Of Note
🏥 Robots Alleviate Hospital Workloads Amid Staffing Shortages
U.S. hospitals are increasingly deploying robots to handle routine tasks, addressing severe labor shortages. Diligent Robotics' Moxi, now operational in 30 hospitals, automates duties like medication delivery and supply retrieval, enabling nurses to focus more on patient care. While AI in patient care planning has faced resistance, logistical robots have been more welcomed due to their supportive roles.
🦾 Tesla’s Optimus Faces Skepticism from Former Project Lead
Elon Musk envisions deploying thousands of Tesla’s humanoid Optimus robots in factories by the end of 2025 and aims to produce a million annually by 2030. However, Chris Walti, former lead of the Optimus project, is skeptical. He argues that humanoid robots are not well-suited for industrial applications, where repetitive and high-speed tasks are common. Walti believes simpler robotic designs are more practical and efficient.
🥊 China Hosts First-Ever Humanoid Robot Kickboxing Match
In a groundbreaking event, China hosted the world’s first robot kickboxing competition in Hangzhou. The event featured lightweight humanoid robots, each 1.32 meters tall and weighing 35 kg, showcasing programmed fight moves like hooks and kicks. These robots were remotely controlled by humans, demonstrating developing capabilities as they aim to learn from experience. Future plans include a human-scale robot fighting event in Shenzhen this December.
đź’Ľ Specialized Robots Attract Billions in Investment
Specialized task-focused robots are drawing significant investor interest and funding due to their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and clear paths to profitability. In Q1 2025, over $2.26 billion was invested in robotics globally, with more than 70% directed at companies building task-specific robots. These utilitarian machines excel in singular tasks such as transporting heavy loads, delivering supplies in healthcare, and industrial inspections.
Artificial Intelligence
Introducing Vulcan: Amazon's first robot with a sense of touch
Built on advances in robotics, engineering, and physical AI, Vulcan is making our workers’ jobs easier and safer while moving orders more efficiently.
Innovation
50 most innovative robotics companies
We are passionate about the impact robotics can have on the world. That’s why for 14 years, the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards have honored the most innovative robotics companies, technologies, and applications from around the world.
Singapore to deploy humanoid robots to douse fires, rescue by 2027
Initially remote-controlled, the robots will use AI to operate autonomously by 2029, handling complex tasks with little human input.
Smart Manufacturing Week is almost here!
This is not your standard industry show. Alongside technical content and future-focused insight, you’ll find live music, hands-on features and a real sense of energy throughout the venue. From Innovation Alley and the Smart Tank pitch competition to live music performances, this is where serious business meets serious buzz.
Faceless Robots are Taking Over the Future of Work
Robotics is a long game that has everyone hooked on fantasies of humanoids walking, talking, and looking just like us. But the real revolution in robotics is happening where you might not expect it: on factory floors, in warehouses, and behind the scenes of global supply chains.
Technology
AI robot assists pilgrims at Mecca’s Grand Mosque in 11 languages
Each year, millions of pilgrims from around the world travel to Mecca to perform Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam.
With Hajj expected to begin on June 4 and end on June 9, Saudi authorities are preparing to host an enormous influx of worshippers at Islam’s holiest site.
As part of these preparations, officials have unveiled the second version of the “Manara (Beacon) Robot” at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The AI-powered robot is designed to support pilgrims by providing real-time religious guidance in multiple languages.
Siemens' industrial robot innovation to open the door to new manufacturing industry applications
The Sinumerik MTR is expanding the already successful Sinumerik Run MyRobot /Direct Control solution with new functions and robot types. The Sinumerik MTR enables a quantum leap in accuracy and productivity across the entire workspace. MTR is based on an intelligent control concept that gives industrial robots the characteristics of machine tools. This supports high-precision path applications, even when machining hard materials like steel, whose toughness calls for increased cutting forces and more damping.
China stages first-ever humanoid robot kickboxing match
Battling bots rekindle debate on whether China’s Unitree Robotics or America’s Boston Dynamics is the humanoid robot champion
AI-Powered Cooking Robots
Next Robot debuted Al Dente at the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show, introducing an AI-powered commercial cooking robot with precision auto-seasoning, intelligent cooking control and upcoming ingredient-loading automation. Designed to reliably deliver pasta dishes in just four to five minutes, Al Dente can prepare dishes like risotto from scratch without needing hands-on attention.
Veho and RIVR pilot robotic e-commerce delivery in US
Parcel delivery service provider Veho, in collaboration with Swiss robotics firm RIVR, has initiated a trial involving AI-driven robots for e-commerce deliveries.
March of the cobots: the technology lowering the barrier to automation
Cobots, or “collaborative robots”, are a type of industrial robot designed to operate safely alongside human workers. Like conventional robots, they tend to take the form of a multi-jointed arm that can rotate, swivel, bend and contort to approach a job from any angle. Interchangeable tools at the end of their arms allow cobots to perform countless tasks, from assembling electronics and packaging pharmaceuticals to gluing and even welding.
But the machines are smaller and more flexible than traditional robots, and are designed to be integrated with the workforce rather than separated from it, making automation attainable even for smaller companies.
Entertainment
Elon Musk predicts Star Wars home robots by 2030
Could you be living your best Star Wars life by the end of the decade, with domestic robots doing all your boring household chores at home? One stargazing billionaire says yes