Today's Robotics Pulse
Chinese startup Spirit AI tops global AI robot leaderboard, beating Nvidia
Spirit AI’s embodied intelligence model, Spirit v1.6, achieved a score of 1,924 on the RoboArena benchmark, surpassing Nvidia’s Cosmos3‑Nano‑Policy. The company also disclosed a ¥1.5 billion (≈$222 million) funding round to accelerate its robotics AI platform.
Also developing:
By the numbers: OneRobotics acquires Nanoleaf for $40M
HighRes and Opentrons Announce Partnership to Launch AI Agent-to-Agent Lab Automation Workflow
HighRes and Opentrons have formed a strategic partnership to create the industry’s first AI agent‑to‑agent laboratory automation workflow, linking software‑driven experiment design directly to physical execution. The integration combines Opentrons’ modular robotic platforms and AI‑enabled protocol tools with HighRes’ orchestration and scheduling software, enabling end‑to‑end, scalable lab workflows. Both companies will showcase a live demonstration at SLAS 2026, emphasizing open APIs and interoperability. The solution aims to move from natural‑language intent to reliable bench execution while maintaining regulatory‑grade repeatability.
AVSS Successfully Completes Avalanche Product Validation Testing in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada
AVSS announced the completion of its first on‑mountain avalanche control test of the Precision Avalanche Management System (PAMS) in Jasper National Park, Alberta. The trial deployed SnowDart hardware and flight‑planning software to drop low‑cost, eco‑friendly explosives onto a designated avalanche...
AirX Signs Firm Order Agreement with Eve Air Mobility for Two eVTOL Aircraft
Eve Air Mobility has signed a second binding order with Tokyo‑based AirX for up to 50 eVTOL aircraft, with an initial delivery of two units slated for 2029 and an option for 48 more as demand grows. The agreement expands...
U.S. Senate Hearing on Autonomous Vehicles to Include Testimony From Tesla, Waymo
The Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on autonomous vehicles, featuring testimony from Tesla and Waymo executives, the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association chief, and a transportation law professor. Lawmakers aim to address the fragmented state‑by‑state regulatory...
Wasting the Public Purse: How the CAA Litigates Against the Very Innovators the UK Government Funds
Dr Chris Crockford, a UK‑funded drone researcher, publicly resigns his CAA licences after the Civil Aviation Authority’s Safety and Airspace Regulation Group (SARG) banned him from operating drones over 250 g despite no violations. He alleges the CAA spent hundreds of thousands of...
Announcing the Multi-Sensor Edge-to-Cloud MatrixSpace AI Software Platform
MatrixSpace unveiled an upgraded MatrixSpace AI Software Platform that links edge‑based AiEdge sensors with AiCloud SaaS for real‑time, multi‑sensor drone detection. The solution fuses radar, Remote ID, ADS‑B and optical feeds, delivering threat assessment and early warning for both on‑site...
War Department Announces Vendors Invited to Compete in Phase I of the Drone Dominance Program
The U.S. War Department unveiled the 25 companies invited to Phase I of the Drone Dominance Program, a fast‑track acquisition effort to field low‑cost, one‑way attack drones. The Phase I "Gauntlet" will start on 18 February at Fort Benning, with about $150 million in...
£1.85 Million Competition Launched to Counter Illegal UAS Use Around Prisons and Sensitive Sites
UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) has launched a £1.85 million competition to develop low‑collateral counter‑drone technologies for prisons and other sensitive sites. The programme, backed by the Ministry of Justice, Home Office, MOD and other security agencies, offers funding across two challenge...
FedEx Agrees Multi-Year Contract with Berkshire Grey for Its Robotic Trailer Unloader
FedEx has signed a multi‑year agreement with Berkshire Grey to deploy the company’s Scoop robotic trailer unloader across its hub network. The AI‑enabled system automates the unloading of mixed‑package trailers, delivering continuous flow while allowing human intervention for exceptions. Pilot units...
Ency Launches New Version of Its CAD Software with ‘120 Improvements’
Ency has released version 2.7, delivering 120 enhancements across workflow, usability, and stability. The update introduces a Power parameter for non‑planar slicing and Cladding 5D, giving users finer control over bead formation and surface finish. It adds support for several new...
Editor Shares Insights at Nanotech Conference Plenary
Wrapping up two days at the 10th biennial International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology here in Sydney, Australia. Highly engaging event, where my participation involved serving on a panel discussion with other journal editors and delivering a plenary presentation on our...
