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. Rho‑alpha is offered via a Research Early Access Program, allowing developers to test and improve the system through real‑world feedback. The initiative aims to bridge the data gap that has limited foundation models in dynamic, less‑structured environments.
Ondas’ American Robotics Optimus Drone Approved for Rapid Federal Procurement via DCMA Blue UAS Cleared List
Ondas Inc.’s Optimus drone, built by American Robotics, has earned Blue List status from the Defense Contract Management Agency, placing it on the Department of War’s approved UAS directory. The designation confirms compliance with stringent cybersecurity, supply‑chain and operational standards,...
For the First Time Royal Navy Helicopters Have Used Live Data From Multiple Drones to Target a Moving Vehicle
Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters successfully used live data from two drones and ground sensors via a mesh network to engage a moving vehicle. The Eagles Eye trials demonstrated a hybrid air wing where crewed aircraft act as airborne command centres,...
MassRobotics Reveals 11 Startups to Take Part in 5th Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst Program
MassRobotics, together with Festo, Novanta and Mitsubishi Electric Automation, announced the 11 startups selected for the fifth Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst cohort. The five‑month program, running January‑May 2026, pairs founders with senior experts, a medical advisory board, and a Boston‑based...
New Robotic Sampler Aims to Transform Monitoring of Aquatic Ecosystems
MBARI, in partnership with USGS and READI‑Net, unveiled FIDO – a 22‑kilogram autonomous robot that filters and preserves up to 144 eDNA samples for aquatic biosurveillance. Built on the two‑decade‑old Environmental Sample Processor, FIDO offers a lightweight, low‑cost alternative that...
Training Four-Legged Robots as if They Were Dogs
Researchers from Korea University, ETH Zurich and UCLA unveiled a dog‑training‑inspired framework that lets humans teach four‑legged robots using touch, gestures and spoken commands. A training rod serves as a temporary guide, after which the robot responds directly to human...
A Smelly Snapshot of the Current State of Electronic Noses for Robots
A new review in npj Robotics details rapid progress in electronic noses for robots, highlighting gains in sensor sensitivity and odor source identification. The analysis shows e‑noses now detect faint chemical signatures and pinpoint their origins more reliably. These capabilities...
All‐in‐One Luminescent Dielectric Elastomer Actuator Driven by a Single Electrical Stimulus with Large Out‐of‐Plane Actuation and Fast Response
Researchers have created an all‑in‑one dielectric elastomer actuator that simultaneously bends out‑of‑plane and emits light using a single electrical input. By tuning ZnS:Cu2+ phosphor concentration and employing an asymmetric electrode design, the device achieves a high curvature of 4.71 cm⁻¹, a...
Sharpa Showcases Autonomous Fine-Manipulation Robot and New AI Model at CES 2026
Sharpa unveiled its full‑body robot North at CES 2026, where it played autonomous ping‑pong matches and completed long‑horizon tasks such as 30‑step windmill assembly and card dealing. The demonstrations, running eight hours a day for four days, highlighted the company’s progress...
Covvi Releases Two Lighter, Shorter Variants of Advanced Bionic Hand
Covvi announced two new wrist configurations for its advanced prosthetic, the Straight Wrist and the Friction Wrist, both lighter and shorter than the original Flex Wrist. The Flex Wrist still offers 27 degrees of lockable flexion, while the Straight Wrist...
Omron Launches New High-Payload Collaborative Robots and Software Upgrade
Omron Robotics has broadened its TM S collaborative‑robot line with three new models—TM30S, TM20S and TM6S—each delivering higher payloads and longer reach. The hardware upgrades include IP65 protection and, for the larger units, an integrated joint‑6 force‑torque wrist sensor. Alongside the...
The View From Universal Robots: Four Physical AI Predictions for 2026 and Beyond
Universal Robots VP Anders Billesø Beck outlines four physical AI trends reshaping robotics through 2026. He predicts a shift from reactive control to predictive mathematics, enabling robots to anticipate impacts of motion. Imitation learning will turn isolated cobots into cooperative,...
Electric Air Taxis: Paris’ Future in the Skies and What It Means for Luxury Travel
Electric air taxi pilots missed their high‑profile Paris 2024 Olympic debut due to certification, technical and environmental setbacks. Vertiport infrastructure is already in place and test flights continue, positioning a commercial launch for around 2026. The technology promises to add...
