Robotics

The 2025 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) concluded on 23 May in Atlanta with a record 7,006 attendees and 2,107 technical presentations across 326 sessions. Held at the Georgia World Congress Center, the event showcased cutting-edge robotics research, including award-winning papers, demonstrations, and editorial contributions. Nancy Amato, ICRA co-chair, says: “ICRA is the preeminent conference for robotics. The award-winning papers demonstrate some of the most important work in the field.”   Award-winning papers Best Conference Paper Marginalizing and Conditioning Gaussians Onto Linear Approximations of Smooth Manifolds with Applications in Robotics – Zi Cong Guo, James Richard Forbes, Timothy Barfoot MAC-VO: Metrics-Aware Covariance for Learning-Based Stereo Visual Odometry – Yuheng Qiu, Yutian Chen, Zihao Zhang, Wenshan Wang, Sebastian Scherer. (Also awarded Best Paper on Robot Perception.) Best Student Paper (also Best Paper in Multi-Ro...

There will be ‘many more metal men’ in the world from now on, according to automatica, one of the world’s leading industrial trade shows for the robotics and automation industry Humanoid robot development is progressing at an impressive pace. The power struggle between the US and China, along with advances in AI, battery development, and mechanics, has led performance improvements among the metal men. automatica will show how far this development has progressed by now. The humanoids from China recently had an opportunity to show their capabilities during a half marathon in Beijing. Around 20 humanoid robots successfully competed against humans during the 21-kilometer run. With this race, the People’s Republic achieved its goal of presenting the country as a leading supplier of human-like robots. Two legs unlock maximum flexibility and mobility A half marathon raises a frequently asked question once again: Why do humanoids have legs? Wouldn’t wheel drives be more efficient...

1. Robot dentist performs first fully automated procedure The first fully automated dental procedure on a human has been completed in Barranquilla, Colombia. US-based company Perceptive used a robotic arm, artificial intelligence and 3D imaging to complete the work. Its suite of technologies scanned the patient’s mouth, analyzed the data and used a series of tools to complete the dentistry, the  Independent  reports. “We’re excited to successfully complete the world’s first fully automated robotic dental procedure,” Dr Chris Ciriello, CEO and founder of Perceptive, said in a statement. “This medical breakthrough enhances precision and efficiency of dental procedures, and democratizes access to better dental care, for improved patient experience and clinical outcomes.” While the start-up expects regulatory approval in the US to take several years, it says it can replace crowns in around 15 minutes, compared with the two hours it takes most dentists. 2. NASA astronauts...

 Donatos Pizza , the premium pizza company famous for its edge to edge toppings, is opening its first fully autonomous pizza restaurant in June.  Donatos and its sister company Agápe Automation partnered with Appetronix to bring the robot operated restaurant to life. The new fully automated restaurant will debut before security in front of Concourse B at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport and will be operated by restaurateur HMS Host. The new autonomous kitchen will deliver a “fast and delicious” made-to-order pizza for travelers. Kevin King, president and CEO of Donatos Pizza, says: “We’re not just adding tech to a restaurant; we’re jumping in with a fully autonomous restaurant. “But, most importantly, we’re going to continue to serve great tasting abundantly topped pizzas and provide a top-notch customer experience that Donatos has always been known for. “In a busy airport environment, where customers are most focused on catching their fli...

Dassault Systèmes joins KUKA’s mosaixx digital ecosystem to provide customers with an easy way to purchase and use its 3DEXPERIENCE platform  Collaboration will unlock opportunities for robotics and automation companies to develop more efficient and adaptable solutions and transform their operations VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France — February 24, 2025   — Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) today announced its partnership with the global industrial automation and robotics company KUKA to provide manufacturing industries with comprehensive solutions that meet growing demands in robotics and automation. Under the terms of the agreement, Dassault Systèmes is joining mosaixx, KUKA’s digital ecosystem for industrial software solutions, offering KUKA customers an easy way to purchase and use Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform and applications. By expanding customer access to virtual twin technology and enhanced collaboration capabilities, Dassault Systèmes and ...