A Programmable, Lego-Like Material for Robots Emulates Life's Flexibility
Mechanical engineers at Duke University have created a Lego‑like material whose individual cells can be switched between solid and liquid states, enabling on‑demand changes in stiffness and damping. By arranging these programmable blocks, the team demonstrated a robotic fish tail...
Road to Rail: Slashing Costs and Carbon with Automation
In Episode 229 of The Robot Report, Kevin Damoa, founder and CEO of Glid Technologies, discusses the company’s autonomous road‑to‑rail vehicle designed to dramatically lower freight costs and carbon emissions. Glid, launched in 2022, recently secured $3.1 million in pre‑seed funding to...
Advanced Drone Motor: British Designed Propulsion for Demanding UAV Applications
PMW Dynamics has unveiled its Advanced Drone Motor (ADM), a purpose‑engineered propulsion unit aimed at high‑performance UAVs. The motor delivers 2.6 Nm peak torque, 1.1 kW peak power and a compact 90 mm diameter package at 48 V DC. All design, development and manufacturing...
IPR40: Stabilus Presents Custom-Made Electromechanical Drives
Stabilus has launched a “Customized to Order” program for its IPR40 electromechanical spindle drives, allowing customers to specify connections, forces, stroke lengths and speeds. The IPR40 offers compact, IP67‑rated units with 12 V or 24 V options and can be paired with...
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems Evolve
Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) are shifting toward modular, AI‑driven designs to meet rising demands for throughput, flexibility, and smaller footprints. New cube‑based galleries and scalable tote/pallet solutions replace static racks, while cloud‑native controls and digital twins enable real‑time...
Exotec Opens Imaginarium, Its New Global Headquarters
Exotec has inaugurated its new 25,000 m² headquarters, Imaginarium, in Northern France, consolidating design, production and support for its warehouse robotics portfolio. The facility houses over 700 employees and features an 8,560 m² production floor equipped with 11 operational Exotec systems. Imaginarium...
New Brochure for High-Precision Motion Control, Nanopositioning Automation & Piezo Solutions
Physik Instrumente (PI) has issued a new brochure positioning the company as a long‑term OEM partner for high‑precision motion control, nanopositioning and piezo solutions. The catalogue highlights fast steering mirrors, 6‑DoF hexapods, granite‑based multi‑axis platforms and nano‑focus motors tailored for...
Geekplus Powers Live Warehouse Robotics for Immersive, Shoppable Fashion Runway
Geekplus is sponsoring the world’s first AI‑driven, immersive shoppable runway hosted by THG Studios and Topshop on Feb. 26, 2026 in Manchester. The event blends a fashion catwalk with a live Fulfilment Zone where Geekplus’ autonomous P‑series mobile robots perform real‑time picking...
SunRobi Becomes First Certified Operator of Cosmic Robotics’ Autonomous Solar Installation Systems
SunRobi, Sunstall’s robotic‑assisted construction arm, became the first certified operator of Cosmic Robotics’ autonomous module‑installation system, Cosmic‑1A, after multiple live utility‑scale deployments across the United States. The certification confirms SunRobi’s ability to embed the robot into end‑to‑end EPC workflows, delivering...
Open‑source 3D‑printed Robot Wrist Showcases Early Sharing
3D printed differential robot arm wrist. [👇 GitHub Link - Open Source ] High demand, so they open sourced it early. A differential mechanism released as a test fixture for future robots. Built around their Spectral micro BLDC driver. Parts,...
Robotic Hand Achieves Humanlike Dexterity via Multitask Policy
A new Science #Robotics study highlights a multitask policy that enables a robotic hand to manipulate objects with humanlike dexterity, such as turning a bottle cap or sliding a snack sleeve out of a box. https://t.co/MUene2lPpC https://t.co/J8Bz5scShY
Interstuhl Automates Seat Coating with Dürr’s Robotic Mould-Surface Technology
Interstuhl Büromöbel has integrated Dürr’s EcoSupply2 Core robotic coating system to automate the interior coating of foam moulds used for its industrial and laboratory chairs. The solution combines an EcoGun AS Auto pro spray gun, a 2K EcoAUC control unit and six compact paint‑supply stations,...
Few In‑Domain Demos Still Outperform Broad Models in Robotics
Maybe the bitter lesson for robotics that goes against all the current narratives is that a small amount of in-domain demos is really hard to beat, especially when it comes to e.g. industrial use cases, where variability is limited.