Deepgram Raises $130 Million Series C at $1.3 Billion Valuation
Deepgram announced a $130 million Series C round that lifts its valuation to $1.3 billion, led by AVP and joined by strategic backers such as Twilio, ServiceNow Ventures, SAP and Citi Ventures. The capital will accelerate the expansion of its real‑time voice AI...
Wing Launches Drone Delivery for Walmart in Greater Houston in Biggest Expansion Yet
Wing has launched its drone delivery service for Walmart customers across Greater Houston, marking the company’s most ambitious expansion to date. The service promises deliveries of everyday essentials, groceries, and OTC medicines in as little as 30 minutes using lightweight...
4XRobots Expands Into US Market with Focus on Greenhouse Automation
Danish robotics firm 4XRobots announced a U.S. expansion aimed at automating commercial greenhouse operations across North America. The company appointed Nick Chambers as head of global market development and joined the Association for Advancing Automation to forge partnerships with local...
First Patient Enrolls in Clinical Trial for Wandercraft Atalante X Exoskeleton
Wandercraft’s Atalante X self‑balancing exoskeleton has enrolled its first patient in a pilot clinical trial at Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s thoracic surgical ICU. The six‑month study will assess safety, feasibility, usability and effectiveness of the device for early mobilization of...
For This Flying Robot Company, Student Internships Trump Senior Engineers
Avestec Technologies, a Canadian maker of flying inspection robots, has shifted its talent strategy from senior hires to student interns. Partnering with the ICTC’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Digital program, the firm brings on three to four interns each semester,...
Opentrons Global Robotics Chief, James Atwood, Named Chief Executive Officer
Opentrons Labworks has promoted James Atwood, who has led its Robotics Business Unit since April 2023, to chief executive officer. Under his guidance the company expanded its installed base to more than 10,000 robotic systems deployed worldwide across academia, biotech...
Cybernetix Ventures Announces Fourth Annual Robotics Invest and Second Annual Robotics Tech Week
Cybernetix Ventures announced its fourth Robotics Invest event, scheduled for May 26‑27 2026, anchoring the second annual Robotics Tech Week from May 26‑29. The invitation‑only gathering caps attendance at 300 senior founders, investors, and corporate leaders, aiming to fast‑track funding, partnerships, and market...
Robot Talk Episode 142 – Collaborative Robot Arms, with Mark Gray
Universal Robots' Mark Gray discussed the company's lightweight collaborative robot arms on Robot Talk Episode 142. The cobots, weighing under 20 kg, are designed for safe, direct interaction with human workers and have been deployed in leading UK research centers such...
Global Humanoid Robot Installations Reach 16,000 Units as Commercial Deployments Accelerate
Global humanoid‑robot installations reached an estimated 16,000 units in 2025, marking a shift from prototype pilots to early commercial rollouts. China drove more than 80% of these deployments, with AgiBot, Unitree, UBTech, Leju and Tesla comprising roughly 73% of the...
Dürr Installs Its Paint Shop of the Future for First Saudi Automotive Company
Dürr is installing its Paint Shop of the Future at CEER, Saudi Arabia’s first home‑grown electric‑vehicle brand. The modular system uses flexible EcoProBooth boxes, AGVs and next‑generation ovens that cut energy use and CO₂ emissions. Integrated DXQ digital solutions provide real‑time monitoring, predictive analytics...
New US Robot Safety Rules Focus on How Robots Are Actually Used on the Factory Floor
The Association for Advancing Automation released Part 3 of the ANSI/A3 R15.06‑2025 robot safety standard, completing a three‑part framework for U.S. industrial robots. Unlike Parts 1 and 2, which mirror ISO 10218 hardware and application requirements, Part 3 concentrates on safe operation of robot cells, guiding...
Exotec Expands Partnership with Renault at Warehouse in Germany
Exotec is equipping Renault Deutschland’s new 258,000‑square‑foot Brühl warehouse with its Skypod robotic system. The deployment includes 89 Skypod robots designed to move more than 1,600 containers per hour and pick 1,500 order lines each hour. Integrated with Exotec’s Deepsky...
