However, once these systems are deployed, they are prone to face unique challenges. Lighting conditions, variations in human behavior, the variety of surfaces encountered, and background noise are examples of factors that can contribute to these newfound friction points in untested scenarios. [Read more…] about Bridging the Gap Between Robotics Design and Deployment
robotics
Cold calling: How autonomous robots are transforming polar science in the Arctic and Antarctic
The British Antarctic Survey says autonomous vehicles are ‘transforming polar science’
A robot is cruising beneath Antarctic sea ice. Another is bolted to the face of a collapsing Greenland glacier. A third is silently counting penguins on a remote, windswept beach.
None of them has a human operator nearby.
Across the Arctic and Antarctic, autonomous robots are changing the way scientists explore some of the world’s most remote and inhospitable environments. [Read more…] about Cold calling: How autonomous robots are transforming polar science in the Arctic and Antarctic
Yusen Logistics deploys Destro AI warehouse coordination platform
Yusen Logistics Americas, a global supply chain logistics company, has entered a strategic collaboration with Destro AI, a provider of an AI-powered human-robot collaboration and physical AI platform for warehouse operations.
The deployment is part of Yusen’s ongoing investment in intelligent warehouse technologies designed to improve operational efficiency, increase execution consistency, and deliver even greater value to customers.
Transload operations are among the most demanding workflows in logistics. Freight must move quickly through inbound receiving, staging, dock operations, and outbound shipping while teams respond to changing freight volumes, labor availability, and customer delivery requirements. [Read more…] about Yusen Logistics deploys Destro AI warehouse coordination platform
Former DeepMind team launches AI robotics startup with robots that learn from workers
Reimagine Robotics, an AI robotics company founded by former leaders of Google DeepMind’s Applied Robotics team, has emerged from stealth with new technology that allows robots to learn on the job.
The company is developing intelligent robots that anyone can train and use. Instead of requiring specialist programmers whenever a task or production process changes, workers can show the robot what to do, watch it attempt the task and correct it on the spot.
“A useful robot should be able to learn from the person doing the work,” says Jonathan Scholz, co-founder and CEO of Reimagine Robotics. [Read more…] about Former DeepMind team launches AI robotics startup with robots that learn from workers
Researchers unveil open-source robotic guide dog designed to assist blind and visually impaired people
Researchers have introduced what they describe as the world’s first fully autonomous robotic guide dog, an AI-powered mobile robot designed to help blind and visually impaired people navigate both indoor and outdoor environments.
Named Milo, the robot has been developed as a lower-cost alternative to traditional guide dogs, which require extensive training and are often in short supply.
According to the developers, certified guide dogs in Canada can cost tens of thousands of dollars to train, and applicants may wait several years before receiving one. [Read more…] about Researchers unveil open-source robotic guide dog designed to assist blind and visually impaired people
Unitree expects first-half revenue growth as demand for humanoid robots accelerates
Chinese robotics company Unitree Technology expects strong revenue growth in the first half of 2026 as demand for humanoid robots and embodied AI continues to increase, according to reports by DigiTimes and AFP.
The company expects first-half revenue of about CNY1.1 billion ($156 million), representing year-on-year growth of between 35.6 percent and 45.4 percent, the reports said.
The figures come as Unitree prepares for its planned initial public offering in Shanghai later this month. [Read more…] about Unitree expects first-half revenue growth as demand for humanoid robots accelerates
SoftBank-backed Agile Robots expects revenue to double this year
German robotics company Agile Robots expects to double its revenue this year as demand for industrial automation continues to grow, according to an interview with the company’s chief executive published by the Wall Street Journal.
CEO Zhaopeng Chen told the newspaper that Agile Robots generated revenue of €300 million (approximately $346 million) in 2025 and expects that figure to reach around €600 million this year.
According to the report, the company has already signed customer contracts supporting its 2026 revenue forecast and expects to reach profitability within the next two to three years. [Read more…] about SoftBank-backed Agile Robots expects revenue to double this year
UK government launches £20 million funding competition for agricultural robots
The UK government has launched a £20 million funding competition to accelerate the development of robots and automated technologies for agriculture, with the aim of helping farmers improve productivity and reduce dependence on seasonal labour.
Announced by farming minister Stephen Morgan, the funding is available to agri-tech businesses working with researchers and farmers to develop robotic systems capable of planting, monitoring and harvesting crops.
The latest competition is part of the government’s Farming Innovation Programme and follows a recent £53 million funding package, bringing the total available for farming research and technology this year to £123 million. [Read more…] about UK government launches £20 million funding competition for agricultural robots
China threatens retaliation after US restricts imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots
China has threatened to retaliate against new US restrictions on foreign-produced humanoid robots, warning that the measures will damage economic and trade relations between the world’s two largest economies.
The response comes after the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added foreign-produced advanced robotic devices, including humanoids and quadrupeds, to its Covered List, preventing new models from receiving the equipment authorizations generally required for import, marketing and sale in the United States.
As previously reported by Robotics & Automation News, the FCC said the decision followed determinations by US national security agencies that the devices pose unacceptable cybersecurity and supply chain risks. Existing FCC-authorized robot models are not affected. [Read more…] about China threatens retaliation after US restricts imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots
Dubai and Oxa launch autonomous logistics venture to deploy self-driving vehicles at ports and airports
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and Oxa, a developer of autonomous vehicle technology, has announced the launch of SHIFFT, a joint venture that will establish Dubai as a global hub for autonomous logistics.
SHIFFT will incorporate self-driving technology into a fully integrated autonomous logistics and worksite intelligence product, enabling end-to-end operational deployment.
It will unlock productivity, efficiency and safety gains for customers – increasing operational resilience and output. [Read more…] about Dubai and Oxa launch autonomous logistics venture to deploy self-driving vehicles at ports and airports