🎯Today's Robotics Pulse
Updated 3h agoWhat's happening: China sets first national standards for humanoid robots and embodied AI
China has released its inaugural national standard system governing humanoid robots and embodied artificial intelligence. The framework, organized into six components covering commonality, safety, ethics and the full product lifecycle, was drafted by more than 120 institutions under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The move aims to regulate the entire industrial chain from design to decommissioning.
Also developing:
- •Machina Labs secures $124M Series C to build an intelligent factory for defense and aerospace
- •BMW tests AI-driven visual inspection to boost vehicle quality control
News•Jan 20, 2026
Cyngn Receives Notice of Allowance for 24th U.S. Patent for Its AI-Powered Autonomous Vehicle Technologies
Cyngn announced a notice of allowance for its 24th U.S. patent covering a system and method of adaptive, real‑time vehicle system identification for autonomous driving. The patent is slated for issuance next month, bringing the company’s total U.S. patent count to 24, with 13 issued since August 2023. The new protection underpins Cyngn’s DriveMod Tugger and Forklift platforms, which are seeing expanded deployments in warehouses and factories. The filing underscores Cyngn’s strategy to build a defensible IP portfolio that fuels scalable, cost‑effective automation.
By RoboticsTomorrow
News•Jan 20, 2026
BionIT Labs Launches Adam’s Hand for Humanoids and Service Robots
BionIT Labs announced that its Adam’s Hand, a prosthetic‑derived dexterity platform, is now available for integration with humanoid and service robots. The device was showcased at CES 2026 on the industrial Robee R and medical Robee M robots, demonstrating human‑scale...
By AiThority
News•Jan 20, 2026
Collaborative Carting: Advances in Human-Robot Biomechanics
The latest research on collaborative carting demonstrates how tightly coupled human‑robot systems can share material handling tasks while preserving operator comfort. By embedding force‑feedback sensors and biomechanical models into autonomous carts, the platform dynamically adjusts assistance to match a worker’s...
By Bioengineer.org
News•Jan 19, 2026
Comau’s Role in Shaping Future Leaders: Harvard Business School Explores Italian Advanced Automation and Robotics
Comau hosted Harvard Business School professors and students for the third consecutive year, integrating the Immersive Field Course into its Comau Academy workshop. The program highlighted Comau's latest collaborative robots, intelligent intralogistics, and flexible automation platforms, including hands‑on sessions with...
By RoboticsTomorrow
News•Jan 19, 2026
NARMA Strengthens U.S. Presence Amid FCC Covered List Expansion
NARMA is reinforcing its U.S. market strategy after the FCC added more foreign‑produced UAS to its Covered List. The company is advancing through the AUVSI Green UAS Cleared program, targeting cybersecurity, data handling, and supply‑chain validation, which will qualify its...
By sUAS News
News•Jan 19, 2026
Spencer Krause: Why Hardware Is the New Engineering Frontier
In the latest episode of The Robot Report, SKA Robotics co‑founder and CEO Spencer Krause argues that hardware development is the next engineering frontier in the post‑AI era. He draws on 23 years of field‑robot experience, including rugged solutions for...
By The Robot Report
Social•Jan 19, 2026
1 Ms
Triple inverted pendulum in transition control A classic control problem, done in real time. This setup moves smoothly between all eight equilibrium points of a triple inverted pendulum. The system reacts every 1 millisecond, which shows how fast modern control loops can...
By Ilir Aliu
Social•Jan 19, 2026
Key Barriers Hindering Robotic Milling Advancement
💡Are you familiar with the FANUC industrial robot, specifically known in similar applications as the R-2000iC series, which is suitable for high-precision robotic milling operations on metal parts, such as engine housings❓ 🔺These 6-axis articulated robots are engineered for high...
By Amir Sanatkar
News•Jan 19, 2026
Autonomy Without Assumptions: InfiniDome and Wonder Robotics Introduce IroNav
infiniDome and Wonder Robotics announced a strategic partnership to launch IroNav, a full‑stack autonomous system that fuses vision‑based navigation with resilient GNSS protection. The solution assumes GNSS interference as a persistent condition, automatically switching between satellite‑aided and fully denied modes....
By RoboticsTomorrow
Blog•Jan 19, 2026
CIS News
Recent weeks have seen a flurry of activity in the surgical robotics sector, highlighted by multiple regulatory clearances, sizable funding rounds, and strategic leadership moves. CMR Surgical secured a CE mark for its Versius platform in pediatric procedures, while Distalmotion...
By SurgRob
News•Jan 19, 2026
Micro Nano Robots Aim to Cut Carbon Buildup in Closed Life Support Systems
Researchers at Guangxi University unveiled micro‑nano reconfigurable robots (MNRM) that capture and release carbon dioxide using sunlight as an energy source. In laboratory tests the robots sequestered 6.19 mmol CO₂ per gram of sorbent and regenerated at just 55 °C, maintaining over...