Get ready for a new era of combat sports as the CMG World Robotics Tournament prepares to unfold this Sunday, May 25th, at the Hangzhou Mech Combat Arena (also reported as the Olympic Sports Center). The event, featuring humanoid robot boxing, is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM (GMT+8, Hong Kong time) and promises a groundbreaking display of technology and competition. Unitree Robotics, a prominent name in the field, is the official partner for the tournament, with their G1 humanoid robots stepping into the ring. These advanced robots, standing approximately 4.3 feet tall, have already demonstrated impressive capabilities, including executing boxing moves like straight punches, hooks, and sidekicks, as well as the ability to quickly recover after falling. In the lead-up to the main event, the G1 robots showcased their skills, including a 40-minute jogging session, at a local elementary school in Hangzhou, offering a glimpse of their agility and endurance. The tournament will be broadcast...

GITAI , a US-headquartered space robotics company, says its Japanese subsidiary, GITAI Japan, has been awarded a contract by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to conduct a concept study for a unique robotic arm system intended for use on a pressurized crewed lunar rover. This rover is part of Japan’s contribution to the Artemis program and is designed to enable long-duration human exploration of the Moon’s polar regions. The objective of this study is to define the design and specifications for a robotic arm system capable of supporting lunar science operations primarily during uncrewed periods, while also providing support during crewed missions when needed. The arm will be tasked with performing a range of mission-critical operations, including regolith excavation, rock and soil sample collection, unloading, handling and installation of large payloads such as scientific instruments and observation equipment. It will also enable science activities through both remote and a...

The construction industry, a cornerstone of economic development, stands on the cusp of a technological revolution. While sectors like manufacturing and logistics have long embraced automation, construction has traditionally been more reliant on manual labor. However, the tide is turning. A new wave of innovation is bringing robotics to the forefront, promising to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity on building sites. While artistic interpretations of robots in architecture, like those seen at the Venice Architecture Biennale, spark the imagination, there is a sense of anticipation that the practical, real-world robotic systems now emerging could completely transform the construction sector. These are not just concepts; they are functional machines and systems tackling tangible construction tasks, from laying bricks to installing elevators and even 3D printing entire structures. Some might argue that construction robotics remains more a dream than a widespread reality. It’...

Robust.AI, which specialises in AI-powered automation for warehouse environments, has partnered with Hon Hai Technology Group, better known as Foxconn, to boost production of its Carter collaborative robotics system. The partnership will allow Robust.AI to meet a growing international demand. Foxconn, an electronics manufacturing services provider, will  scale-up Carter, the Robust.AI’s flagship robotics platform. Carter is designed as a drop-in solution that integrates with existing warehouse infrastructure, aiming to support both operational efficiency and the human workforce. The platform offers a blend of physical automation and digital intelligence to address challenges faced by logistics and manufacturing firms. Anthony Jules, CEO of Robust.AI, said: “As shifting supply chains and international tariffs add complexity and costs to global logistics operations, our strategic manufacturing partnership with Foxconn will enable us to rapidly fulfil orders for Carter robots, which a...

Kawasaki has recently revealed its computer-generated concept for the Corleo, a “robotic horse”. The video shows the automated equine galloping through valleys, crossing rivers, climbing mountains and jumping over crevasses. The Corleo promises a high-end robotic solution to provide a revolutionary mobility experience. Kawasaki’s current motorbikes are constrained to roads, paths and trails, but a machine with legs has no boundaries – it can reach places no other vehicles can go. But in the case of the Corleo, how feasible is it to achieve such a level of agility and balance, while safely carrying a human through natural environments? Let’s discuss what would be needed to achieve this. A robot is a complex machine with two main components: a body and an information processing unit. The body has a particular morphology that determines the robot’s function, and carries actuators (devices that convert energy into physical motion) and sensors to act in the world and understand it, resp...

  In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, businesses are leveraging data to drive proactive, prevention-based approaches to workplace health and safety. Digital technologies, from advanced sensors to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, are enabling companies to gather and analyse unprecedented amounts of data on facility operations, moving them away from reactive measures. These tools are reshaping how health and safety departments operate, transforming time consuming manual tasks into streamlined, data-driven processes. Automation’s reach extends to taking over dirty and dangerous work, minimising risks for human employees. Today, automation is creating safer workplaces and driving operational efficiency, with financial incentives that include improved employee retention, lower insurance premiums, and reduced legal risks. Industry 4.0 technologies have become the backbone of modern manufacturing, warehousing and supply chain processes, reshaping how bu...