Innovation
MIT's new model helps robot think ahead for faster, smoother movements
The method cuts reaction delays by over 30x, while action quantization further boosts speed by using larger movement chunks.
Technology
Trump administration to ban new Chinese humanoid robots, protecting US AI buildout
The Trump administration on Tuesday plans to unveil bans that target imports of new Chinese robots and power inverters, seeking to protect the U.S. AI buildout from national security threats and reshore key industries slated for explosive growth, U.S. officials said.
The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday afternoon plans to roll out the measures, which bar Chinese imports of new humanoid and quadruped robots — in addition to connected power inverters, which enable renewable energy sources and batteries to connect to grids and data center equipment, the people said.
Researchers Create Faster, Cheaper Way to Teach a Humanoid Robot to Walk Over Real-World Terrain
An ME and CSE team developed a more efficient machine learning method to train robotic controllers, deploying it on a two-legged robot that successfully navigated gravel, grass, hills, and more.
US space robot designed to service satellites and clear debris could also be used to attack enemy spacecraft
Northrop Grumman has launched its first Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV), equipped with two robotic arms to inspect, repair, refuel, and relocate satellites already operating in orbit.
The spacecraft also carries three Mission Extension Pods (MEPs) that can extend a satellite's operational life by as much as eight years after installation.
Startups
Enigma raises $71M to make controlling a robot as easy as adjusting the volume
Multiple robotics companies are tackling one of AI’s hardest problems: building foundation models capable of executing tasks they were never explicitly trained to handle. Their approaches run the gamut — from studying millions of web videos and conducting computer simulations to collecting motion data from humans performing tasks in gloves with built-in sensors.
Uber co-founder raises $1.7B for new robotics startup ATOMS
ATOMS, a robotics startup led by former Uber co-founder and former CEO Travis Kalanick, today said it has raised $1.7 billion in equity investment. Kalanick said the funding will enable ATOMS to complete completion of the “bits-to-atoms” story arc he started at Uber and continued at CloudKitchens.
Research
UCF Researchers Win International Award for Robotic Technology That Shares Immersive Experiences
Recognized with one of the augmented reality industry’s highest honors, UCF researchers are advancing robotic telepresence that could reshape how people work, explore and provide care from afar.
Robotics Market Growth Expected Through 2030
Increasing adoption of robots in various industries will drive future growth for this market, presenting opportunities for fluid power and electromechanical technology suppliers serving the robotics sector.
Trends
The Future of Procurement: Digital Transformation and the Rise of Procurement Robots
The business world is constantly evolving, and procurement teams are no exception to that. Over the past decades, procurement has undergone profound changes driven by technological developments, ever-changing client expectations, and growing environmental and social awareness. Globalization has given rise to a myriad of vendors, enhancing supply chain complexity and making supplier selection a critical task. On top of that, client expectations for fast and efficient product and service delivery have put increasing pressure on all procurement teams.