By NanoDaily (Nano Technology News)
News•Jan 19, 2026
GA-ASI Breaks Ground on a New Hangar in El Mirage
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems broke ground on a new 85,000‑square‑foot hangar at its El Mirage Airfield on Jan 14. The facility will house testing of the MQ‑9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft and accommodate up to a dozen certifiable ground control stations....
By sUAS News
Social•Jan 19, 2026
DIY $600 Haptic Glove Enables Real Robot Teleoperation
A high-quality haptic control for robots as a weekend project? All for under $600. [📍 Save Github & arXiv for later] A team built DOGlove, an open-source haptic glove for robot teleoperation that you can assemble yourself for under $600. It is built...
By Ilir Aliu
News•Jan 19, 2026
GA-ASI Makes Another Autonomous Aerial Intercept in Company-Funded Demo with MQ-20 Avenger(r)
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA‑ASI) demonstrated its MQ‑20 Avenger executing a fully autonomous aerial intercept using government‑reference autonomy software. The jet employed an Anduril infrared search‑and‑track sensor to locate, track, and compute a simulated kill‑shot against a manned aggressor without...
By sUAS News
Social•Jan 19, 2026
Autonomous Labs Free Scientists From Bench Work
Great article from @packyM and @evanbeard -- I agree with this distinction between automation and autonomy. We've been working on autonomy with our autonomous labs at @Ginkgo -- much needed to get scientists off the lab bench, more in...
By Jason Kelly
News•Jan 19, 2026
From Manual to Fully Automated: The Evolution of Loading Dock Workflows
Loading docks are finally catching up with broader warehouse automation as large carriers roll out dedicated trailer‑unloading robots. UPS has ordered 400 Pickle Robot units and DHL plans to add over 1,000 Boston Dynamics Stretch machines, moving the technology from pilots...
By Robotics & Automation News
Social•Jan 18, 2026
VLAN Segmentation Stabilizes OT Networks and Boosts Cybersecurity
🎥 Stable & secure OT networks – structured with VLANs OT networks tend to grow over time. More devices, more traffic – and suddenly PROFINET becomes unstable. ⚠️ In my new YouTube video, I take a hands-on look at why...
By Michael Grollmus
Social•Jan 18, 2026
Cooperating Drones Lay Bricks, Reducing Construction Risk
What if your bricklayer could fly? Researchers at Imperial College London tested a new way to build using cooperating drones instead of cranes or scaffolding. Two drones work together. One lays down foam and lightweight cement. The other checks accuracy...
By Ilir Aliu
News•Jan 18, 2026
How to Prevent Charge Buildup in a Lunar Rover
Future lunar rovers risk hazardous triboelectric charge buildup on wheels as they traverse the Moon’s insulating regolith. While solar‑wind plasma normally dissipates excess charge, plasma‑starved regions such as night‑side wakes and permanently shadowed craters limit this natural discharge path. Researchers...
By Phys.org - Space News
News•Jan 18, 2026
How YC-Backed Bucket Robotics Survived Its First CES
Bucket Robotics, a Y Combinator Spring 2024 graduate, made its CES debut after founder Matt Puchalski drove 12 hours to Las Vegas to avoid flight delays. The startup showcased a vision‑based surface‑inspection system that generates simulated defects from CAD files,...
By TechCrunch Robotics
News•Jan 18, 2026
The Hidden Technology Behind Fluid Robot Motion
Fluid robot motion is reshaping automation by replacing rigid, jerky mechanisms with smooth, adaptable actuation. The article highlights five core technologies—pneumatic artificial muscles, strain‑wave gears, central pattern generators, electroactive polymers, and shape‑memory alloys—that enable softer, more precise movements across sectors...
By The Robot Report
Social•Jan 18, 2026
HexRunner Hits 33 Mph, New Record for Untethered Legged Robots
#HexRunner, developed under DARPA’s FastRunner program, set a land speed record for untethered legged robots at 33 mph. #Robot #Robotech #Robotics #Tech #AI #artificialintelligent @SpirosMargaris @PawlowskiMario @mvollmer1 @gvalan @ipfconline1 @LaurentAlaus @Shi4Tech @Fisher85M @kalydeoo @Ym78200 @Nicochan33 @chboursin @3itcom @Fabriziobustama @sallyeaves @helene_wpli @ahier...
By Amitav Bhattacharjee
Social•Jan 18, 2026
Simple Transfer Plate Enables 2D Motion Without Robots
Simple transfer plate that moves in… two directions. This kind of mechanism can enable flexible 2D movement for boxes or parts without complex robotics. Simple mechanical design. Can move items both X and Y. Easier than full mobile robots in...
