

ABB Robotics is at Booth #2027 at the ongoing Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) 2026 International Conference & Exhibition, February 7-11 at the Thomas Michael Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston.

Jose-Manuel Collados, service robotics product line manager at ABB Robotics, says: “Laboratories worldwide are moving from isolated automation pilots to fully connected, AI-ready operations. [Read more…] about ABB showcases the future of lab automation at SLAS 2026

AI agents are now hiring humans – and it may be less absurd than it sounds

by

A strange new phenomenon is sweeping tech circles: autonomous AI agents are now posting job listings looking for humans to complete physical-world errands on their behalf.

A recently launched platform called RentAHuman.ai lets AI agents hire you. It allows software agents — the autonomous programs that can execute online tasks – to “rent” humans to perform jobs that require a physical body or on-the-ground presence.

The idea is as absurd as it sounds: machines can’t touch grass, but you can, and you’ll get paid when agents need someone in the real world. [Read more…] about AI agents are now hiring humans – and it may be less absurd than it sounds

From demos to daily transport: How Las Vegas is turning autonomy into real urban infrastructure

by

While many cities are still piloting autonomous transport in tightly controlled environments, Las Vegas is moving more aggressively – positioning itself as one of the most visible real-world laboratories for next-generation mobility in the United States.

Across the Strip and beyond, robotaxis, remotely operated vehicles, automated shuttles, and tunnel-based transport systems are shifting autonomy from experimental deployments toward everyday infrastructure capable of moving residents, workers, and tourists.

Taken together, these initiatives suggest a coordinated – if not formally centralized – push toward embedding intelligent transport directly into the city’s operational fabric. If there is a central co-ordinating organization, it’s probably the Clark County Office of Community and Economic Development, Nevada, home of the Las Vegas Strip. [Read more…] about From demos to daily transport: How Las Vegas is turning autonomy into real urban infrastructure

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

ABB launches ‘Automation Extended’ to help industries modernize control systems without disruption

by

ABB has introduced a new automation architecture called Automation Extended, designed to help industrial operators upgrade their control systems while avoiding costly shutdowns and large-scale equipment replacements.

The program builds on ABB’s installed base of distributed control systems (DCS) and aims to provide a structured path for companies to adopt newer digital technologies – including artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and Internet of Things connectivity – without interfering with mission-critical operations.

Industries such as energy, chemicals, mining, and utilities are under increasing pressure from volatile markets, cybersecurity risks, regulatory demands, and workforce changes. ABB says its new approach allows operators to modernize gradually while preserving existing infrastructure. [Read more…] about ABB launches ‘Automation Extended’ to help industries modernize control systems without disruption

Machina Labs raises $124 million to scale manufacturing infrastructure

by

Machina Labs, an advanced manufacturing and robotics company, has closed a Series C financing totaling $124 million and the development of its first large-scale “Intelligent Factory”.

Woven Capital, Toyota’s growth-stage venture arm, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Balerion Space Ventures, and Strategic Development Fund (SDF) invested in the round.

The funding marks a critical inflection point for Machina Labs as the company scales from breakthrough manufacturing technology to deploying software-defined production infrastructure capable of supporting mission-critical metal structures across defense, aerospace, and advanced mobility. [Read more…] about Machina Labs raises $124 million to scale manufacturing infrastructure