Robotics & Automation News

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PIA Automation launches embodied AI and humanoid robotics division targeting industrial applications

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PIA Automation, a provider of advanced automation solutions, today announced the launch of a new business segment, embodied AI and humanoid robotics, combining the company’s expertise in artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced manufacturing.

The move expands PIA’s automation solutions to include humanoid robots that can physically interact with their environment and adapt to changing production tasks.

As modern factories face growing product variety and unpredictable production demands, flexible and intelligent automation has become essential. [Read more…] about PIA Automation launches embodied AI and humanoid robotics division targeting industrial applications

Qualcomm joins MassRobotics to support startup ecosystem and robotics development

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MassRobotics has announced that Qualcomm Technologies has joined its organization as a sponsor, expanding the network of companies supporting robotics startups within its ecosystem.

The addition of Qualcomm Technologies is expected to provide new technical resources and collaboration opportunities for startups working within the MassRobotics community, which focuses on accelerating the development and commercialization of robotics technologies.

The move comes as Qualcomm Technologies continues to expand its presence in robotics and edge AI. The company recently introduced the Qualcomm Dragonwing Robotics Hub, a developer-focused platform within the Arduino Project Hub that provides sample applications and a shared environment for building and scaling robotics systems. [Read more…] about Qualcomm joins MassRobotics to support startup ecosystem and robotics development

Amazon acquires Fauna Robotics as it expands into home humanoid robots

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Amazon has acquired New York-based startup Fauna Robotics, signaling a move beyond its traditional focus on warehouse automation into consumer-facing humanoid robots.

The deal, first reported by Bloomberg and covered by Silicon Republic and Euronews, involves Fauna’s team of roughly 50 employees joining Amazon’s Personal Robotics Group. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Fauna, founded in 2024, developed a humanoid robot called “Sprout”, designed to operate in shared human environments such as homes, schools and public spaces. The machine, approximately one meter tall and built with soft materials, is intended to be approachable and safe for interaction. [Read more…] about Amazon acquires Fauna Robotics as it expands into home humanoid robots

Heavy-industry robotics company Kewazo raises $35 million with backing from Chevron and Asahi Kasei

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Kewazo, the robotics company transforming heavy industry worldwide, has completed a new funding round backed by Chevron Technology Ventures, Asahi Kasei, Benson Capital, Mana Ventures, Gaingels, and Atlas Ventures, alongside lead investor Schooner Capital and existing investors True Ventures and Cybernetix Ventures. Total funding now reaches $35 million.

Kewazo’s lifting robot Liftbot is already deployed at more than 20 industrial sites in North America and Europe, including refineries, petrochemical plants, chemical complexes, and power facilities.

Asset owners and service providers are increasingly adopting Liftbot to replace cranes and manual handling – improving safety and efficiency while bringing greater schedule predictability to maintenance, turnarounds, and capital projects. [Read more…] about Heavy-industry robotics company Kewazo raises $35 million with backing from Chevron and Asahi Kasei

Flexiv secures investment from Invus to scale global deployment of adaptive robots

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Flexiv, a developer of general-purpose robotics, has secured new strategic investment.

Led by global investment firm Invus, with participation from several existing investors, this financing signals strong market confidence in Flexiv’s mission to automate complex tasks that once required a human touch.

Unlike traditional robots that rely on rigid, preprogrammed motion paths, Flexiv’s proprietary force-sensing technology and embodied AI enable robots to adapt to real-world environments. [Read more…] about Flexiv secures investment from Invus to scale global deployment of adaptive robots

Potential use cases for humanoid robots: Disaster response, caregiving and beyond

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Humanoid robots have moved rapidly from laboratory demonstrations to early commercial trials. A growing number of technology companies are developing machines designed to operate in human environments – walking through buildings, handling tools, and performing tasks traditionally carried out by people.

Yet despite the excitement surrounding the technology, one question remains unresolved: what are humanoid robots actually for?

The current generation of machines – developed by companies including Figure AI, Agility Robotics, Apptronik, 1X Technologies, and several Chinese robotics firms – are frequently described as “general-purpose robots”. [Read more…] about Potential use cases for humanoid robots: Disaster response, caregiving and beyond

MassRobotics startups raise $2 billion as Massachusetts strengthens its global robotics hub

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MassRobotics resident startups have collectively raised $2 billion in venture funding since launching in 2017. Resident startups have announced major funding rounds, new product launches, and key industry milestones so far in 2026, highlighting the strength of resident startups within the MassRobotics ecosystem.

As the world’s largest independent robotics hub, MassRobotics’ mission is to help create and scale the next generation of successful robotics and Physical AI technology companies by providing entrepreneurs and startups with the workspace, resources, programming and connections they need to develop, prototype, test and commercialize their products and solutions. [Read more…] about MassRobotics startups raise $2 billion as Massachusetts strengthens its global robotics hub

New York Robotics launches as region’s startup count passes 160

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New York Robotics has formally launched as a non-profit organisation, citing rapid growth in robotics startups, investment activity, and talent across New York City and the wider Tri-State region.

The group said its ecosystem now includes more than 160 robotics startups across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, with nearly 100 based in New York City alone. The figures underline the region’s growing role in robotics and embodied AI as the technology moves from research into commercial deployment.

New York Robotics said the scale of activity positions the region alongside established global robotics hubs such as Boston, Silicon Valley, Pittsburgh, Munich, Zurich, and Denmark. [Read more…] about New York Robotics launches as region’s startup count passes 160

MassRobotics reveals 11 startups to take part in 5th Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst Program

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MassRobotics, in collaboration with Festo, Novanta and Mitsubishi Electric Automation, announces the selection of 11 startups for the 2026 Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst.

Now in its fifth cohort, the program empowers global startups to accelerate the development and commercialization of robotic technologies that improve clinical care, hospital operations, and laboratory automation. [Read more…] about MassRobotics reveals 11 startups to take part in 5th Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst Program

Startup world: Incubators, accelerators and university spin-offs fueling robotics innovation

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Robotics & Automation News takes a high-level look at the global robotics startup ecosystem, and highlights the programs and institutions shaping it.

Robotics innovation rarely emerges fully formed from a garage or a single breakthrough moment. Unlike software startups, robotics companies must contend with physical systems, complex supply chains, safety requirements, certification hurdles, and long development cycles. Capital alone is rarely enough.

Instead, many of the world’s most influential robotics startups trace their origins to a quieter layer of the innovation economy: university laboratories, public research institutions, incubators, and accelerators purpose-built for hardware development.

These programs provide not just funding, but access to infrastructure, talent, industrial partners, and time – all of which are critical in a sector where premature scaling can be fatal. [Read more…] about Startup world: Incubators, accelerators and university spin-offs fueling robotics innovation