AIhub Monthly Digest: January 2026 – Moderating Guardrails, Humanoid Soccer, and Attending AAAI
The January 2026 AIhub monthly digest covers five main stories: the record‑breaking AAAI 2026 conference in Singapore and AI science‑communication talks; an interview with Anindya Das Antar on evaluating moderation guardrails for LLMs; insights from RoboCup trustee Alessandra Rossi on...
Multiply Labs Partners with Nvidia to Bring Physical AI Robotics to Advanced Biomanufacturing
Multiply Labs announced a partnership with Nvidia to embed the company's Isaac Sim, GR00T, FoundationPose and FoundationStereo technologies into its robotic biomanufacturing platform. The collaboration enables digital twins, AI‑driven manipulation models and perception pipelines that accelerate automation of cell and...
Elbit Systems Selects Lowental Hybrid for World’s First True Hybrid UAV Propulsion System
Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems has signed a decade‑long agreement with Lowental Hybrid to equip its tactical UAVs with the company’s Native Parallel Hybrid™ propulsion system. The hybrid solution delivers up to five times longer flight endurance, silent electric operation,...
AWS Announces Welding Automation Exposition and Conference 2026
The American Welding Society announced the Welding Automation Exposition and Conference (WAEC) 2026, scheduled for June 2‑4 in Minneapolis. The three‑day event will showcase robotics, smart sensors, and Industry 4.0 solutions that aim to boost welding productivity and quality. Attendees can earn...
Prometheon: New Multi-Domain Information Management System Forsecurity-Critical ISR Operations
German firm Aerodata AG has launched Prometheon, a multi‑domain information management system tailored for security‑critical ISR missions. The platform integrates sensor feeds to deliver a real‑time common operational picture across the entire mission lifecycle, from planning through post‑mission analysis. Designed...
Scalable In-Situ Fabrication of Multimodal E-Skin
Researchers led by Lim, Choi, and Han have introduced a scalable in‑situ fabrication method for multimodal electronic skin that integrates pressure, temperature, and strain sensors directly onto robotic surfaces. The process combines deposition and patterning in a single workflow, using...
Into the Omniverse: Physical AI Open Models and Frameworks Advance Robots and Autonomous Systems
NVIDIA unveiled a comprehensive open‑source physical AI stack at CES 2026, linking high‑fidelity simulation, synthetic data generation, cloud orchestration and edge deployment through OpenUSD and Omniverse. The suite includes Isaac Lab‑Arena, Cosmos world models, Alpamayo vehicle models and OSMO orchestration,...
Drone-Enabled Bird Management for Australian Horticulture
AERIUM Analytics and Hort Innovation have launched a three‑year, government‑backed project to develop drone‑based bird deterrence for high‑value horticultural crops in Eastern Australia. The initiative will field‑test both fixed‑wing and flapping‑wing drones, aiming to create a practical, scalable solution that...
Sensor Integration Challenges in Multi-Layered Defense Architectures
Multi‑layered defense architectures impose artificial boundaries that fragment the engagement timeline, introduce handoff latency, and force sub‑optimal resource allocation. Heterogeneous sensors—radar, EO/IR, RF, acoustic—have mismatched refresh rates, coordinate systems, and data formats, leading to data‑fusion conflicts, temporal misalignment, and transformation...
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RobotLAB unveiled RobotDepot™, the first certified pre‑owned marketplace for commercial service robots, offering refurbished cleaning, delivery and customer‑service units at lower prices. Every robot is inspected, tested, upgraded and validated through a multi‑point certification process before shipment. Purchases include professional...
RobCo Raises $100M in Series C Funding
RobCo, a Munich‑based physical AI robotics firm, announced a $100 million Series C round. The financing was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Lingotto Innovation, with participation from Sequoia Capital, Greenfield Partners, Kindred Capital, Leitmotif and The Friedkin Group. The company plans...
9 Weeks to 9 Days: How Autonomous Drilling Is Transforming Data Center Construction
DEWALT and August Robotics have launched an autonomous concrete‑floor drilling system that mounts a DEWALT rig on the Lionel AMR, using CAD files to drill with 1/8‑inch accuracy. The solution targets data‑center construction, where thousands of rack‑anchor holes are required....