The RaaS Blueprint: Key Insights From a Conversation with RobCo’s Roman Hölzl
RobCo, the Munich‑based modular robotics firm, opened a U.S. headquarters in San Francisco and announced a $100 million Series C round to accelerate its AI‑driven automation roadmap. The company commissioned Sapio Research to survey 400 U.S. industrial decision‑makers, publishing the Automation Readiness...
A Mathematical Framework for Optimizing Robotic Joints
Harvard SEAS researchers unveiled a mathematical framework that designs rolling‑contact joints—curved surfaces that roll and glide like a human knee—to meet specific force trajectories. The optimization simultaneously shapes each joint component, embedding task‑specific mechanics directly into hardware. Prototypes demonstrated a...
Quickly and Precisely Localizing Radioactive Material with Drones and Robots
Fraunhofer FKIE has built a highly automated unmanned aerial system that can locate radioactive sources within a few metres in just minutes. The drone combines a gamma detector with electro‑optical and infrared cameras, an Intel NUC processor, and advanced sensor‑fusion...
Wingtra Launches Comprehensive Training Programme for WingtraRAY Drone Operators
Wingtra has launched a comprehensive training programme for WingtraRAY drone operators, covering the full workflow from equipment setup through flight planning with WingtraPRO to post‑flight data processing using WingtraUNLIMITED. The curriculum emphasizes safety protocols, repeatable accuracy, and user experience, and...
Open-Source Python Robotics Algorithms for Localization & Planning
A collection of Python robotics algorithms (localization, SLAM, path planning, motion planning). (📍GitHub ) Python sample codes and textbook for robotics algorithms. GitHub: https://lnkd.in/eBZXA22n —— Weekly robotics and AI insights. Subscribe free: scalingdeep.tech
Delta Line Expands Its Range Leo Brushless DC Drives Family with the Introduction of New Leo B3800 and Leo B860.
Delta Line has launched two new brushless DC servo drives, the Leo B3800 and Leo B860, expanding its Leo family. The B3800 delivers up to 3800 W and 80 A rms, targeting the most powerful Delta Line motors, while the B860 provides...
Planning a Flight? How to Navigate RAF Shawbury’s Restricted Airspace
RAF Shawbury’s airspace includes a 2‑nautical‑mile Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) and rectangular Runway Protection Zones (RPZs) extending 5 km by 500 m up to 2,000 ft. Operators must obtain permission from Station Operations to fly within these red‑marked areas, using the standard Drone...
KUKA Showcases Advanced AMR Technology forEasier Material Handling Automation at MODEX 2026
KUKA Robotics will showcase its autonomous mobile robot (AMR) portfolio at MODEX 2026 in Atlanta, highlighting the new KMP 250P platform. The exhibition features four AMR models—KMP 250P, 600P, 1500P, and 3000P—covering payloads from 250 kg to 3 tons and integrated with KUKA.AMR FLEET management software....
Carbon Robotics Built an AI Model that Detects and Identifies Plants
Carbon Robotics unveiled its Large Plant Model (LPM), an AI system that instantly identifies plant species, eliminating the need for manual retraining of its LaserWeeder robots. The model was trained on more than 150 million labeled photos collected from over 100...
Draganfly Selected to Provide Draganfly Flex FPV Drones and Training to U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command Units in Partnership...
Draganfly Inc. has secured a contract to supply its Flex FPV drones and comprehensive training to U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command units, partnering with DelMar Aerospace. The program will deliver first‑person‑view (FPV) instruction at DelMar’s Camp Pendleton range, with the...
US Navy Selects L3Harris Red Wolf for Precision Attack Strike Munition Program
The U.S. Navy has chosen L3Harris Technologies to develop and produce Red Wolf vehicles for the Marine Corps’ Precision Attack Strike Munition (PASM) program. The decision follows more than 50 test flights, including a low‑altitude launch from an AH‑1Z helicopter, and...
Article Intro - JHU Eye Robot
A team from Johns Hopkins has demonstrated an autonomous retinal vein cannulation (RVC) system that combines two Steady‑Hand Eye Robots with deep‑learning vision models. The workflow uses three convolutional neural networks to guide a 100‑µm needle and a medical spatula...
Richtech Robotics Partners with Microsoft to Advance Agentic AI in Real-World Robotics Applications
Richtech Robotics has teamed with Microsoft’s AI Co‑Innovation Labs to embed Azure‑powered agentic AI into its flagship Adam robot. The upgrade adds vision, voice and contextual reasoning, letting the robot factor in time of day, weather, promotions and equipment status....
