Of Note
As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology, robots are increasingly becoming integral to our daily lives. From manufacturing and healthcare to education and entertainment, robots are transforming industries and pushing the boundaries of innovation.
In this edition of the Robot Newsletter, we'll delve into the latest advancements, trends, and breakthroughs in robotics. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, an industry professional, or simply curious about the future of automation, join us as we explore the fascinating world of robots and their potential to shape our tomorrow.
Artificial Intelligence
Gemini Robotics brings AI into the physical world
The first is Gemini Robotics, an advanced vision-language-action (VLA) model that was built on Gemini 2.0 with the addition of physical actions as a new output modality for the purpose of directly controlling robots. The second is Gemini Robotics-ER, a Gemini model with advanced spatial understanding, enabling roboticists to run their own programs using Gemini’s embodied reasoning (ER) abilities.
Humanoid AI robots are coming. We're not ready
In a demonstration video from Google DeepMind, a robot arm delicately folds origami, packs snacks into Ziploc bags, and deftly manipulates objects with surprising precision. When an item slips from its grasp, the robot quickly readjusts and continues its task.
These aren’t jerky, pre-programmed movements, but something more fluid and adaptive — the result of a new AI model called Gemini Robotics that the company unveiled earlier this month.
Should Auto Workers Fear Humanoid Robots or AI?
Tesla may have gotten plenty of publicity for its Optimus robot despite being a relatively late arrival into the humanoid robot genre, but it's far from the only automaker now betting on robots.
Mercedes-Benz is now one of several automakers that see a role for humanoid robots in a car factory setting—an idea that would have seemed whimsical if not laughable a decade ago—and it's now taking steps to further this vision at its Berlin-Marienfelde hub for new production technologies.
Your A.I. Lover Will Change You
A future where many humans are in love with bots may not be far off. Should we regard them as training grounds for healthy relationships or as nihilistic traps?
Nvidia’s New AI Model Aims to Revolutionize Robot Training
The large language model (LLM), named Cosmos-Transfer1, is all set to give developers powerful control over simulation environments, making it an important and valuable model resource for those working on robotic training.
Innovation
Amazon to discuss its robotics evolution at Robotics Summit & Expo
Aaron Parness will share how Amazon is giving its robot arms a sense of touch to perform tasks in high-clutter and high-contact environments.
Nvidia and Disney Partner on Next-Generation Robots for Disney Parks
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang revealed that his company would be partnering with Disney and Google DeepMind on the initiative, joined on stage by one of Disney’s BDX droids, which roam the Galaxy’s Edge section of Disneyland and will make trips at Disney’s other theme parks this year.
Chinese humanoid robot maker Agibot plans to match Musk’s Optimus output this year
The robotics start-up co-founded by former Huawei ‘Genius Youth’ recruits has an ambitious 5,000-unit production target, far exceeding 2024 output
Technology
Building robots can be a pain: 6 reasons you should let someone else do it
Spencer Krause and the team at SKA Robotics offered insights on the following common pitfalls that in-house robotics teams often face.
Norway's 1X is building a humanoid robot for the home
Norwegian robotics firm 1X unveiled its latest home robot, Neo Gamma, on Friday. The humanoid system will succeed Neo Beta, which debuted in August. Like its predecessors, the Neo Gamma is a prototype designed for testing in the home environment.
Images of the robot show it performing a number of household tasks like making coffee, doing the laundry, and vacuuming.
Investment
Chinese tech giant Tencent joins latest investment round in Shanghai robotics start-up Agibot
Robots have become a hot investment area in China as VC firms, supply chain partners and tech giants jostle to back leading start-ups
AI Startups: Ex-Cruise CEO’s Robot Startup Valued at $2 Billion
The former CEO of Cruise, an autonomous vehicle startup acquired by GM, has raised $150 million for his new robotics startup.
Kyle Vogt co-founded the Bot Company less than a year ago and has raised a total of $300 million. The latest round, led by Greenoaks, would give it a value of $2 billion, according to Reuters.
Trends
Odense Robotics identifies 4 trends shaping robotics in 2025
Odense Robotics and the Danish Technological Institute have identified key technological trends that they said will shape robotics and automation in 2025. In a time characterized by high uncertainty and rapid technological development, more companies will turn to automation as the path to greater resilience, the organizations said.