The Sensor Suite for Autonomous Vehicles: LiDAR, Radar, Cameras and Sensor Fusion
Autonomous vehicles rely on perception rather than pure AI to make safe decisions, and that perception emerges from a heterogeneous sensor suite of cameras, LiDAR, radar and auxiliary devices. Each sensor brings complementary strengths—cameras offer semantic richness, LiDAR supplies precise...
Automated Port and Terminal Operations: Robots Moving Global Trade
Ports are evolving into integrated cyber‑physical ecosystems where autonomous cranes, straddle carriers and internal terminal vehicles work under a central software nervous system. The shift from mechanisation to partial autonomy has been gradual, with robots now handling thousands of container...
OpenMind Unveils Robot App Store
OpenMind has launched a dedicated App Store for robots, positioning it as a software distribution layer for quadruped and humanoid platforms. The marketplace, built on the company’s OM1 modular operating system, aims to close the gap between rapidly evolving hardware...
Locus Robotics and Radial Surpass 25 Million Picks Milestone
Locus Robotics announced that its partnership with e‑commerce platform Radial has exceeded 25 million picks at Radial’s Shepherdsville fulfillment center. The site now runs 87 LocusBots daily, swelling to 104 robots during peak periods, and has quadrupled throughput without expanding its...
Barq Group and Elroy Air to Establish $200 Million Joint Venture in Abu Dhabi to Manufacture Autonomous Aircraft
Barq Group and U.S.‑based Elroy Air have signed a $200 million joint‑venture agreement to build a manufacturing plant in Abu Dhabi for the Chaparral autonomous hybrid‑electric VTOL cargo aircraft. The facility will serve commercial and humanitarian customers across the MENA region,...
COMAU�s Intelligent In.Grid Robot Monitoring Platform Accelerates Digital Transformation at IVECO
COMAU has installed its cloud‑based in.Grid Robot Monitoring platform at IVECO’s Valladolid plant in Spain. The system continuously captures robot data from the Door Ring and Mascherone lines, flagging anomalies and measuring KPI compliance. By delivering real‑time visibility and predictive...
Europe’s First Drone Shot Down: A Line Crossed in Civil Airspace
A civilian in Nurmijärvi, Finland deliberately shot down a police‑operated drone during an armed‑suspect response, marking Europe’s first known incident of a drone being targeted in civil airspace. The drone was deployed to enhance officer safety and situational awareness. Police...
My Favorite Budget-Friendly Robot Vacuum Is From a Brand You've Never Heard Of
ZDNET’s review highlights the 3i G10+ robot vacuum‑mop as a standout budget option priced around $230. It combines 18,000 Pa suction, a 1‑liter dust‑compactor bin and intelligent obstacle avoidance, delivering up to 60 days between emptying. Lab tests recorded 86.53% floor coverage,...
KUKA México to Celebrate 30th Anniversary in 2026
KUKA México will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026, marking three decades of delivering advanced automation solutions to the country's manufacturing sector. Since its 1996 launch, the firm’s first major deployment was with Volkswagen for the Jetta A3 and new...
New York Robotics Formally Launches Amid Surge In Robotics Investment, Demand, And Talent
New York Robotics (NYR) officially launched, highlighting a fast‑scaling robotics ecosystem across the Tri‑State area. The network now includes over 160 robotics startups—nearly 100 in New York City—and links more than 450 global firms, 300 venture‑capital investors, leading corporations, universities, and...
Allient Inc. To Attend UAV Technology USA 2026
Allient Inc. announced its participation in UAV Technology USA 2026, scheduled for February 2‑3 in Arlington, Virginia. The company will use the event to showcase its U.S.-manufactured drone components—including propulsion motors, ESCs, gimbals, propellers and mission‑ready kits—that meet stringent defense specifications. By...
U-Space Implementation Handbook: Turning Early Experience Into Guidance
Europe has published the U‑space Implementation Handbook, a comprehensive guide that captures early deployment experience of the continent’s unmanned traffic management framework. Produced by the U‑ELCOME project and co‑funded by CINEA, the handbook consolidates 70 lessons learned, six technical appendices,...
MHS Lift and Movu Robotics Announce Partnership to Advance Next-Generation Warehouse Optimization
MHS Lift has become the first North American integrator to commission a second Movu Robotics Atlas four‑way shuttle system, extending a partnership that began in 2019 with the region’s first deployment. The Atlas solution uses autonomous robots to move pallets...