By Ilir Aliu
News•Jan 18, 2026
Parrot – Programs Coordinator NORTH AMERICA (F/M)
Parrot, a global leader in professional drone solutions, is hiring a Programs Coordinator for North America. The role bridges customer success, technical enablement, and programme delivery, guiding high‑value defence, law‑enforcement and enterprise clients through onboarding, deployment, training and ongoing operations....
By sUAS News
News•Jan 18, 2026
Manna Software Engineer Airspace
Manna, a fast‑growing drone‑delivery startup, is hiring a Software Engineer for its Airspace team to build the core backend that powers routing, deconfliction, and real‑time airspace management. The role involves designing, implementing, and operating services in Java, C++, and Python,...
By sUAS News
Social•Jan 18, 2026
Even Skeptics Are Wowed by Flawless Autonomous Rides
Overcoming pioneer skepticism. The other night had a dinner with autonomous vehicle pioneer @AdrianKaehler1 who wrote the computer vision system for the Stanford team that became @waymo. He told me at dinner that he didn’t believe @elonmusk could finish Robotaxi. I answered “let’s...
By Robert Scoble
Social•Jan 18, 2026
GITAI Unveils Centaur Robot for Moon Terrain
GITAI’s Centaur-Like #Robot Is Built to Work on the Moon’s Harsh Terrain by @CyberRobooo #Robotics #MachineLearning #ArtificialIntelligence #ML https://t.co/PpCU6BuUNi
By Ronald van Loon
News•Jan 17, 2026
Oshen Built the First Ocean Robot to Collect Data in a Category 5 Hurricane
Oshen, founded by Anahita Laverack and Ciaran Dowds, has built the first autonomous ocean robot to collect data inside a Category 5 hurricane. Their C‑Stars can operate for up to 100 days and were deployed in a swarm of fifteen during...
By TechCrunch Robotics
Social•Jan 18, 2026
XVN Autonomous Robots Transform Commercial Cleaning Industry
Revolutionizing the Cleaning Industry with XVN-Powered #Autonomous Floor #Robots via @WevolverApp #TechForGood #Robotics #EmergingTech #Innovation #Technology https://t.co/OjKN9o0K8x
By Ronald van Loon
Social•Jan 18, 2026
Robotic Arm Rows Boat Without Human Guidance
When #Robots Take the Oars: A #Robotic Arm Rows a Boat #Autonomously via @ZappyZappy7 #AI #Robot #Engineering #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #Technology https://t.co/FfrGSDphXK
By Ronald van Loon
News•Jan 17, 2026
Soft Robotic Hand 'Sees' Around Corners to Achieve Human-Like Touch
Researchers at Zhejiang University unveiled FlexiRay, a soft robotic hand that uses a multi‑mirror optical system to maintain visual contact while bending around objects. The finger’s deformation redirects light, enabling a single internal camera to capture tactile data such as...
By Tech Xplore Robotics
Social•Jan 18, 2026
Robot Dogs Join Firefighters on Frontlines
Firefighting #Robot Dogs: Brave Machines on the Frontline by @chris_j_paxton #TechForGood #EmergingTech #Technology #Innovation #Tech https://t.co/8ebrMXz6ms
By Ronald van Loon
Social•Jan 18, 2026
Menteebot Introduces Agile Humanoid Automation Vision
Menteebot Unveiled: Mentee #Robotics’ Vision for Agile Humanoid #Automation by @MenteeBot #Robotics #MachineLearning #ArtificialIntelligence #ML https://t.co/bvRxZEhgrR
By Ronald van Loon
News•Jan 17, 2026
Proteus Completes Maiden Flight
Leonardo’s Proteus, the UK’s first fully autonomous full‑size helicopter, completed its maiden flight from Predannack airfield in Cornwall. The flight validates a £60 million programme aimed at integrating uncrewed rotorcraft into the Royal Navy’s “hybrid air wing” for anti‑submarine and maritime...
By sUAS News
Social•Jan 18, 2026
Humanoid Robots Fail Commercially, Fit only Entertainment
The simple reality that everyone is finally is waking up to is that humanoid robots actually suck for commercial applications. They’re slow, they’re weak, they’re expensive, they’re power hungry, and they’re dangerous. They’re at best entertainment robots for...
By Brad Porter
Social•Jan 18, 2026
Qijia Q1 Enhances Home and Facility Elderly Care
RobotGym’s Qijia Q1 Supports Elderly Care at Home and in Facilities by @IntEngineering #AI #Robotics #ArtificialIntelligence #MachineLearning #ML https://t.co/dN3dIs9XrV
By Ronald van Loon
Podcast•Jan 16, 2026•1h 15m
Spencer Krause: Why Hardware Is the New Engineering Frontier
In this episode, host Spencer Krause argues that hardware development has become the next frontier for engineering, emphasizing the shift from software‑centric innovation to tangible, physical products. He discusses how advances in AI, sensor technology, and manufacturing are driving new...
