Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

robotics news

T2 and PlusAI partner to accelerate rollout of Level 4 autonomous trucks in Japan

by

PlusAI and Tokyo-based T2 have agreed a strategic partnership to bring Level 4 autonomous trucks to Japan. The move comes as PlusAI is also planning to become publicly listed via a business combination with Churchill Capital Corp IX.

The collaboration combines T2’s deep penetration on technology design and logistics operation in Japan with PlusAI’s proven experience in commercial deployment of autonomous trucks with global truck makers Traton Group, Iveco Group, and Hyundai in the US and Europe.

By combining these complementary strengths, the companies will work toward introducing Level 4 autonomous trucking solutions tailored to Japan’s needs. [Read more…] about T2 and PlusAI partner to accelerate rollout of Level 4 autonomous trucks in Japan

The view from Universal Robots: Four physical AI predictions for 2026 and beyond

by

By Anders Billesø Beck, vice president, AI robotics products at Universal Robots

The robotics industry is evolving faster than ever, and the signals of what’s next are already visible. As someone focused on shaping the future of automation, I see four trends that will redefine how robots create value.

From smarter math and cooperative behaviors to industry-specific AI and a new data economy, here’s what I predict will matter most in the years ahead. [Read more…] about The view from Universal Robots: Four physical AI predictions for 2026 and beyond

Electric air taxis: Paris’ future in the skies and what it means for luxury travel

by

Although electric air taxi services missed their high‑profile Paris 2024 debut, the promise of urban air mobility still looms large over the French capital.

Paris and French authorities had hoped that 2024 would mark the first major public showcase of electric air taxis, offering a futuristic new layer to urban transport and hinting at a new era of elevated mobility for visitors.

While these plans did not fully materialise during the Olympics due to regulatory and certification delays, continued development suggests a near‑future where environmentally cleaner air taxi services enhance premium traveller experiences in and around Paris. [Read more…] about Electric air taxis: Paris’ future in the skies and what it means for luxury travel

Deepgram raises $130 million Series C at $1.3 billion valuation

by

Voice AI company Deepgram has raised $130 million in Series C funding at a valuation of $1.3 billion, as it looks to expand its real-time voice AI platform and scale deployments across enterprise and developer markets.

The round was led by AVP, with participation from existing investors including Alkeon, In-Q-Tel, Madrona, Tiger, Wing, Y Combinator, and funds and accounts managed by BlackRock.

New investors in the round include Alumni Ventures and Princeville Capital, alongside strategic backers such as Twilio, ServiceNow Ventures, SAP, and Citi Ventures. [Read more…] about Deepgram raises $130 million Series C at $1.3 billion valuation

Konnex raises $15 million to develop autonomous robotics platform

by

Konnex, a startup developing software infrastructure for autonomous robots, has raised $15 million in funding as it looks to expand its platform for implementing robots across industrial and commercial applications.

The company said the funding came from a group of venture investors including Cogitent Ventures, Liquid Capital, Leland Ventures, Covey, M77 Ventures and Block Maven.

Konnex describes its focus as enabling autonomous robots to be deployed and managed more flexibly, rather than operating as closed, proprietary systems tied to specific vendors or environments. [Read more…] about Konnex raises $15 million to develop autonomous robotics platform

Wing launches drone delivery for Walmart in Greater Houston in biggest expansion yet

by

Wing and Walmart are ringing in the new year with ultra-fast drone delivery across Greater Houston, marking the start of the most ambitious year of growth yet.

Greater Houston’s urban spread, growing population and demand for speed and convenience make it the ideal first market of the year for Walmart and Wing’s continued drone delivery expansion.

The service offers Houstonians a fast and fresh way to get essentials, delivering everything from last-minute items like baby wipes to forgotten dinner ingredients such as fresh tomatoes or ground beef, in as fast as 30 minutes. [Read more…] about Wing launches drone delivery for Walmart in Greater Houston in biggest expansion yet

4XRobots expands into US market with focus on greenhouse automation

by

Danish robotics company 4XRobots is expanding its presence in the United States as it looks to scale automation in commercial greenhouse operations across North America.

The company has appointed Nick Chambers as head of global market development and insight to lead the expansion and has joined the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), a move aimed at building partnerships with North American robotics integrators, suppliers and technology partners.

4XRobots develops collaborative Delta robots designed specifically for controlled-environment agriculture, including greenhouses, where space is limited and layouts are difficult to redesign. [Read more…] about 4XRobots expands into US market with focus on greenhouse automation

Oversonic Robotics agrees strategic partnership with NantWorks and opens new LA office

by

Oversonic Robotics, an Italian company specializing in cognitive humanoid robotics, has agreed a strategic partnership in the United States with NantWorks, alongside the opening of a new Los Angeles office.

The announcement was made during the inaugural US-Saudi Biotech Alliance Summit, held in conjunction with the 44th Annual JPMorgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco.

This agreement marks an important step in the company’s international expansion. The collaboration brings together Oversonic’s technological excellence with NantWorks unique expertise in the medical and aerospace sectors, strengthening the company’s ability to develop advanced cognitive robotic solutions for industrial and healthcare applications. [Read more…] about Oversonic Robotics agrees strategic partnership with NantWorks and opens new LA office

Eco-Friendly Job Sites: Reusing Shipping Containers for Sustainable Field Operations

by

Job sites are temporary by nature. Crews arrive, infrastructure goes up, work gets done, and everything moves on. For decades, that temporary mindset has come with a heavy environmental cost.

Portable trailers built for short lifespans, materials discarded at the end of a project, and constant transportation of fragile site offices all add up.

As sustainability becomes a real expectation rather than a marketing phrase, stakeholders are rethinking how job sites are set up from day one. [Read more…] about Eco-Friendly Job Sites: Reusing Shipping Containers for Sustainable Field Operations

Global humanoid robot installations reach 16,000 units as commercial deployments accelerate

by

The global humanoid robot market moved closer to large-scale commercialization in 2025, with installations reaching an estimated 16,000 units worldwide, according to new data from Counterpoint Research.

China accounted for more than 80 percent of all humanoid robot installations during the year, underlining the country’s dominant role in early deployments. Adoption was driven primarily by use cases in logistics, manufacturing, automotive, research, and data collection, the research firm said. [Read more…] about Global humanoid robot installations reach 16,000 units as commercial deployments accelerate