Historic 1885 Almond Coupling: Motorized, Support-Free Design
A motorized Almond Coupling, or Bent-Arm Joint. No supports or hardware needed. (📍 Link to Makerworld) It was invented and patented around 1885 as a right angle transmission coupling for steam and gas engines. 📍 https://lnkd.in/eMUV_Kgp —- Weekly robotics and...
Seeking SF Unitree Go2 EDU for RL Testing
Anyone in SF have a Unitree Go2 EDU I can test deploy a few RL policies to? https://t.co/whZVHLj59P
Cyngn Triples Autonomous Vehicle Orders as Patent Portfolio Continues to Expand
Cyngn announced that autonomous vehicle orders for its DriveMod Tugger platform tripled in 2025 versus the prior year, reflecting accelerating enterprise adoption across manufacturing and industrial sites. The surge was driven by extensive on‑site demonstrations, software upgrades and fleet‑readiness work performed...
IROS2026 Convenes Top Robotics Leaders in Pittsburgh
#IROS2026 will convene in Pittsburgh from Sept 27 – Oct 1! As one of the largest & most dynamic robotics conferences, IROS brings together world-leading researchers, educators, govt. leaders, startups, industry innovators, practitioners, & investors👇 https://t.co/zWIb6SZtCO https://t.co/A12L5450Aw
CES 2026 Highlights Shift From Humanoid Hardware to Real-World Behavior, Says IntBot
CES 2026 demonstrated that robot hardware has reached a performance plateau, with machines easily executing complex movements like dancing and back‑flipping. The real challenge, according to IntBot, is now social intelligence—robots must understand context, people, and environments autonomously. IntBot highlighted its...
Stuff MFG Launches US Silicone Molding Factory to ‘Bring Manufacturing Back to the US’
Stuff Manufacturing has opened a silicone‑molding facility in Lake Elsinore, California, to provide U.S. brands with a domestic alternative to Chinese production. Founder Hans Dose launched the plant after 25% tariffs and shipping delays eroded margins for his own product...
Libiao Robotics Installs 240 Robots at Parcel Hub in Argentina
Libiao Robotics has installed 240 autonomous robots at Correo Argentino’s Monte Grande parcel hub, the first AI‑driven robotic sorter in Latin America. The system, based on the T‑Sort Sorting System, can process up to 9,000 parcels per hour, tripling the facility’s previous...
State of Louisiana Partners with Persona AI on Humanoid Robotics Pilot at Steel Fabrication Plant
Louisiana’s economic development agency signed a memorandum of understanding with Persona AI to launch a humanoid‑robotics pilot at SSE Steel Fabrication’s plant in St. Bernard Parish. The program will collect real‑world data on human movement and task execution in a...
Enzymatic Microbubble Robots
Enzymatic microbubble robots—tiny gas‑filled carriers powered by catalytic enzymes—are emerging as a versatile platform for precision drug delivery and real‑time imaging. Recent studies demonstrate urease‑driven bubbles that self‑propel, breach dense tumor stroma, and release therapeutics directly at bladder cancer sites,...
Everyday Devices Pack More AI Power Than Macs
Our Teslas have far more AI inferencing power than a Mac Mini. Mine is sitting in my garage right now unused. Another in the driveway. I dream of a day when I can run @openclaw (or a competitor) on them. Along these...
Number of the Day - 13-15% Growth
Intuitive Surgical projects worldwide da Vinci surgical system procedures to grow 13‑15% in 2026, a slowdown from the 18% growth recorded in 2025. The forecast was disclosed in the company’s fourth‑quarter earnings release and outlines the full‑year outlook. Despite the...
GlobalLogic and Elektrobit Partner to Accelerate Software-Defined Vehicle Development
GlobalLogic, a Hitachi Group digital‑engineering firm, has broadened its 15‑year partnership with automotive‑software leader Elektrobit to speed the creation of software‑defined vehicle (SDV) platforms. The expanded alliance adds GlobalLogic’s high‑performance computing, functional‑safety and cybersecurity capabilities, ensuring compliance with ASPICE 4.0 and...
Microsoft Research Unveils Rho-Alpha Robotics Model Combining Vision, Language, and Touch
Microsoft Research introduced Rho‑alpha, a vision‑language‑action‑plus (VLA+) robotics model that adds tactile sensing to interpret natural‑language commands for complex bimanual tasks. Built on the Phi series, the model relies heavily on synthetic data generated through Nvidia's Isaac Sim and reinforcement‑learning pipelines....