By The Robot Report Podcast
Social•Jan 17, 2026
Real‑time High‑Resolution Touch Empowers Robot Teleoperation
Humans usually guess what robots feel. This system actually lets you feel it. This is an end-to-end high resolution touch teleoperation demo built with Samsung. Real tactile signals from a robot hand were streamed directly into a human fingertip display...
By Ilir Aliu
Social•Jan 17, 2026
Estimating Assembly Time for Large CNC Gantry Machines
💡How long does it take to assemble a large CNC gantry machine tool in a new location❓ #CNC #machinery #tools #assembly
By Amir Sanatkar
Social•Jan 17, 2026
Bercankilic Supplies World’s Top Robotics Video Data
The world model builder, or the guy who is keeping America competitive with China in robotics AI. Most people don't know @bercankilic but you should. Almost every robotics company in San Francisco/Silicon Valley buys his data. Video data. He is largely seen...
By Robert Scoble
Social•Jan 17, 2026
GRPO Shows Robots Need Comparative Learning, Not More Rules
Robots don’t need more rules. They need better ways to learn: RL with synthetic data. Group Relative Policy Optimization, or GRPO, is not just another RL trick. It points to a different learning philosophy. Instead of giving a robot one...
By Ilir Aliu
Social•Jan 17, 2026
AI Drones Track Strawberry Factory Health and Yield
#AI #Drones Monitor Strawberry Plant Factories for Yield, Health, and Harvest Readiness via @ZappyZappy7 #AgriTech #Innovation #Technology #TechForGood https://t.co/GkPqJHGDeR
By Ronald van Loon
Social•Jan 17, 2026
Robots Create Nighttime Digital Twins of Dm Stores
Nighttime #Robots Build #Digital Twins of dm-Drogerie Markt Stores by @lukas_m_ziegler #Robotics #ML #EmergingTech #Innovation #Technology https://t.co/MuUFRXQ26Z
By Ronald van Loon
Social•Jan 17, 2026
Atlas Upgrades: From Walking to Shelf Tasks and Tire Flips
Boston Dynamics’ Atlas Evolves: From Walking to Shelf Work, Tire Flips, and Even Folding Spot #Robots by @lukas_m_ziegler #Robotics #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #MI #ML #Tech https://t.co/zOELNtJnif
By Ronald van Loon
Social•Jan 17, 2026
Spot Robot Uses AI to Precisely Stack 15 Kg Tires
Boston Dynamics’ Spot Masters Whole-Body Manipulation — Using AI to Drag, Roll, and Stack 15 kg Tires with Precision by @rai_inst #Robotics #Engineering #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #Technology https://t.co/zyWCK9iULG
By Ronald van Loon
Social•Jan 17, 2026
AI Robot Cleaner Maps Every City Corner
Meet the Street-Smart Cleaner: Cowa’s #AI #Robot Navigates Every Corner of the City by @Robo_Tuo #Robotics #Engineering #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #Technology https://t.co/HQmisjcs7y
By Ronald van Loon
Social•Jan 17, 2026
Tiny Bipedal Robot Achieves 10 Steps per Second
World’s Smallest #Autonomous Bipedal #Robot Walks at 10 Steps per Second via @ZappyZappy7 #AI #Robotics #Innovation #Technology https://t.co/yevqfp5ajC
By Ronald van Loon
Social•Jan 17, 2026
ARV-I: Smart System Tracks Cage Environment Conditions
ARV-i: Intelligent System Monitoring the Environment Inside the Cage by @boxfishrobotics #EmergingTech #Technology #Innovation #Tech https://t.co/5UAepFbhJz
By Ronald van Loon
Social•Jan 17, 2026
Humanoid Robots Hold First Live Unscripted Dialogue
First-ever live unscripted conversation between humanoid robots? https://t.co/G7glUF1ec0 #humanoidtech #humanoid #robot #Robotics #AI #TechRevolution #TechInnovation @AlbertoEMachado @Eli_Krumova @postoff25 @Khulood_Almani @anand_narang @NutritiousMind @baski_LA @TanyaSinha_ @devaang @AlAmadi1 @jeancayeux @enilev @efipm @mvollmer1 @Nicochan33 @RagusoSergio @FrRonconi @Shi4Tech @sallyeaves @LaurentAlaus @Fabriziobustama @smaksked @MargaretSiegien @PawlowskiMario @gvalan @Ym78200...
By Amitav Bhattacharjee
Social•Jan 17, 2026
AI Guide‑Dog Robots Launch Trial in Shenzhen Metro
#AI Guide Dog #Robots Begin Trial Service in Shenzhen Metro via @ZappyZappy7 #Robotics #Engineering #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #Technology https://t.co/eNgmncsMhp
By Ronald van Loon